Whether you are retrofitting an old lighting system or designing new lighting for a large space or commercial building from scratch, you need to carry out a photometric study to ensure the results meet your expectations. The photometric study will guide you in the selection of light fixtures and provide a template for proper installation when the project is being completed.
What Exactly Is Photometric Study?
Over the last decade, the lighting industry has embraced photometry as an understanding of the value it adds in making lighting not only effective but also efficient. So what exactly is a photometric study? Simply put, it’s a light study.
Photometry came into existence during the 1990s when lighting technology was booming and was advancing leaps and bounds beyond prior technology. While the methods have changed over time, the basic idea has always been the same, to study light in a space and ensure the light effectively serves the purpose of that space.
Using computer simulations, lighting experts today digitally create a space to study information like building layouts, foot-candle (light level) measurements, obstacles, and a host of other things. They will study drawings of the space or conduct an on-site visit to take measurements and enter all of these details into a photometric software before conducting the study.
Having a study like this before purchasing lighting is extremely beneficial. As it allows you to consider many factors you otherwise may not have thought about before you make a final purchase decision. For instance, we often see customers get stuck on one for one replacement of all their old lighting fixtures. It allows for easier installation, but the upfront cost can actually be much higher because modern fixtures are much more efficient at directing light in a variety of ways. Thus you need fewer fixtures to achieve lighting goals.
Just recently, we were able to cut 60 fixtures out of a small warehouse by conducting a photometric study. They would have spent thousands of extra dollars to purchase and install lighting for a one for one replacement. But instead, they are able to meet their lighting goals at a fraction of the cost and they’ll have fewer fixtures to maintain in the long run.
Benefits You Get When You Carry Forth This Test
You can conduct a photometric study for any lighting technology that you are planning to install in your facility from older HID and fluorescent lighting to new LED fixtures. Here are some of the benefits that you get to enjoy when you have a photometric study done:
- Confidence that what you are installing is the perfect fit
- Guidance on what type and quantity of fixture will best serve your needs
- Information on different lighting options and the potential benefits for your electric bill
- Assistance in forecasting the future utility budget
- Eliminate all the guesswork from the project so that you can plan it well
- Assurance that you are in compliance with all local laws regarding light pollution
Types of Facilities That Could Benefit From A Photometric Study:
The truth is that every commercial/industrial facility stands to benefit from conducting a photometric study. A few types of facilities in particular have massive savings opportunities available that a study can help point out. These include:
- Car Dealerships
- City Parks
- Department Stores
- Gas Stations
- Gyms
- Office Spaces and Buildings
- Parking Lots and Garages
- Restaurants
- Sports fields, courts, and stadiums
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing Facilities
Conducting this test will help you in your project planning and execution. Reach out to us today about having a photometric study done at your facility.
