When choosing the right lighting, the concept of luminous flux, expressed in lumen (lm), essential. Luminous flux determines how bright a light source is and directly affects the atmosphere and functionality of a space. In this article, we will delve deeper into what luminous flux is and how you can apply this knowledge when selecting lighting that meets your needs.
Luminous flux is the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source per second, measured in lumen (lm). It indicates how much light a lamp emits in all directions. Unlike wattage, which indicates energy consumption, lumen focuses on the actual light output.
Understanding luminous flux is crucial to determining the right brightness for your space. Too few lumens can lead to insufficient lighting, while too many lumens can cause glare and uncomfortable conditions. By knowing how many lumens you need, you can:
Choose lamps with a high lm/W value for more light with less energy consumption.
Determine the necessary lumens based on the function of the room (e.g., living room, office, workshop).
Ensure that luminaires are suitable for the light sources with the desired lumen output.
Lumen measures the total amount of visible light that a lamp emits, while Watt indicates the lamp's energy consumption. With the rise of energy-efficient lighting, lumens are a better indicator of brightness than watts.
This depends on the size of the space and its intended use. For example, a dentist's office has different requirements than a hospitality business. As a very rough guideline, for less intensive activities, around 300-500 lumens per square meter is suitable for workspaces, and 100-200 lumens per square meter for living spaces.
Lumen per watt gives the efficiency from a light source. It shows how much light (lumens) is produced per watt of energy consumed. A higher lm/W value means a more efficient lamp.
There are various organizations that establish regulations and guidelines, such as the NSVV en CIE What lighting must meet. For example, it's often not about the number of lumens a lamp provides, but specifically about how many lux are achieved on the work surface with it and how uniform this light is. There can also be requirements regarding glare and visual discomfort, for example, due to the use of too many lumens.
Not necessarily. Too many lumens can lead to glare and discomfort. It is important to choose the right amount of light that suits the function of the room. For this purpose, for example, NEN-EN12464-1 and NEN-EN12464-2 have been drawn up.
Lux measure the illuminance or the amount of light falling on a surface, while lumen measures the total light output of the light source. Lux takes into account the distance and spread of the light and ultimately says much more about the actual light level than the lumens of a light source.
By JEL Products We offer a wide range of energy-efficient lighting with high lumen output that matches your specific needs. Our experts are ready to advise you on the best options for your situation. Even if you have questions or would like personal advice on choosing the right lighting based on luminous flux from one of our products. Please contact us using the button below.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended as professional advice. For specific questions or customized advice, we recommend contacting our experts.
