When choosing the correct light fixture, there are many factors to consider. Light distribution is just as important as lumens per watt, fixture type, warranties, and color temperatures. The light distribution from the fixture itself is one of the most important factors to consider. You can reduce fixture counts and have a better lit project if you know how to illuminate a layout based on the optimal distribution of light. Here are the different types of light distribution.
Light Distribution Patterns
The pattern of light projected onto a surface is known as light distribution. There are two types of patterns to look out for: indoor beam spread and outdoor light dispersion.
Indoor Lighting
Standard indoor lights and bulbs are beam spreads of 30 degrees flood, 270 degrees omnidirectional, and eight degrees spot. The beam spread determines the amount of light that travels onto a surface. You'd be disappointed if you expect a 40-degree wide beam to pin spot on a sign 20 feet away. However, if you place the sign at an eight-degree angle, it will look fantastic!
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting setups use light dispersion patterns. These patters meet half of the luminous intensity of a fixture. They also dictate how light shines from a fixture. Parking lot lights, area illumination, floodlighting, and roadway lighting use these distributions regularly. Other symmetrical and asymmetrical light distribution patterns exist, but the industry has identified five primary types of light distribution patterns:
Type I: This form of illumination is used in the middle of a pathway and is especially useful for narrow paths. It is frequently used with walkways and trails.
Type II: This type is common on side streets and jogging trails, and is appropriate for wide spaces like railways.
Type III: This type is widely used in roadway lighting because it shines far from its source.
Type IV: Semicircular lights are used on the sides of structures and walls. This type does a fantastic job of lighting up the edge of a parking lot.
Type V: This type has the broadest dispersion pattern and is ideal for lighting a parking lot or a four-way crossroads from within.
Now that you know the different types of light distribution, you can select lights that compliment and illuminate your space perfectly. If you seek LED commercial light fixtures, reach out to Eco LED Mart today.
