Lumen Method

This is the method to work out the required illumination level of a space by artificial sources. the
n = (A x I.)/(l x u x m)
Where,
n = number of luminaire / lamp fittings
A = area of the working plane (in m²)
I = required illumination level at the working plane (in lux)
l = luminous flux output per lamp (in lumens)
u = utilisation factor
m = light loss factor or maintenance factor

I: Required Illumination Levels

Visual Task Lumen / sft. Visual Task Lumen / sft.

a. Domestic d. Shops
 Bed Room 03  Departmental store 50
 Kitchen 10  Grocery Shop 20
 Living 07 e. Office
 Toilet 05  Reception 07
 Working area 20
b. Public building f. Hospitals
1. Library  Patient Ward 15
 Reading Table 15  Operation Theatre 30
 Stack room 10  Operation table 300
c. Schools g. Hotels
 Class Room 15  Lounge 07
 Assembly 8 to 12  Site / Room 05
 Dining 07

 l: Light Out-put of lamps

This is the value representing the luminous flux of the lamps in lumen per second, referred by the
manufacturers. Different light out-puts are as:
Types of Lamps Wattage Lumen / sec.
Incandescent Lamp 60 575
100 1160
300 4300
Fluorescent tubular Lamp 40 (4’-0”) 1850
40 (2’-0”) 1280
Sodium vapour Lamp 60 3420
250 9100
 
u: Utilisation Factor
It is the ratio of the luminous flux reaches the working plane to the total luminous flux emitted by
the lamps. It is a measure of the effectiveness of the lighting scheme. Factors that affect the value of
UF are as follows:
(a) light output ratio of luminaire
(b) flux distribution of luminaire
(c) room proportions
(d) room reflectances
(e) spacing/mounting height ratio
Value of “u” varies according to different systems of lighting as:
 Direct lighting system: 0.6
 Semi-direct Lighting system: 0.4
 Indirect lighting system: 0.3

1
m: Maintenance Factor: Light loss factor representing the decrease in luminous output of a
luminaire due to
1. accumulation of dirt on its surfaces
2. operating life
3. maintenance of room
Value of “m” depends on the conditions as
 air-conditioned room – 0.9
 normal house - 0.8
 public places - 0.7