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Codes + Standards, Lighting Design

Introducing “BUG”: A Classification System for Outdoor Luminaires

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is promoting BUG, a classification system for outdoor luminaires (PDF file).

bug

Based on the TM-15–the upgrade of the roadway shielding classification system by the Illuminating Engineering Society and the Lighting Research Center–the BUG system addresses light emitted from the luminaire in all directions, not just up into the sky. Called the BUG system for its measurement of Backlight, Uplight, and Glare, it provides the most comprehensive way of measuring the total lumens emitted by a fixture.

The BUG measuring system works in conjunction with the ecologically rated lighting zones developed in the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO), jointly created by the IES and IDA.

author avatar
Craig DiLouie
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