It is necessary to carry out
a lighting
survey after the designing and installation of the lighting scheme. This is
done because it forms part of the commissioning process. It also handy when
there is a dispute in the regards to the performance of the installation. When
carrying out this kind of survey, a grid of points is normally put into the
area where the survey is to be done.
The placed grid points form
the measuring points over which the reading of light will take place. When
doing surveying, it is mandatory to be in possession of the necessary
equipment. For instance, one may be required to have a luminance meter or an luminance
meter. The equipments are selected dependent on the criterion that was put into
place when doing the designing of the installation.
The equipments used during
the survey must be suited for the task at hand. As a result, when current is to
be measured, tools which have the right calibration and that are accompanied by
a calibration certificate that is current provided by a competent and certified
company is a necessity. They need to have a range of sensitivity which is
suitable for measuring the various levels of light which may be existent within
the installation.
For instance, when measuring
emergency light levels is to be done, a meter that is more sensitive is
required since low light levels are encountered. When coming up with a scheme
survey, it is a necessity to keep an accurate and complete record of the
installation’s state at the time when the survey was carried out. The space
which the lighting is in and the lighting equipments are some of the details
which have to be included. It is advisable to accompany the written documents
with photographs.
The following are some of the
valuable records that a surveyor should have:
Information regarding the
kind of measuring tools used:
-The type of meter, model,
calibration date, manufacturer and serial number
-Specifications of any
additional equipment like tape measures, tripod stands and many other have to be
noted
Information regarding the
kind of luminaries used:
-The manufacturer and the
manufacturer’s code of the luminaries’
-The lamp’s details such as
age, type and number
-The voltage of supply
including the value and stability
-The maintenance state of the
installation (both of the luminaries and lamps)
-The luminaries’ positioning
inclusive of their geometric details
-The control systems that the
luminaries use
The following are
recommendations of good lighting
When the space is considered:
-The reflective surface’s
condition
-The reflectance of the
surface-
-The existence of noticeable
obstructions
-Whether there is a presence
or absence of daylight. Since it is worthy to note that daylight normally
varies from time to time, it should not be included when measuring electric
light unless constant luminance is under consideration.
-The space’s ambient
temperature
-Other factors that is likely
to have some influence on the measurement
Prior to carrying out any measurements,
ensuring that the luminaries have a stable output is recommended. So, the
ensuring that the lighting is under operation for at least 30 minutes before
taking the measurements is recommended.
