1. What is a Shop Lighting Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total lumens needed for proper shop lighting based on desired illumination level and shop area.

Purpose: It helps shop owners, electricians, and lighting designers ensure adequate lighting for workspaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lumens — Total light output required (lm)
• FC — Desired illumination in foot-candles (fc)
• Area — Shop area in square feet (ft²)

Explanation: The desired illumination level (in foot-candles) is multiplied by the shop area to determine the total lumens needed.

3. Importance of Proper Shop Lighting

Details: Adequate lighting improves safety, reduces eye strain, and enhances productivity in work environments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter desired illumination (default 50 fc for general shop lighting)
• Enter your shop area in square feet
• Higher illumination (75-100 fc) may be needed for detailed work

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical foot-candle requirements?
A: General shop: 50 fc, Detailed work: 75-100 fc, Assembly areas: 30-50 fc.

Q2: How do I convert lumens to LED watts?
A: Divide lumens by LED efficacy (~80-100 lm/W). For example, 10,000 lm ≈ 100-125W LED.

Q3: Should I consider light loss factors?
A: Yes, multiply result by 1.25-1.5 to account for fixture efficiency and light depreciation.

Q4: How many fixtures will I need?
A: Divide total lumens by lumen output per fixture (check product specifications).

Q5: What about lighting uniformity?
A: This calculator gives total lumens. Proper fixture placement is needed for even distribution.