CU Phosco provides detailed photometric information and computer programs to enable experienced lighting engineers and designers to prepare schemes based on the information provided. Photometric
information is supplied in TM14 format – the industry standard for outdoor lighting. This information can be supplied on CD, sent by e-mail or provided in written form. The information contained is derived from our in house photometric laboratory.
CU Phosco provides photometric data with Lighting Reality, an independent suite of exterior lighting design programs covering road and area lighting. Lighting Reality is intuitive, easy to use and upgrades can be purchased to enable CAD drawings to be directly input to the lighting design program. CU Phosco will also provide photometric data in TM14 format for use in other programs.
A full lighting design service can be part of a turnkey package or simply a design and supply offer. CU Phosco has a team of experienced lighting designers who deal solely with outdoor lighting projects, be they road lighting, floodlighting or high mast lighting. CU Phosco does not carry out interior lighting so all our effort and
energy is devoted to outdoor lighting. The preparation of outdoor lighting schemes requires input from the client as well as the designer, and the information we require to design a scheme includes:
1. A drawing of the area - In DXF or DWG format (other formats may be possible) or a clean hard copy drawing with scale. If only a particular section is to be lit or if different illumination levels are required for different areas, the perimeter of the lit area and associated lighting levels should be shown. If there is a contribution from existing lighting to be included, the typeand number of luminaires, mounting heights, and horizontal aiming angles and tilt should be shown to assist in representing this accurately.
2. The specification - Is there a particular standard or code to be complied with? If no specification is received, we will use appropriate British or European Standards, for the appropriate use, or the relevant Sporting Association or National Authority’s own specification.
3. Is there any overriding design requirement? – Should a particular type of luminaire or lamp be used? Is there a height limitation? Are column or bracket positions fixed? Is the area subject to any hazardous area or explosion proof regulations? What type of column is required? Armed with this information, we will work with you to achieve a lighting scheme to meet your requirements.
Light pollution is a problem of the 21st century for the affluent sector of the world. Until the last century outdoor lighting was minimal and the poorer less populated majority of the world does not have enough exterior lighting to cause a problem.
Three categories of light pollution are usually considered:
Skyglow – the halo effect caused by the large number of outdoor lighting fixtures. Skyglow is seen when looking towards a town from the countryside and makes it difficult for town dwellers to see any but the brightest stars. Skyglow can be minimised by using road lighting luminaires and floodlights with a limited or zero upward light. However the reflected light from any outdoor lighting and the light from cars means that it can never be eliminated completely in a busy town.
Glare – the annoying effect caused by badly aimed floodlights or streetlights with inadequate light control. This can be avoided by the choice of a better floodlight with greater light control, or properly aiming and using baffles and louvres in existing units. Modern well designed street lighting luminaires with effective reflectors or refractors can eliminate this problem in road lighting.
Spill – light thrown when and where it is not wanted. This varies from the sports ground, with hundreds of floodlights, to the street light shining on the bedroom window. The increased use of outdoor lighting by sports clubs, shopping centres and entertainment facilities can result in overspill causing a nuisance to neighbours. There are ways of decreasing or eliminating this problem. Firstly, by the use of floodlights and luminaires which do not throw light outside the area. Secondly, and in conjunction with the first method, in sports areas where boundaries are very close and the area to be illuminated open and very large, by communication with the
neighbours in order to devise a plan by which the floodlights will only be used until a specified time on a specified number of days a year. For the bedroom window problem, most luminaires can be fitted with blanking pieces to eliminate light in a certain direction. Where a lighting scheme is prepared by CU Phosco the spill light can always be shown and is in fact usually asked for by planners.
