Lighting Terms and Definitions

This list was assembled by Matthew R. Lack to be used as a reference by designers and engineers.  The material contained within is public domain so feel free to copy and distribute information at will.  If you find any errors, know of other terms that should be included or any comments in gerneral please email me.
 
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 
 
Absorptance (formerly Absorption factor) Ratio of the absorbed radiant or luminous flux to the incident flux.
Absorption Conversion of radiant energy to a different form of energy by interaction with matter.
Accommodation Focal adjustment of the eye, generally spontaneous, made for the purpose of obtaining maximum visual acuity at various distances.
Acrylic The generic term for a family of quality lightstabilized plastics used in making fixture diffusers and lenses.
Adaptation 1. The process by which the state of the visual system is modified according to the luminances or the color stimuli presented to it. 
2. The final state of the process.
Air-Handling A term applied to a recessed fixture which supplies or returns air to or from a room. This is usually accomplished through slots along the sides/ends of the fixture.
Ambient The surrounding environment of a device such as a fixture or ballast. It usually refers to temperature or sound conditions.
Angle of tilt see Tilt,angle of
Arc discharge (in a gas or vapor) Electric discharge characterized by a cathode fall that is small compared with that in a glow discharge.
Average illuminance (Eav) Over a surface. Illuminance averaged over the specified surface.
Average luminance coefficient (Q0) A measure for the lightness of a road surface being defined as the value of the luminance coefficient q averaged over a specified solid angle of light incidence.
Average Maximum Candlepower The average of the 10 highest readings in a floodlight beam.
Ballast A device which modifies incoming voltage and current to provide the circuit conditions necessary to start and operate electric discharge lamps ( flourescent and HID ).
Ballast Device used with discharge lamps for stabilizing the current in the discharge.
Beam axis The direction in the center of the solid angle which is bounded by directions having luminous intensities of 90% of the maximum intensity of a luminaire.
Beam efficiency The ratio of the flux emitted within the solid angle defined by the beam spread, to the bare lamp flux.
Beam Lumens The lumens contained within the beam spread of a floodlight.
Beam lumens of a projector The quantity of light contained in that part of the beam at which I = 1/2 Imax (Europe) or I = 1/10 Imax (USA).
Beam spread The angle (in the plane through the beam axis) over which the luminous intensity drops to a stated percentage of its peak intensity.
Beam Spread The vertical and horizontal displacement of the beam in degrees, bounded by the angle at which 10% of maximum candlepower occurs. ( Maximum candle-power is the highest intensity in the beam. )
Black body locus(Planckian locus) The line in a chromaticity diagram representing the chromaticity of full (or Planckian) radiators of different temperatures.
Black body(Planckian radiator) Thermal radiator that absorbs completely all incident radiation, whatever the wavelength, the direction of incidence or the polarization. This radiator has, for any wavelength, the maximum spectral concentration of radiant exitance at a given temperature.
Blended-light lamp Lamp containing in the same bulb a high-pressure mercury vapor discharge tube and an incandescent lamp filament connected in series. The bulb may be diffusing or coated with a fluorescent material. For example, the MLL lamp.
Brightness As commonly applied, brightness ( or luminance ) is the intensity of the sensation which results when viewing a surface or space which directs light into the eyes.
Brightness (the term luminosity is obsolete) Attribute of visual sensation according to which an area appears to emit more or less light. 
Note 
Brightness according to the definition is also an attribute of color. In British recommendations the term 'brightness' is now reserved to describe brightness of color; luminosity should be used in all other instances.
Candela Unit of luminous intensity.
Candlepower Luminous intensity.
Candlepower Distribution Curve A curve showing the variation of luminous intensity of a lamp or luminaire with angle.
Catenary arrangement Arrangement of road-lighting luminaires suspended with their main beam axes at right angles to the road axis.
Catenary luminaire Luminaire designed to be suspended from a cable with its main beam axis at right angles to the axis of the road.
Cavity An upper, lower or intermediate zone or region of a room designated as ceiling, floor or room cavity.
Cavity Ratio (CR) Geometric proportions of the ceiling, floor and room cavities.
Central arrangement see Twin-central arrangement
Chromaticity Color quality of a color stimulus definable by its chromaticity coordinates, or by its dominant (or complementary) wavelength and its excitation purity taken together.
Chromaticity diagram Plane diagram showing the result of mixtures of color stimuli, each chromaticity being represented unambiguously by a single point on the diagram.
CIE standard photometric observer Ideal observer having a relative spectral responsivity curve that conforms to the V(?) or to the V'(?) functions for photopic and scotopic vision, respectively, and that complies with the summation law implied in the definition of luminous flux.
Coefficient of Beam Utilization (CBU) The percentage of light from a fixture which reaches the seeing task. It is a function of the fixture, each having its own set of CU's for a wide range of the following factors: 1) Fixture efficiency, distribution and mounting height 2) Room proportions 3) Room-surface reflectances
Coffer Recessed panel or dome in ceiling.
Cold-start lamp(instant-start lamp, USA) Discharge lamp designed to start without preheating of the electrodes, for example 'TL'S fluorescent lamp.
Color appearance General expression for the color impression received when looking at a light source.
Color Rendering General expression for the effect of a light source on the color appearance of objects when compared with their color appearance under a reference light source.
Color rendering General expression for the effect of an illuminant on the color appearance of objects in conscious or subconscious comparison with their color appearance under a reference illuminant.
Color rendering index (Ra) of a light source Measure of the degree to which the psycho-physical colors of objects illuminated by the source conform to those of the same objects illuminated by a reference illuminant for specified conditions.
Color space Geometric representation of colors in space, usually of three dimensions.
Color temperature Temperature of the black body that emits radiation of the same chromaticity as the radiation considered. 
Unit Kelvin, K.
Color triangle see Chromaticity diagram
Cone Photoreceptors in the retina containing light­sensitive pigments capable of initiating the process of photopic vision.
Contrast Subjective assessment of the difference in appearance of two parts of a field of view seen simultaneously or successively. 
(See also Luminance contrast)
Contrast threshold see Threshold contrast
Control Luminaire characteristic, determined by the value of the specific luminaire index (SLI), that indicates the degree of glare control present. Luminaires are classified as being of limited, moderate, or tight control.
Cornice lighting Lighting system comprising light sources shielded by a panel parallel to the wall and attached to the ceiling, and distributing light over the wall.
Corrected specular factor (S1') A factor representing the degree of specular reflection of a wet road surface.
Correlated color temperature The temperature of the Planckian radiator whose perceived color most closely resembles that of a given stimulus at the same brightness and under specified viewing conditions. 
Unit Kelvin K.
Cosine law of incidence The law that states that illuminance at a point on a plane is proportional to the cosine of the angle of light incidence (the angle between the direction of the incident light and the normal to the plane). 

E = I/d2 cos

Cove lighting Lighting system comprising light sources shielded by a ledge or recess, and distributing light over the ceiling and upper wall.
Cross factor (CF) A luminaire characteristic that indicates the suitability of the luminaire for use under wet and foggy weather conditions.
Cutoff Angle (of a luminaire) The angle measured between the vertical axis and the first line of sight at which the bare source is not visible.
Depreciation factor (deprecated) The reciprocal of the maintenance factor.
Diffuse reflection Diffusion by reflection in which, on the macroscopic scale, there is no regular reflection.
Diffuse transmission Transmission in which, on the macroscopic scale, there is no regular transmission.
Diffused lighting Lighting in which the light on the working plane or on an object is not incident predominantly from a particular direction.
Diffuser Device used to alter the spatial distribution of radiation and depending essentially on the phenomenon of diffusion.
Diffuser The shielding portion of a fixture, made of plastic or glass, through which the light passes on its way to the seeing task.
Diffusion (scattering) Change of the spatial distribution of a beam of radiation when it is deviated in many directions by a surface or by a medium, without change of frequency of its monochromatic components.
Dimmer A device in the electrical circuit for varying the luminous flux from lamps in a lighting installation.
Direct flux On a surface. The luminous flux received by the surface direct from the luminaires of the installation.
Direct lighting Lighting by means of luminaires with a light distribution such that 90 to 100 per cent of the emitted luminous flux reaches the working plane direct, assuming that this plane is unbounded.
Direct ratio Of an interior lighting installation. The ratio of the direct flux on the working plane to the downward flux of the installation.
Directional lighting Lighting in which the light on the working plane or on an object is incident predominantly from a particular direction
Disability glare Glare that impairs the vision of objects without necessarily causing discomfort.
Discharge lamp Lamp in which the light is produced, directly or indirectly, by an electric discharge through a gas, a metal vapor, or a mixture of several gases and vapors.
Discomfort glare Glare that causes discomfort without necessarily impairing the vision of objects.
Dispersion 1. Phenomenon of the change in velocity of propagation of monochromatic radiations in a medium as a function of the frequency of these radiations. 
2. Property of a medium giving rise to this phenomenon.
Divergence of a beam The angular extent in a specified plane which contains all the radius vectors of the polar curve of luminous intensity having lengths greater than a specified fraction of the maximum. 
Note 
Commonly-used values of the specified fraction are 1/10 and 1/2. 
The divergence is then referred to as 'one-tenth peak divergence' or 'one-half peak divergence' respectively.
Downlight (downlighter) Small luminaire concentrating the light, usually recessed in the ceiling.
Downward light output ratio see Upward light output ratio
Drip-proof luminaire Luminaire so constructed that, when mounted in its designed position, it will withstand drops of water falling in a substantially vertical direction.
Driver stopping distance The total distance traveled while a vehicle is being brought to rest, measured from the position of the vehicle at the instant the driver has an opportunity to perceive that he should stop his vehicle.
Dustproof luminaire Luminaire so constructed that dust of specified nature and fineness cannot enter it when it is used in a dust-laden atmosphere.
Effective (road) width The horizontal distance between the vertical through a luminaire center and the kerb farthest from that luminaire.
Efficacy see Luminous efficacy
Efficacy The ratio of light from lamp to the electrical power (watts) consumed. Usually expressed in lumens per watt.
Efficiency The ratio of the light leaving a luminaire to that emitted by the lamp, or lamps, used therein.
Electric dischargein a gas The passage of an electric current through gases and vapors by the production and movement of charge carriers under the influence of an electric field. 
Note 
This results in the emission of electromagnetic radiation, which plays an essential part in all its applications in lighting.
Emergency lighting Lighting provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails.
Equivalent adaptation luminance That value of uniform luminance in front of an observer that would result in the same degree of perceptibility as with the actual prevailing non-uniform luminance distribution.
Equivalent Sphere Illumination (ESI) The amount of light in footcandles produced by a luminous sphere that will render the same "seeability" as the raw footcandles render the same task in the specific seeing environment under consideration.
Equivalent veiling luminance Luminance that has to be added, by superposition, to the luminance of both the adapting background and the object in order to make the luminance difference threshold in the absence of disability glare the same as that experienced in the presence of disability glare.
Escape lighting That part of emergency lighting provided to ensure that an escape route can be effectively identified and used in the case of failure of the normal lighting system.
Explosion Proof Luminaire A luminaire which is completely enclosed and capable of withstanding an explosion of a specific gas or vapor that may occur within it and preventing the ignition of a specific gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure by sparks, flashes or explosion of the gas or vapor within. It must operate at such an external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited.
Fixture The device which holds, protects and provides an optical system and power connections for the lamp(s).
Flameproof luminaire see Increased-safety luminaire
Flashed area Of a luminaire in a given direction. The area of the orthogonal projection of the luminous surface on a plane perpendicular to the specified direction.
Flicker Impression of fluctuating luminance or color.
Floodlight Projector designed for floodlighting, usually capable of being pointed in any direction and of weatherproof construction.
Fluorescence Photoluminescence that persists for an extremely short time after excitation.
Fluorescent lamp Discharge lamp of the low-pressure mercury type in which most of the light is emitted by a layer of fluorescent material excited by the ultraviolet radiation from the discharge. 
Note 
This term is most commonly applied to low­pressure tubular fluorescent lamps, for example 'TL', 'TL'D, 'TL'E lamps.
Fluorescent mercury lamp A high-pressure mercury lamp in which the light is produced partly by the mercury vapor and partly by a layer of fluorescent material on the inner surface of the outer bulb excited by the ultraviolet radiation of the discharge - for example: HPL-N, HPLR-N lamps.
Flux (Luminous Flux) The unit of light output.
Footcandle (fc) A quantitative unit for measuring illuminance. The illumination on a suface one foot square on which there is a uniformly distirbuted flux on one lumen.
Footlambert The unit of luminance equal to 1/Pi candle per sq. foot.
Full radiator see Planckian radiator
General lighting Substantially uniform lighting of an area without provision for special local requirements.
General Purpose Floodlight (GP) A weatherproof unit so constructed that the housing forms the reflecting surface. The assembly is enclosed by a cove glass.
Glare The sensation produced by luminance within the visual field that is significantly greater than the luminance to which the eyes are adapted.
Glare Condition of vision in which there is discomfort or a reduction in the ability to see significant objects, or both, due to an unsuitable distribution or range of luminance or to extreme contrasts in space or time.
Glare control mark Number denoting the degree to which discomfort glare is controlled.
Glare, Direct Glare resulting in reduced visual performance and visibility and often accompanied by discomfort.
Glare, Discomfort Glare producing discomfort. It does not necessarily interfere with visual performance or visibility.
Glow discharge Electric discharge in which the secondary emission from the cathode is much greater than the thermionic emission.
Goniophotometer Photometer for measuring the directional light distribution characteristics of sources or luminaires.
Grid (lay-in) A type of ceiling construction where the supporting members (inverted T's) are exposed, and the ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures are laid-in on the flanges of the T's.
Halide lamp see Metal halide lamp
Halogen lamp Gas-filled lamp containing a tungsten filament and a small proportion of halogens.
Hazardous Location An area where ignitable vapors or dust may cause a fire or explosion created by energy emitted from lighting or other electrical equipment.
Heat Extraction A type of recessed fixture with provisions for the return of room air through the fixture's lamp cavity, thus removing some of the heat generated by the lamps ballasts.
Heavy Duty Floodlight (HD) A weatherproof unit having a substantially constructed metal housing into which is placed a separate ant removable reflector. A weatherproof hinged door with cover glass encloses the assembly but provides an unobstructed light opening at least equal to the effective diameter of the reflector.
HID High Intensity Discharge lighting, including mercury vapor, metal halide and high pressure sodium light sources. Although low pressure sodium lamps are not HID sources, they are often included in the HID category.
High Bay Generally refers to industrial lighting where high mounting heights may be encountered. Many industrial HID type fixtures are called high bays.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) High Intensity Discharge lighting, including mercury vapor, metal halide and high pressure sodium light sources. Although low pressure sodium lamps are not HID sources, they are often included in the HID category.
High Mast Lighting Illumination of a large area by means of a group of luminaires which are designed to be mounted on the top of a high mast generally 60 feet or higher.
High-pressure mercury (vapor) lamp Mercury vapor lamp, with or without a coating of phosphor, in which during operation the partial pressure of the vapor is of the order of 105 Pa - for example: HPL and HPL-N lamps.
High-pressure sodium (vapour) lamp Sodium vapour lamp in which the partial pressure of the vapour during operation is of the order of 104 Pa - for example, SON and SON-T lamps.
Hot-start lamp see Preheat lamp
Hue Attribute of a visual sensation according to which an area appears to be similar to one of the perceived colors, red, yellow, green, and blue, or to a combination of two of them.
Ignitor see Starter
Illuminance The density of luminous flux on a surface. Measured in footcandles or lux. The former term for this quantity was illumination.
Illuminance (E) At a point on a surface. Quotient of the luminous flux incident on an element of the surface containing the point, and the area of that element. 
Unit lux, lx. 
Note 
The orientation of the surface may be defined, e.g. horizontal, vertical, hence horizontal illuminance, vertical illuminance.
Illumination see Lighting Incandescence 
Emission of optical radiation by the process of thermal radiation.
Incandescent (electric) lamp Lamp in which light is produced by means of an element heated to incandescence by the passage of an electric current.
Inclination, angle of see Tilt, angle of
Increased safety luminaire Enclosed luminaire that satisfies the appropriate regulations for use in situations where there is risk of explosion.
Indirect flux On a surface. The luminous flux received by the surface from a lighting installation after reflection from other surfaces.
Indirect lighting Lighting by means of luminaires with a light distribution such that not more than 10 per cent of the emitted luminous flux reaches the working plane direct, assuming that this plane is unbounded.
Infrared radiation Optical radiation for which the wavelengths are longer than those for visible radiation.
Intensity (I) see Luminous intensity
Intensity distribution see Luminous intensity distribution
Inter-reflection (or interflection) General effect of the reflections of radiation between several reflecting surfaces.
Inverse Square Law The law that states that the illuminance at a point on a plane perpendicular to the line joining the point and a source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the source and the plane. 

E = I/d2

Inverse Square Law The law stating that the illuminance E at a point on a surface varies directly with the intensity I of a point source and inversely as the square of the distance d between the source and the point. If the surface at the point is normal to the direction of the incident light, the law is expressed by E = I/ d*d.
Irradiance (Ee; E) At a point of a surface. Quotient of the radiant flux incident on an element of the surface containing the point, and the area of that element. 
Unit watts per square meter, W/m2
Iso-illuminance curve Locus of points on a surface where the illuminance has the same value.
Iso-intensity curve Curve traced on an imaginary sphere with the source at its center and joining all the points corresponding to those directions in which the luminous intensity is the same, or a plane projection of this curve.
Iso-intensity diagram Array of iso-intensity curves.
Isoluminance curve (diagram) Locus of points on a surface at which the luminance is the same, for given positions of the observer and of the source or sources in relation to the surface.
Isolux (Isofootcandle) Line A line plotted on any appropriate set of coordinates to show all the points on a surface where the illuminance is the same. A series of such lines for various illuminance values is called an isolux (isofootcandle ) diagram.
Isolux curve (diagram) Locus of points on a surface where the illuminance has the same value.
Jet-proof luminaire Luminaire constructed to withstand a direct jet of water from any direction.
Kerb ratio The ratio of the average illuminance on the footpath of a specified width to the average illuminance on the same width of adjacent carriageway.
Lamellae louvre A louvre of which the main shielding elements are in the form of straight strips of opaque or translucent material.
Lamp A light source.
Lamp Lumen Depreciation (LLD) A factor used in lighting calculations to account for the light loss that takes place in a lamp due to the gradual decay in lumen output over a designated period of burning time. The LLD is contingent upon relamping schedules and the specific lamp involved.
Lamp mortality see Mortality rate
Landolt ring Two-dimensional ring with a gap, the width of the gap and the thickness of the ring each being equal to 1/5 of the ring's outer diameter.
Lantern see Luminaire
Lay-In (grid) A type of ceiling construction where the supporting members (inverted T's) are exposed, and the ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures are laid-in on the flanges of the T's.
Lens The shielding or diffuser portion of a fixture, made of plastic or glass, through which the light passes on its way to the seeing task.
Lens panel A refracting panel consisting of one or more, usually cylindrical, fresnel lenses.
Light Any radiation capable of causing a visual sensation direct i.e. Visible radiation
Light controller That part of a luminaire designed to control the spatial distribution of the luminous flux of the lamp(s). 
Note 
In practice a light controller will also act as a screen.
Light distribution see Luminous intensity distribution
Light Loss Factor A factor used in calculating the level of illumination after a given period of time and under given conditions. It takes into account temp., dirt accumulations on the luminaire and room surfaces, lamp depreciation maintenance procedures and atmosphere conditions.
Light loss factor see Maintenance factor Light output ratio 
Of a luminaire. The ratio of the total flux of the luminaire, measured under specified practical conditions, to the sum of the individual luminous fluxes of the lamps operating outside the luminaire under specified conditions.
Light stimulus Visible radiation entering the eye and producing a sensation of light.
Light Trespass A situation which occurs when, due to lack of adequate beam control, light from a source is distributed onto areas where the illumination is not wanted.
Lighting (or illumination) Application of light to a scene, objects or their surroundings so that they may be seen.
Lighting Distribution Luminaires are classified according to the manner in which they control or distribute the luminous flux.
Lightness Attribute of visual sensation in accordance with which a body seems to transmit or reflect diffusely a greater or smaller fraction of the incident light.
Local lighting Lighting for a specific visual task, additional to and controlled separately from the general lighting. 
Note 
The term is often applied to lighting designed to illuminate a particularly small area, e.g. a desk top.
Localized lighting Lighting designed to illuminate an area with a higher illuminance at certain specified positions, for instance those at which work is carried out.
Longitudinal uniformity (Ul) The ratio of minimum to maximum luminance along a line parallel to the road axis through the observer's position.
Louver A series of baffles used to shield a source from view at certain angles or to absorb unwanted light.
Louvre Screen made of translucent or opaque components and geometrically disposed to prevent lamps from being directly visible over a given angle.
Low-pressure mercury (vapor) lamp Mercury vapor lamp, with or without a coating of phosphor, in which during operation the partial pressure of the vapor does not exceed 100 Pa - for example a 'TL' lamp.
Low-pressure sodium (vapor) lamp Sodium vapor lamp in which the partial pressure of the vapor during operation does not exceed 5 Pa - for example 
a SOX lamp.
Luminaire Apparatus that distributes, filters or transforms the light given by a lamp or lamps and which includes all the items necessary for fixing and protecting these lamps and for connecting them to the supply circuit. 
Note 
In road lighting the term 'lantern' is also sometimes used.
Luminaire A complete lighting fixture including one or more lamps and a means for connection to a power source. Many luminaires also include one or more ballasts and elements to position and protect lamps and distribute their light.
Luminaire Dirt Depreciation (LDD) A factor used in lighting calculations to account for the dlight loss due to the accumulation of dirt on the luminaire. The LDD is contingent upon environment, cleaning schedules and the type of luminaire involved.
Luminaire Efficiency The ratio of the light leaving a luminaire to that emitted by the lamp, or lamps, used therein.
Luminance (L) In a given direction, at a given point of a real or imaginary surface. 
Quotient of the luminous flux transmitted by an elementary beam passing through the given point and propagating in the solid angle containing the given direction, and the product of the solid angle, the area of a section of that beam containing the given point, and the angle between the normal to that section and the direction of the beam. 
Unit candela per square meter, cd/m2.
Luminance (Photometric Brightness). The luminous intensity of any surface in a given direction per unit area of that surface as viewed from that direction. Measured in footlamberts or C/ in*in. All visible objects have some luminance.
Luminance coefficient (q) The ratio, for a specified direction of observation and direction of light incidence, between the luminance on an element of a surface and the illuminance on it. 
Unit candela per square meter per lux, cd/m2/lux.
Luminance contrast (C) Between two parts of a visual field. 
The relative luminance difference of those parts in accordance with the formula: 

C = L1 - L2/L2  
where the size of the two parts differs greatly and where: 

L1 = luminance of the smallest part (the object), 
L2 = luminance of the greatest part (the background).

Luminance distribution curve Curve representing the luminance of a luminaire in a vertical plane as a function of the angle from the nadir.
Luminance factor(?) At a point, of a non-self-radiating body, in a given direction, under specified conditions of illumination. 
Ratio of the luminance of the body to that of a perfect reflecting or transmitting diffuser identically illuminated.
Luminance threshold Lowest luminance of a stimulus which enables it to be perceived.
Luminance yield factor Ratio of the average luminance (in cd/m2) to the average illuminance (in lux) of a road lighting installation.
Luminescence Emission (by atoms, molecules or ions in a material) of optical radiation which, for certain wavelengths or restricted regions of the spectrum, is in excess of the radiation due to thermal emission from the material at the same temperature, as a result of these particles being excited by energy other than thermal agitation.
Luminosity obsolete, seeBrightness
Luminous (perceived) color Color perceived as belonging to an area that appears to be emitting light as a primary light source, or that appears to be specularly reflecting such light.
Luminous efficacy (?) Of a source. Quotient of the luminous flux emitted and the power consumed. 
Unit lumen per watt, lm/W.
Luminous environment Lighting considered in relation to its physiological and psychological effects.
Luminous Flux The time rate of flow of light.
Luminous flux (?v), (?) The quantity derived from radiant flux by evaluating the radiation according to its action upon the CIE standard photometric observer. 
Unit lumen, lm.
Luminous intensity (Iv, I) Of a source in a given direction. Quotient of the luminous flux leaving the source, propagated in an element of solid angle containing the given direction, and the element of solid angle. 
Unit candela, cd. 
Note 
The luminous intensity of luminaires is normally given either in a Luminous intensity diagram or in anIsocandela diagram
Luminous intensity diagram (table) Luminous intensity shown in the form of a polar diagram or table, in terms of candela per 1000 lumens of lamp flux. 
The diagram (table) for non-symmetrical light distributions gives the light distribution of a luminaire in at least two planes 
1. In a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the luminaire. 
2. In a plane at right angles to that axis. 
Note 
The luminous intensity diagram (table) can be used 
a. To provide a rough idea of the light distribution of the luminaire. 
b. For the calculation of illuminance values at a point. 
c. For the calculation of the luminance distribution of the luminaire.
Luminous intensity distribution Distribution of the luminous intensities of a lamp or luminaire in all spatial directions.
Lux The metric unit of measurement of illuminance. The light on a surface of one meter square on which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen. 10.76 lux equal 1 footcandle. Decalux = 10 lux.
Maintained illuminance The average illuminance over the reference surface at the end of the complete maintenance cycle. 
Note 
The maintained illuminance is the minimum value to which the illuminance is allowed to fall.
Maintenance Factor A multiplier which is applied to account for aging of the lamp and for dirt build-up on the luminaire during the period for which a lamp is in place. Lamp aging and luminaire dirt build-up both reduce light output, the amount of reduction usually increasing with time. In common practice, maintenance factors are applied to initial footcandles to derive the minimum light level on the area being illuminated. Light loss factor includes maintenance factor.
Maintenance factor Ratio of the average illuminance on the working plane after a specified period of use of a lighting installation to the average illuminance obtained under the same conditions for a new installation. 
Note 
The use of the term Depreciation factor as the reciprocal of maintenance factor is deprecated.
Mesopic vision Vision intermediate between photopic and scotopic vision.
Metal halide lamp Discharge lamp in which the major portion of the light is produced by the radiation from a mixture of a metallic vapor (for example, mercury) and the products of the dissociation of halides (for example, halides of thallium, indium or sodium) - for example: HPI-T lamps.
Metal vapor lamp Discharge lamp such as the 'mercury (vapor) lamp' and the 'sodium (vapor) lamp' in which the light is mainly produced in a metallic vapor.
Metercandle (lux, lx) The metric equivalent of foot-candle. Lx = lumens/ square meters. 1 footcandle = 10.76 lux. 1 lux = 0.0929 footcandles.
Mirror reflector seeSpecular reflector
Mixed reflection Partly regular and partly diffuse reflection.
Mixed transmission Partly regular and partly diffuse transmission.
Monochromatic radiation Radiation characterized by a single frequency. 
In practice, radiation of a very small range of frequencies that can be described by stating a single frequency.
Mortality rate The number of operating hours elapsed before a certain percentage of the lamps fail.
Mounting Height The vertical distance between the luminaire and the surface to be lighted. It includes both the pole length and the base (above grade) to which the pole is affixed.
Mounting height The distance between the reference plane and the plane of the luminaires.
Object (perceived) color Color perceived as belonging to an object either self-luminous or non-self-luminous.
Opaque medium Medium that transmits no radiation in the spectral range of interest.
Opposite arrangement A road-lighting arrangement in which the luminaires are placed on either side of the carriageway(s) opposite to one another.
Optical light output ratio Of a luminaire. The ratio of the total flux of the luminaire, measured under specified practical conditions, to the sum of the individual luminous fluxes of the lamps when inside the luminaire. 
Note 
For luminaires using incandescent lamps only, the optical light output ratio and the light output ratio are in practice the same.
Optical radiation Electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between the region of transition to X­rays (?? 1nm) and the region of transition to radio waves (?? 1 mm).
Optical System The lamp cavity or environment (including diffusing media) designed as part of the fixture for the purose of controlling the light output.
Overall uniformity (Uo) The ratio of minimum to the average luminance over the area of road considered.
Overhang The horizontal distance between a vertical line passing through the luminaire center and the nearest kerb of the road.
Overhang In roadway lighting, the distance between a vertical line passing through the luminaire and the curb or edge of the roadway.
Parabolic The term applied to certain low brightness louver and reflector shapes as derived from the geometric shape (curve) called parabola where, if a light source is placed at the focal point of the parabola, the resultant emitted light will be redirected parallel to the parabola's geometric axis.
Peak intensity The luminous intensity of a luminaire in the direction of the beam axis.
Pendent (pendant) luminaire Luminaire provided with a cord, chain, tube, etc. 
which enables it to be suspended from a ceiling or other support.
Perceived color Aspect of visual perception by which an observer may distinguish between two fields of view of the same size, shape and structure such as may be caused by differences in the spectral composition of the radiation concerned in the observation.
Phosphorescence Photoluminescence that persists for an appreciable time after excitation.
Photoluminescence Luminescence caused by absorption of optical radiation.
Photometry Measurement of quantities referring to radiation as evaluated according to a given luminous efficiency function, e.g. V(?) or V'(?).
Photoperiod Natural or artificial cycle of light and darkness alternation to which living organisms may be exposed.
Photopic vision Vision when the eye is adapted to levels of luminance of at least several candela per square meter. 
Vision mediated essentially or exclusively by cones.
Planckian locus The locus of points in a chromaticity diagram that represents chromaticities of the radiation of Planckian radiators at different temperatures.
Planckian radiator Thermal radiator that absorbs completely all incident radiation, whatever the wavelength, the direction of incidence or the polarization. 
This radiator has, for any wavelength and any direction, the maximum spectral concentration of radiance at a given temperature.
Plenum That space between the structural ceiling slab and the finished ceiling. This space may contain air ducts, electrical wiring, etc. It's the area which conceals the housing part of a recessed fixture.
Point source Source of radiation the dimensions of which are small enough, compared with the distance between the source and the irradiated surface, for them to be neglected in calculations and measurements.
Polychlorinated Biphenly (PCB) A dielectric substance used in ballast capacitors.
Power factor In an electric circuit. The ratio of the power in watts to the product of the r.m.s. values of voltage and current. 
For sinusoidal waveforms, it is equal to the cosine of the angle of phase difference between voltage and current.
Preheat (or rapid-start) lamp Hot cathode lamp designed to start with preheating of the electrodes - for example: 'TL'M 'TL'RS lamp.
Projector Luminaire using reflection and/or refraction to increase the luminous intensity within a limited solid angle.
QL induction lamp (system) A lamp (system), based on the low­pressure mercury discharge principle, but devoid of electrodes, in which the ionization of the gas within a discharge vessel is brought about by the induction of a high­frequency electromagnetic field.
Radiant efficiency (?e) Of a source of radiation. Ratio of the radiant flux (power) emitted to the power consumed.
Radiant energy, (Qe, Q) Energy emitted, transferred, or received in the form of radiation. 
Unit joule, J = W.s.
Radiant flux see Radiant power
Radiant power, (?e, ?) Power emitted, transferred, or received in the form of radiation. 
Unit watt, W.
Radiation 1. Emission or transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. 
2. These electromagnetic waves or particles.
Rainproof luminaire Luminaire so constructed as to withstand the penetration of rain, and for use out of doors.
Recessed The term for a fixture mounted in a ceiling opening so that the housing of the fixture is hidden from view. The fixture's lens/door assembly may be slightly protruding, flush or slightly regressed relative to the ceiling surface.
Recessed luminaire Luminaire mounted above the ceiling or behind a wall or other surface so that any visible projection is insignificant.
Reduced luminance coefficient ® The product of the luminaire coefficient (q) and cos3?, where ?is the angle of light incidence.
Reference surface Surface on which illuminance is measured or specified.
Reflectance (formerly Reflection factor) Ratio of the reflected radiant or luminous flux to the incident flux.
Reflection Return of radiation by a surface or medium without change of frequency of its monochromatic components.
Reflector Device in which the phenomenon of reflection is used to alter the spatial distribution of the luminous flux from a source.
Reflector A device used to direct the light from a source by the process of reflection.
Reflector lamp Lamp in which part of the bulb is coated with a reflecting material, either diffuse or specular, so as to control the light, for example: HPL-R, MLR, and 'TL'F lamps.
Refracting louvre A louvre in which the screening depends essentially on the phenomenon of refraction. 
Note 
A refracting louvre simultaneously serves as a light controller.
Refraction Change in the direction of propagation of radiation determined by change in the velocity of propagation in passing through an optically non­homogeneous medium, or in passing from one medium to another.
Refraction The process by which the direction of a ray of light changes as it passes obliquely from on medium to another.
Refractor Device in which the phenomenon of refraction is used to alter the spatial distribution of the luminous flux from a source.
Refractor A device used to redirect the luminous flux from a source, primarily by the process of refraction.
Regular (or direct) transmission Transmission, without diffusion, in accordance with the laws of geometrical optics.
Regular (or specular) reflection Reflection, without diffusion, in accordance with the laws of geometrical optics; as in a mirror.
Relative luminance difference seeLuminance contrast
Retina Membrane at the back of the eye, which is sensitive to light stimuli and containing photoreceptors (cones and rods) and nerve cells that transmit the stimulation to the optic nerve.
Rod Photoreceptors in the retina containing light­sensitive pigments capable of initiating the process of scotopic vision. 
Rods probably play no part in color stimulus discrimination.
Room index (K) Code number, representative of the geometry of a room, used in calculation of the utilization factor or the utilance. 
Note 1 
Unless otherwise indicated, the room index is given by the formula  
K = (l x b)/h(l + b)  
where: l is the length of the room, b is the width and h is the distance of the luminaires above the working plane. 

Note 2 
The 'ceiling cavity index' is calculated from the same formula except that h is the distance from ceiling to luminaires.

Rotationally symmetrical luminous intensity distribution Of a source. Distribution of luminous intensity that may be represented by rotating about an axis a polar luminous intensity curve in a plane containing that axis.
Safety lighting That part of emergency lighting provided to ensure the safety of people involved in a potentially hazardous process.
Saturation Attribute of visual sensation that permits a judgement to be made of the proportion of pure chromatic color in the total sensation.
Scotopic vision Vision when the eye is adapted to levels of luminance below some hundredths of a candela per square meter; the rods are considered to be the principal active elements under these conditions. 
The spectrum appears uncolored.
Screen That part of a luminaire designed to prevent the lamps from being directly visible over a given range of angles. 
Note 
In practice a screen will also act as a light controller.
Service illuminance Mean illuminance during one maintenance cycle of an installation averaged over the relevant area.
Setback The distance that the center of the luminaire is behind the area to be lighted by that luminaire.
Shielding Angle (of a luminaire) The angle between a horizontal line through the light center and the line of sight at which the bare source first becomes visible.
Single-sided arrangement A road-lighting arrangement in which the luminaires are placed on one side only of a carriageway.
Solid angle (?) The angle subtended at the center of a sphere by an area on its surface numerically equal to the square of the radius. 
Unit steradian, sr.
Spacing The distance between the centers of two successive luminaires in an installation.
Spacing The distance between successive lights from the center of one light to the center of the next subsequent light.
Spacing to Mounting Height Ratio The ratio of the distance between luminaire centers to the mounting height above a reference plane, usually the work-plane.
Spanwire arrangement A road-lighting arrangement in which the luminaires are suspended above the carriageway(s) on transverse wires.
Specific luminaire index (SLI) A quantity that indicates the glare control facility of a luminaire.
Spectral distribution a. Of a photometric quantity luminous flux, luminous intensity, etc. The spectral concentration of the photometric quantity as a function of wavelength. 
b. Of a radiometric quantity radiant flux (power), radiant intensity, etc. The spectral concentration of the radiometric quantity as a function of wavelength. 
Note 
Commonly the relative spectral distribution is used, viz. the spectral concentration of the photometric or radiometric quantity measured in terms of an arbitrary value of this quantity.
Spectral energy distribution Of a radiation. Description of the spectral character of a radiation by the relative spectral distribution of some radiometric quantity (radiant flux (power), radiant intensity, etc.).
Spectral light distribution Of a radiation. Description of the spectral character of a radiation by the relative spectral distribution of some photometric quantity (luminous flux, luminous intensity, etc.).
Spectral luminous efficiency curve Curve that gives the relative sensitivity (V) of the CIE standard photometric observer for monochromatic radiation in dependence of the wavelength: 
For photopic vision - V(?) curve  
For scotopic vision - V'(?) curve
Spectrum locus Locus, in a chromaticity diagram or in a tristimulus space, of points that represent monochromatic stimuli.
Specular Angle That angle between the perpendicular to a surface and the reflected ray. It is numberically equal to the angle of incidence.
Specular factor (S1 and S2) A factor representing the degree of specular reflection of a road surface.
Specular reflection seeRegular reflection.
Specular reflector That part of a luminaire designed to reflect the luminous flux of the lamps in required directions by means of specular reflection.
Specular Surface Shiny or glossy surfaces (including mirror and polished meatals) that reflect incident light, providing a relatively narrow beam pattern.
Speed of perception The reciprocal of the minimum exposure time of an object required for it to be detected.
Spill light Of a floodlight. The scattered light falling outside the beam.
Spill Light Lumens distributed by the luminaire which are outside the beam spread.
Spill shield seeLouvre.
Spotlight A (small) projector giving concentrated light of usually not more than 20? divergence.
Spread Quantity of a luminaire to indicate the extent to which the light is 'spread out' across the road. 
Luminaires are classified as being of narrow, average or broad spread.
Staggered arrangement A road-lighting arrangement in which the luminaires are placed alternately on either side of the carriageway.
Stand-by lighting That part of emergency lighting that enables normal activities to continue substantially unchanged.
Starter Device for starting a discharge lamp (in particular a fluorescent lamp) that provides for the necessary preheating of the electrodes and/or causes a voltage surge in combination with the series ballast.
Starting device Electrical apparatus that provides the conditions required for starting a discharge.
Steradian (sr) SI unit of solid angle.
Stopping distance seeDriver stopping distance
Styrene (polystyrene) The generic term for a family of plastics used in the making of fixture diffusers and lenses. These materials tend to yellow in time due to the effect of ultraviolet raiation from fluorescent and HID lamps.
Surface Mounted Any fixture mounted directly on a ceiling is surface mounted.
Suspension or Pendant Mounted Any fixture hung from a ceiling by supports (chains, hangars, stems, etc.) is suspension or pendant mounted.
Switch-start fluorescent lamp Fluorescent lamp suitable for operation with a circuit requiring a starter for the preheating of the electrodes, for example 
'TL'D type.
Symmetrical luminous intensity distribution Of a source. Distribution of luminous intensity having an axis of symmetry or at least one plane of symmetry.
Thermal radiation 1. Process of emission in which the radiant energy originates in the thermal agitation of the particles of matter (atoms, molecules, ions). 
2. The radiation emitted by that process.
Threshold contrast The minimum perceptible contrast for a given state of adaptation of the eye.
Threshold increment (TI) Number indicating the degree to which disability glare is controlled.
Throw Characteristic of a luminaire that indicates the extent to which the light is 'thrown' in the lengthwise direction of the road. 
Luminaires are classified as being of short, intermediate or long throw.
Tilt, angle of Upward inclination of a luminaire from the horizontal.
Translucent medium Medium that transmits visible radiation largely by diffuse transmission, so that objects are not seen distinctly through it.
Transmission Passage of radiation through a medium without change of frequency of its monochromatic components.
Transmittance (formerly Transmission factor) Ratio of the transmitted radiant or luminous flux to the incident flux.
Transparent medium Medium in which the transmission is mainly regular and which usually has a high regular transmittance in the spectral range of interest.
Troffer A recessed lighting fixture.
Troffer A long, recessed luminaire usually installed with the opening flush with the ceiling.
Tubular fluorescent lamp Gas-filled lamp containing halogens or halogen compounds, the filament being of tungsten.
Twin-central arrangement A road-lighting arrangement in which the luminaires are placed along the central reserve of a dual carriageway on T-shaped masts.
Ultraviolet radiation Optical radiation for which the wavelengths are shorter than those for visible radiation.
Uniform-chromaticity-scale (UCS) diagram A two­dimensional diagram in which the coordinates are defined with the intention of making equal distances represent as nearly as possible equal steps of color discrimination for color stimuli of the same luminance throughout the diagram.
Uniformity ratio of illuminance On a given plane. A measure of the variation of illuminance over the plane expressed as either 
1. The ratio of the minimum to the maximum illuminance. 
2. The ratio of the minimum to the average illuminance. 
Note 
In some countries, the reciprocal of these ratios is used, characterized by values greater than unity.
Upper [lower] (luminous) flux Of a source. The luminous flux emitted above [below] a horizontal plane passing through the source. 
Note 
It is essential that the plane be specified in every case.
Upward [downward] light output ratio (luminaire efficiency) The ratio of the flux emitted above [below] a horizontal plane passing through the luminaire to the total bare lamp flux.
Utilance (U) Ratio of the utilized flux to the luminous flux leaving the luminaires.
Utilisation factor Ratio of the utilized flux to the luminous flux emitted by the lamps.
Utilized flux Luminous flux received on the reference surface under consideration.
V'(?) curve Spectral luminous efficiency curve for scotopic vision.
V(?) curve Spectral luminous efficiency curve for photopic vision.
Valance (or pelmet) lighting Lighting system comprising light sources shielded by a panel parallel to the wall at the top of a window.
Vapor-Tight Luminaire A Luminaire designed and approved for installation in damp or wet locations. Also described as "enclosed and gasketed."
Vapor-tight luminaire Luminaire so constructed that a specified vapor or gas cannot enter its enclosure.
Veiling luminance seeEquivalent veiling luminance
Visible radiation Any radiation capable of causing a visual sensation direct.
Visual acuity; sharpness of vision 1. Qualitatively  
Capacity for seeing distinctly objects very close together. 
2. Quantitatively 
Reciprocal of the value (generally in minutes of arc) of the angular separation of two neighboring objects (points or lines) which the eye can just perceive as being separate.
Visual angle The angle subtended by an object or detail at the point of observation it is usually measured in minutes of arc.
Visual comfort The degree of visual satisfaction produced by the visual environment.
Visual Comfort Probability (VCP) An empirical comfort rating system for fixtures as measured in various proportioned rooms at different mounting heights. The VCP number represents the number of people, out of a hundred, who would be comfortable in the specified situation when seated in the most undesirable location.
Visual field Of the eye or eyes. The angular extent of the space in which an object can be perceived when the eye(s) regard(s) an object directly ahead. The ield may be monocular or binocular.
Visual guidance The totality of measures taken to give a road user an unambiguous and immediately recognizable picture of the course of the road ahead.
Visual performance The quantitative assessment of the visual system in the performance of a visual task.
Visual reliability of a motorist The ability of a motorist to continuously select and process, more or less subconsciously, that part of the visual information presented to him that is necessary for the safe control of his vehicle.
Visual system The group of structures comprising the eye, the optic nerve and certain parts of the brain, which transforms the light stimulus into a complex of nerve excitations, whose subjective correlate is visual perception.
Watertight luminaire Luminaire constructed to withstand the penetration of water when immersed to a specified depth, but not intended for permanent use under water. 
Note 
The term 'submersible luminaire' applies to a luminaire constructed to withstand indefinitely submersion in water to a specified depth.
Wavelength (?) Distance in the direction of propagation of a periodic wave between two successive points at which the phase is the same (at the same time). 
Unit meter, m.
Work (or working) plane Reference surface defined as the plane at which work is usually done.
Work Plane The Plane at which level work is usually performed, and at which the illumination is specified and measured. Unless it is otherwise specified, this plane is assumed to be a horizontal plane 2.5 ft. above the floor.
Wraparound (wrap) A surface or suspension mounted fixture with a one-piece plastic lens which encloses the lamp compartment on both sides and across the bottom literally wrapping the lamps.
Zonal Cavity The latest and most advanced method used by the lighting industry in the determination of coefficients of utilization for various fixtures.
Zonal luminous flux diagram The graphical representation of the luminous flux distribution of a luminaire or a lamp in which the luminous flux emitted within a cone is plotted against the half-apex angle of that cone.
 
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