A tool used to translate between two distinct units of light measurement, specifically illuminance and luminous flux. Illuminance, typically measured in foot-candles (fc), quantifies the amount of light falling on a surface. Luminous flux, measured in lumens (lm), represents the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source. The calculation bridges these two, often requiring knowledge of the area over which the light is distributed. For instance, a light source producing 1000 lumens spread evenly over an area of 100 square feet results in an illuminance of 10 foot-candles.
The ability to convert between these units is crucial for lighting design, ensuring adequate illumination levels for various tasks and environments. Historical context reveals the development of these units to standardize lighting practices. Previously, subjective assessments of brightness were common, leading to inconsistent and potentially unsafe lighting conditions. Standardization offers a way to quantify and predictably achieve desired levels of illumination in different settings and locations.
