Industrial Lighting: Safety & Precision
In manufacturing, lighting is a critical safety control. Avoid accidents, prevent strobing effects on machinery, and ensure precise inspection with compliant lux levels.
The Stroboscopic Danger
Critical Safety Warning
On manufacturing floors with rotating machinery (lathes, drills, fans), poor lighting can create a Stroboscopic Effect. This makes moving parts appear stationary, leading to severe amputations or fatalities.
Compliance requires high-frequency, flicker-free LED drivers to eliminate this risk.
Industrial Lux Levels (BS EN 12464-1)
| Task / Area | Lux (Ēm) | UGR | Ra (CRI) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouses / Storage | 100-200 lux | 25 | 60 | Vertical illuminance (racking) is key. |
| Rough Assembly Large parts, packing |
300 lux | 25 | 80 | General factory floor level. |
| Medium Assembly Engine assembly, machining |
500 lux | 22 | 80 | Standard workbench level. |
| Fine Assembly Electronics, small parts |
750 lux | 22 | 80 | Requires task lighting. |
| Precision / Inspection Colour matching, minute detail |
1000+ lux | 19 | 90 | Highest visual acuity required. |
Environment & Durability
Factories are harsh environments. Your lighting specification must account for:
-
IP Rating (Ingress Protection)
Dust and water resistance. IP65 is standard for dusty workshops or areas washed down with hoses.
-
IK Rating (Impact Protection)
Resistance to mechanical impact. IK08 or IK10 is needed where forklifts or flying debris are present.
-
Temperature
High bay lights near ceilings can overheat. Heat-dissipating heatsinks are vital for longevity.
-
Chemical Resistance
PMMA (Acrylic) diffusers are needed where cutting oils or chemicals might degrade standard Polycarbonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Maintenance Factor”?
In dusty factories, lights get dirty quickly, reducing output. When calculating lux, we use a lower Maintenance Factor (e.g., 0.65 instead of 0.8) to ensure that even when dirty, the lights still provide the required illumination.