INTERIOR LIGHTING 10-97

Most of the recommended illumination levels in Appendix Table A-l

apply to the average room. If it is desired to determine the level produced
by an existing installation, the measurement procedure outlined in Section
5 should be followed.
The majority of the recommended values of illumination shown in Table
A-l refer to the general lighting measured on a horizontal plane 30 inches
above the floor. In some cases where an illumination level of more than
50 footcandles is necessary, it may be obtained by a combination of general
lighting plus supplementary lighting at the point of work.
The Illuminating Engineering Society in recent years has been studying
the illumination needs of specific industries. If a more detailed discussion
of the lighting specifications for a specific process is desired than it has
been possible to include in the handbook, the reports referred to should be
consulted.
To ensure that a given illumination will be maintained (even where con-
ditions are favorable) it is necessary to design the system to give initially
at least 25 per cent more light than the required minimum. In locations
where the dirt will collect rapidly and where adequate maintenance is not
provided, the initial value should be at least 50 per cent above the minimum
requirement.
Where safety goggles are worn, the light reaching the eye is likely to be
materially reduced and the general level of illumination should, therefore,
be increased accordingly in these locations.
General Lighting in Industry
Modern industrial lighting practice is to provide a uniform illumination
level throughout every work area. This is called general lighting. The
general-lighting level should be uniform so that light will be available,
when needed, at any point. This is particularly desirable for interiors
where the production layout may be changed. If the general lighting
has been designed for uniform illumination, tables, machines, and con-
veyors often may be moved without necessitating a change in lighting
installation.
The purpose of a general-lighting system where there is also supple-
mentary lighting is to keep the brightness ratios between the task and
the surround within a range that is comfortable to the eyes (not over 10
to 1) in order to provide sufficient light for safety and to illuminate second-
ary visual tasks.
Luminaire Spacing and Layout
The lumen method of design described in Section 8 is used to design
general-lighting installations intended to provide reasonably uniform il-
lumination over a given area. The footcandle level calculated by this
method is the average for the entire area. The level in a well-designed
system at any specific point near the center of the room may vary 5 per
cent even in an empty room with no equipment or other obstructions.