What Is a Light Meter Used For?

Light Meters are valuable tools that measure light intensity in lux output – but what are they used for? This article details some of the most popular applications for light meters.

What Is a Light Meter?

A light meter is a highly sensitive piece of equipment designed to measure the amount of light either falling on a surface (incident light) or reflected from a surface (reflective light).

What Is a Light Meter Used For?

There is a wide range of uses of light meters across many applications and industries. Below we have listed four key examples:

1. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S): One of the most common uses for light meters is OH&S. Lighting in general work areas must be adequate for tasks to be performed safely; this means light must not be too bright and not too dim. In Australia, the recommended lux value for general working areas is 160. Although some areas require more lighting, office area lighting should be within 320-400 lux. Access areas, stairs, specific areas and emergency lighting also have minimum recommended values for OH&S.
2. Public Spaces: Public areas such as parks, car parks and streets must be illuminated adequately to create a safe environment, and well-lit spaces can also act as a crime and vandalism deterrent.
3. Construction, Engineering and Architecture: Light meters help builders and architects decide on window or skylight placement when constructing or remodelling. Light meters are a helpful tool when selecting suitable lighting fixtures for finished homes.
4. Photography: Photographers use incident or reflective light measurements gathered by a light meter to select the most beneficial f/stop and shutter speed on their camera based on the subject and current lighting conditions.

Light Meter Examples

Our scientists have assembled a cross-section of product examples suitable for various applications to highlight the extensive range of light meters on offer.

Digital Light Meter Product code: IC1587LM The IC1587LM is a small and budget-friendly light meter suitable for many everyday lighting assessments. Applications: Photography, architectural, engineering and construction applications Top 5 Features: Automatic zeroing Data hold Fast measurement rate of 1.5 times per second Large 3.5 digit readout; and Separate photodetector on the end of a 1m curly cord. Measuring Range: 0.1 to 50,000 Lux.

Professional Digital Light Meter Product code: IC1584LM   The IC1584LM professional light meter is brimming with user-friendly features making it an essential tool for any lighting technician's arsenal. Applications: Compatible with LED lighting, the IC1584LM can measure light levels in office buildings, retail stores and photography. Top 5 Features: User-selectable scales Data hold function View minimum and maximum recorded lux readings Extra-large backlit display; and A long-life silicon diode sensor. Measuring Range: 0 to 400000lux.

Testboy TV 335 Digital LED/Lux Meter Product code: IC-TTV-335 The IC-TTV-335 boasts an incredible measurement range of up to 400,000 lux. It is suitable for determining the light strength of LED lighting due to its photodiodes that are sensitive to artificial light.   Applications: The IC-TTV-335 is designed for measuring indoor artificial lighting. Perfect for offices, construction and public spaces.   Top 5 Features: Photodiodes sensitive to artificial light (e.g. LED lighting) Adjustable colour temperature Included sensor cover Data hold function; and Extra-large, detailed LCD screen   Measuring Range: 20 lx, 200 lx, 2000 lx, 20000 lx, 400000 lx 20 fc, 200 fc, 2000 fc, 40000 fc 0~ 999900 cd.

Testo 440 Lux Kit Product code: IC-0563-4402 The Testo 440 Lux Kit is the professionals choice for measuring Lux levels within workplaces.   Applications: The Testo 440 kit is ideal for measuring the illuminance in workplaces, such as offices, production areas, hospitals, public spaces, museums and schools.   Top 5 Features: Standard-compliant: accuracy to DIN EN 13032-1 and class C according to DIN 5032-7 Suitable for all standard lamps and light sources, including white or warm light LEDs Measurement data memory for up to 7500 measurement protocols Data can be read via a USB port and further processed as a CSV file on the computer (e.g. with Excel); and Intuitive menu-driven interface.   Measuring Range: 0 to +100000 lux.

Conclusion: What Is a Light Meter Used For?

Light meters measure light levels for applications in industries like; health and safety, ensuring adequate lighting in workspaces, making lighting decisions for building design and construction, and photography to get the perfect shot.

Browse all light meters here

Want more information on any of the products listed above? Need assistance or advice to help you choose the best light meter for your application? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.