When do you need a photometric plan?

Introduction

A photometric analysis demonstrates how light moves from fixtures into the surrounding space. Lack of these plans may cause unwanted problems in your project. This includes things like improper luminescence in parking lots, accidents, and other damages. Therefore, it’s important to have a photometric plan. It ensures that the poles, cars, garages, buildings, and trees are well designed.

Moreover, it allows light engineers to adjust lighting fixtures before construction starts. Unfortunately, most people don’t know whether their projects need a photometric study. In this blog post, we’ll look at a few instances when one needs a lighting plan. But first, let’s look at the importance of this plan in your project!

Importance of a photometric analysis

A photometric light study accomplishes various tasks in a project. This includes;

• Ensure uniform light distribution throughout the property

Having uneven light levels in the lighting plan results in hot spots and eye strain. For instance, it can cause the parking lot to have intense glares and low visual comfort. To prevent such issues with any lighting project, it’s good to have a lighting plan. This enables you to determine the produced photometric values.

•  Meet local lighting codes

Most cities across the country require new buildings to observe their illumination standards. A photometric plan ensures the property’s lighting layout complies with these regulations. Also, it provides the right documentation when inspectors are auditing the project.

• Establish a straightforward road map for contractors

The lack of a photometric plan will cause confusion to your electricians or builders. To avoid this, the property manager should design the lighting plan beforehand.

• Specify the ideal light fixtures

Different projects have varying lighting requirements. To achieve those requirements, you have to choose the right fixture for a certain project. Luckily, photometric plan designers will help you to determine the ideal fixtures for your property

• Prevent legal issues

Legal issues like assaults, accidental falls, and kidnapping may arise within your property. The cause of these issues may be attributed to poorly illuminated spaces. A photometric analysis serves as a reference to defending yourself from those accusations.

• Keep light trespassing to acceptable standards

The local authority can fine property owners for illuminating past their lot line. For instance, some commercial buildings have lights that illuminate the neighboring lots. As a result, such property owners end up with considerable recurring fines. Surprisingly, a photometric plan can help them avoid this issue once and for all!

• Help decision-makers envision lighting before the project begins

To remodel their property, most homeowners are installing new LED lighting fixtures. Before they do that, they should look for a photometric plan designer to create a photometric plan. The designer also checks the layout to ensure all your lighting needs are achieved.

When do you need a photometric plan?

Now that know why you need a photometric plan, when do you need one? Well, here are some instances a photometric analysis will come in handy;

• New installments

If you’re planning about installing new light fixtures in any space, a lighting plan will be very useful. It allows us to determine what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to be changed.

•  Lights visualization

A photometric plan is created using certain software. This allows you to visualize the space layout and adjust the lighting accordingly. Besides, you can even see how that space looks like after installing the light fixtures. This eliminates guesswork and frustration by ensuring you move in the right direction.

•  Meeting local codes

As we stated earlier, cities require properties to adhere to the local lighting codes. For instance, little/ no light should trespass into the neighboring properties. Some local regulations even prohibit light trespassing of 1-foot-candle. To meet these lighting needs, you’ll need a lighting analysis before construction begins.

• When planning lighting

Before you buy the luminaires for a certain space, it’s good to determine how they’ll work out. To achieve that, you’ve to do a photometric analysis. This will help you determine the best lighting solution for your space. Afterward, you can make the procumbent and implement the best lighting plan.

Places that need a photometric plan?

The photometric analysis helps decision-makers to analyze lighting solutions for any project. More importantly, it allows them to determine the optimal lighting arrangement. They can create a lighting plan both for outdoor and indoor spaces. A few places that may need a photometric study include;

• Parking lot

Commercial spaces, such as parking lots, require a photometric plan. This ensures that the lighting adheres to the mean, minimum and maximum light levels. Also, it prevents potential liabilities that can arise because of violating local codes.

• Hospital

To create a layout that meets a hospital’s lighting needs, a photometric plan is essential. For instance, the receptions require more lighting as compared to the wards. Also, photometric plan designers have to keep local guidelines in mind when creating the plan.

• Outdoors

A photometric analysis offers the best solution for illuminating any outdoor space. It highlights the points of interest and helps to ensure that the local codes are met.

• Warehouse

A warehouse should maintain an even lighting level throughout the building. Hence the need to do a photometric study, especially before construction. The study enables you to make any changes depending on your needs. Best of all, it offers you the best possible solutions before you purchase any LED high bay fixtures.

• Sports field/ stadium

Stadiums and sports facilities are the most common places that need this study. The analysis offers insight into lighting layouts. It determines whether the layout meets the specifications for a certain sport. . For example, if a tennis court has many courts, the lighting should be consistent across all of them.

• Retail

Retail facilities like grocery outlets should have a uniform and adequate lighting. This will enables customers to spot the products with ease. To ensure adequate lighting, you have to do a photometric study on the retail facility.

Conclusion

Without a photometric plan, proper installation is difficult, especially for complex lighting projects. Besides, many city regulations will require this plan to approve your project.

Remember, photometry can be a complex engineering practice. Most residential and commercial property owners, reach out to Innodez Design and Engineering. Our lighting designers offer detailed approaches to help them overcome their lighting challenges. Call us today!