This web page allows you to convert the different illuminance units and answers the following questions in particular: What is the history of units of illuminance and when was the Lux proposed as the new unit of measurement? What are the different uses of units of illuminance and what units are primarily used in lighting design and energy-efficiency testing? What are some examples of reference and record values in the different units of measurement of illuminance? How can units of illuminance be converted, and what equations are used for converting Lux to Lumens per square meter, Foot-candles to Lux, and Lux to Kilolux? What is Millicandelas per meter^2, and what equations are used for converting Millicandelas to Lumens per square meter and Lux?
Measuring illuminance has been a practice for millennia, with the use of natural candles, tallow flames, and other light sources occurring in various cultures for centuries. It is believed that this first system of illuminance measurement was first developed in the 17th century, when the Candle was used as the primary unit of measure.
However, this system was inadequate due to the vast differences between natural and artificial candles, as well as their different qualities. In 1824, J.P.J. Gaunillet proposed the Lux as the new unit of measurement, which is still the international standard today.
Units of illuminance are used to measure the amount of light in a particular area or room, as well as to provide recommendations on the maximum or minimum level of light intensity for a particular purpose. Lux and foot-candles are primarily used in lighting design and energy-efficiency testing, while candelas and lumens are used to measure the total light output of a particular source. Photons/m2 are used for measuring solar radiation, and kilolux are commonly used for areas exposed to constant levels of light, such as stadiums and public spaces.
Below are 10 examples of reference or record values in the different units of measurement of Illuminance:
Converting units of Illuminance is relatively easy and can be done using various tools and software. For example, Lux can be converted to Lumens per square meter (lm/m2) using the following equation: Lux x.7 = lumens/m2. Similarly, Foot-candles can be converted to Lux using the following equation: Foot-candles x 10.764 = Lux. To convert from Lux to Kilolux, simply divide the Lux value by 1000.
Millicandelas per meter2 (mcd/m2) is a unit exclusively used to measure the level of brightness of an LED or any other light source. To convert Millicandelas to Lumens per square meter, use the following equation: Millicandela/Meter2 x.0929 = lumens/meter2. To convert from Millicandela/Meter2 to Lux, the equation is: Millicandela/Meter2 x.007295 = Lux.