4.0 Fundamentals of light properties
Good light and proper illumination are the most essential prerequisites for safe, accident-
free work and leisure environments.
Standard DIN 5035 Section 2 defines the standard values of inside work environments.
Type of room
Nominal illumination in lux
Filled storage rooms
50
Storage rooms with locating tasks
100
Storage rooms with reading tasks
200
Canteens
200
Toilet facilities
100
Medical facilities
500
Engine rooms
100
Offices
500
Technical drawing rooms
750
Conference rooms
300
Rooms for colour tests
1000
Assembly rooms, testing stations
1000
Assembly rooms for small components
1500
DP facilities
500
Hallways in buildings
50
Traffic ways for vehicles in buildings
100
Staircases
100
Conveyor belts
100
Please refer to DIN 5035, section 2 or to special tables for further standard values and the
respective light colors.
The standard values listed above are reference values. Generally, they refer to horizontal wor-
king surfaces at a height of 0.85 m above floor level. The values specified for the various
types of traffic ways in buildings refer to a height of 0.2 m above floor level.The indications
are valid for a mean ageing condition of illumination systems.
The objective of calculating illumination levels is to determine the number of lamps neces-
sary and, thus, the required wattage. Although a detailed calculation of illumination values
is not feasible within the constraints of this leaflet, it is possible to provide the reader with a
simple, approximate example, using the watt rule (please refer to page 19, calculation ex-
ample).
17
Fundamentals of light properties
English
