lightCALC advanced – Step 3 – Reflectance

Step 3 is simple, yet important.  In order to perform an accurate calculation, it is very important to assign values to describe how much light is reflected off the ceiling, walls and floors.

These values are determined by color, material and texture.  The lighter and smoother the surface, the more light reflects.  The darker and rougher the surface, the less light is reflected.  This reflected component has a significant effect on the lighting layout and must be considered.

To make this as simple as possible, we suggest the following general reflectance values:

            Offices with light ceilings, walls and floors.

                        Use 80% Ceiling

                        Use 50% Walls

                        Use 20% Floor

            Offices with light ceilings, dark walls and floors.

                        Use 80% Ceiling

                        Use 30% Walls

                        Use 10% Floor

            General industrial spaces.

                        Use 60% Ceiling

                        Use 30% Walls

                        Use 10% Floor

            Dirty industrial areas.

                        Use 50% Ceiling

                        Use 30% Walls

                        Use 10% Floor

Just remember, the darker the surface, the lower the percentage.  The lighter the surface, the higher the percentage of reflectance.

At this step, you will notice the program tracking data as you go.  Don’t worry, this simply indicates that it is taking the simple data you provided and converting it to the more complex data it needs for its computations.