1. What is an LED Lighting Requirement Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total lumens needed for LED lighting based on desired illuminance (in foot-candles) and the area to be illuminated.

Purpose: It helps lighting designers, architects, and homeowners properly plan LED lighting installations for optimal illumination.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lumens — Total light output required (lm)
• FC — Desired illuminance level (foot-candles)
• Area — Size of the area to be illuminated (square feet)

Explanation: The desired illuminance level is multiplied by the area size to determine the total luminous flux needed.

3. Importance of Proper Lighting Calculation

Details: Accurate lumen calculations ensure adequate lighting for tasks, energy efficiency, and visual comfort while avoiding over-lighting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired foot-candle level (typical values: 10-50 for general spaces, 50-100 for task lighting) and the area dimensions. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical foot-candle requirements?
A: Hallways: 10-20 fc; Offices: 30-50 fc; Kitchens: 30-75 fc; Detailed work: 50-100 fc.

Q2: How does this differ for LED vs traditional lighting?
A: The calculation is the same, but LEDs typically produce more lumens per watt (higher efficacy).

Q3: Should I consider light loss factors?
A: Yes, for professional applications, multiply the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for lumen depreciation and fixture efficiency.

Q4: How do I convert lux to foot-candles?
A: 1 foot-candle ≈ 10.764 lux. For metric calculations, use lux and square meters.

Q5: Does this account for multiple light fixtures?
A: No, divide the total lumens by your fixture's lumen output to determine how many fixtures are needed.