1. What is a Lighting Calculator for Warehouse?

Definition: This calculator determines the total lumens needed to achieve a desired lighting level (in foot-candles) for a warehouse space.

Purpose: It helps facility managers, electricians, and designers properly illuminate warehouse spaces for safety and productivity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Lumens — Total light output required (lm)
• FC — Desired illumination level (foot-candles, fc)
• Area — Warehouse floor area (square feet, ft²)

Explanation: The desired illumination level (FC) multiplied by the area gives the total lumens needed from all light sources.

3. Importance of Proper Warehouse Lighting

Details: Adequate lighting improves safety, reduces errors, and enhances productivity in warehouse operations. OSHA recommends minimum lighting levels for different warehouse areas.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Typical warehouse lighting requirements range from 10-30 foot-candles
• Higher foot-candle values may be needed for detailed work areas
• Remember to account for light loss factors (dirt, aging) in actual installations

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical foot-candle requirements for warehouses?
A: General storage: 5-10 fc, active picking areas: 10-20 fc, packing/shipping: 20-30 fc, detailed work: 30-50 fc.

Q2: How do I convert lumens to number of light fixtures?
A: Divide total lumens by the lumen output per fixture (check manufacturer specs).

Q3: Does this account for light loss over time?
A: No, consider multiplying the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for lumen depreciation.

Q4: What's the difference between lux and foot-candles?
A: 1 foot-candle ≈ 10.764 lux. Foot-candles are imperial units, lux are metric.

Q5: How does ceiling height affect lighting requirements?
A: Higher ceilings may require more powerful fixtures or additional fixtures to achieve the same foot-candle level at floor level.