Lighting calculations

[Dustyy]

Can anyone tell me the correct way to calculate the required number of downlights to provide an amount of 'brightness' in a room of a known size?
I am installing downlights in my kitchen and am unsure of the appropriate number of lights to fit in order to generate the required task lighting.
Are fewer 50w lights better than more 35w lights?
I thought there was a previous post on this subject but for love nor money I can't find it when I do a search
Thanks

 

[markf]

Have a look here:-

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Illuma/LampData.htm

 

[kendor]

Can anyone tell me the correct way to calculate the required number of downlights to provide an amount of 'brightness' in a room of a known size?
I am installing downlights in my kitchen and am unsure of the appropriate number of lights to fit in order to generate the required task lighting.
Are fewer 50w lights better than more 35w lights?
I thought there was a previous post on this subject but for love nor money I can't find it when I do a search
Thanks

If an office then there are regulations about how much light falls and where it falls and a few freeby calculators on the internet do a good job of calculating this and bringing the project into compliance but as this is for your kitchen it would solely depend on what you consider to be adequate lighting levels ie your eyesight may be failing and you need more light level accordingly.
As this is very subjective it may pay to have a look around some kitchen centres and see for yourself the lighting used around the exhibits to give yourself some idea.
If you wish to Calculate, These may help:
http://www.a-wall.com/lightcalc.php
http://www.coldstream-software.com/Lighting Calculator.htm
http://www.engr.udayton.edu/faculty...tCalc/LightCalc_Local/LightCalc/LightCalc.asp