Brooke Martin
A foot candle is a measurement of light intensity in a given area, specifically the amount of light that falls on a surface that is one foot away from a single candle. It is a unit of measurement that is used to determine the amount of light required for various environments, such as office spaces, residential interiors, or public sidewalks. Foot candles are important for ensuring that areas requiring certain light levels are receiving those levels, which can be crucial for both safety and functionality. To measure foot candles, a light meter is placed on the surface being lit, with the sensor facing the light source directly. This allows lighting designers to create comfortable and functional spaces with the appropriate lighting levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A measurement of light intensity |
| Other names | Foot-candle, fc, lm/ft2, ft-c |
| Equivalent to | One lumen of light per square foot |
| Used by | Lighting professionals, photographers, cinematographers, electricians |
| Used in | Commercial, industrial, sports lighting |
| Used to | Determine sufficient lighting levels for a given space |
| Measurement | One foot away from a singular candle |
| Conversion rate | 1 foot-candle = 10.76 lux |
| Tools | Light meter |
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What You'll Learn
Foot-candle is a measurement of light intensity
The foot-candle measurement does not gauge the intensity of light at its source but instead measures the brightness of the space being illuminated. In other words, it quantifies the amount of light that reaches a surface, rather than the amount of light that leaves the source. This is different from the measurement of lumens, which indicates the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.
One foot-candle is defined as the illumination on a one-square-foot surface from a consistent light source. This is equivalent to one lumen of brightness per square foot, measured at least a foot away from the light source. A higher number of lumens indicate brighter, more intense light, while a lower number of lumens represent dimmer, more subdued lighting.
To measure foot-candles, a light meter is placed on the surface being illuminated, with the sensor facing the light source directly. This method is used to ensure that areas requiring certain light levels are receiving those levels. For example, offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms need higher foot-candle measurements to facilitate work and reduce eye strain, while hallways and lobbies require lower foot-candle readings for ambient lighting.
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One foot-candle equals one lumen per square foot
A foot-candle (fc, ft-c, or lm/ft2) is a measurement of light intensity. It is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. In other words, one foot-candle equals one lumen per square foot.
The foot-candle is a unit of measurement that is used most commonly in places that follow the United States customary units of measurement. In other parts of the world, such as Europe, the SI-derived measurement called "lux" is used. Lux is the same as foot-candles, but it defines the area being lit as a one-meter square, rather than a one-foot square.
The foot-candle measurement is important because it ensures that areas that require certain light levels are actually receiving those light levels. For example, offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms need significantly higher foot-candle measurements to make work easier and less stressful on the eyes. On the other hand, hallways and lobbies need lower foot-candle readings because the light doesn't need to be bright enough for people hunched over reports and keyboards.
The foot-candle is one of the oldest light measurement terms, dating back to when candles were the main light source available. It is still widely used in photography and cinematography to measure a light's intensity on a subject. It is also used in commercial and industrial lighting to ensure compliance with lighting standards and to define the required lighting levels for various environments, ensuring safety and functionality.
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Lux is the same as foot-candles, but measures a one-metre square
A foot-candle is a measurement of light intensity, or the amount of light that falls on a surface. It is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. In other words, it measures the amount of light that reaches a surface area, rather than the amount of light that leaves a light source.
The term foot-candle originated from a time when candles were the main source of light. It is still widely used in photography and cinematography to measure a light's intensity on a subject. It is also used in electrical construction, horticulture, and for security lighting.
Lux is essentially the same as a foot-candle, but it defines the area being lit as a one-metre square, rather than a one-foot square. Lux is the metric unit of measurement used in the International System of Units (SI), whereas foot-candles are imperial units. One foot-candle is equal to approximately 10.76 lux.
Light meters are available that output readings in either foot-candles or lux. If you need to convert a lux reading to foot-candles, you can divide the number of lux by 10.764.
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Foot-candles are used to ensure areas receive required light levels
Foot-candles are a measurement of light intensity, or the amount of light that reaches a surface. They are defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. This unit of measurement is particularly useful for ensuring that areas receive the required light levels.
For example, in commercial spaces, foot-candles can be used to measure the amount of light reaching the ground surface beneath a light source, such as a parking lot light. This is important for electrical construction, as certain areas will require different light levels. 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 to create a more pleasant atmosphere.
Foot-candles are also essential in other industries, such as horticulture, where specific light levels are required to ensure the health of plants, and cinematography, where foot-candles are used to measure the intensity of light on a subject. In sports lighting, foot-candles ensure optimal visibility for players and spectators, while in museums, foot-candles help create the right ambiance and prevent damage to sensitive artifacts.
To measure foot-candles, a light meter is typically used. These meters output readings in foot-candles or "lux," which is similar but measures a one-meter square instead of a one-foot square. By understanding foot-candles and how they are measured, organizations can ensure that their spaces have the appropriate lighting levels for both functionality and safety.
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Foot-candles are measured using a light meter
Foot-candles are a unit of measurement for light intensity, or illuminance, that is, the amount of light that reaches a surface area. One foot-candle is defined as the illuminance produced by a standard candle that is one foot away from the subject. This is a British measurement, and in other parts of the world, the SI-derived unit "lux" is used. Lux is essentially the same as foot-candles, but it defines the area being lit as a one-metre square, rather than a one-foot square.
Foot-candles are important for measuring light intensity in commercial, industrial, and sports lighting. They define the required lighting levels for various environments, ensuring safety and functionality. For instance, foot-candles are used to measure the light in offices, manufacturing facilities, and workrooms to make work easier and less stressful on the eyes. On the other hand, hallways and lobbies require lower foot-candle readings because the light doesn't need to be bright. Instead, the light level needs to be just bright enough to show off the decor and prevent people from tripping over.
Foot-candles are also used in filmmaking and photography to measure a light's intensity on a subject. Filmmakers and photographers use light meters to measure foot-candles. Light meters are available from many manufacturers at various price points, and the right meter is one that is accurate and fast. Most light meters will output their readings in foot-candles or lux. If you get a light meter that renders its measurements in lux, you can divide your lux reading by 10.764 to get foot-candles.
To measure foot-candles using a light meter, you need to understand the difference between foot-candles and lux. Foot-candles measure the amount of light that falls on a surface that is one foot away from a singular candle, while lux is a measure of the intensity of the resulting light at the target. Foot-candles are used to ensure that areas that require certain light levels are actually receiving those light levels. For example, in a large room, you would measure foot-candles at different heights depending on whether you're measuring task lighting or general lighting.
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Frequently asked questions
A foot-candle is a measurement of light intensity. It measures the amount of light falling on a surface that is one foot away from a single candle.
You can measure foot candles by placing a light meter on the surface being lit. Ensure the sensor of the light meter is facing the light source directly and is unobstructed.
To convert foot candles to lumens, multiply the number of foot candles by 10.764.
Foot candles are important for determining the amount of light required for various environments, such as office spaces, residential interiors, or public spaces. They help ensure comfort, functionality, and safety in these spaces.
