1. What is an LED Shop Light Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total lumens needed for shop lighting based on desired illumination level (foot-candles) and shop area.

Purpose: Helps determine appropriate LED lighting for workshops, garages, or commercial spaces to ensure proper visibility.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lumens — Total light output needed (lm)
• FC — Desired illumination level (foot-candles)
• Area — Shop floor area (square feet)

Explanation: Multiply the desired illumination level by the area to get total lumens required.

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:

• Typical shop lighting ranges from 30-50 foot-candles
• For detailed work (mechanical, woodworking), use 75-100 fc
• For general storage areas, 10-20 fc may suffice

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a foot-candle?
A: A foot-candle (fc) is a measure of illuminance equal to one lumen per square foot.

Q2: How many lumens do LED shop lights typically provide?
A: Common LED shop lights range from 4,000 to 10,000 lumens per fixture.

Q3: Should I account for light loss?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to account for light loss due to fixture age and mounting height.

Q4: How does ceiling height affect lighting needs?
A: Higher ceilings (over 10 ft) may require more lumens or additional fixtures to maintain illumination at floor level.

Q5: What's the difference between lumens and watts?
A: Lumens measure light output, while watts measure energy consumption. LED lights produce more lumens per watt than traditional lighting.