The Right Lux Level and Luminaire Choice for Factory Lighting

Lighting in a factory directly affects workplace safety, error rates and worker comfort. Too little light raises the risk of errors and accidents; too much shows up on the electricity bill every month. The right starting point is setting a target light level (lux) based on the task being performed.

Reference light levels by area

For indoor workplaces, the TS EN 12464-1 standard recommends average illuminance values by task type. The current standard table should be used as the basis for your project; typical references are as follows:

• Storage areas and rack aisles: roughly 100–200 lx
• Packing, shipping and handling areas: roughly 300 lx
• Rough assembly and general production: roughly 300 lx
• Medium-precision assembly and processing: roughly 500 lx
• Fine assembly, quality control: 750 lx and above

Alongside the average value, uniformity (ratio of the darkest point to the average), glare and colour rendering (CRI) also matter. For quality control in particular, a CRI of 80 or above is preferred.

Ceiling height and luminaire type

As ceiling height increases, luminaire power and beam angle change together. In high-ceilinged halls, narrow-beam optics carry light down to the working plane; in low-ceilinged spaces, a wide beam gives a more even result. For the factory's outdoor yard, loading dock and storage area, IP66-rated LED floodlights are used.

Three practical steps for energy savings

• Choose a high-efficacy luminaire: fewer watts for the same light (Asso's standard is 135 lm/W).
• Separate your zones: don't light the warehouse and the production area to the same level.
• Use dimming and sensors: adjust with DALI or 1-10V based on shift pattern and daylight.

The difference of buying from the manufacturer

In large-floor-area facilities, the luminaire count is high, so a small difference in unit price adds up across the total. Asso manufactures its luminaires at our plant in Kocaeli; quotes are prepared at the factory-direct price, with the unit price stepping down as quantity rises. Send us your area measurements and we'll add the lighting calculation free of charge.