Brooke Martin
Foot candles are a unit of measurement used to describe the brightness of light in a given area. It is a non-SI unit of illuminance or light intensity, defined as one lumen per square foot. This measurement is especially useful when planning lighting upgrades, as it helps determine the appropriate brightness for a space. For example, a parking garage may require 5 to 10 foot-candles, while an office would typically need between 30 and 50. The foot-candle measurement is commonly employed in lighting layouts, especially in the United States, where it serves as a valuable tool for businesses to ensure optimal lighting conditions for both customers and staff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A foot-candle is a non-SI unit of illuminance or light intensity. |
| Measurement | One foot-candle is the equivalent of one lumen of brightness covering one square foot, from a distance of one foot from the light. |
| Abbreviation | fc, lm/ft2, ft-c |
| Comparison with Lux | One foot-candle is the same as 10.76 lux. |
| Use | Foot-candles are used to ensure that areas that require certain light levels are receiving those light levels. |
| Examples | Public areas surrounded by dark areas: 2 to 5 foot-candles; Typical offices and classrooms: 10 to 20 foot-candles; Offices with intensive use and showrooms: 50 to 100 foot-candles; Parking garages: 5 to 10 foot-candles; Offices: 30 to 50 foot-candles; Laboratories: 75 to 120 foot-candles. |
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What You'll Learn
Foot candles are a measurement of light as perceived by the human eye
Foot candles are a measurement of light intensity or illuminance as perceived by the human eye. It is a non-SI unit of measurement, commonly abbreviated as "fc" or "lm/ft2", and is defined as one lumen of light density per square foot. In simple terms, a foot candle is the amount of light that covers one square foot of surface area from a distance of one foot. This unit of measurement is particularly useful for understanding the lighting requirements of different spaces.
The foot candle is a derivative of the lumen, which measures the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. The lumen measurement originated from the basic concept of foot-candles, where a candle was used as the standard light source. By setting a candle at a distance of one foot from a wall with a square shape drawn on it, the illuminated area would be one square foot, thus defining a foot candle.
Foot candles are widely used in lighting layouts, especially in the United States, where it helps ensure that areas requiring certain light levels are receiving the appropriate amount of illumination. For example, offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms typically require higher foot-candle measurements to facilitate tasks and reduce eye strain. On the other hand, hallways and lobbies usually need lower foot-candle readings to create a warm and inviting atmosphere without compromising safety.
The number of foot candles required varies depending on the space and its intended use. For instance, public areas surrounded by darkness may require 2 to 5 foot-candles, while typical offices and classrooms might need 10 to 20 foot-candles. More intensive office use and showrooms may demand brighter lighting, ranging from 50 to 100 foot-candles. Commercial spaces, such as parking garages, are recommended to have around 5 to 10 foot-candles, while professional laboratories can require up to 75 to 120 foot-candles for precise measurements.
Understanding foot candles is crucial for achieving the right brightness in any given space. By using light meters, businesses and individuals can adjust their lighting setups to meet both functional and comfort goals, as well as comply with energy codes and sustainability initiatives. The foot candle measurement allows for a more informed approach to lighting design, ensuring that the right amount of light reaches the desired surfaces and objects.
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One foot candle equals one lumen per square foot
A foot candle, denoted as fc, ft-c, or lm/ft2, is a measurement of light intensity. One foot candle is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. In other words, one foot candle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
Foot candles are used to measure the amount of light that reaches a surface area, whereas lumens measure the quantity of light produced by a fixture. For example, a foot candle relates to the amount of light that is on the ground in a parking lot, rather than the output of the parking lot light.
The measurement of light in foot candles is important for businesses and organisations of all kinds. This is because light can be used as a tool to create different effects. For instance, light in public areas should be lower and warmer, while work areas should be brightly lit.
Foot candles are also important for electrical construction. Offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms need higher foot-candle measurements to make work easier on the eyes. On the other hand, hallways and lobbies need lower foot-candle readings so that the light is bright enough to show off the decor and prevent tripping, but not so bright as to feel harsh or sterile.
The number of foot candles required varies depending on the type of room. For example, a bathroom or kitchen will require more foot-candles than a living room or bedroom. Similarly, a typical office will need fewer foot candles than a laboratory where minute, detailed work is carried out.
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Foot candles are abbreviated as 'fc' or 'lm/ft2'
Foot candles are a measurement of light intensity, specifically the amount of light that reaches a surface area. They are commonly used in the US in fields such as architecture, cinematography, photography, and horticulture.
The foot candle, sometimes abbreviated as FC, originated from a time when candles were the main source of light. One foot-candle is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light, or one lux of light per square meter. This is equivalent to approximately 10.76 lux, which is typically rounded to 10 lux for convenience.
Foot candles are written in full or as "fc" or "lm/ft2", which means lumens per square foot. They are used to describe how bright a light is in a given area. The standard measurement of one foot-candle is the equivalent of one lumen of brightness covering one square foot, from a distance of one foot from the light.
Light meters are often used to measure foot candles, and they are available from many manufacturers at various price points. These meters can be placed on a surface to measure the light intensity at that point. For example, in an office, the light intensity on a desk or table would be measured. In a commercial building, the light intensity on the floor may be checked to ensure potential hazards are visible.
Foot candles are important for businesses and organisations as they ensure that areas that require certain light levels are receiving the correct amount of light. For example, offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms need higher foot-candle measurements to make work easier on the eyes, while hallways and lobbies need lower foot-candle readings.
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Foot candles are a non-SI unit of illuminance
Foot candles are a useful measurement for understanding how to design lighting solutions for homes and commercial properties. They are used to ensure that areas requiring certain light levels are receiving them. For example, in offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms, higher foot-candle measurements are needed to make work easier and reduce eye strain. Conversely, hallways and lobbies require lower foot-candle readings, as the light does not need to be bright enough for detailed work.
Foot-candle measurements are also important in other industries. Horticulturists, for instance, require accurate foot-candle readings to ensure that plants receive the appropriate amount and type of light. Similarly, in museums and galleries, lighting levels must be carefully controlled to conserve light-sensitive objects such as prints, photographs, and paintings, which can be damaged by exposure to bright light.
In commercial lighting design, foot-candle readings are used to quantify light levels in a space and compare them to expected and actual light levels in a newly designed lighting solution. This helps lighting specialists design efficient lighting systems that meet recommended light levels and advance specific objectives, such as energy efficiency and compliance with local energy codes.
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Foot candles are used to ensure areas are receiving the required light levels
Foot candles are a measurement of light as it is perceived by the human eye, known as photometry. This is distinct from radiometry, which measures all forms of radiant energy, including light, in absolute terms. Photometry is important for businesses as it helps them understand the experience of their customers and staff in their buildings.
Foot candles are used to ensure that areas are receiving the required light levels. For example, a parking garage should have around 5 to 10 foot-candles, while offices should have between 30 and 50. Public areas surrounded by dark areas will generally require 2 to 5 foot-candles, or 20 to 50 lux, while typical offices and classrooms without highly detailed work will need 10 to 20 foot-candles, or 200 lux. If the foot candles in a space are deemed insufficient, one can increase the lumens in the fixture or replace the fixture with a more efficient one.
Foot candles are a useful measurement for understanding how to adjust lighting solutions in both homes and commercial properties. Light meters can be used to judge whether a room is adequately lit, and foot candles can be used to ensure compliance with local energy codes and LEED goals.
The unit of measurement for foot candles is defined as one lumen per square foot, or one lux per square meter. This is derived from the historical use of candles as a light source, providing a consistent and efficient way to measure light. Foot candles are still widely used in lighting layouts, particularly in the United States, where they are a common unit of measurement in the lighting industry.
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Frequently asked questions
A foot-candle is a unit of illuminance or light intensity. It is defined as one lumen per square foot.
You can use a light meter to measure foot-candles. Place the meter on the surface you want to measure and it will give you a reading.
Foot-candles measure light intensity in an area, whereas lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.
The number of foot-candles you need depends on the type of space. For example, parking garages need around 5 to 10 foot-candles, offices between 30 and 50, and laboratories between 75 and 120.
