1. What is a Foot Candles to Lumens Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts illuminance (foot-candles) to luminous flux (lumens) based on the area being illuminated.

Purpose: It helps lighting designers, architects, and engineers determine the total luminous flux needed to achieve a desired illumination level in a space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lumens — Total luminous flux (lm)
• FC — Illuminance in foot-candles (fc)
• Area — Area to be illuminated (square feet, ft²)

Explanation: Foot-candles measure illuminance (light per unit area), while lumens measure total luminous flux. Multiplying foot-candles by area gives the total lumens needed.

3. Importance of Lumens Calculation

Details: Proper lighting calculation ensures adequate illumination for tasks, energy efficiency, and compliance with lighting standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired foot-candle level and the area to be illuminated. Typical foot-candle requirements range from 10fc (general lighting) to 100fc (detailed work).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between lumens and foot-candles?
A: Lumens measure total light output, while foot-candles measure light intensity per unit area (1 fc = 1 lumen/ft²).

Q2: What are typical foot-candle requirements?
A: Offices: 30-50fc, Retail: 50-75fc, Classrooms: 30-50fc, Warehouses: 10-30fc.

Q3: How do I account for light loss factors?
A: Multiply the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for fixture aging, dirt accumulation, and other factors.

Q4: Can I use this for outdoor lighting?
A: Yes, but outdoor areas often require lower foot-candle levels (1-10fc for most applications).

Q5: How does this relate to wattage?
A: Divide lumens by the lumens-per-watt rating of your light source to estimate required wattage.