Chapter 7.

LUMINAIRES

7.1. General remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

7.2. Luminaire classification according to the degree of protection
from electric contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
7.3. Luminaire classification according to working conditions . . . . . . . . . . . 70
7.4. Luminaire classification according to mounting surface flammability . 71
7.5. Luminaire classification according to service conditions . . . . . . . . . . . 72
7.6. Photometric basic data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
7.7. Luminaire efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

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General remarks
Due to the high luminance of lamps, it is necessary to increase the emission apparent surface in order to avoid visual problems (glare).
Also, it is necessary to shield lamps to protect them from external agents and to direct their flux in the most convenient way for visual
task.
Thus, different studies and contemporary research place great emphasis on the combination formed by the source of light and the
luminaire.
According to the UNE-EN 60598-1* Norm, a luminaire may be defined as a lighting apparatus which spreads, filters or transforms
light emited by a lamp or lamps including all components necessary for supporting, fixing and protecting the lamps, (except for the
lamps themselves). Should the need arise, also the auxiliary circuits combined with the media for the connection to the power supply.
Main components
Independently from other definitions which could be more or less descriptive, a luminaire may be defined as an object formed by a
combination of elements designed to give an appropriate luminous radiation of an electric origin. Materialization of these elements is
achieved by combining a good formal design and a reasonable economy of materials in each situation.
Formal design solves luminous control depending on needs, which is the main aim: both a thermal control which makes its functioning
stable and an electric control which offers adequate guarantees to the user. Economy of materials provides a solid and efficient product,
an easily installed luminaire, and minimum maintenance while in use.
Regarding the most fundamental characteristic components, body, control gear, reflector, diffuser, and filter among others, must be
mentioned. All of them fall into other classifications shown below.
1. Body: This is the minimum physical element which supports and defines the volume of the luminaire and contains the key
components. According to this criterion, several types may be defined:
- For indoor or outdoor areas.
- Surface or embedded mounted.
- Suspended or rail mounted.
- Wall, bracket or pole mounted.
- Open or enclosed.
- For normal or harsh environments (corrosion or explosion).
2. Control gear: Appropriate control gear would be selected to suit different sources of artificial light, according to the following
classification:
- Regular incandescent with no auxiliary elements.
- High voltage halogene to regular voltage, or low voltage with converter or electronic source.
- Fuorescent tubes. With reactances or ballasts, capacitors and starters, or electronic combinations of ignition and control.
- Discharge. With reactances or ballasts, capacitors and starters, or electronic combinations of ignition and control.
3. Reflector: A specific surface inside the luminaire which models form and direction of the lamp flux. Depending on how luminous
radiation is emitted, it may be:
- Symmetric (with one or two axes) or asymmetric.
- Narrow beam (lower than 20º) or wide beam (between 20 and 40º; greater than 40º).
- Specular (with scarce luminous dispersion) or non specular (with flux dispersion).
- Cold (with dicroic reflector) or normal.
4. Diffuser: This forms the cover of the luminaire in the direction of the luminous radiation. The most frequently found types are:
- Opal (white) or prismatic (translucent).
- Lamellae or reticular (with a direct influence on the shielding angle).
- Specular or non specular (with similar characteristics to reflectors).
5. Filters: In possible combination with diffusers, they are used to protect or lessen certain characteristics of luminous radiation.

* The UNE-EN 60598-1 Norm adopts the Internacional Norm CIE 598-1.

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7.2. Luminaire classification according to the degree of protection from electric contacts
Luminaires must secure protection of people from electric contacts. Depending on the degree of electric insulation, luminaires can be
classified as:
Class 0: Luminaire with basic insulation, lacking double insulation or overall reinforcement as well as an earth connection.
Class I: Luminaire with functional basic insulation and an earth connection terminal or contact.
Class II: Luminaire with double basic insulation and /or reinforced overall insulation lacking provision for earth discharge.
Class III: Luminaire designed to be connected to extra-low voltage circuits, lacking internal or external circuits not working at an extra-low
security voltage.

7.3. Luminaire classification according to working conditions

The IP system (International Protection) established by the UNE-EN 60598 classifies luminaires according to their degree of protection
from mechanical shock, dust and water. The term mechanical shock includes those elements like tools or fingers that are in contact with
energy transmiting parts
The designation to indicate degrees of protection consists in charateristic IP letters followed by two numbers (three in France) which
indicate the compliance of conditions established in charts 1., 2. and 3. The first of these numbers is an indication of protection from
dust, the second number indicates the degree of protection from water, whereas the third number, in the French system, indicates the
degree of protection from mechanical shock.

First characteristic numeral Brief description Symbol

0 Non-protected. No symbol
1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm. No symbol
2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12.5 mm. No symbol
3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm. No symbol
4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1 mm. No symbol
5 Dust- protected.
6 Dust tight.

Chart 1. EN-60598 classification according to dust protection degree (1st numeral).

Second characteristic numeral Brief description Symbol

0 Non- protected. No symbol
1 Protected against dripping water.
2 Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º. No symbol
3 Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 60º.
4 Protected against spraying water.
5 Protected against splashing water.
6 Protected against water jets. No symbol
7 Protected against the effects of immersion.
8 Protected against submersion. -m

Chart 2. EN-60598 classification according to the degree of protection from water (2nd numeral).

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Third numeral of the code

This numeral refers to mechanical shock tests. The following chart shows characteristic numerals accompanied by a brief description.

Third characteristic numeral Brief description Symbol

0 Non- protected No symbol
1 Protected against a 0.225 J. mechanical shock No symbol
3 Protected against a 0.5 J. mechanical shock No symbol
5 Protected against a 2 J. mechanical shock No symbol
7 Protected against a 6 J. mechanical shock No symbol
9 Protected against a 20 J. mechanical shock No symbol

Chart 3. EN-60598 classification depending on protection from mechanical shock.

Instead of this third numeral, the EN-50102 Norm on “Degrees of protection against external mechanical shock provided by electric
material bulb (code IK)” may also be applied.
In the above mentioned Norm, the protection degree from mechanical shock provided by a bulb is indicated by the IK code in the way
shown below:
- Code letters (internacional mechanical shock protection): IK
- Characteristic numerals: From 00 to 10
Each characteristic numeral represents a value for impact energy, whose correspondance is summarised in chart 4.

IK Code IK00 Ik01 IK02 IK03 IK04 IK05 IK06 IK07 IK08 IK09 IK10
Mechanical shock in Joules. * 0.15 0.2 0.35 0.5 0.7 1 2 5 10 20

Chart 4. Correspondence between the IK code and impact energy.

Generally speaking, protection degree is applied to the bulb as a whole. If several parts of the bulb have different protection degrees,
they must be indicated separately.

7.4. Luminaire classification according to the mounting surface flammability

Luminaires cannot be mounted on any surface at hand. The surface flammability and the luminaire body temperature impose certain
restrictions. Of course, if the surface is non-combustible, there is no problem.
For classification purposes, the EN-60598 Norm defines flammable surfaces as usually flammable or easily flammable. The usual
flammable classification refers to those materials whose ignition temperature is, at least, 200 ºC, degrees and do not weaken or deform
at that temperature.
The easily flammable classification refers to those materials which cannot be classified as usually flammable or non-combustible.
Materials in this category may be used as mounting surface for luminaires. Suspended mounting is the only option for this type of
material.
In chart 5, mounting classification based on these requirements may be observed.

Classification Symbol
Luminaires suitable for direct mounting only on No symbol, but a warning notice is required.
non- combustible surfaces.
Luminaires suitable for direct mounting only On plaque.
F
on easily flammable surfaces.

Chart 5. EN-60598 classification according to the mounting surface flammability.

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7.5. Luminaire classification according to service conditions

Depending on their service conditions, luminaires fall into the following types:

7.5.1. Indoor lighting luminaires

Within this group, luminaires to illuminate premises and facilities in shopping areas, industries, offices, educational buildings,
indoor sports facilities, etc. are found Therefore, this type of lighting tries to give the adecuate lighting for those working or
teaching environments.
Luminaires for general indoor lighting are classified by the C.I.E. according to the total percentage of luminous flux distributed
above and below the horizontal plane.

Luminaire type % Upward flux distribution % Downward flux distribution

Direct 00 - 010 90 - 100
Semi-direct 10 - 040 60 - 090
Direct-indirect 40 - 060 40 - 060
General diffuse 40 - 060 40 - 060
Semi-indirect 60 - 090 10 - 040
Indirect 90 - 100 00 - 010

Chart 6. C.I.E. classification for indoor lighting luminaires.

Direct Semi-direct General-diffuse

0~10% 10~40% 40~60%

90~100% 60~90% 40~60%

Direct-indirect Semi-indirect Indirect

40~60% 60~90% 90~100%

40~60% 10~40% 0~10%

Chart 1. Luminaire classification according to radiation of luminous flux.

In turn, with regards to the symmetric flux emitted, a classification may be considered into two groups:
1) Symmetrical distribution luminaires: Those in which the luminous flux is spread symmetrically with respect to the
symmetric axis and spatial distribution of luminous intensities. It may be represented as a single photometric curve.
2) Asymmetric distribution luminaires: Those in which the luminous flux is spread asymmetrically with respect to the
symmetric axis and the spatial distribution of luminous intensities. It may expressed by a photometric solid, or, partially, by
a flat curve of such a solid, depending on certain characteristic planes.

Photometric information which accompanies indoor lighting luminaires

Polar distribution curves
These curves are generally represented in the coordinate system C-
. Since there are infinite planes, in general, three C planes
are represented, which are the following:

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- Plane C = 0°.
- Plane C = 45°.
- Plane C = 90°.
Polar distribution curves are in the cd units per 1 000 lumens of flux emited by the lamp. They are represented in cd/1 000
lm or cd/Klm. (Fig. 2).

C=90° C=45° C=0°

0 100 200 300 400 Cd/Klm

80°

70°

60°

50°

GM=0 10° 20° 30° 40°

Figure 2. Polar diagram in the C-γ system.

Zone flux diagram

These diagrams indicate the flux received by the surface to be illuminated directly from the luminaire, depending on angle γ.
This diagram is obtained by creating cones whose axis coincide with the vertical axis of the luminaire. Generating angles with
this axis are γ angles. The percentage of light collected by each of these cones is the image represented in the diagram (Fig.
3).

100%
80%
60%
40%
20%

GM=0 20° 40° 60° 80° 100° 120° 140° 160° 180°
Figure 3. Zone flux diagram.

For narrow beam luminaires, a high flux percentage is obtained from small angles. This is the reason why the diagram will initially
show a curve with a great slope for the first angles. From a certain angle onwards, it is virtually parallel to the abscissas axis. This
is due to the fact that almost all flux is distributed in small angles, that is to say, it is concentrated in a small angle range.

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For wide beam luminaires, the diagram will show a curve with a softer slope, since flux varies little by little, as the angle increases.

Glare diagram
These diagrams are based on the C.I.E. Glare Protection System. Curves representing these diagrams are of luminance limitation.
Such curves cover a glare index scale (quality classes from A to E established by the C.I.E.) and different illuminance values in
standard service.
Two diagrams must be used depending on luminaire type and orientation according to vision.
The required limitation of luminance depends on the luminaire type of orientation, shielding angle, acceptance degree or class
quality, as well as on the value of the illuminance in service.
In Figs. 4a and 4b, diagrams of luminance curves for the evaluation of direct glare are shown. Diagram 1 is for those directions
of vision parallel to the longitudinal axis of any elongated luminaire and for luminaires which lack luminous lateral panels,
observed from any direction. Diagram 2 is for those directions of vision in right angles to the longitudinal axis of any luminaire
with luminous lateral panels.
It is defined as:
- Luminous laterals: A luminaire has luminous laterals is it possesses a luminous lateral panel with a height of more than 30
mm.
- Elongated: A luminaire is elongated when the ratio between length and width of the luminous area is higher than 2:1.

C=90 C=90

C=0
C=180
C=270 C=270

85
a b c d e f g h 8
GM 6
4
75
3
a/h

65
2

55

45 3 2
1
9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cd/m 2 3
G Quality Illuminance values in service E (lx)
1.15 A 2000 1000 500 =<300
1.50 B 2000 1000 500 =<300
1.85 C 2000 1000 500 =<300
2.20 D 2000 1000 500 =<300
2.55 E 2000 1000 500 =<300
a b c d e f g h

Figure 4a. Glare diagrams.

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G Quality Illuminance values in service E (lx)

1.15 A 2000 1000 500 =<300
1.50 B 2000 1000 500 =<300
1.85 C 2000 1000 500 =<300
2.20 D 2000 1000 500 =<300
2.55 E 2000 1000 500 =<300
a b c d e f g h
ab c d e f g h
85
8
GM 6
4
75
3
a/h

65
2

55

45 3 2 1
9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cd/m 2 3

C=0
C=180

Figure 4b. Glare diagrams.

When using diagrams of Figs. 4a and 4b, luminance distribution of the luminaire in two vertical planes must be considered: the
C0 – C180 plane parallel to the inner axis. Luminance distribution of the luminaire in such a plane is used to control glare
limitation in the longitudinal direction of the room. Distribution of the luminaire in the C90 – C270 plane is used to verify glare
limitation in the transverse direction to the place to be illuminated.
When luminaires are mounted on the C90 – C270 plane parallel to the longitudinal inner axis, such a plane must be used to verify
glare limitation in the longitudinal direction of the place, and luminance distribution on the C0 – C180 plane to avoid glare
limitation in the transverse way of the place.
For elongated luminaires, the C90 – C270 plane is chosen to coincide with (or parallel to) the longitudinal axis of the lamp/s.
When such a plane is parallel to the direction of the perceived vision, it is said to be longitudinal. However, when the C90 – C270
plane is in right angles to the direction of vision, this vision is considered to be transverse.
These diagrams are generally used for indoor lighting luminaires.

7.5.2. Road lighting luminaires

Within this section, luminaires for parks and gardens as well as public road lighting are included. The first ones are frequently
installed, as indicated by their name, in parks, gardens, residential areas, etc. The second ones are installed in urban roads,
highways, tunnels, etc.
The C.I.E. has introduced a new system for the classification of road lighting luminaires, thus, substituting the system introduced
in 1965, where the classification was cut- off, semi cut- off and non cut- off. Nevertheless, the old system is still being used in
certain national recommendations for road lighting. In chart 7, the old system is shown.

Direction of
Type of Allowed value for maximum intensity Allowed value for maximum intensity
maximum intensity
luminaire emitted at an elevation angle of 80° emitted at an elevation angle of 90°
inferior to
Cut – off 30 cd / 1 000 lm 10 cd / 1 000 lm* 65°
Semi cut – off 100 cd / 1 000 lm 50 cd / 1 000 lm* 76°
Non cut – off Any -

Chart 7. C.I.E. classification from 1965.

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Cut- off Semi cut- off Non cut- off

195 cd

195 cd

195 cd

195 cd

195 cd

195 cd
130 cd

130 cd

130 cd

130 cd

130 cd

130 cd
65 cd

65 cd

65 cd

65 cd

65 cd

65 cd
0° 0° 0°

Figure 5. Examples of photometric curves accompanied by their classification.

The new C.I.E. luminaire classification, which substitutes the previous one, is based on three basic properties of luminaires:
1. The extension to which the luminaire light is distributed along a path: the “throw” of the luminaire.
2. The amount of lateral dissemination of light, widthways of a path: the “spread” of the luminaire.
3. The reaching of the installation to control glare produced by the luminaire: the “control” of the luminaire.
The reaching is defined by the angle γmax which forms the axis of the beam with the vertical plane going downwards. The axis
of the beam is defined by the direction of the angle bisector formed by two directions of 90% Ιmax in the vertical plane of maximum
identity.

Cut- off
195 cd

195 cd
130 cd

130 cd
65 cd

65 cd

Axis of the
beam
γ max
I max

90% Imax
γ

0°

Figure 6. Intensity polar curve in the plane which contains the maximum
luminous intensity, indicated by the angle used to determine the throw.

Three levels of throw are distinguished as follows:

γmax < 60° : short throw.
70° ≥ γmax ≥ 60° : intermediate throw.
γmax > 70° : long throw.

* Up to a maximum absolute value of 1 000 cd.

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The spread is defined by the positioning of the line, running parallel to the axis of the path. Virtually, it does not touch the
furthest side from the 90% Imax on its path. The positioning of this line is defined by the γ90 angle.
The three levels of spread are defined in the following manner:
γ90 < 45° : narrow spread.
55° ≥ γ90 ≥ 45° : average spread.
γ90 > 55° : broad spread.

γ 90
h

1h
2h
90% Imax
3h

4h

Figure 7. Spread.

Both the luminaire throw and spread may be more easily determined from an isocandela diagram in an azimuthal projection
(Fig. 8).

γmax
90% Imax

γ90
γ

Figure 8. Isocandela diagram related to an azimuthal projection (sine wave) indicated by

the γmax and γ90 angles used to determine spread and throw.

In Fig. 9 the covering given by the three levels of throw and spread of the luminaire mounting height (h) is indicated on a plane
of the path.

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Control is defined by the specific index, the luminaire SLI. This is part of the G formula of glare control, determined only by the
features of the luminaire.

( ) ( )
0.5
SLI = 13.84 - 3.31 . log(I80) + 1.3 . log
I80 - 0.08 . I80
+ 1.29 . log(F) + C
I88 log I88

where:
I80 = Luminous intensity at an elevation angle of 80°, in a parallel plane to the axis of the roadway (cd).

I80
= Ratio between luminous intensities for 80° and 88°.
I88
F = Light emission area for the luminaires (m2) projected on the direction of the elevation at 76°.
C = Colour factor, variable according to lamp type (+0.4 for low pressure sodium and 0 for the others).

55°
h 60° 45°

70°
(90% Imax)

Short
1.7h

2.7h Intermediate
1h 1.4 h

Long
Narrow
Average Broad
Spread

γmax

Figure 9. In this figure, the three degrees of throw and spread defined by the
C.I.E. are shown, where “h” is the luminaire mounting height.

Control is also classified into three levels, which are the following:
SLI < 2 : limited control.
4 ≥ SLI ≥ 2 : moderate control.
SLI > 4 : tight control.
In the following chart, the C.I.E. previous definitions are summarised and shown.

Throw Spread Control

Short γmax < 60° Narrow γ90 < 45° Limited SLI < 2
Intermediate 70° ≥ γmax ≥ 60° Average 55° ≥ γ90 ≥ 45° Moderate 4 ≥ SLI ≥ 2
Long γmax > 70° Broad γ90 > 55° Tight SLI > 4

Chart 8. The C.I.E. classification system depending on luminaire photometric properties.

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Photometric information accompanying road lighting luminaires

Diagrams of polar distribution curves
These curves are generally represented for the coordinate system C-γ. Since there are infinite planes, usually there are three C
planes represented, which are the following:
- Transverse plane (C = 90° and 270°). This plane would be perpendicular to the axis of the road for a road lighting luminaire.
- Longitudinal plane (C = 0° and 180°). This plane would be parallel to the axis of the road for a road lighting luminaire.
- The plane in which maximum intensity is found. This plane is generally called main vertical plane.
Polar distribution curves are defined in cd by 1 000 lumens of flux emitted by each lamp and it is represented by cd/1 000 lm
or cd/Klm.

TRANSVERSE PLANE (C=90-270) LONGITUDINAL PLANE (C=0-180) MAIN VERTICAL PLANE

320 240 160 80 0 100 200 300 400 0 100 200 300 400
-90 90 90

-80 80 80

-70 70 70

-60 60 60

-50 50 50

-40 -30 -20 -10 GM=0 10 20 30 40 GM=0 10 20 30 40

C=20.0

Figure 10. Polar diagram in the C-
system.

Isocandela diagrams
It consists of imagining that the luminaire is in the center of a sphere; in its exterior surface equal intensity points are joined by
a line. Equal surfaces in this diagram represent solid angles. Due to this reason, the diagram may be used to calculate luminous
flux for a given area, multiplying the area by the luminous intensity (bearing in mind the scale in which the diagram is
represented).
If the luminaire is installed with a δ inclination angle, strokes must be turned around the center in an angle δ to deduce the new
C-γ coordinates.
Straight lines from the center represent parallel lines to the roadway axis.

280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 C=0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

-90 90

-80 1 80
5
60 40
10 80
-70 90
70
20

-60 30
60

-50
60 50

-40 40

-30 30
-20 20
-10 10
GM=0 I =100%
max

Figure 11. Isocandela diagram in azimuthal projection.

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Diagram of isoluminance curves

These diagrams are frequently used for public lighting. This is due to the fact that recommendations for public lighting are not
exclusively limited to the average luminance required on the surface of the roadway, but also guidelines for their uniformity (ratio
between Lmax and Lmin) are provided. Such calculations are possible with the help of the isoluminance diagram (Fig 12).

OBSERVERS: A, B AND C

6h 5h 4h 3h 2h h 0 h 2h 3h
A h
WALKWAY SIDE 1 5 20
30
40
50 5
60
B 0 80
70

50

C h
10

5
2h
ROADWAY SIDE
Roadway R2
1
Qo = 0.07
3h
Lmax=100%
fl=0.152

Figure 12. Isoluminance diagram.

In the diagram, letters A, B and C appear, indicating three positions for the observer which are used in luminance performance
diagrams.

Diagram of isolux or isoilluminance curves

In practice, illuminances on the road surface and their total distribution are intended to be known in most lighting projects.
In order to ease the determination of these data in an installation, photometric sheets provide us with the isolux relative curves
for each luminaire on an illuminated plane.

h
WALKWAY SIDE
5
30
40
0 20
80 60
50
70 10
h

5
2h
1
1
ROADWAY SIDE
3h
6h 5h 4h 3h 2h h 0 h 2h 3h
Emax=100%
fl=0.154

Figure 13. Isolux diagram on the surface to be illuminated.

Values for each isolux line are given in Emax percentages, the highest being 100%. The lattice on which isolux lines are drawn
is measured in terms of the luminaire mounting height h.

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Under the diagram, a factor for the luminaire in use () is indicated.
Maximum illuminance is calculated by means of the following formula:

ϕ.Φ
Εmax =
h2
where:
ϕ = factor for the luminaire in use.
Φ = lamp luminous flux.
h = interdistance between luminaires.

Performance in luminances
These diagrams are used to calculate average luminance on the surface of the roadway of a public lighting installation. If the
pavement reflection class is known, the corresponding diagram will be used.
Luminance performance diagrams are drawn in units of luminaire mounting height. Due to this reason, they are very useful for
direct graphic uses.

0.6
C
0.5 B
A
0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0
h h 2h 3h
180°

C=90°
270°

0°

Figure 14. Performance in luminances with respect to three observers.

Their reading is equal to that of utilization factor curves, except that the observer’s position is important. Hence, curves are given
for three observer’s positions: A, B and C.
- A: Observer located on a side of the sidewalk at a distance h of the row of luminaires.
- B: Observer located in line with the row of luminaires.
- C: Observer located on a side of the road at a distance h of the row of luminaires.

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For other positions, it is necessary to interpolate.

Average luminance is calculated with the following formula:

ηL . Φ . Qo
Lmax =
w .s
where:
ηL = luminance performance factor.
Φ = lamp luminous flux.
QO = average luminance coefficient.
w = road width.
s = interdistance between luminaires.
Utilization factors
In road lighting, utilization factor (h) is defined as the fraction of the luminous flux coming from a luminaire which, in fact, reaches
the road. Utilization factor curves found on the photometric information sheets offer a simple method to calculate average
illumination, which may be determined for a certain transverse section of the road.
Φ
η = used
Φlamp

Utilization factor curves for a luminaire are understood as a function of transverse distances, measured in terms of h (mounting
height) on the road surface, from the center of the luminaire up to each of the two curves (Fig. 15).

Walkway side Road way side

0.6

0.5

0.4

η 0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0
h h 2h 3h
180°

C=90°
270°

0°

Figure 15. Utilization factor as a function of h.

The easiest and quickest way to calculate average illuminance of a straight road of infinite length is by using utilization factor
curves:

η.Φ.n
Εmed =
w .s
where:
η = utilization factor.
Φ = lamp luminous flux.
n = number of lamps per luminaire.
w = width of the road.
s = interdistance between luminaires.

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Polar diagrams are frequently used for luminaires in:

- Public lighting.
- Lighting of parks and gardens.

7.5.3. Floodlight luminaires

Within this section, those luminaires designed for installation in indoor and outdoor sports facilities, facades, working areas,
invigilance areas, etc.
A floodlight is a luminaire which concentrates the light in a solid angle determined by an optical system (mirrors or lenses), in
order to achive a high luminous intensity.
Lamps suitable for floodlights range from pressed glass lamps and halogen lamps and even high pressure mercury lamps, metal
halide lamps and low pressure and high pressure sodium lamps. They all have different voltages and each provides a kind and
special type of light, colour effects and efficiency.
Mounting, relamping and cleaning must be done at a considerable height from the ground. Thus, an ergonomic design of the
luminaire is required so that these tasks are easily taken care of.
From the point of view of light distribution, floodlights are grouped in three basic types: symmetric, asymmetric and symmetric
rotation.
Floodlights are also classified according to the opening of the beam, as shown in chart 9. The opening of a floodlight beam (or
beam angle) is defined as the angle, in a plane which contains the axis of the beam, on which luminous intensity decreases to
reach a certain percentage (generally 50% or 10%) of its peak value (Fig. 16).

Description Opening of the beam (at 50% Ιmax)

Narrow beam < 20°
Medium beam 20° to 40°
Wide beam > 40°

Chart 9. Classification of the beam opening.

50% I max

β Imax

Beam opening 50% I max

Figure 16

For a floodlight with an intensity distribution of light in a symmetric rotational way (that is to say, distribution remains unchanged
independently from the plane containing the axis of the beam under consideration), a figure for the opening of the beam may
be established, for example 28° at both sides of the axis of the beam.
For asymmetric distribution, as that given by rectangular fllodlights, two figures are given: for example 6°/24°, since the beam
is spread into two symmetric perpendicular planes (vertical and horizontal, respectively). Sometimes, distribution in the vertical
plane of such floodlights is asymmetric in relation to the beam axis. In this kind of situation, two figures are given for the opening
of the beam in this plane: for example, 5º - 8º/24º, that is to say, 5º above and 8º below the axis of the beam; and, in the

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horizontal plane, 12º to the left and 12º to the right of the beam.

Photometric information accompanying floodlights

Cartesian diagram
These diagrams are obtained in photometries performed on floodlights, since they provide us with information to be able to
classify them according to beam opening They are generally represented under the coordinate system B-.
Three lines representing the vertical plane, the horizontal plane and 50% of the maximum intensity (line parallel to the abscissas
axis) are represented.

Horizontal plane
Vertical plane

800

700

600

500
Imax/2
400

300

200

100

-90 -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Figure 17. Cartesian diagram.
Isocandela diagram
In order to avoid coordinate curves, as it happens with solid angle systems, and ease the reading of coordinates, these are drawn
in a rectangular system.
The angles of C and B planes are on the horizontal axis, γ and β angles on the vertical one.
The diagram may be compared with that of azimuthal projection, but, it must be taken into account that:
- There is no linear ratio between rectangles in the diagram and solid angles.
- The line γ = 0 or β = 0, in fact, represents a point.

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80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10
Planes B

AXIS X
0
70
-10
50% of Imax
-20

-30

-40 30

-50 20
15
-60 10
5
-70 3

-80
-80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Beta angles
Figure 18. Isocandela diagram for the B- system.

7.6. Basic photometric data

Luminaire information sheets show a series of diagrams which indicate their photometric peculiarities. In this section two terms
associated to the obtention of such curves are going to be studied.

7.6.1. Photometric center

Most calculations are done under the supposition that luminaires are specific sources of light. Thus, there is the need to search for a
point in space limited by the luminaire which will place the specific equivalent and imaginary luminous source.

For angles close to the nadir, there are virtually no differences between photometric data of the same luminaire given by different mea-
surement laboratories. For big angles, there could be differences, for example 80º and 88º, if the photometric center of a luminaire is
not clearly established.

The photometric center is a point of a luminaire or a lamp from which the Law of the inverse square of the distance in the direction of
maximum intensity is best complied. Or what is the same, it is the point where the imaginary and specific luminous source, with the
same spatial distribution of luminous intensities of the luminaire is located. The only goal is to simplify photometric calculations.

The C.I.E. has established in its publications the rules to locate such a photometric center for different types of luminaires.

7.6.2. Photometric coordinate systems

Each and every one of the directions in the space through which luminous intensity is radiated is determined by two coordinates.
On photometric information sheets for indoor luminaires, public lighting and floodlights, representations obtained by means of
three coordinate systems, the most frequently used, are utilized. Such systems are A-α, B-β and C-γ.
The C-γ coordinate system is defined in the C.I.E. publications. However, there is no international agreement on the definition

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of the systems A-α and B-β. Tests for obtaining the last two differ depending on the country that conducts them.
When applied to the photometry of these types of luminaires, the reference axis is always vertical and directed towards the
lowest point (nadir).
All systems have a beam of planes with an intersection axis, sometimes called “rotation axis”.
In each case, a direction in space is characterized by an angle measured between two planes and an angle measured in one
of the planes.
Systems differ between themselves with regards to axis orientation of the intersection in space in relation to the luminaire axis.
To test floodlights, systems adapted to the horizontal axis are used, but their name varies in different countries.

7.7. Luminaire efficiency

Luminaire efficiency is expressed in terms of its Light Output Radio – I.o.r.)*. This radio is defined as the portion of light output of the
luminaire with regard to the sum of light individual exits of lamps when they are used outside the luminaire.
The light output radio defined this way is the total “I.o.r.” of the luminaire, and is equal to the sum of the “I.o.r.” upwards and downwards.

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* The term used in the U.S.A. is “luminaire efficiency”.

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