Method for determining how many lights are needed?

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chevyx92

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VA BCH, VA
What methods do you guys or gals use to determine how many light fixtures you would need for a specific space? Example 2200 SQ. FT space with 2x4 drop ceiling tiles, how many drop in fluorescent fixtures would you need and how many lamps in each fixture? Is there a program out there I might be able to use?
 
chevyx92 said:
What methods do you guys or gals use to determine how many light fixtures you would need for a specific space? Example 2200 SQ. FT space with 2x4 drop ceiling tiles, how many drop in fluorescent fixtures would you need and how many lamps in each fixture? Is there a program out there I might be able to use?
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For some not so scientific numbers: I recently did a 38X58 drug store where the tenant wanted it bright. Off the top of my head I said figure about 100 tubes, 4' T8's. The place that sold the lights did a light calc and came up with 96. I think that works out to about 74 fc. Also I read this somewhere:

"Normal Office Work, PC Work, Study Library, Groceries, Show Rooms, Laboratories: 500 lux (46 fc)"
"Supermarkets, Mechanical Workshops, Office Landscapes: 750 lux (70 fc)"

.....Office landscapes? Wow that sounds beautiful.....

Also could walk in a few stores and count what they have. Dont forget to figure in some depreciation.
 
Ceiling height, type of diffuser, colors of floors/walls all make some difference too.

General lighting may require a certain density of luminaires and you may install additional luminaires in specific areas for task lighting.
 
chevyx92 said:
What methods do you guys or gals use to determine how many light fixtures you would need for a specific space? Example 2200 SQ. FT space with 2x4 drop ceiling tiles, how many drop in fluorescent fixtures would you need and how many lamps in each fixture? Is there a program out there I might be able to use?
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I use Visual for my lighting calcs. It is a very basic and easy to use program.

http://www.visual-3d.com/

They also have an online web-based app here:

http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/default.aspx
Hint: Use the (+) button on the lower left to add fixtures.


Edit:
For complex rooms, non-rectangular applications, or just an abnormal situation, definitely get with a lighting manufacturer's rep. They can spit out complicated 3-D calcs pretty quick, including color rendering, energy costs, etc.
 
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