Lighting Graph
Example Data Table
| Area Type | Target Lux | Fixture Lumens | Typical Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Aisle | 150 | 9000 | 4 m |
| Workshop | 300 | 12000 | 5 m |
| Assembly Area | 500 | 18000 | 6 m |
Formula Used
Area = Length × Width
Required Lumens = Area × Target Lux ÷ (CU × LLF)
Fixtures Needed = Required Lumens ÷ Lumens per Fixture
Monthly Energy = Total Watts × Daily Hours × 30 ÷ 1000
Monthly Cost = Monthly Energy × Energy Rate
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the room size, mounting height, target lux, fixture output, wattage, utilization factor, and light loss factor. Add daily use hours and energy rate for cost planning. Press calculate. The result shows fixture count, lumen demand, estimated lux, power use, energy cost, spacing guidance, and power density.
LED Low Bay Lighting Planning Guide
What This Calculator Does
Low bay lighting is used where ceilings are not very high. It is common in workshops, garages, retail storage, small warehouses, and production rooms. This calculator helps estimate how many fixtures are needed for a given space. It also checks energy use and monthly running cost.
Why Lumens Matter
Lumens describe total light output. Lux describes light received on the floor or work surface. A large room needs more lumens than a small room. A detailed task area also needs higher lux than a simple storage zone.
Use Realistic Loss Factors
Lighting systems lose performance over time. Dust, aging lenses, wall color, ceiling finish, and layout all affect usable light. The light loss factor gives a safety allowance. A lower value means the calculator adds more fixtures.
Check Mounting and Spacing
Fixture spacing affects uniformity. Lights placed too far apart can create dark patches. Lights placed too close can waste energy. The spacing ratio gives a quick guide. Final layouts should still be checked with field conditions.
Energy and Cost Control
Efficient fixtures reduce total watts. Lower wattage saves money when operating hours are high. Warehouses and workshops often run lights for many hours daily. Even a small wattage difference can create large yearly savings.
Better Design Decisions
This tool is useful during early planning. It compares fixture sizes, lux targets, and operating costs. It can support purchase decisions before a detailed lighting design is prepared. For critical spaces, confirm results with a lighting professional.
FAQs
1. What is low bay lighting?
Low bay lighting is used for spaces with lower ceilings, usually workshops, garages, retail backrooms, and small warehouses.
2. What lux level should I use?
Storage areas may need 100 to 200 lux. Workshops and task areas often need 300 to 500 lux.
3. What is coefficient of utilization?
It estimates how much fixture light reaches the working plane after room and surface effects.
4. What is light loss factor?
It accounts for reduced light from dirt, aging, maintenance gaps, and fixture depreciation.
5. Does this replace professional design?
No. It supports early estimates. Complex projects need photometric layouts and code review.
6. Why is fixture count rounded up?
You cannot install a fraction of a fixture, so the calculator rounds to the next whole unit.
7. Can I reduce energy cost?
Yes. Use efficient fixtures, smart controls, daylight sensors, and correct lux targets.
8. What spacing ratio is best?
Many low bay layouts use ratios near 1.0 to 1.5, depending on beam angle and height.