School Lighting
School Lighting Guide
Education facilities such as primary schools, secondary schools and universities all have their own unique lighting challenges. Lighting a classroom environment requires the evaluation of natural light available from windows, consideration of tasks being carried out and the integration of technology used within schools. Computers, electronic whiteboards and other surfaces need to be considered within the overall lighting strategy to ensure visual clarity. Carefully chosen lighting products can create an environment that promotes student performance and overall wellbeing.
Dimming Features
In areas where presentations will be made on large television screen or electronic whiteboard it is essential to choose light fittings with a dimming feature to maximise usability. Dimming can also mitigate glare and the eye strain that can be caused by prolonged screen use.
Lifespan, Maintenance & Energy Savings
When specifying lighting in a school, LED light fittings offer savings for both cost and maintenance. With a lifespan of 10,000 hours LED lights need to be replaced less often than traditional fluorescent lights. In contrast to the fluorescent lighting used in classrooms, LED lights require less energy to run and do not have pesky flicker issues.
Mounting Methods
The method of mounting lights in schools will depend on a number of factors including the use of the space and the room height.
Surface Mounted
Depending on the height of the ceiling and fitting type, surface mounting is a great way to achieve effective lighting in classrooms, offices and general spaces around a school. Surface mounting is economical, creates even illumination and does not draw attention.
Recess Mounted
Colour Temperatures
Cool White
Warm white lighting (2000K - 3000K) has a smooth and relaxing feeling. It is more appropriate for use in lower activity areas such as bathrooms or locker rooms to create a calming environment.Warm White
Cool white lighting (3100K - 4500K) has an intense and vibrant white colour. Cool white light is best used in more task-oriented areas such as desks and computers. Cool temperatures promote alertness and concentration for activities such as reading.Colour Rendering Index
Colour rendering refers to the way that a light source impacts the way a colour is seen by the human eye and how colour variations and shades are interpreted. The Colour Rendering Index or CRI is a scale from 1 to 100.
As there are a diverse range of spaces within a school, we recommend engaging in one of our lighting designers to get the best colour rendering results and achieve an overall space that enhances students’ learning.
Products
Linear Lighting Series
The Linear Lighting Series is our most popular lighting product for schools because it is a general purpose light that is appropriate for use in the main classroom area. These can be recessed, surface mounted or suspended - with the latter two options being the most common for classrooms. They can also be dimmed for demonstrations that require the use of a television screen or whiteboard and allow for better viewing of the screen.
Track Lighting
Although not traditionally considered, track lighting has a range of applications in a school setting. It is most appropriate for specific task lighting and can be used over benches technical areas such as the science labs or in the food technology room. Whether surface mounted or suspended, track lighting is a very adaptable lighting solution. Tracks can be configured to to fit the shape of any room and lighting heads can be added and removed as required.
Simon Mundine
LED World Director