1. What is a Shop Light Layout Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the number of light fixtures needed to achieve proper illumination in a shop or workspace.

Purpose: It helps electricians, facility managers, and shop owners plan lighting installations for optimal visibility and safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( FC \) — Required illumination level in foot-candles
• \( \text{Area} \) — Size of the space in square feet
• \( \text{Lumens\_per\_light} \) — Light output of each fixture

Explanation: The total required lumens (FC × Area) is divided by the output of each light to determine how many fixtures are needed.

3. Importance of Proper Lighting Calculation

Details: Correct lighting levels prevent eye strain, improve safety, and ensure adequate visibility for work tasks while avoiding energy waste from over-lighting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the required FC level (default 50 for general shop work), area size, and lumens per light (default 5000 for typical LED shop lights). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical FC values for different spaces?
A: General shops: 50-100 fc, Detailed work: 100-200 fc, Warehouses: 10-30 fc, Offices: 30-50 fc.

Q2: How do I find lumens per light?
A: Check the product specifications of your light fixtures. LED shop lights typically range from 4000-10000 lumens.

Q3: Should I round up the result?
A: Yes, the calculator automatically rounds up since you can't install a fraction of a light fixture.

Q4: Does this account for light loss factors?
A: No, consider multiplying the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for light loss due to fixture age, dirt accumulation, and room reflectivity.

Q5: How do I determine spacing between lights?
A: Divide your ceiling height by 2 for approximate spacing in feet (e.g., 10 ft ceiling → lights ~5 ft apart).