Using a Lumen Meter

Most people don’t think about measuring the light output of a bulb. You just turn it on and hope that it illuminates what you want. For most homes, you don’t worry about the amount of light, but in businesses, in can be important. Think about a museum with valuable paintings that wants patrons to be able to catch the best view of the exhibit. A school that needs to provide ample lighting for each student while not overwhelming them with luminosity. Certain areas in a worksite also need sufficient lighting to be OSHA compliant. The instrument that measures light is a lumen meter, sold on this website.

 

Measuring Light

 

A lumen meter measures light. You may hear the words lux or foot-candle. Lux is the metric measure of light, while foot-candle is more American. More simply put, the amount of light one birthday candle shines one foot away from it is a foot-candle. Then, it gets trickier. The amount of light changes as you move closer to the candle or farther away. You can’t change the amount of light the candle gives off, but you can change the brightness by moving closer to it. It’s the same theory with lightbulbs. A lumen is the measure of light that gets to what you want.

 

When you’re a photographer, the amount of light that is used for exposure makes all the difference to your finished product. With a lumen meter, you can get accurate lighting measurements that let you know exactly if you have the right power. You can move lights around and adjust them to fit the time of day or effect that you’re looking for.

 

In a business, think about the amount of light you use in different areas. A stairwell may only need seven to 15 foot-candles, while a library may want 75 to 150. Because lights use electricity, having the right number of lights in a certain area will save you money on your electric bill. You can use a lumen meter to help you make sure you’re meeting safety requirements while saving energy and dollars. Remember to measure lumens between the lights, so that you get the least amount of lighting. That way, no matter where someone stands or works, you know that they’re getting the right amount of illumination.

 

Choosing a Lumen Meter

 

There are many inexpensive apps for your phone which help you measure lumens for a quick project. For professional use, you want a lumen meter which will stand up to the conditions under which you use it. You can get lumen meters which have Bluetooth or USB interfaces, letting you record the conditions while you’re taking photos or doing videography. You should choose a lumen meter that has been tested under stringent conditions for less error when you’re using it professionally. Make an investment in your business with a lumen meter to ensure you have enough light anywhere you are working. It’s a safety feature that many people don’t think about. But it can save money and cut down on unnecessary light and expenses.