What is a Photometric Study, and Why Do You Need It?
Photometry files are becoming increasingly important for interior lighting design. A photometric study shows how light interacts with a space, helping you evaluate whether the lighting is both functional and visually balanced, whether you need more or less lighting in the space. It provides key details such as light intensity and distribution, ensuring your design meets the space’s needs. Ultimately, photometric studies can help you save money on your project and be able to specify premium quality decorative fixtures.
What is Photometry?
A photometric study is essentially an analysis of how light interacts with a space or environment. It’s used to determine how much light is needed, how it will be distributed, and whether a lighting design will achieve its intended purpose. By taking into account various factors like distance and light intensity at different angles, these studies can help designers visualize how a space will be illuminated before installation begins. Data from these studies is stored and shared as IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) photometric files.
The Role of IES Files
IES photometric files contain detailed data about individual light fixtures. For each fixture, the IES file includes:
1. Initial wattage and lumens: This tells us the raw power and brightness of the fixture before it interacts with any components like lenses or diffusers.
2. Total delivered lumens: Once light passes through a fixture’s diffusers or lenses, the output can change. This value shows the actual lumens that make it into the room—important for determining the overall brightness of a space.
3. Light intensity: The data from IES files also provides information on the intensity of light at different angles and distances, displayed on a spherical grid. This helps visualize how light spreads, whether it’s concentrated in one direction or diffused evenly throughout a room.
Bringing It All Together
In a photometric study, the data from these IES files is compiled and analyzed to tell a "story" about how a space will be lit. Some of the key questions that can be answered include:
1. Is there enough light? This is crucial for both safety and comfort. A photometric study ensures that the space will be adequately lit, avoiding dim or shadowy areas.
2. Is there too much light? Overlighting can create harsh, uncomfortable spaces. The study helps ensure that brightness levels are balanced.
3. Is decorative lighting sufficient? Sometimes, decorative lighting is chosen more for aesthetic reasons than functionality. A photometric study will reveal whether it’s adequate as the main light source or if supplemental task lighting is required.
In short, a photometric study is a powerful tool that provides an informed, scientific approach to lighting design. Whether you’re trying to create a cozy atmosphere or ensure functional brightness for tasks, understanding how your fixtures will perform in a real space is critical. With this knowledge in hand, you can make more confident, data-driven decisions that result in beautifully lit spaces every time.
Find UltraLights photometric files in our products’ Specs & Downloads sections when available.
