1. What is the Recessed Lighting Calculation?

The recessed lighting calculation determines the total lumens needed to properly illuminate a space based on room area and desired illumination level (in footcandles). This helps in planning the number and type of recessed lights required.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic lighting formula:

Where:

• Room area — The floor area to be illuminated in square feet
• Footcandles — The desired illumination level for the space

Explanation: The calculation provides the total lumen output needed, which can then be divided by the lumen output of individual fixtures to determine how many lights are needed.

3. Importance of Proper Lighting Calculation

Details: Proper lighting calculation ensures adequate illumination for the intended use of the space while avoiding over-lighting which wastes energy or under-lighting which creates poor visibility.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your room dimensions accurately. Common footcandle requirements: 10-20 for living rooms, 30-50 for kitchens, 70-80 for task lighting, 5-10 for hallways.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical footcandle requirements?
A: Living rooms: 10-20 fc, Kitchens: 30-50 fc, Bathrooms: 70-80 fc, Hallways: 5-10 fc, Offices: 30-50 fc.

Q2: How do I convert lumens to number of lights?
A: Divide total lumens by the lumen output of each fixture. For example, if you need 3000 lumens and use 600-lumen fixtures, you'll need 5 lights.

Q3: What's the difference between lumens and footcandles?
A: Lumens measure light output, footcandles measure light received at a surface (1 fc = 1 lumen per sq ft).

Q4: Should I account for light loss factors?
A: For more accuracy, multiply the result by 1.25 to account for light loss due to fixture age, dirt accumulation, etc.

Q5: How does ceiling height affect this calculation?
A: Higher ceilings may require more lumens as light spreads out. For ceilings over 10 ft, consider increasing footcandle values by 20-30%.