Indirect lighting
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Indirect Lighting
Indirect Lighting
Definition
Indirect lighting systems direct indoor light to ceiling level, where it is reflected back down into the room.
Description
Conventional ceiling-mounted light fixtures direct light into a room unevenly: there are high light levels directly under the fixtures, and the light level drops off away from the fixture. To counteract this, building designers increase the number of light fixtures or position them closer together. The increased light levels, however, increase energy use and contribute to glare. Indirect lighting solves these problems. The light source is below the ceiling and light is directed upwards, and reflected off the ceiling. This provides a more uniform light with less glare.
Typically, indirect lighting fixtures are linear fluorescent fixtures that are suspended from the ceiling or mounted on a wall. Standard fixtures are available with T8 electronic ballasts and one to three lamps. The fixtures are available in 1.5 m increments. In general, the fixtures are made from either steel or polished aluminum. Direct/indirect fixtures that emit a portion of the light downwards are also available.
By providing more uniform lighting to a space, indirect lighting allows for a reduction in light levels. This translates into significant electricity savings and a reduction in cooling load. For example, light levels in offices can be reduced from 500 to 300 lux.