Lighting power Density for different applications

Published by firstgreen on

Lighting is an essential aspect of any building’s design, and it plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable, safe, and productive environment for the occupants. One of the most important factors to consider when designing a lighting system is the lighting power density (LPD), which refers to the amount of power used per unit of floor area.

Different types of buildings have different lighting requirements, and LPD can vary widely depending on the application. For example, an office building typically requires an LPD of 7.60 W/m2, while a warehouse may only require an LPD of 5.70 W/m2. Understanding these requirements is essential to designing an efficient lighting system that meets the needs of the space while minimizing energy consumption.

Let’s take a closer look at LPD requirements for various building types and applications:

Office Buildings: Offices require a balance of ambient and task lighting to create a comfortable working environment. An LPD of 7.60 W/m2 is typically sufficient for most office spaces.

Hospitals: In hospitals, lighting plays a critical role in patient care and recovery. An LPD of 7.80 W/m2 is recommended for hospitals to ensure adequate lighting for patient rooms, exam rooms, and surgical suites.

Hotels: Hotels require a variety of lighting options, including ambient lighting in guest rooms and task lighting in conference rooms and restaurants. An LPD of 7.60 W/m2 is typically sufficient for most hotel spaces.

Shopping Malls: Large, open spaces such as shopping malls require a higher LPD to ensure adequate lighting throughout the space. An LPD of 11.3 W/m2 is recommended for shopping malls.

Universities and Schools: Educational facilities require a variety of lighting options for classrooms, lecture halls, and study areas. An LPD of 9.00 W/m2 is typically sufficient for most educational spaces.

Libraries: Libraries require a higher LPD to ensure adequate lighting for reading areas and book stacks. An LPD of 9.80 W/m2 is recommended for libraries.

Dining: Restaurants and dining areas require a variety of lighting options, including ambient lighting and task lighting for food preparation areas. LPD requirements vary depending on the type of dining establishment, with bar lounges and leisure areas requiring an LPD of 9.80 W/m2, cafeterias and fast food restaurants requiring an LPD of 9.20 W/m2, and family restaurants requiring an LPD of 8.70 W/m2.

Dormitories: Dormitories require a lower LPD than other types of buildings since they are primarily used for sleeping and studying. An LPD of 7.30 W/m2 is typically sufficient for most dormitory spaces.

Fire Stations and Police Stations: Emergency services buildings require a balance of ambient and task lighting to ensure safety and efficiency. An LPD of 7.80 W/m2 is recommended for both fire stations and police stations.

Gymnasiums: Gymnasiums require a higher LPD to ensure adequate lighting for sports activities. An LPD of 8.00 W/m2 is recommended for gymnasiums.

Manufacturing Facilities: Manufacturing facilities require a higher LPD to ensure adequate lighting for workers and machinery. An LPD of 9.60 W/m2 is recommended for manufacturing facilities.

Parking Garages: Parking garages require a lower LPD than other types of buildings since they are not typically used for extended periods of time. An LPD of 2.40 W/m2 is typically sufficient for most parking garage spaces.

Here is a table summarizing the LPD requirements for different building area types:

Building Area TypeLPD (W/m2)
Office Building7.60
Hospitals7.80
Hotels7.60
Shopping Mall11.3
University and Schools9.00
Library9.80
Dining: bar lounge/leisure9.80
Dining: cafeteria/fast food9.20
Dining: family8.70
Dormitory7.30
Fire station7.80
Gymnasium8.00
Manufacturing facility9.60
Parking garage2.40
Motion picture theater7.50
Museum8.20
Post office8.40
Religious building9.60
Sports arena7.80
Transportation7.40
Warehouse5.70
Performing arts theater13.0
Police station7.90
Workshop11.3
Automotive facility7.20
Convention center10.0

In conclusion, understanding LPD requirements is essential to designing an efficient lighting system that meets the needs of the space while minimizing energy consumption. By choosing the right LPD for each application, building owners