Introduction

When it comes to lighting design, it is important to consider the impact of light on human perception and well-being. One of the key factors to consider is the UGR Glare Rating of lights, which is a measure of the discomfort caused by glare in indoor lighting environments. In this blog post, we will explore what UGR Glare Rating is, why it matters, how to calculate it, and how to use it in lighting design.

What is UGR Glare Rating?

UGR (Unified Glare Rating) is a measure of the discomfort caused by glare in indoor lighting environments. It is based on a mathematical formula that takes into account the luminance of the light source, the luminance of the surrounding surfaces, and the position and size of the observer’s visual field. The UGR Glare Rating scale ranges from 10 to 30, with lower values indicating less glare and greater visual comfort.

150W LED High Bay Light 60degree lens UGR

 

Why does UGR Glare Rating matter?

UGR Glare Rating is an important factor to consider in lighting design because excessive glare can cause discomfort, visual fatigue, and even headaches. This is particularly important in environments where people need to concentrate, such as offices, schools, and libraries. In addition, glare can also reduce the perceived brightness of the space, making it feel darker than it actually is. By considering the UGR Glare Rating in the design process, designers can create lighting environments that are comfortable, visually appealing, and efficient.

How is UGR Glare Rating calculated?

The UGR Glare Rating is calculated using a formula that takes into account several factors. These include the luminance of the light source, the luminance of the surrounding surfaces, the position and size of the observer’s visual field, and the background luminance of the room. The formula is quite complex, but it can be simplified into the following equation:

Unified Glare Rating Formula

Unified Glare Rating Formula

Where:

Lb is the luminance of the background in cd/m2, Lr is the luminance of the reflected light in cd/m2

In this formula, the values of Lb and Lr are determined by measuring the luminance of the surrounding surfaces and the light sources, respectively.

What are UGR glare rating levels?

UGR glare rating levels range from 10 to 28, with 10 being the lowest level of glare and 28 being the highest level of glare. The higher the UGR rating, the more glare is present in the lighting environment. The following is a breakdown of the UGR rating levels:

  • UGR 10: This is the lowest level of glare and is considered to be almost glare-free. It is suitable for areas where visual comfort is a priority, such as offices, schools, and libraries.
  • UGR 13: This level of glare is also considered to be low and is suitable for most general lighting applications, such as retail stores, supermarkets, and hospitals.
  • UGR 16: This level of glare is considered to be moderate and is suitable for areas where more visual task performance is required, such as workshops and laboratories.
  • UGR 19: This level of glare is considered to be high and is suitable for areas where task performance is the primary focus, such as production areas and industrial settings.
  • UGR 22: This level of glare is considered to be very high and is suitable for areas where visual tasks require a high level of precision, such as surgical rooms or laboratories.
  • UGR 25 and above: These levels of glare are considered to be extreme and are not suitable for most applications. They may be used in very specific situations where task performance requires very high levels of precision, such as micro-electronics manufacturing or watchmaking.

How to use UGR Glare Rating in lighting design?

The UGR Glare Rating can be used in several ways in lighting design. First, it can be used to select light fixtures that have a low UGR rating, which will minimize glare and provide a comfortable visual environment. The UGR rating should be considered in conjunction with other factors, such as the color rendering index (CRI) and the efficiency of the light source.

Second, the UGR Glare Rating can be used to determine the optimal position and orientation of light fixtures. By analyzing the UGR rating at various points in the room, designers can determine the best position for each light fixture to minimize glare and provide even illumination.

Finally, the UGR Glare Rating can be used to evaluate the overall lighting design of a space. By calculating the average UGR rating for the entire room, designers can ensure that the lighting environment is comfortable and visually appealing.

How to reduce UGR glare of lighting?

There are several ways to reduce the UGR glare of lighting in a space:

  1. Select light fixtures with a low UGR rating: When selecting light fixtures, choose fixtures that have a low UGR rating, such as those with a frosted or diffused lens or those that are designed to direct light downward. These fixtures will minimize glare and provide a more comfortable visual environment.
  2. Use indirect lighting: Indirect lighting, such as uplights or wall washers, can help reduce UGR by directing light toward the ceiling or walls, which will create a diffuse, even light distribution. This will help minimize direct glare and create a more comfortable visual environment.
  3. Use multiple light sources: By using multiple light sources, designers can distribute light more evenly throughout a space, which can help reduce glare and create a more comfortable visual environment. For example, using a combination of overhead lighting and task lighting can provide a more even light distribution and reduce the need for bright, direct lighting.
  4. Avoid placing light sources in the direct line of sight: When designing a lighting layout, it is important to avoid placing light sources in the direct line of sight of people who will be using the space. This will help minimize direct glare and create a more comfortable visual environment.
  5. Use appropriate lighting levels: It is important to use appropriate lighting levels for the specific task or activity being performed in the space. If lighting levels are too high, it can create excessive glare and visual discomfort. If lighting levels are too low, it can create visual strain and fatigue. By using appropriate lighting levels, designers can create a more comfortable visual environment and reduce the need for bright, direct lighting.
  6. Use lighting controls: Lighting controls, such as dimmers or occupancy sensors, can help adjust lighting levels based on the specific needs of the space and the people who use it. This can help reduce glare and create a more comfortable visual environment while also saving energy.

In summary, reducing UGR glare in a lighting design involves selecting light fixtures with a low UGR rating, using indirect lighting, using multiple light sources, avoiding placing light sources in the direct line of sight, using appropriate lighting levels, and using lighting controls. By following these guidelines, designers can create lighting environments that are comfortable, visually appealing, and efficient.

Conclusion

It is important to note that UGR is not the only factor to consider in lighting design. Other factors, such as color temperature, color rendering, and illuminance levels, also play an important role in creating effective lighting environments. However, UGR is a useful tool for evaluating and minimizing glare, which can have a significant impact on the visual comfort and well-being of people who use the space.

In addition to considering UGR in the design phase, it is also important to periodically evaluate the lighting environment in existing spaces. Over time, the layout and use of a space may change, which can affect the effectiveness of the lighting design. By periodically evaluating the UGR rating and making adjustments as necessary, designers can ensure that the lighting environment remains comfortable and effective.

In conclusion, UGR Glare Rating is an important factor to consider in lighting design. By understanding what UGR is, why it matters, how to calculate it, and how to use it in lighting design, designers can create lighting environments that are visually appealing, efficient, and comfortable. By evaluating and adjusting the UGR rating over time, designers can ensure that the lighting environment remains effective for the specific needs of the space and the people who use it.

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