Maddie James
Foot-candles (fc, lm/ft2, or ft-c) are a measurement of light intensity, or illuminance, over a square foot. One foot-candle is defined as the amount of light produced by a one-candela source from one foot away, or enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. In other words, it measures how bright a light source is at a certain distance. Foot-candles are predominantly used in the United States, while the rest of the world uses the metric equivalent, lux, which measures light intensity over a square meter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A foot-candle is a unit of measurement that defines the intensity of light on a surface. |
| Other names | Foot-candle is also known as fc, ft-c, or lm/ft2. |
| Origin | The term "foot-candle" originated from a time when candles were the main light source available. |
| Measurement | One foot-candle is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. |
| Use | Foot-candles are used to ensure that areas that require certain light levels are receiving those light levels. |
| Compliance | Compliance with foot-candle and lighting standards is essential for safe and adequately lit workplaces. |
| Measurement tool | A light meter is the best tool for measuring light intensity and obtaining accurate foot-candle readings. |
| Use cases | Foot-candles are used in cinematography, photography, horticulture, and sports lighting, among other fields. |
| Units | Foot-candles are used in the imperial measurement system, while lux is used in the metric system. |
| Conversion | To convert foot-candles to lux, divide the foot-candle value by 10.764. |
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What You'll Learn
Foot-candles measure light intensity over a square foot
Foot-candles, or fc, measure light intensity over a square foot. It is a unit of measurement that defines the intensity of light on a surface, measuring how bright a light source is at a certain distance. One foot-candle is defined as one lumen of light over a square foot, or a one-foot-by-one-foot area illuminated by one candela. This unit of measurement is particularly useful for determining if a space is receiving adequate lighting, which is important for safety and wellness. For example, in offices and classrooms, adequate lighting can reduce eye strain and prevent accidents caused by low visibility.
Foot-candles are predominantly used in the United States, where they are the most common unit of light measure used by lighting professionals. In other parts of the world, such as Europe, the SI-derived unit "lux" is used to measure light intensity over a square meter. One lux is equal to 0.092903 foot-candles, and modern light meters typically calculate their measurements in lux. To convert lux to foot-candles, divide the lux value by 10.764.
Foot-candles are especially important for professionals in cinematography, photography, horticulture, and museum curating. In cinematography and photography, foot-candles are used to measure a light's intensity on a subject. Horticulturists use foot-candle measurements to ensure that plants are bathed in the appropriate amount and type of light. And in museums, foot-candles are used to create the right ambiance and avoid damaging sensitive artifacts.
To measure foot-candles, a light meter is placed directly on the surface being illuminated. Light meters are inexpensive, widely available, and most give the option to read in either lux or foot-candles.
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Foot-candles are predominantly used in the United States
A foot-candle is a unit of measurement that defines the intensity of light on a surface. It is a standard unit of measurement in the United States, where it is used to ensure that spaces have sufficient light for work. One foot-candle is defined as the amount of light produced by a one-candela source from one foot away. This is equivalent to one lumen per square foot.
The concept of the foot-candle was first introduced by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) in 1909. The IESNA aimed to establish standards for measuring light intensity during the transition from gas lamps to electric lights. Over 110 years later, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) still uses foot-candle measurements for its lighting standards. These standards are critical for ensuring that spaces are well-lit, safe, functional, and energy-efficient.
Foot-candles are important for keeping consistent lighting in different industries. They are used to measure light intensity in commercial, industrial, and sports lighting. They are also used by photographers and cinematographers to measure the intensity of light on a subject. In cinematography and photography, foot-candles are used alongside lux to measure light intensity, with lux being the metric system equivalent of foot-candles.
Light meters are often used to measure foot-candles, with many light meters offering the option to read in either lux or foot-candles.
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Lux is the metric equivalent of a foot-candle
A foot-candle is a measurement of light intensity, or the amount of light that reaches a surface. It is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. The term originated from a time when candles were the main source of light and is abbreviated as FC.
Both lux and foot-candles are commonly used to measure illuminance, or the amount of light received per unit area. They are used to determine the lighting levels for various environments, ensuring safety and functionality. For example, foot-candles are used to measure the lighting in commercial, industrial, and sports settings. In sports lighting, foot-candles ensure optimal visibility for players and spectators.
Organizations with special lighting requirements, such as museums, horticulture, and video production, use foot-candles to ensure that the right amount of light is reaching the desired surfaces. Lux is used worldwide and is the internationally accepted illuminance unit.
Converting between lux and foot-candles is straightforward. To convert lux to foot-candles, divide the lux value by the conversion factor of 10.76391 (the square meters to square feet ratio). To convert foot-candles to lux, multiply the foot-candle value by the same conversion factor.
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Foot-candles are used to ensure optimal lighting in various environments
Foot-candles are a unit of measurement that defines the intensity of light on a surface. It measures how bright a light source is at a certain distance. One foot-candle is defined as the amount of light produced by a one-candela source from one foot away, or the amount of light that falls on a surface that is one foot away from a single candle. This measurement is crucial in determining the lumen per square foot, ensuring that adequate lighting is provided in various environments.
Foot-candles are predominantly used in the United States, while other parts of the world, such as Europe, use the metric equivalent known as "lux." Lux and foot-candles measure the same concept—light intensity—but differ in the units of distance they use. Lux measures light intensity over a square meter, while foot-candles measure light intensity over a square foot. The conversion between the two units is straightforward: 1 lux is equal to 0.092903 foot-candles, or approximately 10.764 lux per foot-candle.
Foot-candles are also important in cinematography and photography, where they are used to measure the intensity of light on a subject. Cinematographers and photographers can use foot-candle measurements to design lighting effects and ensure that their images are properly lit. Additionally, foot-candles are used in sports lighting to ensure optimal visibility for players and spectators.
Overall, foot-candles are a valuable tool for lighting professionals and other industries to ensure that various environments are well-lit, safe, functional, and energy-efficient.
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Foot-candles are measured using a light meter
Foot-candles are a measurement of light intensity in an area, or the brightness of the space being lit. They are a standard unit of light measurement that lighting professionals use to calculate light levels in businesses and outdoor spaces. Foot-candles are especially important in cinematography and photography, where lighting plays a crucial artistic and technical role.
Foot-candles are distinct from lumens, which measure the amount of light emitted by a source. One foot-candle measures the light as perceived by the human eye over a given area. This is known as photometry, which is the measurement of light as our eyes interpret it. Photometry is important for businesses as it helps them understand what customers and staff experience when they enter a building.
Foot-candles are also distinct from lux measurements. Lux measures light intensity over a square meter, whereas foot-candles measure light intensity over a square foot. One lux is equal to 0.092903 foot-candles. Lux is used in the metric system, while foot-candles are used in the imperial system.
Basic light meters, such as the ILT10C, are reliable and easy to use for straightforward foot-candle measurements. More advanced light meters, like the ILT5000, offer additional features such as wireless technology and the ability to measure across a wide range of light intensities.
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Frequently asked questions
A foot-candle is a unit of measurement that defines the intensity of light on a surface.
A lux measures light intensity over a square meter, while a foot-candle measures light intensity over a square foot.
1 lux is equal to 0.092903 foot-candles, or 1 foot-candle is approximately 10.764 lux.
1 foot-candle is equal to 10.76 lumens, or 1 lumen per square foot.
Foot-candles are used to ensure that areas requiring certain light levels are receiving them. This is important for safety, functionality, and energy efficiency.
