Ligthing Lecture
Ligthing Lecture
The lighting system in a building is a crucial component of its utilities, contributing to both
functionality and aesthetics. Modern lighting systems are designed to be energy-efficient, customizable,
and user-friendly. Here are key aspects of a building lighting system:
I. History
The history of lighting systems is a journey that spans thousands of years, from the earliest use of fire
to the sophisticated lighting technologies of today. Here's a brief overview of key milestones in the
history of lighting:
Prehistoric Times:
Fire: The earliest form of artificial lighting was fire, created by burning wood, leaves, or other materials.
This provided warmth and light but was uncontrollable and posed significant safety risks.
Ancient Lamps:
Clay Oil Lamps: Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, used simple clay lamps filled with
olive oil. These lamps had a wick that absorbed the oil and provided a more controlled flame.
Middle Ages:
Candles: Beeswax and tallow candles became common in the Middle Ages. They offered a more stable
and controlled source of light than open flames.
17th Century:
Oil Lamps: More advanced oil lamps with glass chimneys were developed, improving the control of the
flame. Whale oil and other animal fats were commonly used as fuel.
18th Century:
Gas Lighting: The concept of using gas for illumination emerged. William Murdoch is credited with the
invention of gas lighting in the late 18th century. Early gas lamps were used in factories, streets, and
some homes.
19th Century:
Introduction of Kerosene: The use of kerosene as a lamp fuel became widespread, providing a more
affordable and accessible alternative to whale oil and other expensive fuels.
Electric Lighting: Thomas Edison is credited with the invention of the practical incandescent light bulb in
1879. This marked the beginning of widespread electric lighting. The Pearl Street Power Station, built by
Edison in 1882, was one of the first centralized power plants to provide electricity to customers.
Mid-20th Century:
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): The development of CFLs brought greater energy efficiency to
homes and businesses.
LED Lighting: Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has become the dominant form of lighting in the
21st century. LEDs are highly energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile, making them suitable for
various applications.
In recent years, smart lighting systems have emerged, integrating lighting with automation and control
technologies. These systems allow users to adjust lighting levels, colors, and schedules through smart
devices.
II. TERMINOLOGY
Lumens (lm): A measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source. It quantifies the
brightness of a light source.
Lux (lx): The unit of illuminance, measuring the amount of light that falls on a surface. One lux is equal to
one lumen per square meter.
Illuminance: The amount of light that strikes a surface, typically measured in lux or footcandles.
Candela (cd): The unit of luminous intensity, measuring the amount of light emitted in a particular
direction.
Color Temperature (Kelvin, K): A numerical scale indicating the color appearance of light. Lower Kelvin
temperatures (e.g., 2700K) appear warm (more yellow), while higher temperatures (e.g., 5000K) appear
cool (more blue).
Color Rendering Index (CRI): A quantitative measure of a light source's ability to accurately render colors
compared to a reference light source. The scale is from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better
color rendering.
Incandescent Bulb: A traditional light source that produces light by heating a filament until it becomes
white-hot.
Fluorescent Lamp: A type of gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor, producing
ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating inside the lamp to emit visible light.
LED (Light-Emitting Diode): A semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is applied.
LEDs are highly energy-efficient and long-lasting.
Luminaire: A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, along with the parts designed to
distribute the light, position and protect the lamps, and connect the lamps to the power supply.
Downlight: A luminaire that directs light downward, typically recessed into a ceiling.
Task Lighting: Lighting designed for a specific activity or task, such as reading or cooking.
Accent Lighting: Lighting that emphasizes a particular object or area, often used for decorative purposes.
Dimmer: A device that allows the user to adjust the intensity of the light.
Footcandle (fc): A unit of illuminance, representing the amount of light falling on a one-square-foot
surface one foot away from a uniform point source of light.
Watt (W): The unit of electrical power, indicating the rate at which energy is consumed.
Daylight Harvesting: A lighting control strategy that adjusts artificial lighting based on available natural
light to optimize energy efficiency.
Lumen Maintenance: The rate at which a light source's brightness decreases over time.
Glare: Excessive brightness or contrast in a visual field that can cause discomfort or visual impairment.
Light Pollution: Excessive or misdirected artificial light that brightens the night sky and has negative
effects on the environment and human health.
Emergency Lighting: Lighting that automatically turns on during a power outage or emergency situation
to guide occupants to safety.
Light sources are devices that emit visible light, providing illumination for various applications.
The development of different light sources has evolved over time, from the early use of flames to
modern, energy-efficient technologies. Here's a detailed explanation of various light sources:
a. Incandescent Bulbs:
Operation: Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a tungsten filament until it becomes white-hot
and emits visible light. The bulb is filled with an inert gas to prevent the filament from oxidizing.
Color Temperature: Incandescent bulbs typically emit warm light with a color temperature around
2700K.
b. Fluorescent Lamps:
Operation: Fluorescent lamps use a gas-discharge process. Electricity excites mercury vapor, producing
ultraviolet light. This UV light interacts with phosphor coating inside the tube, emitting visible light.
Efficiency: More energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs but less so than LED.
Applications: Widely used in commercial and residential settings, especially for ambient lighting.
Operation: LEDs emit light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor material. The color
of the light depends on the materials used.
Color Temperature: Available in a wide range of color temperatures, offering flexibility in lighting design.
Efficiency: Highly energy-efficient, with longer lifespans compared to other technologies. Produce
minimal heat.
Applications: Versatile and used in various applications, including residential, commercial, automotive,
and outdoor lighting.
Types: Includes mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium lamps.
Operation: HID lamps generate light by creating an electrical arc between electrodes in a gas-filled tube.
Color Temperature: Varies by type, with metal halide lamps having a higher color temperature than
high-pressure sodium lamps.
Efficiency: Generally more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, but less so than LEDs.
Applications: Used for outdoor lighting, sports arenas, and large indoor spaces.
e. Halogen Lamps:
Operation: Similar to incandescent bulbs but with a tungsten filament enclosed in a halogen gas-filled
envelope. The halogen cycle allows for higher efficiency and longer life.
Operation: Miniaturized version of traditional fluorescent lamps, using similar gas-discharge principles.
Color Temperature: Available in various color temperatures, including warm and cool options.
Efficiency: More energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs but has largely been replaced by LEDs in
recent years.
Operation: Emit light through organic compounds when an electric current is applied. OLEDs are often
used in flat-panel displays and lighting applications.
Efficiency: OLEDs offer good energy efficiency and can produce thin, flexible panels.
Lighting control systems are intelligent networks or devices designed to manage the operation
and performance of lighting fixtures in a building or space. These systems offer a wide range of
functionalities, providing users with the ability to customize and optimize lighting conditions for energy
efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics. Here's a more detailed explanation of lighting control systems:
A. Manual Switches:
Description: The most basic form of lighting control involves manual switches that allow users to turn
lights on or off. This simple control method is often used in residential and small commercial settings.
Dimmer Switches:
Description: Dimmer switches enable users to adjust the brightness levels of lighting fixtures. This not
only allows for customization of ambiance but also contributes to energy savings when full brightness is
not required.
Types: Analog dimmers and digital dimmers are common, with digital dimmers providing more precise
control.
B. Occupancy Sensors:
Description: Occupancy sensors detect the presence or absence of people in a space and automatically
turn lights on when occupants are detected and off when the space is unoccupied. These sensors
contribute to energy savings by eliminating the need for manual control.
Applications: Commonly used in offices, conference rooms, restrooms, and other spaces with
intermittent occupancy.
C. Daylight Sensors:
Description: Daylight sensors (or photoresistors) measure the amount of natural light in a space. They
adjust artificial lighting levels accordingly to maintain a consistent overall light level and maximize
energy efficiency.
Applications: Often used in spaces with ample natural light, such as offices with large windows.
D. Timer-Based Controls:
Description: Timer-based controls allow users to schedule when lights should be turned on or off. This is
useful for automating lighting based on daily or weekly routines, improving energy efficiency.
Applications: Common in outdoor lighting, landscape lighting, and certain indoor applications.
Description: Smart lighting systems leverage advanced technologies and connectivity to offer users
centralized control and automation. These systems can be managed through smartphones, tablets, or
dedicated control panels.
Features:
Remote Control: Allows users to control lights from anywhere with an internet connection.
Scene Control: Presets for different lighting scenarios (e.g., "movie night," "reading") that users can
activate with a single command.
Integration with Other Systems: Often part of a broader home or building automation system,
integrating with security, climate control, and other systems.
Description: Centralized control systems manage lighting across an entire building or facility from a
centralized location. These systems offer extensive control capabilities and are often integrated with
other building automation functions.
Features:
Centralized Programming: Allows for uniform control and programming of all lighting zones.
Energy Management: Monitors and optimizes energy usage based on occupancy and daylight
conditions.
Description: Systems that allow users to adjust the color temperature of light fixtures, simulating
different times of day or creating specific atmospheres.
V. Lighting fixtures
Lighting fixtures are devices that house and protect light sources while directing and distributing the
emitted light to achieve specific illumination goals. These fixtures come in various shapes, sizes, and
designs, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Here's an overview of different types of lighting
fixtures:
A. Ceiling Fixtures:
1. Chandeliers: Hanging decorative fixtures often with multiple arms or branches, adorned with
crystals or decorative elements.
2. Pendants: Suspended from the ceiling with a single chain, rod, or cord. Versatile in design and
commonly used for task and ambient lighting.
3. Flush Mounts: Mounted directly to the ceiling, providing a low-profile option suitable for spaces
with lower ceilings.3
B. Wall-Mounted Fixtures:
1. Sconces: Fixtures attached to walls that direct light upward or downward. Used for accent
lighting or to enhance ambient lighting.
2. Recessed Lighting:
Recessed Cans or Downlights: Installed into the ceiling, creating a clean and unobtrusive look.
Used for general, task, or accent lighting.
3. Track Lighting:
a. Track Fixtures: Linear tracks with adjustable fixtures, allowing for flexibility in directing light.
Suitable for accent lighting and highlighting specific areas.
b. Under-Cabinet Lighting:
Strip Lights or Puck Lights: Installed beneath cabinets for task lighting in kitchens or other
workspaces.
G. Fiber Optic Fixtures: Use fiber optic cables to transmit light, often used for decorative or starry
effects.
1. LED Strip Lights: Flexible strips with integrated LEDs, suitable for decorative or accent lighting.
I. Linear Suspended Fixtures: Long, horizontal fixtures often used for modern and architectural lighting
designs.
Energy efficiency in lighting systems is a critical consideration as lighting accounts for a significant
portion of energy consumption in buildings. Implementing energy-efficient lighting solutions not only
reduces electricity bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas
emissions.
A. LED Lighting:
Description: Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is highly energy-efficient, producing more light
per watt compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting. LEDs have longer lifespans
and are available in various color temperatures.
Benefits: Reduced energy consumption, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance costs.
Description: Implementing smart lighting controls, including occupancy sensors, daylight sensors,
and dimmers, allows for dynamic adjustment of lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light
conditions.
Benefits: Reduced energy waste by turning off or dimming lights when not needed.
C. Daylight Harvesting:
Description: Integrating sensors and controls to adjust artificial lighting levels based on the
availability of natural daylight. This ensures that lights are only on when additional illumination is
necessary.
Benefits: Lower energy consumption, enhanced comfort, and improved connection to the natural
environment.
Description: Centralized control systems that automate the operation of lighting based on
schedules, occupancy, and user preferences. These systems can integrate with other building
automation systems.
Benefits: Efficient management of lighting, optimization of energy use, and increased overall
building efficiency.
Description: Upgrading to high-efficiency ballasts and drivers in fluorescent and LED lighting
systems. Electronic ballasts are more energy-efficient than magnetic ballasts.
F. Energy-Efficient Lamps:
Description: Choosing energy-efficient lamp types, such as T8 or T5 fluorescent lamps over T12
lamps. These lamps provide the same or higher light output with lower energy consumption.
Benefits: Reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and improved lighting quality.
Benefits: Cost-effective transition to LED technology, reduced energy consumption, and improved
lighting quality.
H. Task Lighting:
Description: Providing task lighting for specific work areas rather than relying on general overhead
lighting. This allows users to illuminate only the areas where light is needed.
Description: Carefully planning the placement and type of lighting fixtures to ensure optimal light
distribution and coverage. Avoiding overlighting or underlighting areas.
Benefits: Improved visual comfort, reduced energy waste, and enhanced aesthetics.
Description: Using LED fixtures for outdoor lighting applications, such as streetlights and security
lighting. Incorporating motion sensors and timers to control outdoor lighting.
K. Occupancy Sensors:
Description: Installing occupancy sensors that automatically turn lights on when a space is occupied
and off when it is vacant.
Benefits: Reduced energy consumption in spaces with variable occupancy, such as conference
rooms and restrooms.
Description: Upgrading street lighting to LED technology, which provides better visibility, reduces
light pollution, and consumes less energy.
Benefits: Lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and improved safety on roadways.
Lighting Maintenance:
Description: Regularly cleaning fixtures, replacing faulty lamps promptly, and ensuring proper
maintenance of lighting controls to optimize system performance.
Benefits: Sustained energy efficiency, extended equipment lifespan, and improved lighting quality.
Description: Installing LED or other energy-efficient exit signs to replace incandescent signs. LED exit
signs use less energy and have longer lifespans.
Benefits: Lower energy consumption and reduced maintenance costs.
Benefits: Enhanced energy savings through behavioral changes and increased engagement in
sustainability efforts.
Maintenance and monitoring are crucial aspects of managing lighting systems in building
utilities. Regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and the use of automated monitoring
systems contribute to the efficient operation, safety, and longevity of the lighting infrastructure.
Here's an overview of these practices:
A. Regular Inspections:
Description: Scheduled visual inspections of the lighting system components, including fixtures,
wiring, controls, and emergency lighting.
Key Activities:
B. Preventive Maintenance:
Description: Proactive measures taken to prevent potential issues or breakdowns in the lighting
system.
Key Activities:
Lubricating moving parts, such as in adjustable fixtures or motors for automated systems.
Checking and replacing aging or failing components before they cause problems.
Key Activities:
Following manufacturers' recommendations for the replacement of lamps and other consumables.
Key Activities:
Using occupancy sensors to detect and report occupancy in spaces, optimizing lighting control.
Employing light level sensors to adjust artificial lighting based on natural light availability (daylight
harvesting).
Implementing smart lighting systems that provide real-time data on energy usage, system health,
and user behavior.
Utilizing building automation systems to integrate lighting with other building systems for holistic
monitoring.
Description: Integration of systems that can detect faults or inefficiencies and automatically report
them to maintenance personnel or building management systems.
Key Activities:
Implementing sensors that can detect issues such as lamp failure, ballast malfunctions, or wiring
problems.
Connecting lighting systems to central building management systems for remote monitoring.
Utilizing software solutions that provide alerts and notifications for maintenance teams.
Description: Monitoring and analyzing energy consumption patterns to identify opportunities for
energy savings and efficiency improvements.
Key Activities:
Tracking energy usage by individual fixtures or zones.
Description: Providing training to building occupants on proper use of lighting controls and
encouraging energy-efficient behaviors.
Key Activities:
Conducting educational sessions on the benefits of energy efficiency and responsible lighting
practices.
Description: Maintaining comprehensive records of the lighting system, including installation details,
maintenance history, and upgrades.
Key Activities:
Description: Ensuring that the lighting system complies with relevant safety and energy efficiency
standards and regulations.
Key Activities:
Regularly reviewing and updating the lighting system to meet current standards.
Description: Periodic testing of emergency lighting systems to ensure they function correctly during
power outages or emergencies.
Key Activities:
Performing annual full-duration tests to ensure batteries can sustain the emergency lighting load.
Integration with building automation is a key strategy for managing lighting systems
efficiently and holistically within a building. By integrating lighting with other building systems through
centralized control, energy management systems, and data analytics, organizations can optimize energy
use, enhance occupant comfort, and achieve cost savings. Here's an overview of how integration with
building automation can be implemented:
A. Centralized Control:
Description: Centralized control systems allow users to manage lighting, HVAC, security, and other
building systems from a single interface.
Key Features:
Integration with other building systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and
security.
Description: Energy management systems are software solutions that monitor, control, and optimize
the energy consumption of building systems, including lighting.
Key Features:
Demand response capabilities to adjust lighting based on energy demand and pricing.
C. Data Analytics:
Description: Analyzing data collected from various building systems, including lighting, to gain
insights into usage patterns and trends.
Key Features:
Key Features:
E. Daylight Harvesting:
Description: Integrating daylight harvesting systems with building automation to optimize natural
light usage and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
Key Features:
Description: Coordinating lighting and HVAC systems to enhance overall energy efficiency.
Key Features:
Joint optimization strategies, such as adjusting lighting levels based on HVAC load and vice versa.
Key Features:
Description: Real-time monitoring of lighting system performance with automated alerts for
potential issues.
Key Features:
Predictive analytics to anticipate and address potential issues before they impact operations.
Description: Providing a user-friendly interface for building operators to monitor and control lighting
and other systems.
Key Features:
Description: Integration with broader building management systems that oversee multiple building
functions.
Key Features:
Centralized control and coordination of lighting, HVAC, security, and other systems.
A. Building Codes:
1. Adherence to Local Regulations: Compliance with local building codes and regulations is
essential to ensure the safety, functionality, and sustainability of lighting systems. Building codes
often cover various aspects of construction, including electrical systems and lighting design.
2. Fixture Placement and Mounting: Building codes specify requirements for the placement and
mounting of fixtures to ensure proper illumination and safety.
3. Emergency Lighting: Regulations often mandate the installation of emergency lighting systems
to provide illumination during power outages or emergencies.
4. Wiring and Electrical Safety: Compliance with wiring and electrical safety standards is crucial to
prevent fire hazards and ensure the safe operation of lighting systems.
VII. Sustainability:
Sustainability in lighting design involves incorporating practices and features that reduce
the environmental impact of lighting systems.
A. Use of Recyclable Materials:
Description: Sustainable lighting design considers the materials used in fixtures, aiming for
environmentally friendly options and promoting recyclability.
Key Practices:
Recyclable Metals: Choose fixtures made from recyclable metals such as aluminum or steel. These
materials can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.
Plastic Alternatives: Explore fixtures that use recycled or recyclable plastics. Some manufacturers
offer fixtures made from bio-based or recycled materials.
Cradle-to-Cradle Design: Design fixtures with the end of life in mind, considering the ease of
disassembly and recycling. Cradle-to-cradle design principles focus on creating products that can be
fully recycled or repurposed.
B. Energy-Efficient Design:
Description: Designing lighting systems to minimize energy consumption and reduce the overall
environmental impact.
Key Practices:
1. LED Technology: Choose light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures, which are energy-efficient and have a
longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting technologies.
2. Smart Lighting Controls: Implement smart lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors, daylight
harvesting, and dimming systems, to optimize lighting levels based on usage and natural light
availability.
3. Energy-Efficient Lamps: Select energy-efficient lamps, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
or LEDs, that provide the same or better illumination as traditional incandescent bulbs with lower
energy consumption.
4. Lighting Automation: Integrate lighting with building automation systems to optimize energy use
based on occupancy, time of day, and user preferences.
5. Energy Star Certification: Choose fixtures and components with Energy Star certification,
indicating compliance with energy efficiency standards.
In the Philippines has been working on various initiatives and regulations to improve energy
efficiency. Please note that regulations and standards can change, so it's advisable to check with
local authorities or official sources for the latest information.
Description: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, signed into law in April 2019, aims to
institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation standards in the country.
Key Points:
Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Standards and Labeling Program to set minimum
energy performance standards for appliances and equipment.
Key Points:
Includes initiatives to improve energy efficiency in industries through the adoption of energy
management systems and best practices.
Description: The DOE in the Philippines has been working on establishing MEPS for various
appliances and equipment to ensure that they meet minimum energy efficiency requirements.
Key Points:
MEPS are designed to eliminate inefficient products from the market and encourage the adoption of
energy-efficient technologies.
Description: The DOE has been working on implementing an Energy Standards and Labeling Program
to provide consumers with information about the energy performance of appliances and
equipment.
Key Points:
The program includes the labeling of appliances with energy efficiency ratings to help consumers
make informed choices.
Description: While not specifically focused on energy efficiency standards, the NREP in the
Philippines aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's energy mix. The
promotion of renewable energy contributes to overall energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
Identify the primary purpose of each space within the building. Different areas may have unique
lighting requirements based on their function (e.g., offices, conference rooms, retail spaces,
residential areas).
Consider the activities that will take place in each space, as this will influence the type and intensity
of lighting needed.
Consider natural lighting sources and integrate them into the design where possible.
Establish goals for the lighting design, such as energy efficiency, visual comfort, and compliance with
regulations.
Define objectives related to the atmosphere and mood desired for each space.
Take into account the preferences and needs of the building occupants.
Consider adjustable lighting options in spaces where users may have individual preferences (e.g.,
dimmers in offices or residential areas).
Create a lighting plan that outlines the placement and type of fixtures for each space.
Consider the balance between ambient, task, and accent lighting based on the activities in each
area.
Ensure even illumination throughout spaces to minimize shadows and create a visually comfortable
environment.
Select light sources that align with the design goals and provide the desired color rendering.
Consider energy-efficient options such as LED fixtures, which offer long lifespans and lower energy
consumption compared to traditional sources.
Use occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and timers to automatically adjust lighting levels based on
occupancy and natural light availability.
Familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations related to lighting design, including
emergency lighting requirements and energy efficiency standards.
Ensure compliance with lighting-related standards to meet safety and performance criteria.
Divide the building into lighting zones to allow for customized control and flexibility.
Designate separate controls for different areas based on their usage patterns.
9. Consider Aesthetics:
Integrate lighting fixtures that complement the architectural style and interior design of the
building.
Make adjustments based on feedback, ensuring that the final design meets the intended objectives.
Create comprehensive documentation that includes the lighting plan, fixture specifications, control
system details, and any other relevant information.
Work with lighting designers, architects, and electrical engineers to ensure a comprehensive and
integrated approach to the lighting design.
Collaborate with stakeholders and seek input from building occupants throughout the design
process.
Implement a monitoring system to assess the performance of the lighting system over time.
Establish a maintenance plan to address any issues promptly and ensure the longevity of the lighting
infrastructure.