Overview
Lux monitoring refers to the measurement and tracking of light intensity in a given area, typically expressed in lux, the unit of luminance. This process is essential for maintaining optimal lighting conditions in various environments, such as workplaces, hospitals, retail spaces, and outdoor areas. The illumination can be provided by daylight, electric light sources, or a combination of both. The degree of visibility required in a wide range of work-places is governed by the type and duration of the activity. Proper lux levels enhance productivity, safety, and comfort by ensuring adequate lighting for tasks and reducing glare or excessive brightness. The eye adapts itself to the prevailing brightness of the surroundings. The apparent brightness of the various surfaces or objects will depend on this adaptation level. When a room is lit by day light the eye has a fairly high adaptation level due to the bright sky seen through the window opening. During night time since the entire area is illuminated to a level recommended for the satisfactory performance of the task carried out in the work area concerned, no additional problem of balance of brightness is involved. Difficult seeing tasks often require a specific amount of lighting which cannot readily be obtained by standard general lighting methods. To solve such problems supplementary luminaires often are used to provide higher illumination levels for small or restricted areas. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permits a minimum value of 30 foot-candles (approx. 300 lux) for offices and 10 for shops.