Lighting Design & Illumination Flashcards

What is glare in lighting design?

Answer: Excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort or reduces visibility

Glare occurs when a light source or surface is excessively bright relative to its surroundings, causing discomfort or impairing visual performance.

Which lighting control system allows users to program and recall multiple preset lighting configurations with a single button press?

Answer: Scene controller / preset dimming system

A scene controller or preset dimming system allows users to save and recall specific lighting scenarios suited for different activities such as dining, entertaining, or working.

What type of luminaire distributes light both upward toward the ceiling and downward into the room?

Answer: Direct/indirect fixture

A direct/indirect fixture emits light upward (bouncing off the ceiling for ambient glow) and downward (for task illumination), combining both lighting functions.

What does the spacing criterion (SC) help determine in a lighting layout?

Answer: The maximum spacing between luminaires relative to their mounting height

The spacing criterion (SC) defines the maximum allowable distance between luminaires as a ratio of their mounting height to maintain uniform illumination across a surface.

Which ASHRAE standard specifically sets lighting power density (LPD) limits for energy efficiency in commercial buildings?

Answer: ASHRAE 90.1

ASHRAE 90.1 (Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential) establishes lighting power density limits and energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings.

What information does a photometric report (IES file) provide for a luminaire?

Answer: Light distribution, intensity levels, and efficiency data for a specific fixture

A photometric report (IES file) documents the light distribution pattern, candela values, and efficiency data for a luminaire, used in lighting layout calculations and simulations.

What is the generally accepted minimum CRI value for most commercial interior spaces to ensure adequate color rendering?

Answer: 80

A CRI of 80 or above is the accepted industry minimum for commercial spaces such as retail, offices, and hospitality to ensure colors appear accurate and natural.