Photometric Study and IES Files

As a lighting supplier, we are often asked by our professional customers about photometric study and sometimes the IES files. In the article, we will dig into details of photometric study and see how the concept works for the lighting industry.

1. What is a photometric study?

 A photometric study (sometimes referred as a photometric light study) is a process of analyzing and measuring the light output of a lighting system, including the intensity, distribution, and quality of light.

The process involves using specialized equipment to measure the light output and calculating the results to determine the most effective lighting design. One important aspect of a photometric study is the use of IES files.

2. What are IES files?

IES files, or Illuminating Engineering Society files, are electronic files that contain detailed information about the light output of a specific lighting fixture or system. These files are used to analyze and design lighting systems and are an essential tool in the photometric study process.

The IES file contains a wealth of information about the light output of a fixture, including the intensity and distribution of light, as well as the color temperature and color rendering index (CRI). This information is crucial when designing a lighting system, as it allows designers to ensure that the lighting meets the required standards for brightness, color, and distribution. IES files of light fixtures are typically provided by the fixture manufacturers.

To perform a photometric study using IES files, designers typically use specialized software that can read and analyze the files. This software allows designers to create 3D models of the lighting environment, and then simulate the performance of different lighting systems within that environment. By analyzing the results of these simulations, designers can determine the most effective lighting design for the space.

3. An example of a photometric study

Here we will provide an example to show a typical process of a photometric study for a commercial office building:

• Define the lighting requirements: The first step in a photometric study is to define the lighting requirements for the space. For a commercial office building, this may include providing adequate lighting for work areas, meeting rooms, and common areas.
• Create a 3D model of space: Once the lighting requirements have been defined, the next step is to create a 3D model of the space. This can be done using specialized software, and will allow designers to simulate the performance of different lighting systems within the environment.
• Select lighting fixtures: With the 3D model in place, the next step is to select lighting fixtures that meet the defined lighting requirements. This may involve researching different types of fixtures, or working with a lighting manufacturer to identify fixtures that are appropriate for the space.
• Obtain IES files: Once the fixtures have been selected, designers will need to obtain IES files for each fixture. These files will provide detailed information about the light output of each fixture, including intensity, distribution, color temperature, and CRI.
• Analyze the IES files: Using specialized software, designers can analyze the IES files to determine how the fixtures will perform in the space. This may involve simulating the lighting at different times of day, or analyzing how the light will be distributed throughout the space.
• Optimize the lighting design: Based on the results of the IES analysis, designers can optimize the lighting design to ensure that it meets the defined requirements. This may involve adjusting the placement of fixtures, or selecting different fixtures to better meet the needs of the space.
• Present the lighting design: Once the lighting design has been optimized, designers can present the results to the building owner or project team. This may include 3D renderings of the space, as well as detailed reports that summarize the lighting design and the results of the photometric study.

Overall, a photometric study for a commercial office building would involve a detailed analysis of the lighting requirements, the creation of a 3D model of the space, the selection of appropriate lighting fixtures, and the analysis and optimization of the lighting design using IES files and specialized software. The end result would be a well-designed lighting system that meets the needs of the space and provides a comfortable and productive environment for occupants.

In conclusion, photometric study is an essential process for designing effective lighting systems, and the use of IES files is an important part of that process. These files provide designers with detailed information about the light output of a fixture, which can be used to optimize the design of a lighting system and ensure that it meets the required standards for brightness, color, and distribution. By using specialized software to analyze IES files, designers can create 3D models of lighting environments and simulate the performance of different lighting systems, allowing them to determine the most effective design for the space.