Contents

4.1: Objectives:..........................................................................................................................................2
4.2: Problem statement:............................................................................................................................2
4.3: Apparatus:..........................................................................................................................................2
4.4: Theory:................................................................................................................................................2
4.4.1: Photometer:.................................................................................................................................2
4.4.2: Units.............................................................................................................................................2
4.5: Procedure:...........................................................................................................................................3
4.6: Data collection:...................................................................................................................................3
4.7: Comments:..........................................................................................................................................4
4.8: References:..........................................................................................................................................4
 Experiment#4

4.1: Objectives:
To determine the illuminance of different places by Photo meter and compare them with standard
value.

4.2: Problem statement:

Poor lightening conditions can harm eyesight. To provide optimum light for efficient working,
light intensity must be measured first. This lab is about the introduction, methodology, and
procedures of Photometer and data collection through the photometer. The significance of
Photometer in human factors engineering is also explained.

4.3: Apparatus:
Photometer/lux meter.

Figure 1

4.4: Theory:
4.4.1: Photometer:
A photometer, generally, is an instrument that measures light intensity or the optical properties of
solutions or surfaces.

4.4.2: Units:
Lux:

2
The lux (symbol: lx) is the SI derived unit of illuminance and luminous emittance, measuring
luminous flux per unit area. It is equal to one lumen per square metre. In photometry, this is used
as a measure of the intensity, as perceived by the human eye, of light that hits or passes through a
surface. It is analogous to the radiometric unit watt per square metre, but with the power at each
wavelength weighted according to the luminosity function, a standardized model of human
visual brightness perception. In English, "lux" is used as both the singular and plural for.
Foot candle:
A foot-candle (sometimes foot candle; abbreviated fc, lm/ft2, or sometimes ft-c) is a nonSI unit
of illuminance or light intensity. The name "foot-candle" conveys "the illuminance cast on a
surface by a one-candela source one foot away". This unit is commonly used in lighting layouts
in parts of the world where SAE units are used. The unit foot-candle is defined as the amount of
illumination the inside surface of a one foot-radius sphere would be receiving if there were a
uniform point source of one candela in the exact center of the sphere. Alternatively, it can be
defined as the illuminance on a one-square foot surface of which there is a uniformly distributed
flux of one lumen. Thus one foot-candle is equal to one lumen per square foot or approximately
10.764 lux.[n In practical applications, as when measuring room illumination, it is very difficult
to measure illuminance more accurately than ±10%, and for many purposes it is quite sufficient
to think of one foot-candle as about ten lux as is typically done in the lighting industry.

4.5: Procedure:
 By using photometer, find the illuminance by putting the meter at different places in
lecture room with lights off and also with lights on.
 By using photometer, find the illuminance of sunlight by putting the meter at different
locations where sunlight is falling.
 By using photometer, find the illuminance of light by putting the meter at different places
in library.
 By using photometer, find the illuminance of light by putting the meter at different places
in office.
 By using photometer, find the illuminance of light by putting the meter at different places
in computer lab.
 Compare with the standard values and make results.

4.6: Data collection:

Sr. Location Standard value Measured Difference (Lux)

no. (Lux) value (Lux)

1 Lecture room (light 300 13.66 - 286.34

off)

2 Lecture room (light 500 20.12 - 479.88

3
 on)

3 Sun light 107527 3638 - 103889

4 Library 500 60 - 440

5 Office 1000 78 - 922

6 Computer lab 300 32 - 268

4.7: Comments:
You should ensure that you provide appropriate lighting at all times. You can achieve this
through testing and regular maintenance. The most common ways to test are using a Lux Meter,
we recommend you take a look at our guide on how to measure light, which includes a guide on
how to use your lux meter correctly.

4.8: References:
1) http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/light-level-rooms-d_708.html 2)
2)http://www.illumenate.com/lightlevels.htm
3)http://bsl.lacity.org/downloads/business/BSLDesignStandardsAndGuidelines0507W eb.pdf
4) http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/101308 5) http://www.ncef.org/pubs/lighting.pdf