Data Center Lighting Design: Lux Level Calculation Example
Lighting is a small load in a data center but a real design task. Here is the lumen method, a worked example and the points that go beyond a simple count.
The lumen method
N = (E × A) ÷ (F × UF × MF)
Worked example
Assumptions (illustrative): data hall area 200 m², required average illuminance 300 lux, luminaire output 4,000 lumens, utilisation factor 0.6, maintenance factor 0.8.
- Numerator = 300 × 200 = 60,000
- Denominator = 4,000 × 0.6 × 0.8 = 1,920
- N = 60,000 ÷ 1,920 = 31.25, so use 32 luminaires
The lighting calculator runs this for your values.
Beyond the count
- Layout: spacing for even illumination and aisle alignment, so lighting is not blocked by racks or trays.
- Emergency lighting: escape routes need a supply that survives power failure.
- Controls: occupancy sensing to save energy in a mostly unmanned hall.
- Heat load: lighting adds to the cooling load, a small term in the load calculation.
Related: load calculation.
Written by the Vision Matrix Institute editorial team. Worked examples use stated, illustrative assumptions; check them against your project data, the applicable standards and manufacturer datasheets before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lumen method?
A method to estimate the number of luminaires needed for an average illuminance on the working plane: N = (E × A) ÷ (F × UF × MF).
What do the terms mean?
E is the required illuminance in lux, A is the room area in square metres, F is the luminous flux of one luminaire in lumens, UF is the utilisation factor and MF is the maintenance factor.
What lux level should a data hall have?
It depends on the standard and the project specification. Use the value the specification gives, and consider task areas separately.
Is the number of luminaires the final answer?
No. Layout must also give even illumination, avoid glare on screens, and suit the rack layout and cable trays.
Want to learn this properly?
This topic is covered in depth in our Electrical Design – Data Center Specialist program.
Ask us on WhatsAppLearn to do this on a full project in the Electrical Design – Data Center Specialist program, or read the data center design guide.