CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (2024)

Advice on light levels for different applications

CIBSE, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, acts as a professional body for lighting in the UK and produces a series of guides giving optimum lighting requirements for a wide range of environments. The following table, compiled from information found in CIBSE's Society of Light and Lighting and other relevant publications, aims to give recommended light levels for commonly found conditions. These are recommendations only; careful consideration must go into every unique area.

How we can help: get in touch with our experienced team. Our aim is to always provide the best-value lighting solution to meet a project's individual needs; we probably have a product designed specifically for your application and budget, giving all parties reassurance in their investment. Alternatively, you can navigate to individual sector pages for additional design recommendations, including glare, lux levels, uniformity, colour rendering, and more.

Industrial

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Factories

Factories
Drying 50 Lux
Preparation/Machine Work300 Lux
Pressing, Rolling, Glazing300 Lux
Engraving, Polishing750 Lux
Hand Finishing750 Lux
Precision Work1000 Lux
Jewellery Manufacture1500 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Aircraft Hangars

Aircraft Hangars
Maintenance Facilities (Minimum)500-750 Lux
Maintenance Facilities (Recommended)1000-1500 Lux
Task Lighting1000 Lux
Inspection2000-5000 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Cold Stores

Cold Stores
Cold Store Aisles100-200 Lux
Cold Store Open Areas300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Distribution Centres

Distribution Centres
Main (Forklift) Aisles100 Lux
Pedestrian Aisles200 Lux
Packing & Despatch 300 Lux
Unpacking & Sorting200 Lux
Loading Bay500 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Food Production

Food Production
Food Storage 200 Lux
Food Sorting/Preparation300 Lux
Critical Zones500 Lux
Food Production 500 Lux
Inspection500 Lux
Colour Inspection1000 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Freezers

Freezers
Freezer Aisles100-300 Lux
Freezer Open Areas300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Warehousing

Warehousing
Main (Forklift) Aisles100-200 Lux
Pedestrian Aisles200 Lux
Loading Bay300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Workshops

Workshops
Cable/Wire Manufacture300 Lux
Galvanising300 Lux
Rough Assembly300 Lux
Medium Assembly500 Lux
Fine Assembly750 Lux
Precision Assembly1000 Lux
Testing Area1500 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Agriculture

Agriculture
Livestock Buildings50 Lux
Loading/Unloading200 Lux
Sick Pens200 Lux
Calving Stalls200 Lux
Feed Preparation200 Lux
Dairy200 Lux

Sports

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Athletics

Athletics
Class 1 - Professional500 Lux
Class 2 - Club200 Lux
Class 3 - Amateur100 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Badminton

Badminton
Class 1 - International1000 Lux
Class 2 - Club500 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational300 Lux
County750 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Equestrian

Equestrian
Class 1 - Professional500 Lux
Class 2 - Club200 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational 100 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Fencing

Fencing
Class 1 - International750 Lux
Class 2 - Regional500 Lux
Class 3 - Training 300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Field Hockey

Field Hockey
Class 1 - Professional 750 Lux
Class 2 - Club500 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational 300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Football

Football
Class 1 - International500 Lux
Class 2 - Regional200 Lux
Class 3 - Local75 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey
Class 1 - International750 Lux
Class 2 - Regional 500 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Rugby

Rugby
Class 1 - Premiership 500 Lux
Class 2 - Regional200 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational75 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Sports Hall

Sports Hall
Class 1 - Regional 750 Lux
Class 2 - Club500 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational200 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Swimming Pools

Swimming Pools
Class 1 - Competition 500 Lux
Class 2 - Club300 Lux
Class 3 - Recreational 200 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Tennis

Tennis
Class 1 - International750 Lux
Class 2 - Regional 500 Lux
Class 3 - Club300 Lux

Hazardous Areas

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Inspection Pits

Inspection Pits
Pit Floor100 Lux
Welding300 Lux
Assembly500 Lux
Painting750 lux
Painting (Touch Up)1000 Lux
Inspection Pit - Rolling Stock and Vehicle Inspection500 Lux
Maintenance Pit - Rolling Stock and Vehicle Maintenance 300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Oil Refinery

Oil Refinery
Manual Tasks20 Lux
Walkways50 Lux
Filing Area50 Lux
Fuel Station100 Lux
Maintenance 200 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Tank Farms

Tank Farms
Processing Areas300 Lux
High-Risk Filling Areas300 Lux
Low-Risk Filling Areas100 Lux
Walkways 100 Lux
Stairs and Landings 100 Lux
Sludge Chambers 300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Oil Rigs

Oil Rigs
Sea Surface 30 Lux
Helideck100 Lux
Derrick100 Lux
Treatment Areas100 Lux
Pipe Rack Area150 Lux
Test Station, Shale Shaker, Wellhead200 Lux
Pumps200 Lux
Life Boat Areas200 Lux
Drill Floor/Monkey Board300 Lux
Mud Room, Sampling300 Lux
Crude Oil Pumps300 Lux
Plant Areas300 Lux
Rotary Table 500 Lux
Drill Floors300 Lux
Drill Towers100 Lux
Walkways 100 Lux
Stairs and Landings 100 Lux
Test Stations 200 Lux
Facility Areas300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Grain Processing and Storage

Grain Processing and Storage
Storage 100 Lux
Loading Area100 Lux
Emergency15 Lux
Work Stations200 Lux
Sorting, Washing Milling, Mixing & Packing300 Lux
Critical Zone500 Lux
Inspection 500 Lux
Colour Inspection1000 Lux

External

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Airport Aprons

Airport Aprons
Aircraft Stands 20 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Car Park

Car Park
Light Traffic5 Lux
Medium Traffic10 Lux
Heavy Traffic20 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Docks

Docks
Quayside50 Lux
Alleyways20 Lux
Stacks 20 Lux
Roads 20 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Multi-Storey Car Park

Multi-Storey Car Park
Entrances & Exits250 Lux
Parking Bays75 Lux
Driving Lanes and Ramps75 Lux
Roof-Level20 Lux
Ticket Machine Area300 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Railway Yards

Railway Yards
Rail Yard - Parking of Rolling Stock10 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Security

Security
Storage5 Lux
Coal Field 5 Lux
Timber Storage 5 Lux
Harbours10 Lux
Sawmills10 Lux
Vehicle Storage20 Lux
Oil Stores20 Lux
Shipyard/Docks20 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Street Lighting

Street Lighting
ME1 - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)20 Lux
ME2 - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)15 Lux
ME3A - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)10 Lux
ME3B - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)10 Lux
ME3C - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)10 Lux
ME4A - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)7.5 Lux
ME4B - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)7.5 Lux
ME5 - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)5 Lux
ME6 - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)3 Lux
MEW1D - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)20 Lux
MEW1W - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)20 Lux
MEW2D - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)15 Lux
MEW2W - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)15 Lux
MEW3D - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)10 Lux
MEW3W - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)10 Lux
MEW4D - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)7.5 Lux
MEW5W - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)7.5 Lux
MEW5D - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)5 Lux
MEW5W - Motorised Vehicles (Traffic)5 Lux
CE0 - Motorised Vehicles (Conflict Areas)50 Lux
CE1 - Motorised Vehicles (Conflict Areas)30 Lux
CE2 - Motorised Vehicles (Conflict Areas)20 Lux
CE3 - Motorised Vehicles (Conflict Areas)15 Lux
CE5 - Motorised Vehicles (Conflict Areas)7.5 Lux
S1 - Cyclists & Pedestrian 15 Lux
S2 - Cyclists & Pedestrian10 Lux
S3 - Cyclists & Pedestrian7.5 Lux
S4 - Cyclists & Pedestrian5 Lux
S5 - Cyclists & Pedestrian3 Lux
S6 - Cyclists & Pedestrian2 Lux
A1 - Cyclists & Pedestrian5 Lux
A2 - Cyclists & Pedestrian3 Lux
A3 - Cyclists & Pedestrian2 Lux
A4 - Cyclists & Pedestrian1.5 Lux
A5 - Cyclists & Pedestrian1 Lux
ES1 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)10 Lux
ES2 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)7.5 Lux
ES3 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)5 Lux
ES4 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)3 Lux
ES5 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)2 Lux
ES6 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)1.5 Lux
ES7 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)1 Lux
ES8 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)0.75 Lux
ES9 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Increased Safety)0.5 Lux
EV1 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Vertical Objects)50 Lux
EV2 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Vertical Objects)30 Lux
EV3 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Vertical Objects)10 Lux
EV4 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Vertical Objects)7.5 Lux
EV5 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Vertical Objects)5 Lux
EV6 - Cyclists & Pedestrian (Vertical Objects)0.5 Lux

Commercial

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Education

Education
Store Rooms150 Lux
Circulation Areas100 Lux
Stairs150 Lux
Entrance Hall200 Lux
Waiting Room 200 Lux
Common Room200 Lux
Assembly Hall200 Lux
Play Room300 Lux
Nursery300 Lux
Craft Room300 Lux
Classroom (Children)300 Lux
Classroom (Adult)500 Lux
Music Practice Room300 Lux
IT Room300 Lux
Language Laboratory300 Lux
Staff Room/Office300 Lux
Library (Reading Area) 500 Lux
Lecture Theatre/Auditorium500 Lux
Art Room500 Lux
Practical Rooms500 Lux
Art Schools 750 Lux
Technical Drawing Rooms 750 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Healthcare

Healthcare
Changing & Wash Room100/150 Lux
Ward Walls150
Ward Corridors (Day/Night)200/10 Lux
Toilets200 Lux
Dayrooms, Play Areas, Staff Room200 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Hotels

Hotels
Kitchen500 Lux
Office 500 Lux
Conference Rooms500 Lux
Reception 300 Lux
Restaurant, Dining Room, Function Room300 Lux
Self-Service Restaurant200 Lux
Bedroom 200 Lux
Bathroom 150 Lux
Toilet 100 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Offices

Offices
Printer Room300 Lux
General Office 500 Lux
Technical Drawing Area750 Lux
CAD Workstation 500 Lux
Conference Room500 Lux
Reception Desk300 Lux
Archives200 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Retail

Retail
Sales Area300 Lux
Till Area500 Lux
Wrapper Table 500 Lux

View more detailed lighting design recommendations for Supermarket

Supermarket
General Lighting (No Accent Lighting)500-1000 Lux
General Lighting (With Accent Lighting)100-200 Lux

All units given are in Lux, equalling one lumen per square meter.

How CAN Kellwood HELP?

Using a vast range of high quality Lighting Products, here at Kellwood Lighting, our lighting design team will work to standards set by CIBSE and governing bodies to ensure that each installation is in line with best practice. Contact us to discuss your project.

Our lights are used by

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CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (13)

  • I am delighted to have used Kellwood...

    - P. Nisbet, Wabtec Corporation

    CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (14)
  • a project that was well planned and promptly accomplished

    - E. McHugh, Loganair

    CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (15)
  • Where others let us down, Kellwood did not

    W. Coley, Barking Abbey School

    CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (16)
  • ...my client is over the moon with the end results

    A. Fraser, MacLean Electrical

    CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (17)
  • I'd certainly recommend them

    V. Richardson, Stolle Europe

    CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (18)
  • I'm more than pleased with the guys. I'd recommend them to anyone

    G. Gray, Logoplaste

    CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (19)

CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (20)CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (21)

CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels (2024)

FAQs

What are acceptable lux levels? ›

In homes- The recommended illumination levels for homes is often 150 lux. The living and dining rooms may work pretty well with about 25 to 50 lux. Supermarkets- Working spaces like supermarkets and mechanical rooms require light levels of about 750 lux.

What is the recommended lux level for a warehouse? ›

For warehouses, the recommended lux levels for manned storage areas, according to CIBSE / The Society of Light and Lighting, are a minimum of 150 lux at floor level and ideally 200 lux at the face of any racking. Typically we aim above these recommendations.

How many lux do I need for task lighting? ›

In the middle area it may be as low as 25 - 50 lux. Additional lighting is often necessary to compensate low levels.
...
Indoor Light Levels.
ActivityIlluminance (lx, lumen/m2)
Performance of visual tasks of low contrast and very small size for prolonged periods of time2000 - 5000
14 more rows

How many lux is a dark room? ›

It is equal to one lumen per square metre.
...
Illuminance.
Illuminance (lux)Surfaces illuminated by
20–50Public areas with dark surroundings
50Family living room lights (Australia, 1998)
80Office building hallway/toilet lighting
100Very dark overcast day
10 more rows

Is standard for lux level in industry? ›

As per (Bureau of Indian standard) BIS:6665 Lightning standard at the workplace:
Average LUX LevelLimiting Glare Index
Catwalks20
Platforms50
Jun 15, 2020

What is the minimum illumination level is required in workplace? ›

In general, the more detailed the task, the greater the light requirement. A process control room should be lit at an illuminance of 300 lux, a corridor or walkway may only require 50 lux, whilst studying an engineering drawing may require 750 lux (see HSG38 Lighting at Work).

How many lux is a cloudy day? ›

Typical room illumination is 300-500 lux, whereas outdoor light varies from 1500 lux on a cloudy day to 100000 lux on a sunny day.

How many lux is a 100 watt light bulb? ›

To replace a 100 watt (W) incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for fewer lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens. Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens.

How many lux is a 60 watt bulb? ›

To save energy, find the bulbs with the lumens you need, and then choose the one with the lowest wattage.
...
How Much Light Do I Need?
Old Incandescent Bulbs (Watts)ENERGY STAR Bulb Brightness (Minimum Lumens)
40450
60800
751,100
1001,600
1 more row

What is lux value? ›

One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter, and they vary from lumens, which calculates the brightness of the source of light. Therefore, 1 LUX = 1 Lumen / m2. Enough light should be provided in the area so that people perform their tasks without any mishaps and hassles.

What is lux level as per Factory Act 1948? ›

As per Factories Act the minimum light levels should not exceed 500 Lux as it measures the intensity of light hitting a surface typically a wall or a floor . One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter.

How is lux level measured in an office? ›

How to Measure Light Levels in the Workplace - YouTube

What are units of lux? ›

The lux (symbolized lx) is the unit of illuminance in the International System of Units ( SI ). It is defined in terms of lumen s per meter squared (lm/m 2 ). Reduced to SI base units, one lux is equal to 0.00146 kilogram per second cubed (1.46 x 10 -3 kg / s 3 ).

What is adequate lighting in the workplace? ›

Adequate lighting means there is enough light to allow ease in cleaning and provide a safe, well-lit work place. All light fixtures above equipment or areas where food is exposed must be break-proof.

How many lux should I get in the morning? ›

Lux for Light Therapy Lamp

The answer here is clear cut: 10,000 lux for 30 minutes is the standard prescription for post-awakening light therapy. This is typically for treating seasonal depression shortly after waking up in the morning.

Is 10000 lux a lot? ›

Most commercial SAD lamps produce much less than 10,000 lumens; 2500, or even less, are common. (They almost never say how many lumens they produce, but you can calculate it from their wattage and the luminous efficacy of their bulb type.) Anyway, there's nothing magic about 10,000 lux.

How many lux is a 100 watt light bulb? ›

To replace a 100 watt (W) incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for fewer lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens. Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens.

How many lux should a kitchen have? ›

Lux is measured in lumens per square metre. Kitchens require a minimum of 300 average lux. Living rooms and bathrooms require 150 average lux and bedrooms only need to have an average of 100 lux.

What is the minimum lux level for retail space? ›

environment, around 500 LUX is needed. In the workshop area where detailed work is done the recommended level is 500-700LUX. For spaces like the operation theatre of the hospital, the LUX level should be around 1000.

What is recommended value of illumination in a bedroom in lux? ›

If you wanted to use the IES' recommended light level for a bedroom, you'd multiply 168 by 5 foot-candles (168 x 5 = 840), and you'd see that the bedroom requires 840 lumens for general use. This amount of lumens is equivalent to about one traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb or a 10-watt A19 LED bulb.

How many lux is a sunny day? ›

Typical room illumination is 300-500 lux, whereas outdoor light varies from 1500 lux on a cloudy day to 100000 lux on a sunny day.

How many lux is full sun? ›

Illuminance
IlluminanceExample
300 – 500 luxSunrise or sunset on a clear day. Well-lit office area.
1,000 luxOvercast day; typical TV studio lighting
10,000 – 25,000 luxFull daylight (not direct sun)
32,000 – 130,000 luxDirect sunlight
7 more rows

Is 800 lumens bright enough for a kitchen? ›

Kitchen work areas: 7,000 to 8,000 lumens. Bathroom: 7,000 to 8,000 lumens. Home office: 6,000 to 8,000 lumens. Dining room: 3,000 to 4,000 lumens.

Are LED lights bright enough for a kitchen? ›

High lumens

Lumens measure the light output of the LED kitchen light fixtures. The higher lumens on offer, the brighter the light, and vice versa. We recommend a kitchen led from 1000 to 1800 lumens to ensure it's far brilliant and airy like the Morris 2ft, 4ft, 5ft or 6f LED Tube Lights.

How bright should my kitchen lighting be? ›

In the kitchen, the recommended brightness levels run about a powerful 4,000-8,000 lumens with a recommended LED color temperature of around 2,700-5,000 K. Your dining room, on the other hand, warmer temperatures will bring coziness to any dinner party.

Is standard for lux level in industry? ›

As per (Bureau of Indian standard) BIS:6665 Lightning standard at the workplace:
Average LUX LevelLimiting Glare Index
Catwalks20
Platforms50
Jun 15, 2020

What is the minimum illumination level is required in workplace? ›

In general, the more detailed the task, the greater the light requirement. A process control room should be lit at an illuminance of 300 lux, a corridor or walkway may only require 50 lux, whilst studying an engineering drawing may require 750 lux (see HSG38 Lighting at Work).

What is the OSHA standard for office lighting? ›

General Lighting Requirements

First-aid stations, offices, and infirmaries: 30 foot-candles. General construction plants and shops: 10 foot-candles. General construction area: 5 foot-candles. Warehouses, walkways, corridors, exits, and other indoor spaces: 5 foot-candles.

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