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Russ1977  
#1 Posted : 05 July 2013 10:11:53(UTC)
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Russ1977
Hi all, I have a light meter and would like to take some readings. However I have a quick question my meter has several settings on it 200 2000 20000 50000 which I believe are the lux ranges. Which do I use to take readings in a office environment. Typically the manual doesn't give any guidance on this at all. Doesn't even provide a helpline number. Any advice would be appreciated. Regards
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Johnmann  
#2 Posted : 05 July 2013 10:56:40(UTC)
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Johnmann
Normal procedure when you don't know the size of what you are measuring. Start with the meter on the highest range, then step down through the ranges until you get a good deflection on the meter. If it hits the end stop you've gone too far! I'm assuming an analogue meter here but it's similar if there's a digital readout, go for the most accurate reading without going over range.
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Russ1977  
#3 Posted : 05 July 2013 11:02:28(UTC)
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Russ1977
Cheers John, Am I right assuming that the ideal lux for clerical work in offices in between 700-1500?
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Johnmann  
#4 Posted : 05 July 2013 11:16:22(UTC)
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Johnmann
russ1977 wrote:
Cheers John, Am I right assuming that the ideal lux for clerical work in offices in between 700-1500?
Sorry I have no idea. (I ought to know, since I worked in emergency lighting for 15 years!)
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Russ1977  
#5 Posted : 05 July 2013 11:21:14(UTC)
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Russ1977
no probs mate, I'll google it. cheers
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leadbelly  
#6 Posted : 05 July 2013 11:23:16(UTC)
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leadbelly
Russ Take a look at HSG 38, which can be downloaded from here: http://books.hse.gov.uk/...alogueCode=9780717612321 LB
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lerobinson  
#7 Posted : 05 July 2013 11:30:54(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
lerobinson
CIBSE and the Society of Light and Lighting produce some excellent guidance in this area, also refer to BS EN 12464. 1500 seems high for clerical work, 300 - 500 lx in a horizontal working plane is the recommendation of the above guides. It's worth remembering that good lighting isn't just about lux levels. Factors such as glare, surface reflectance, uniformity, daylight contribution, colour temp etc all play a part in the overall perception.
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chris42  
#8 Posted : 05 July 2013 12:12:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42
I would agree with lerobinson. High detail work for say jewellery making work is around 700 to 750, but I would not have thought you would want that reflected back up from paperwork into peoples eyes (lots of head aches). I did get readings once in an office on a very sunny day of 1500. My guess would be the 2000 setting. If you can't see the reading on the meter then it's too dark! Well it is Friday.
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teh_boy  
#9 Posted : 05 July 2013 13:58:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
teh_boy
leadbelly wrote:
Russ Take a look at HSG 38, which can be downloaded from here: http://books.hse.gov.uk/...alogueCode=9780717612321 LB
Remember the HSE guidance considers safety only, some of the other guidance includes productivity and stuff as well...
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gotogmca  
#10 Posted : 08 July 2013 17:11:49(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
gotogmca
As others have said, use the 2000 setting. I must have a similar meter as it has the same settings and it is the one I use most.
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