LED Downlight Spacing Calculator
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Average Output and What to Expect
The amount of light delivered by your LED downlights will depend on wattage, beam angle, and the distance from the light to your working surfaces. If you're installing them in a room with a standard height of 2.4 metres, this table shows the average lumens and lux provided by different downlights. Keep in mind that the Average Lux can be dramatically enhanced with multiple downlights!
Wattage | Average Lumen Output | Lux at 2,400mm |
|---|---|---|
5W | 450 lm | 42 lx |
8W | 650 lm | 61 lx |
9W | 730 lm | 69 lx |
10W | 875 lm | 83 lx |
12W | 950 lm | 90 lx |
13W | 1000 lm | 94 lx |
14W | 1200 lm | 113 lx |
Choosing Your Colour Temperature
The colour temperature of your lights contributes significantly to the ambience of your space. Measured in Kelvins, most LED downlights fall into the warm white to cool white spectrum, letting you create just the right atmosphere.
Colour Temperature | Usage |
|---|---|
Cool White (5000K-6500K) | Offices and industrial settings that need a bright, cool light for safety and accessibility |
Neutral White (3500K-4100K) | Kitchens, offices and other work areas where clarity is important |
Warm White (2700K-3000K) | Bedrooms, living areas, cafes and any space that you want to feel warm and cosy |
Determining the Right Number of Downlights
Wondering how to figure out how many LED downlights you need? Here are a few considerations:
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The size of your room
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The ceiling height and where you’ll mount the fixtures
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How the space will be utilised
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Distance between each downlight
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Proximity to walls, furniture, and windows
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The beam angle of the downlight (usually 90°-100°)
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Layout factors, such as ceiling fans and other fixtures
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a standard 3m x 3m bedroom typically requires between 4 and 9 LED downlights. Larger spaces like kitchens or living rooms? They may need even more lighting, along with designated task lights for efficiency.
LED Downlight Spacing Calculator
LED downlights are truly the backbone of modern lighting design! They’re not just affordable and versatile; they can transform almost any space into a well-lit haven. The key is figuring out the right number of lights to use and their ideal placement. Luckily, this page has a handy calculator and plenty of information to help you create your perfect LED downlight plan!
Understanding Lumens and Lux
When it comes to designing your lighting layout, we often talk about lumens and lux. Let me break it down for you:
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Lumens: measure the total amount of light a fixture emits. Dimmable LED downlights have variable outputs, and lumens are related to the wattage of the light fitting.
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Lux: on the other hand, measures how much light actually reaches a surface. Lux is influenced by the size of that surface and the distance between it and the light source.
While both measurements are significant, lux is especially crucial in creating an effective lighting plan. The "Average Lux" in a room indicates the usable light in different spots, and you can boost this average by adding more lights or increasing the wattage of each one.
Recommended Lux Levels for Your Needs
Let's take a look at some recommended lux levels based on how you’ll be using your space. Here are some common applications:
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Ambient Lighting: Perfect for setting a lovely mood, ambient lighting offers soft illumination ideal for pathways and nightlights.
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General Lighting: This is your go-to for most areas in your home! General lighting provides essential illumination and can add flair to your décor.
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Task Lighting: Found in workspaces like offices and kitchens, this lighting is brighter to help reduce eye strain—making it easier to focus.
Lux Level | Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|
<15 | Ambient lighting | Security lighting, pathway lighting |
15-100 | General lighting | Hallways, cupboards and basic lighting |
100-250 | General lighting | Bedrooms, dining areas, cafes, entertainment spaces, accent lighting (e.g. for paintings) |
250-600 | Task lighting | Kitchen counter, office desks, classrooms, retail paces |
600+ | Task lighting | Specific tasks (e.g. parts assembly stations) |
Spacing Your Downlights
When it comes to spacing, most LED downlights are placed 1.5 to 4 metres apart for general lighting purposes. The exact distance can vary based on what kind of lighting effect you're aiming for.
It’s also essential to keep in mind the distance between each downlight and other elements like walls, ceiling fans, and other light fixtures. A good rule of thumb is to position downlights at least 1 metre away from walls and corners and 1.5 metres away from the centre of ceiling fans and mounted lights.
Flickering LEDs? We've Got Solutions!
Dealing with flickering LED lights can be one of the most frustrating issues you might encounter at home. If you’ve got LED bulbs showing signs of flickering, don’t worry—KSR Electrical Services is here to help!
Our experienced team serves clients across Canberra, specialising in LED lighting installations. We are passionate about LED technology and frequently guide our customers towards LED upgrades that suit their needs.
However, LEDs can sometimes present a few challenges, especially if they’re paired with older wiring or dimmer switches. Rest assured, we’ll trace the issue and find a solution that fits both your home and your budget!
Reach out to us to learn more, or give us a call for a quote! We're excited to help you light up your space with confidence and flair!
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