Lighting is an essential aspect of any space. It not only provides illumination, but it also has a significant impact on people’s mood, productivity, and overall well-being. When it comes to determining the appropriate lighting levels, LUX levels play a vital role. LUX is a unit of measurement that indicates the amount of light reaching a surface, like a desktop or a specific point, such as a doorway floor. In this article, we will explore acceptable Lux levels in various applications.

Offices are places where people spend a lot of their time, so good lighting is essential for a happy workforce. The recommended Lux levels in offices depends on the nature of the work and the tasks undertaken. For general office work, the recommended level is between 300 and 500 Lux. However, for tasks that require more concentration, fine detail like electronics or cake decorating then it is between 500 and 750 Lux. Correct quality of light will improve employee productivity, mood and generally improve many aspects of health issues associated with office work, such as strain, headaches, migraines and other health issues.

Warehouses are typically large spaces that require a uniform level of lighting.  For general warehousing activities, the recommended Lux level is between 150 Lux. However, for more detailed tasks such as packing, sorting, or inspection, it is between 300 and 500 Lux. Proper lighting in warehouses can help reduce accidents and improve productivity and again as in office lighting improve staff retention.

This is where it gets interesting. Studies have shown that lighting can have a significant impact on their academic performance of students of all ages. For general classroom activities, the recommended Lux level is between 300 and 500 Lux. However, in areas such as gymnasiums, libraries, or laboratories, higher levels appropriate to the tasks undertaken may be required.

Circadian rhythm has been studied extensively in recent years and with the advent of LED lighting such as icLighting’s Circadian products we can now replicate the natural rhythm of daylight and tune our human bio into the millennia established rhythms we all unconsciously react to, and are run by

It has been shown that quality circadian rhythm lighting aides learning, health and mental moods significantly. One day it will be a mandatory requirement of all Academia, Health centres and hospitals as well as Care Homes, until it is we continue to campaign its benefits to all who listen.

In outdoor spaces, appropriate lighting can help improve safety and security. The recommended Lux levels for outdoor spaces vary depending from 25 lux for a public car park up to 800 Lux for a football field being televised. With so many activities to list, there are simply too many to list in this article, however if you would like some guidance on anything specific, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise.

Fortunately, there are some good guidelines for the appropriate lighting levels in most applications issued by CIBSE, a copy of which can be found on our website.

For example, the recommended Lux level for a general patienst room in a hospital,is between 300 and 500 Lux. In critical care areas such as the ICU or operating rooms, it is between 750 and 1000 Lux.

In retail stores, appropriate lighting can help improve the shopping experience for customers. The recommended level in retail stores varies depending on the type of merchandise and the atmosphere desired. For general retail spaces, the recommended level is between 750 and 1000 Lux.

In conclusion, Lux levels are the measure of the light level in any given area. Depending on the nature of the work or activities involved LUX requirements are many. It has to be stressed that quality of light and correct levels of light combined with circadian rhythm will help improve productivity, reduce accidents, improve academic performance, accelerate healing, improve mood and enhance the overall experience in any given space.

Quality lighting can only be experienced and never touched.