1. What is a Light Calculator for Shop?

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

Purpose: It helps shop owners, electricians, and lighting designers determine appropriate lighting requirements for workspaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lumens — Total light output needed (lm)
• FC — Desired illumination level (foot-candles, fc)
• Area — Size of the space (square feet, ft²)

Explanation: The foot-candle requirement is multiplied by the area to determine total lumens needed for adequate lighting.

3. Importance of Proper Shop Lighting

Details: Proper lighting improves safety, reduces eye strain, enhances productivity, and ensures accurate color perception in work areas.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired foot-candles (default 30 fc for general shop lighting) and area in square feet. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical FC requirements for shops?
A: General shop lighting: 30-50 fc, Detailed work: 50-100 fc, Precision work: 100-200 fc.

Q2: How do I convert lumens to wattage?
A: Divide lumens by the efficacy (lumens per watt) of your light source (LED: ~80-100 lm/W, Fluorescent: ~50-70 lm/W).

Q3: Should I account for light loss factors?
A: Yes, consider adding 20-30% to the calculated lumens to account for fixture efficiency, dirt accumulation, and light depreciation over time.

Q4: How do I distribute the lighting?
A: Divide total lumens by the number of fixtures you plan to use for even distribution across the space.

Q5: What about task lighting vs general lighting?
A: This calculator provides total lumens needed. You may want higher FC values for specific workstations with additional task lighting.