top of page
Magnitech-knowledge-base

Industrial Lighting Knowledge Base

A practical reference for industrial and commercial lighting terminology, specifications and engineering concepts used across Magnitech lighting designs and product documentation.

​

Explore definitions covering LED performance, photometry, electrical characteristics, solar lighting, ingress protection, colour quality, hazardous-area terminology and other technical lighting concepts.

Lighting Terminology & Definitions

Term
Abbr
Description
Amp hour

Ah

Amp hour is a unit of electrical charge commonly used to quantify the capacity of a battery. It represents the amount of electrical charge that a battery can deliver over a specified period.
Beam angle

—

The beam angle refers to the angular spread of light emitted from a lighting fixture. It determines the width and direction of the light distribution.
Charge Controller

—

Regulates electricity flow between PV panel and battery; prevents over-charging and improves transfer efficiency.
Colour Correlated Temperature

CCT (K)

Perceived “warmth” or “coolness” of light measured in Kelvin (K).
Colour Rendering Index

CRI

Measure of how faithfully a light source renders colours across a gamut; higher CRI = more accurate colour appearance.
Efficacy

lm/W

Light output per watt of input power; higher lm/W = more efficient.
Ex classification

—

Coding system for equipment in hazardous areas indicating protection against explosive atmospheres.
Glare

UGR

Visual discomfort from excessive brightness or contrast; managed to maintain comfort and visibility.
Horizontal illuminance

Eh

Illuminance on a horizontal plane.
IK rating

IK

Mechanical impact resistance classification for enclosures (IEC 62262).
Illuminance

lux (lm/m²)

Total luminous flux incident on a surface per unit area.
Ingress Protection rating

IP

Degree of protection against solids, dust, contact and water (IEC 60529).
Insolation

kWh/m²/day

Solar energy received per area per day; key input for sizing solar lighting systems.
LM-79

—

IES test method for performance of LED products (light output, electrical power, efficacy, etc.).
LM-80

—

IES standard for measuring lumen maintenance of LED packages/arrays/modules (component level).
Light distribution

—

Pattern/direction of emitted light; drives uniformity, intensity and application suitability.
Lumen

lm

Unit of total visible light emitted by a source (brightness).
Luminance

cd/m²

Luminous intensity per unit area in a direction; light emitted/reflected/passing through a surface.
Luminous flux

lm

Perceived power of light emitted by a source.
Luminous intensity

cd

Light emitted in a given direction; measured in candelas.
Lux

lx

Illuminance — light incident on a surface per unit area.
Maintenance factor

MF

Accounts for light loss over time (lamp/luminaire/room surface maintenance) to keep target illuminance through life.
Mounting height

—

Vertical distance from the surface to the photometric centre of the luminaire.
Ohm’s Law

—

Relationship between voltage, current and resistance in an electrical circuit.
Outreach

—

Horizontal distance from pole centreline to luminaire photometric centre.
Overhang

—

Horizontal distance from kerb edge to luminaire photometric centre.
Photometry

—

Measurement of visible light as perceived by the eye across wavelengths.
Pole setback

—

Horizontal distance from kerb (or lane edge) to pole centreline, normal to traffic direction.
Rated LED lifetime

LxBy (hours)

Estimated operating life until output declines to a specified level (e.g., L70); derived from standard tests/extrapolation.
TM-21

—

IES method for projecting long-term lumen maintenance of LED sources.
Uniformity

Uo / Ul

Evenness of illumination. Uo = min/avg; Ul = min/max along a path. Higher values = more consistent lighting.
Vertical illuminance

Ev

Illuminance on a vertical plane.

Frequently asked questions

bottom of page