RANGE REVIEW: LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL


GET SWITCHED ON WITH LIGHTING


Lukas Göck, product manager at German lihting and electronics retailer, Reichelt Elektronik, discusses the importance of effective lighting in retail and office environments, as well as helping to aid productivity


tell whether a fast-moving machine is in operation or not.


In addition, the right lighting


ensures efficient and concentrated work. Again, the EU regulation specifies lighting requirements for different work areas. For example, illuminance in storage rooms should be at least 100 lx, while rough work requires 200-300 lx, average requirements are a minimum of 500 lx and very fine work needs a minimum of 1,000 lx. In industry and trade,


interior


lighting is often exposed to heavy loads, such as dust, heat or moisture. Even in these harsher conditions and environments, each light still needs to function faultlessly. The IP protection class can provide useful guidance on choosing the best types of light for these areas.


The right office lighting for efficient work In the office, shadow-free illumination (UGR value) and fatigue-free light (colour temperature) are important. Lighting design in the office should emulate daylight, which has a proven positive effect on concentration and wellbeing. Ideally, daylight should enter


from the side and be directed to the ceiling and upper half of the room. This allows even distribution throughout the room and simulates outdoor lighting conditions. If artificial light is used, it should have a cool white tone to signal to the body that it is daytime which promotes performance and concentration. Take


care to avoid glare and


reflections on screen by considering glare-free lamps or a lighting arrangement that redirects glare.


I is


t is well known lighting plays a central


role in


improving our wellbeing and productivity. Good


lighting in the office, shop floor and production sites is, therefore, essential to contributing to a safe and ergonomic working environment. Lighting is also of paramount importance for salesrooms, as customers will feel more at ease in a well-lit environment where they can see products clearly. Commercial lighting is also subject to clear specifications that rarely apply at home, so careful planning for lighting in workshops, production halls, and offices is needed.


How do we define good lighting? Commercial lighting, from production halls to offices and salesrooms,


regulated by the 18 DIY WEEK 23 NOVEMBER 2018


European DIN EN 12464-1 standard. The requirements are based on factors like the function of the workplace, safety and the type and duration of the activity that will be carried out. The criteria set out for good lighting includes a pleasant lighting environment, enough illuminance depending on the visual tasks or area of activity,


light distribution


and uniform illumination, minimum direct and reflected glare or haze reflections,


and no flickering or stroboscopic effects.


It’s important to pay close attention to the quality of the daylight, light colour and colour rendering. Ideally, lighting should be able to adapt to changing conditions.


The following variables are particularly relevant: • Illuminance: Lux (lx) • Limit values for the assessment of glare: UGRL


• Uniform light distribution: UO • Colour rendering index: Ra These standards and guidelines the


ensure safety of employees,


products and machinery. Lighting should differ depending on the location and influence of daylight – if a room has few windows then the quantity and quality of lighting, particularly during winter months, needs to be accounted for. The EU regulations offer


planners recommendations


for implementing the right kind of lighting but also allow enough freedom to try out new technologies like smart lighting. Bright


and uniform light


production facilities Lighting in production line


areas must provide optimum conditions for visual tasks in a safe environment. Uniform illumination helps to prevent accidents as it makes it easier for the human eye to


in


Products in the right light Sales rooms and shops often need sophisticated lighting planning, so customers can feel comfortable and be excited and inspired by a product. Dramatic lighting arrangements and accents are a great way to showcase products. To achieve a natural colour light, the natural colour rendering value (CRI = colour rendering index, measured in Ra) is crucial. The higher the Ra the better. You can achieve good colour rendering properties with LED lights that have a Ra value of 80 or above. For higher demands, an Ra value of 90 is recommended. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right lighting in a trade, office or industry space but, if you get it right, the positive effects will be clearly seen in your employees productivity and wellbeing


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