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EN 12464

EN12464-1:2011
In 2011, the European lighting norm EN 12464-1 was updated. This
update will lead to changes in how indoor workplaces are designed.
Glamox Luxo will focus on these changes by explaining what they
mean for indoor lighting installations.
The fundamental philosophy behind the new norm requirements is a wish for better
ergonomics on peoples work places through increased illuminance on wall and ceiling
and through improved conditions for visual communication.
More light on walls and ceilings will increase well-being and improve navigation in a
work environment. Also, newer studies have shown that increased light levels in the
room can improve concentration and recognition.
Visual communication is interaction between people based on mimicry and body
language. This assumes more vertical light, i.e. light on a vertical surface. One measure
for vertical light is called cylindrical illuminance.

The cylindrical illuminance Ez is the average of all vertical light on an imaginary cylinder.
The modelling effect is the ratio between cylindrical and horizontal illuminance (Eh).

As the figure shows, this is the average of all light that hits vertical surfaces on your
head. But a lot of light in your face is not enough. To read facial expression requires that
the light does not wash out all details, but that it creates shadows and contrasts. This
can be measured with what we call the modelling effect, which is the ratio between light
from all sides (cylindrical illuminance) and light that hits the top of your head (horizontal
illuminance). To have an optimal modelling effect, this ratio should be between 0,3 and
0,6 in the new norm. The recommended values for cylindrical illuminance and modelling
effect only applies in so called activity planes that are positioned in the room based on
where the user is or where the visual communication is intended to take place. The
figure shows the layout of activity planes in an office landscape.

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EN 12464 - Glamox

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http://glamox.com/ie/en-12464

Activity planes in an office landscape; One at 1,2 metres where people sit and one at 1,6
metres where they stand and walk.

The complexity in the new lighting scheme increases somewhat because the norm
separates between recommendations and requirements. The required values are lower
than the recommended. In environments with increased need for visual communication,
like e.g. offices, hospitals and classrooms, the recommended values should be followed.
What the industry practice will be on this matter remains to be seen because the norm
is still new. Glamox Luxo always recommends the best ergonomic solution because this
will increase the workers well-being and productivity.
To comply with the new norm will in most cases lead to a significant improvement of the
work environment but it may also lead to increased lamp wattage, more luminaires and
a different luminaire lay-out. Hence it is important that the luminaire manufacturer, end
user, electro consultant and builder enter a dialogue to understand the consequences of
the new requirements. Glamox Luxo has already evaluated how the new norm affects
our concepts for school, office and health care. In many cases, the lamp wattage must
be increased or more luminaires are needed. Energy savings should not be prioritised at
the expense of light quality, we think. Rather, focus should be on turning the light off
when nobody is present. Glamox Luxo recommends lighting solutions that are
individual, energy saving and flexible for all users and customers.

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16/05/2015 1:05 PM