IES Publishes Recommended Practices for Lighting Exterior Environments and Parking Facilities and a Lab Testing Method For Indoor Fluorescent Luminaires

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has published three new lighting standards: Lighting for Exterior Environments (RP-33-14), Lighting for Parking Facilities (RP-20-14) and Approved Method for Photometric Testing of Indoor Fluorescent Luminaires (LM-41-14).

Lighting for Exterior Environments (RP-33-14) addresses design issues related to outdoor lighting. It also outlines the environmental considerations of outdoor lighting especially related to sky glow and light trespass. In addition, this RP provides information on how to assign lighting zones, and how to use the Joint IDA-IES Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) and User’s Guide as a basis for an outdoor lighting ordinance. Finally, this RP discusses community based design, and specific recommendations for lighting outdoor areas.

Lighting for Parking Facilities (RP-20-14) provides recommendations for design of fixed lighting for parking facilities. The document deals entirely with lighting and does not give advice on construction. It provides recommended practices for designing new lighting systems for parking facilities and it is not intended to be applied to existing lighting systems until such systems are redesigned. However, this document does represent current good practice. These recommendations include interior and exterior lighting practices for the reasonably safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in parking facilities, the enhancing of personal safety and security and the deterring of vandalism and theft, while optimizing energy use and minimizing maintenance. Their application may vary from these recommendations based upon sound engineering judgment.

Approved Method for Photometric Testing of Indoor Fluorescent Luminaires (LM-41-14) provides adequate and uniform methods for determining and reporting the photometric characteristics of indoor fluorescent luminaires. It describes characteristics of luminaires and some components, as well as the requirements for the thermal environment and proper control of the electrical and mechanical systems involved. This document is also concerned with general test conditions and the testing procedure best suited for achieving accurate and consistent photometric results.

Visit the IES website to learn more and order these standards.

Craig DiLouie

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