When are Lighting Surveys required?

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.