Page 179 - TCDB combined Book

Chapter 3 DESIGN 155

Building Design:

Electrical Lighting Level Calculations

Calculating the desired level of illumination (foot-candles - FC) is primarily based on the
workspace task. A combination of a standard maintained level of FC with the addition of
supplementary lighting for specific locations is suggested. There are publications (see appendix)
that provide recommended illumination levels for various situations and tasks, categorized and
factored for a multitude of possibilities and situations. From the project requirements it is
important to determine the specific and general tasks to be performed and clearly specify the
selected illumination levels (foot candles - FC) and type of fixturing in any submission to the
project owner. The variables that can affect choosing the correct lighting levels are numerous and
recommend review by a design professional prior to finalizing your proposal amount or
completing working drawings.
There are tables and charts available (see appendix) to determine the number, type and
wattage of light fixtures required to maintain a given level of illumination in foot candles-FC.
Should your proposal submission require a lighting fixture layout this information is readily
available from most Lighting Supply Houses.
The following chart is based on general illumination levels and is provided for illustration
purposes only.

LIGHTING LEVELS

Space End Use Level of Activity Work Item Reference Point Total
FC Range

low average high large average detailed general on work

general offices …… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
…… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
warehouses …… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….

…… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
manufacturing …… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
…… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
retail …… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
…… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….
…… …….. …… …… …….. …….. …….. ……… ……….