Efficient use of light

Press, 9 April 1980, Page 14

Efficient use of light

Since time began, man always has been improving, his knowledge and, by inventing light, . has given us . a service which adds to. the decor of any home. ' ..■■ The following list ptit-s lines where lighting is used in and around the home: •.• ‘ .-' - ‘ f 1. OUTDOOR: Becoming very important are lights for security, as well as barbecues, the garden, terraces,' swimming pools, steps, paths and drives. 2. ENTRANCE: Exterior, 3. ENTRY: Foyers, planters. 4. STAIRS: Hall, tread,

handrails. 5. LOUNGE: Entertaining, reading, paintings. 6. DINING. 7. FAMILY: . Bar, reading, sewing, study. 8. RUMPUS ROOM: Table tennis, billiards, ■' darts, storage cupboard. 9. KITCHEN: Pantry, range hoods. 10. BEDROOM: Dressing room, table. 11. BATHROOM: Toilets, showers, laundry. 12. GARAGE: Workshop, storage, attic light. In many instances, when planning and costing a new home, the electrician’s wiring for lights

and power outlets is one of the last items considered and it is at this point that the budget is almost exhausted. Too often, the electrical installation suffers as a result. This is one item which, if economy has been made in the planning stage, always results in expensive costs to provide adequate lighting and power facilities at a later date — this is false economy. A sufficient number of power outlets for any home is: kitchen 5, dining 2, lounge 6, bedroom one 3, bedroom two 2, bedroom three 2, study 1, stairs 1, hall 1, garage 1, entry foyer 1, workshop 2, pantry 1, family 4, rumpus 4,

You can check your 11 g ht i n g requirements against expert lighting plans and see what your needs really are. The money spent would be efficiently used and your home more comfortable and efficient. The amount of light falling on work being done or the surface being lit usually is still measured by light units or Lumens per square foot.

This does not necessarily mean the wattage used — the further away a surface is, the less Lumens per square foot it gets. Bright sunlight gives about 10,000 Lumens a sq ft, moonlight about .02 Lumens.

(The above information and pictures were supplied by courtesy of La Lumiere and the M.E.D.) f