Brooke Martin
An isofootcandle diagram or plot is a tool used to evaluate and compare different luminaires for a given application. It graphically represents a particular luminaire's lighting pattern, in illuminance, as the light strikes a horizontal surface. The diagram provides information on the distribution of light in a plan, showing the angle of emitted light and its intensity. The mounting height of the floodlight determines the dimensions of the diagram, with grid lines indicating the distance from the aiming point. The isofootcandle plot is useful for determining how much area a light fixture can cover and is often provided by manufacturers for architects and engineers to select and specify appropriate lighting products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A plot that graphically represents a particular luminaire's lighting pattern, in illuminance, as the light strikes a horizontal surface. |
| Use | A common tool for evaluating and comparing different luminaires for a given application. |
| Users | Architects and engineers use these plots to select and specify appropriate lighting products. |
| Data | Includes foot-candle calculations shown with the luminaire at various mounting heights. |
| Grid lines | Represent the distance to either side of the floodlight. |
| Grid values | Show the distance in line with the aiming direction of the floodlight. |
| Contours | Represent the luminaire's applied performance. |
| Light distribution | Straight lines radiating from the centre point identify the angle of light emitted, while circles represent intensity. |
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What You'll Learn
- ISO foot-candle plots graphically represent a luminaire's lighting pattern
- Plots are based on mounting height and aim point
- Foot-candle calculations are shown at various mounting heights
- Plots are used to evaluate and compare different luminaires
- Straight lines radiating from the centre point show the angle of emitted light
ISO foot-candle plots graphically represent a luminaire's lighting pattern
ISO foot-candle plots are a common tool for evaluating and comparing different luminaires for specific applications. They are often provided by luminaire manufacturers for architects and engineers to use when selecting appropriate lighting products.
The dimensions for the diagram are based on the mounting height (MH) of the floodlight. The aiming point (p) is also based on the mounting height. The grid line values left and right give the distance to either side of the floodlight. The values up the side show the distance in line with the aiming direction of the floodlight. Each isofootcandle line shows where the footcandle level is the same.
As early as the schematic design phase of a project, isofootcandle plots can be used for rough luminaire layouts for site lighting. For example, to estimate a fixture layout, you can start from the perimeter, where the isofootcandle trace crosses the reference line, to establish the maximum single fixture distance to the site perimeter.
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Plots are based on mounting height and aim point
Isofootcandle plots are graphical representations of a luminaire's lighting pattern, showing how light strikes a horizontal surface. They are based on mounting height and aim point, with each plot representing a particular luminaire. The plots are scalable and represented in mounting height increments. By overlaying isofootcandle plots, a rough idea of illuminances can be determined by adding the values of each contour where they intersect.
The plots include footcandle calculations shown with the luminaire at various mounting heights. Contour lines are drawn through illuminance values, with each contour representing approximately 50% of the value of the previous contour. The mounting height dimensions multiplied by the pole height define the maximum luminaire spacings in both directions.
To estimate a fixture layout, start from the perimeter, where the isofootcandle trace crosses the reference line, to establish the maximum single fixture distance to the site perimeter. The lateral spacing is determined where the trace intersects the reference line, and maximum forward spacing is identified where the lateral spacing line intersects the trace on the street side of the luminaire. These dimensions indicate the mid-points between luminaires, in mounting heights.
Isofootcandle plots provide a visual reference for beam patterns, where other information may be less clear. They are a productive tool for comparing various luminaires and their distribution patterns.
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Foot-candle calculations are shown at various mounting heights
ISO foot-candle plots are graphical representations of a luminaire's lighting pattern, expressed in illuminance, as light strikes a horizontal surface. They are used to ensure optimal lighting in various environments, including commercial, industrial, and sports settings.
Foot-candle calculations are an integral part of ISO foot-candle plots, providing insights into light intensity and distribution. These calculations are influenced by factors such as mounting height, luminaire output, and surface reflectance. By adjusting these variables, lighting designers can achieve the desired foot-candle levels and ensure uniform illumination.
The mounting height of fixtures plays a significant role in light distribution. Fixtures mounted at higher heights provide more even illumination but may necessitate higher lumen output. This is particularly important in industrial settings, where the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidelines recommend specific foot-candle levels for different tasks. For instance, general warehouse areas typically require 10-30 foot-candles, whereas detailed assembly work may demand 50-100 foot-candles.
In the context of ISO foot-candle plots, the mounting height of the floodlight determines the dimensions of the diagram. The grid line values represent the distance to the sides of the floodlight, and the values along the side indicate the distance in line with the aiming direction. Each isofootcandle line illustrates where the foot-candle level remains consistent.
To calculate the required number of fixtures for a given space, one can use a foot-candle calculator or formula. This calculation considers the desired foot-candles, the lumen output of each fixture, and the square footage of the area. By rounding up to the nearest whole number, lighting designers can determine the appropriate number of fixtures needed to achieve the intended illumination levels.
In summary, foot-candle calculations at various mounting heights are crucial for effective lighting design. By understanding the relationship between mounting height, light distribution, and illuminance, lighting designers can create safe, functional, and compliant lighting environments for diverse applications.
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Plots are used to evaluate and compare different luminaires
Plots are an effective way to evaluate and compare different luminaires. An isofoot candle plot, for example, graphically represents a luminaire's lighting pattern, in illuminance, as the light strikes a horizontal surface. It includes foot-candle calculations shown with the luminaire at various mounting heights. The gridline values on the left and right give the distance to either side of the floodlight, and the values up the side show the distance in line with the aiming direction of the floodlight.
Another way to compare luminaires is through light distribution curves, which specify the direction and intensity of light emitted by a luminaire. The luminous intensity value in candela (cd) for a given luminaire is obtained by multiplying the value in cd/klm read from the diagram by the total luminous flux in kilolumens (klm) of the lamps used in the luminaire. The diagrams also show the half-beam angles. The luminous intensity values are plotted on the vertical axis and the beam angles on the horizontal axis.
Additionally, luminaires can be compared using their luminous flux. As LED luminaires have a long service life, the luminous flux will deteriorate to some degree. To objectively compare lighting solutions, it is recommended to compare the residual luminous flux for the same number of burning hours. Lighting Europe suggests using the median "B50" values for practical calculations.
Lighting Europe has also issued guidance on other parameters to compare lighting solutions, such as the published power drawn by the luminaire, the expected failure percentage of the driver, and the lateral light distribution with regard to the lighted area width in terms of the mounting height ratio. These parameters can be found on a quality lighting manufacturer's datasheet.
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Straight lines radiating from the centre point show the angle of emitted light
An isofootcandle plot is a graphical representation of a luminaire's lighting pattern. It demonstrates how light strikes a horizontal surface, with foot-candle calculations shown at various mounting heights. The plot of contours is placed over a grid, indicating mounting height divisions to demonstrate the luminaire's applied performance.
Straight lines radiating from the centre point of an isofootcandle plot show the angle of emitted light. These lines are used to identify the angle at which light is emitted from the source. The centre point of the plot represents the light source, and the lines radiating outwards show the direction and angle of the emitted light. This information is vital for understanding how light will spread and distribute in a given space.
The isofootcandle plot is a valuable tool for architects and engineers when selecting and specifying appropriate lighting products for a project. It provides a visual representation of how light will behave in a space, allowing designers to make informed decisions about lighting placement and intensity.
For example, if a designer needs to light a large area evenly, they can refer to the isofootcandle plot to identify the angles at which light emits most widely. This information can then be used to position lights in a way that maximises coverage.
Additionally, the isofootcandle plot can help designers understand the impact of mounting height on light distribution. By adjusting the mounting height and observing the resulting changes in the plot, designers can fine-tune the lighting design to achieve the desired coverage and intensity.
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Frequently asked questions
An isofoot candle plot is a graphical representation of a luminaire's lighting pattern, including illuminance and foot-candle calculations at various mounting heights.
Luminaire and lamp manufacturers provide candlepower distribution curves for their light fixtures. Luminaires are light fixtures or complete lighting units.
An isofoot candle plot shows what the light level will be at any given point. The diagram provides information on the distribution of light in a plan.
The grid lines on an isofoot candle plot indicate mounting height divisions and the distance to either side of the floodlight.
Isofoot candle plots are used to evaluate and compare different luminaires and to design site lighting. They are often provided by luminaire manufacturers for architects and engineers to specify appropriate lighting products.
