Question: Our building has been fitted with an abundance of fittings resulting in areas that are over illuminated. Does every socket require a globe?
We are a strata of 24 units. The building is to C3 standards. According to Australian Standard Lux levels, the required level of lighting is 40 to 100 lux.
The building has been fitted with an abundance of fittings, which if all are fitted with globes the area is over illuminated.
Do all fittings require globes for any legal reason?
Answer: The level of lighting required essentially depends upon the functions to be performed in the space that is to be illuminated.
Lighting is quite a complex issue.
Light emission decreases exponentially over distance, so at 1m from a light you will have one level of light and at 2m you may have half that.
The level of lighting required essentially depends upon the functions to be performed in the space that is to be illuminated.
Safe movement or orientation sits towards the bottom end of the scale and tasks requiring fine manipulation such as jewellery making sits towards the other.
Many spaces have multiple designations so it would be a must to obtain original documentation as to the levels and uses approved before making any changes.
In this instance we would assume that the lighting was approved with the current level of lighting and that altering it will have consequences from a safety and a legal standpoint.
We would recommend more energy efficient lighting and/or sensors be considered if the goal is to conserve energy and reduce cost.
Dimming the current level of light without a thorough understanding of what was approved or what the new lighting level will be, should be avoided.
I trust that the above is of assistance, if there are any further queries please let me know.
QIA Group E: info@qiagroup.com.au P: 1300 309 201