TECHLUMEN Design Guide Series
EN 12464‑1 & EN 12464‑2 Lighting Standards
Complete technical guide with detailed specification tables for illuminance (Em), uniformity (Uo), glare (UGRL/GRL) and colour rendering (Ra) for every indoor and outdoor workplace — the foundation of every lighting design.
1. Introduction & Scope
The EN 12464-1:2021 (indoor) and EN 12464-2:2014 (outdoor) standards form the basis of every workplace lighting design in Europe. They define the minimum lighting requirements that ensure visual comfort, safety and work performance — without restricting design freedom.
This guide presents in detail all specification tables from both standards: illuminance (Em), uniformity (Uo), glare (UGRL/GRL), colour rendering (Ra) and supplementary notes. It serves as a reference tool for designers, installers and specifiers — complementing the TECHLUMEN application-specific guides.
Why Standards Matter
Visual Comfort
UGR ≤ 19
Typical office requirement — avoiding glare on screens
Workplace Safety
Uo ≥ 0,60
Uniform distribution in the task area — no dark zones
Colour Fidelity
Ra ≥ 80
Minimum CRI index for indoor workplaces
Legal Basis
EN / ELOT
Mandatory application through national regulations & EPC
Regulatory Framework
In Greece, the standards are applied as ELOT EN 12464-1 and ELOT EN 12464-2. Compliance is presumed to satisfy the Labour Regulation, KENAK (via TOTEE 20701-1), and the Fire Protection Regulation. In EPC studies, lighting power density is calculated based on the illuminance levels of these standards.
| Standard / Regulation | Scope | Relation to EN 12464 |
|---|---|---|
| EN 12464-1:2021 | Indoor workplaces | Defines Em, UGRL, Uo, Ra per activity |
| EN 12464-2:2014 | Outdoor workplaces | Defines Em, Uo, GRL, Ra per application |
| KENAK / TOTEE 20701-1 | Energy performance (Greece) | Uses Em levels for installed power calculation |
| P.D. 41/2018 | Fire Protection Regulation | Emergency lighting in relation to EN 12464 zones |
| EN 1838 / EN 50172 | Emergency lighting | Complementary — minimum 1 lx escape route |
| CIE S 008 / EN 12665 | Lighting terminology | Definitions of Em, Uo, UGR, Ra etc. |
| EN 15193-1 | Lighting energy assessment | LENI index — calculation using EN 12464 levels |
| EU Reg. 2019/2020 | Ecodesign for light sources | Minimum source efficiencies affecting design |
ℹ Relation to Human Centric Lighting (HCL)
EN 12464 defines minimum values. In Human Centric Lighting (HCL) applications, designers may exceed Em by increasing melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (M-EDI) during morning hours, provided UGRL limits are not violated. CIE S 026 and the WELL Building Standard operate as complementary frameworks.
2. Key Design Parameters
Every table in the standards contains four key parameters. Understanding their physical meaning is essential for correct application.
Figure 1 — The four key lighting design parameters
Figure 1 — The four key parameters (Em, UGRL, Uo, Ra) apply to three zones: Task Area, Immediate Surround and Background, according to EN 12464-1:2021.
Detailed Parameter Descriptions
| Parameter | Symbol | Unit | Interpretation | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintained average illuminance | Em | lux (lx) | Minimum average value under maintained conditions (aged, soiled luminaires). New installations must start above this level. | 50 – 5 000 lx |
| Unified glare rating | UGRL | — | Maximum UGR limit (Unified Glare Rating). Lower value = less glare. Scale step: 3 units. | 13 – 28 |
| Illuminance uniformity | Uo | — | Ratio Emin / Em on the reference surface. Higher value = uniform distribution. | 0,10 – 0,70 |
| Colour rendering | Ra (CRI) | — | Ability of the light source to render colours correctly. 100 = ideal. | 20 – 95 |
3. Scales, Methodology & Reference Surfaces
Illuminance Scale (Em)
Em values follow a standardised logarithmic scale per CIE. Each step corresponds to a perceived change of ~1.5×:
20 — 30 — 50 — 75 — 100 — 150 — 200 — 300 — 500 — 750 — 1 000 — 1 500 — 2 000 — 3 000 — 5 000 lx
UGR Scale
The UGR scale moves in steps of 3 units. Each step corresponds to a noticeable change in glare:
13 — 16 — 19 — 22 — 25 — 28
| UGRL | Perception | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Almost imperceptible glare | Design offices, CAD rooms |
| 16 | Minimal glare | Very fine industrial work, inspection |
| 19 | Acceptable glare | Offices, classrooms, hospitals |
| 22 | Moderate glare | Medium-precision industrial areas |
| 25 | Noticeable glare | Warehouses, corridors, sanitary areas |
| 28 | Strong glare | Circulation zones, corridors only |
Surrounding Illuminance Ratios (EN 12464-1)
The standard defines the relationship between task area illuminance and immediate surround:
| Em Task Area | Em Immediate Surround | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 750 lx | 500 lx | 0,50× | Greater reduction permitted |
| 500 lx | 300 lx | 0,50× | 0.5 m band around task area |
| 300 lx | 200 lx | 0,50× | |
| 200 lx | 150 lx | 0,50× | |
| 150 lx | 100 lx | 0,50× | |
| ≤ 100 lx | 100 lx | 1,00× | Absolute minimum |
✓ Practical Rule
Immediate surround: Em ≥ 0.5× task area (minimum 100 lx), Uo ≥ 0.40. Background area: Em ≥ 1/3 task area (minimum 50 lx), Uo ≥ 0.10. These rules ensure smooth luminance transitions within the space.
Reference Surfaces
| Surface | Typical Height | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Work plane | 0.75 m (desk) or 0.85 m (workbench) | Standard horizontal reference surface |
| Floor level | 0,00 m | Circulation zones, stairs, warehouses |
| Vertical surface | Centre of board or wall | Boards, library shelves, display cases |
| Cylindrical illuminance | 1.20 m (standing) / 0.85 m (seated) | Face recognition — min. 150 lx / Uo ≥ 0.10 |
4. EN 12464‑1 — Circulation Zones & Common Areas
Standard Table 5.1 — Indoor circulation zones, stairs, common areas within buildings. Reference surface: floor level unless stated otherwise.
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1.1 | Circulation corridors | 100 | 28 | 0,40 | 40 | Floor level |
| 5.1.2 | Stairs, escalators/moving walkways | 150 | 25 | 0,40 | 40 | Floor level |
| 5.1.3 | Lifts | 100 | 25 | 0,40 | 40 | Cabin floor level |
| 5.1.4 | Loading ramps | 150 | 25 | 0,40 | 40 | Floor level |
| 5.1.5 | Circulation areas in buildings | 100 | 28 | 0,40 | 40 | |
| 5.1.6 | Rest rooms | 100 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Pleasant environment |
| 5.1.7 | Sanitary facilities / toilets | 200 | 25 | 0,40 | 80 | Floor level |
| 5.1.8 | Technical rooms / plant rooms | 200 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | |
| 5.1.9 | Stores, cold stores | 100 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | 200 lx if continuously occupied |
⚠ Attention to Transitions
In transition zones (e.g. building entrance → indoor corridor) the illuminance ratio should not exceed 1:5 to avoid adaptation problems. Particularly critical in parking → stairs → offices.
5. EN 12464‑1 — Offices
Standard Table 5.2 — Offices, meeting rooms, filing areas. Reference surface: 0.75 m (desk). Uo values refer to the immediate task area.
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2.1 | Filing, copying, circulation | 300 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | |
| 5.2.2 | Writing, reading, data processing | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | For CAD work see 5.2.3 |
| 5.2.3 | CAD workstations | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Special attention to screen |
| 5.2.4 | Meeting rooms | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Lighting should be dimmable |
| 5.2.5 | Reception desk | 300 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | For reading/writing at counter: 500 lx |
| 5.2.6 | Archives | 200 | 25 | 0,40 | 80 |
💡 Work with Display Screens (VDT)
In areas with computer screens, lighting must be checked for reflections. Vertical illuminance on the screen should not exceed 1,500 cd/m² from luminaires visible in the screen. Luminaires with UGR ≤ 19 must also be assessed for luminance at angles ≥ 65°.
6. EN 12464‑1 — Educational Facilities
Standard Table 5.5 — Kindergartens, schools, universities, libraries. Board lighting (500 lx) refers to vertical surface. Uo ≥ 0.70 on board surface.
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5.1 | Kindergarten / nursery | 300 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Floor level as reference surface |
| 5.5.2 | Classrooms | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Dimmable lighting |
| 5.5.3 | Adult / evening education rooms | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Special visual comfort requirements |
| 5.5.4 | Lecture halls / auditoriums | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Dimmable lighting |
| 5.5.5 | Blackboard / whiteboard | 500 | 19 | 0,70 | 80 | Avoid reflections · vertical surface |
| 5.5.6 | Demonstration / presentation board | 500 | 19 | 0,70 | 80 | Vertical surface |
| 5.5.7 | Art / craft workshops | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.5.8 | Music practice rooms | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.5.9 | Computer labs | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Screen reflection control |
| 5.5.10 | Language labs | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.5.11 | Teacher preparation rooms | 300 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.5.12 | Gymnasiums (general use) | 300 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | 500 lx for sports |
| 5.5.13 | Libraries — shelves | 200 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Vertical lighting |
| 5.5.14 | Libraries — reading area | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 |
✓ Practical Example — Classroom
A typical classroom requires: 300 lx on desks (Uo ≥ 0.60), 500 lx on the board (Uo ≥ 0.70), UGRL ≤ 19, Ra ≥ 80. Dimmable lighting and daylight harvesting in the window zone are recommended.
7. EN 12464‑1 — Healthcare
Standard Table 5.6 — Hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies. Particularly strict Ra ≥ 90 requirements in examination areas. Surgical task lighting is provided by specialised luminaires (10,000–100,000 lx).
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.6.1 | Waiting areas | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Pleasant environment |
| 5.6.2 | Daytime corridors | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | |
| 5.6.3 | Night-time corridors | 50 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Reduced for patient comfort |
| 5.6.4 | Patient wards — general lighting | 100 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Patient-controlled |
| 5.6.5 | Patient wards — reading | 300 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Bed lighting |
| 5.6.6 | Patient wards — examination | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | General examination |
| 5.6.7 | Patient wards — night observation | 5 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Observation lighting |
| 5.6.8 | Examination room (general) | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 90 | |
| 5.6.9 | Examination and treatment room | 1 000 | 19 | 0,60 | 90 | Ophthalmology, ENT etc. |
| 5.6.10 | Operating theatre — general lighting | 1 000 | 19 | 0,60 | 90 | Radiology: special requirements |
| 5.6.11 | Operating theatre — surgical field | 10 000–100 000 | — | — | 90–95 | Surgical task lighting |
| 5.6.12 | Recovery / delivery rooms | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.6.13 | Intensive care units (ICU) | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 90 | Dimmable lighting |
| 5.6.14 | Dental surgery | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 90 | Task lighting: 5,000 lx |
| 5.6.15 | Laboratories and pharmacies | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | General lighting |
| 5.6.16 | Disinfection rooms | 300 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.6.17 | Mortuary / autopsy room | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 90 | Task lighting: 5,000 lx |
⚠ Critical Note — Ra ≥ 90
Examination rooms, operating theatres, ICU and dental surgeries require Ra ≥ 90 for correct recognition of skin, tissue and fluid colours. Standard 80 CRI LED sources are insufficient — specialised high-CRI LED modules are required.
8. EN 12464‑1 — Industry & Manufacturing
Standard Table 5.7 — Machine shops, electronics, woodworking, textiles, food, printing, foundries, chemicals. Task lighting is essential for very fine work (≥ 1,000 lx).
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7.1 | Storage and packaging | 300 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | Floor level |
| 5.7.2 | Machine shop — rough machining | 300 | 22 | 0,60 | 60 | |
| 5.7.3 | Machine shop — medium machining | 500 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.4 | Machine shop — fine machining | 750 | 19 | 0,70 | 80 | |
| 5.7.5 | Machine shop — very fine machining | 1 000 | 16 | 0,70 | 90 | Task lighting essential |
| 5.7.6 | Welding | 300 | 22 | 0,60 | 60 | |
| 5.7.7 | Painting, spraying | 750 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | Colour inspection: Ra ≥ 90 |
| 5.7.8 | Quality control / inspection | 1 000 | 16 | 0,70 | 80 | Task lighting recommended |
| 5.7.9 | Electronic assembly — coarse | 300 | 25 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.10 | Electronic assembly — fine | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.11 | Electronic assembly — very fine | 1 000 | 16 | 0,70 | 80 | |
| 5.7.12 | Wood — sawing, planing | 300 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | |
| 5.7.13 | Wood — fine work (furniture making) | 500 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | Veneer processing |
| 5.7.14 | Textiles — spinning, weaving | 500 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.15 | Textiles — dyeing | 500 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | Colour inspection: Ra ≥ 90 |
| 5.7.16 | Textiles — sewing | 750 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.17 | Food — washing, filling, packaging | 300 | 25 | 0,60 | 60 | |
| 5.7.18 | Food — decorating, inspection | 500 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.19 | Printing — general work | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.20 | Tannery — general work | 300 | 25 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.7.21 | Cement, ceramics, glass works | 300 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | |
| 5.7.22 | Foundries, heat treatment of metals | 200 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | |
| 5.7.23 | Mines, quarries (indoor) | 50 | 28 | 0,40 | 40 | Special safety requirements |
| 5.7.24 | Chemical industry — remote control | 50 | 28 | 0,40 | 40 | |
| 5.7.25 | Chemical industry — laboratories | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Colour inspection: Ra ≥ 90 |
| 5.7.26 | Metallurgy — general work | 200 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | |
| 5.7.27 | Plastics / rubber — general production | 300 | 25 | 0,60 | 60 | |
| 5.7.28 | Paper industry — general work | 300 | 25 | 0,40 | 60 | |
| 5.7.29 | Electrical installation, testing | 300 | 25 | 0,60 | 80 |
💡 Task Lighting Rule
For tasks requiring ≥ 750 lx, task lighting is almost always necessary. General lighting should provide at least 50% of the Em value — never less than 200 lx. The ratio between task and general lighting should not exceed 5:1 to avoid visual fatigue.
9. EN 12464‑1 — Retail, Hotels, Public Spaces
Retail Shops (5.3)
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3.1 | Sales area | 300 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Supermarket: 500 lx |
| 5.3.2 | Checkout | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.3.3 | Wrapping counter | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | |
| 5.3.4 | Shop window | 500–1 500 | — | — | 80–90 | Depending on product type |
Public Assembly Spaces (5.4)
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4.1 | Waiting halls | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | |
| 5.4.2 | Reception halls / foyers | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | |
| 5.4.3 | Conference / seminar rooms | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Dimmable lighting |
| 5.4.4 | Museums (general lighting) | 300 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Special requirements per exhibits |
| 5.4.5 | Churches / places of worship | 100 | 25 | 0,40 | 80 | Depending on activity |
Hotels & Restaurants (5.8)
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | UGRL | Uo | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8.1 | Reception, cashier | 300 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | Attractive lighting |
| 5.8.2 | Lobby, entrances | 100 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Transition lighting |
| 5.8.3 | Restaurants, dining areas | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Atmosphere creation |
| 5.8.4 | Buffet / self-service | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | |
| 5.8.5 | Kitchen | 500 | 22 | 0,60 | 80 | Food safety |
| 5.8.6 | Hotel rooms — general lighting | 100 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | Guest-controlled |
| 5.8.7 | Hotel rooms — writing / reading | 300 | 19 | 0,40 | 80 | Bed task lighting |
| 5.8.8 | Hotel bathroom | 200 | 22 | 0,40 | 80 | |
| 5.8.9 | Conference / banquet halls | 500 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | Dimmable lighting |
10. EN 12464‑2 — Outdoor Workplaces
EN 12464-2:2014 covers outdoor workplaces. The main difference from EN 12464-1 is the use of the GRL (Glare Rating Luminaires) index instead of UGRL, and generally lower Ra requirements due to the nature of outdoor activities.
ℹ GRL vs UGRL
GRL (per CIE 112) is calculated for outdoor luminaires and follows a different methodology than indoor UGR. The scale ranges from 10–90, with values of 45–55 being typical. Lower value = less glare.
5.1 Motorised Traffic Zones
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1.1 | Low speed (<10 km/h) | 5 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | Horizontal plane |
| 5.1.2 | Normal speed (<40 km/h) | 10 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.1.3 | High speed (>40 km/h) | 20 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.1.4 | Intersections, roundabouts | 20 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | Increased visibility requirements |
5.2 Pedestrian & Cyclist Zones
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2.1 | Pedestrians — low traffic | 5 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | Horizontal plane |
| 5.2.2 | Pedestrians — normal traffic | 10 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.2.3 | Pedestrians — high traffic | 20 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.2.4 | Cycle paths | 10 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.2.5 | Building entrances / exits | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Indoor/outdoor transition zone |
5.3 Parking Areas
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3.1 | Parking — low usage | 5 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | Horizontal plane |
| 5.3.2 | Parking — medium usage | 10 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.3.3 | Parking — high usage | 25 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.3.4 | Multi-storey / underground parking | 75 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Vertical: 300 lx |
| 5.3.5 | Parking access ramps | 75 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | |
| 5.3.6 | Parking pay stations | 300 | 0,40 | 45 | 80 |
5.4 Fuel Stations
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4.1 | Fuel pumps | 150 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Ground level |
| 5.4.2 | Fuel station circulation area | 100 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | |
| 5.4.3 | Car wash (self-service) | 200 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 |
5.5 Industrial Areas & Storage
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5.1 | General industrial area lighting | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | Horizontal plane |
| 5.5.2 | Loading/unloading areas | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Vertical on vehicles |
| 5.5.3 | Material storage (open-air) | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | |
| 5.5.4 | Assembly areas (open-air) | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | |
| 5.5.5 | Construction work (open-air) | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | |
| 5.5.6 | Petroleum / chemical plants | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | Special safety requirements |
| 5.5.7 | Shipyards — general lighting | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | |
| 5.5.8 | Shipyards — shipbuilding work | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 |
5.6 Construction Sites
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.6.1 | General construction site lighting | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | |
| 5.6.2 | Excavation, ground work | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | |
| 5.6.3 | Building work | 50 | 0,40 | 55 | 40 | |
| 5.6.4 | Tunnel work | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Safety attention |
| 5.6.5 | Steel structure assembly | 100 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 |
5.7 Outdoor Leisure & Transport Areas
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7.1 | Walkways, parks, gardens | 5 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | Vertical plane |
| 5.7.2 | Outdoor event areas | 50 | 0,40 | 55 | 40 | |
| 5.7.3 | Swimming pools (open-air) | 100 | 0,50 | 50 | 60 | |
| 5.7.4 | Transport stops / stations | 30 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Passenger waiting |
5.8 Airports
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8.1 | Taxiways | 10 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | |
| 5.8.2 | Aircraft parking platforms | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | Horizontal plane |
| 5.8.3 | Aprons (with work activities) | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Ground level |
| 5.8.4 | Aircraft maintenance (open-air) | 200 | 0,50 | 50 | 60 |
5.9 Railway Stations
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.9.1 | Main platforms | 20 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | Vertical plane |
| 5.9.2 | Regional platforms | 10 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.9.3 | Freight stations / yards | 10 | 0,25 | 50 | 20 | |
| 5.9.4 | Level crossings | 20 | 0,40 | 50 | 20 | Safety |
5.10 Ports
| Ref. | Area / Activity | Em (lx) | Uo | GRL | Ra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.10.1 | General port lighting | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | |
| 5.10.2 | Quays, jetties | 20 | 0,25 | 55 | 20 | Personnel safety |
| 5.10.3 | Cargo handling, loading | 50 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 | Vertical plane |
| 5.10.4 | Passenger areas, boarding | 30 | 0,40 | 50 | 40 |
11. Design Application & Best Practices
Lighting Design Steps per EN 12464
Figure 2 — Lighting design process per EN 12464
Figure 2 — Five design steps: Space identification → EN 12464 specifications → Design in DIALux/RELUX → Verification → Documentation.
Maintenance Factor (MF)
The Maintenance Factor (MF) represents the reduction in luminous flux due to lamp ageing, luminaire soiling and room surface degradation. New installations must provide Em / MF lux so that the Em value is maintained after the maintenance cycle.
| Environment | Typical MF | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Clean (offices, schools) | 0,70 – 0,80 | Cleaning every 3 years |
| Normal (light industry) | 0,60 – 0,70 | Cleaning every 2 years |
| Dirty (heavy industry) | 0,50 – 0,60 | Cleaning every year |
| Outdoor areas | 0,55 – 0,70 | Depends on IP rating |
⚠ Common Mistake — MF = 1
Many designs use MF = 1 (no ageing), giving a false compliance result. Correct designs must calculate MF based on CIE 97:2005 or DIALux/RELUX tools, taking into account luminaire type, IP rating, cleaning cycle and operating hours.
Ra Categories — Quick Guide
| Ra Index | Category | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Ra ≥ 90 | Excellent | Operating theatres, colour inspection, museums, graphic arts |
| Ra ≥ 80 | Good | Offices, education, healthcare, retail, hotels |
| Ra ≥ 60 | Moderate | Medium-precision industry, warehouses |
| Ra ≥ 40 | Low | Circulation zones, heavy industry |
| Ra ≥ 20 | Minimum | Outdoor circulation areas, parking |
12. TECHLUMEN Solutions
TECHLUMEN designs and manufactures LED luminaires that meet or exceed the requirements of EN 12464-1 and EN 12464-2. All products are supplied with complete photometric files (LDT/IES) for use in DIALux EVO and RELUX software.
Product Series to Application Mapping
| TECHLUMEN Series | EN 12464 Applications | Em Range | UGR | Ra | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HB-DURO / HB-L / CABANA | Industry, warehouses (5.7) | 200–1 000 lx | ≤ 22 | ≥ 80 | IP66, IK09/IK10, DALI,, high efficiency |
| CELL / ECLIPSE / L-E | Offices, education (5.2, 5.5) | 300–500 lx | ≤ 19 | ≥ 80 | UGR < 19 (CELL: UGR < 16), emergency option, tunable white |
| GEMMA / FAVO-90 / DLR | Retail, hotels (5.3, 5.8) | 300–750 lx | ≤ 22 | ≥ 90 | CRI 90+, accent lighting, tunable white, DALI-2 |
| STIK / LN | Corridors, circulation (5.1) | 100–200 lx | ≤ 25 | ≥ 80 | DALI, slim profile, emergency (LN), Presence sensor |
| DL-IP / QUDO-60-AS | Healthcare, laboratories (5.6) | 300–1 000 lx | ≤ 19 | ≥ 90 | Cleanroom compatible, flicker-free, IP64/IP65, tunable white, |
| DROMOS | Street lighting, parking (EN 12464-2) | 5–50 lx | GRL ≤ 50 | ≥ 20 | Zhaga-D4i, IP66, DALI-2, ENEC, |
| VELISTI | Industry, warehouses | 200–750 lx | ≤ 25 | ≥ 80 | IP66, DALI, emergency option |
| WALLY / BILUX | Outdoor areas (5.2, 5.5 EN 12464-2) | 10–50 lx | GRL ≤ 55 | ≥ 40 | IP65, wall-mount, emergency option |
💡 Specification Tip
When writing technical specifications, always reference EN 12464 requirements (Em, UGRL, Uo, Ra) together with the table code (e.g. "per EN 12464-1, Table 5.2.2"). This ensures clear mapping during design and tender evaluation. Always request LDT/IES photometric files for DIALux.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Are the EN 12464 standards legally binding?
EN 12464 standards are harmonised European standards (CEN), not legislation per se. However, they become effectively mandatory through three mechanisms: (1) EU Directive 89/654/EEC requires adequate workplace lighting, and EN 12464 serves as the presumption of conformity; (2) each EU member state incorporates them into national regulations — in Greece via KENAK/TOTEE and the Labour Regulation, in Germany via ASR A3.4, in the UK via BS EN 12464, etc.; (3) courts across Europe treat them as state of the art, meaning non-compliance shifts the burden of proof onto the designer or installer in case of disputes or accidents. In practice, no professional lighting design in Europe can disregard EN 12464.
What is the difference between Em and E (initial illuminance)?
The Em (maintained illuminance) value is the average illuminance after ageing and soiling — i.e. at the worst point before cleaning/replacement. Initial illuminance Einitial = Em / MF, where MF is the Maintenance Factor (typically 0.60–0.80). A new installation must start significantly above Em to maintain it throughout its lifetime.
How is UGR calculated in practice?
UGR is calculated automatically in DIALux EVO or RELUX, using the luminaire photometric data (LDT/IES), room geometry and wall/ceiling/floor reflectances. The designer places UGR assessment points at typical observer positions (e.g. desk positions) and verifies that the table UGRL is not exceeded at any position. Manufacturers also provide UGR tables in their datasheets.
Can I use values lower than the standards in certain areas?
Em values can be reduced by one step if the activity allows it (e.g. occasional presence, low visual demand). However, this must be justified in the design. Conversely, they can be increased by one step for elderly users, exceptionally high visual demands or reduced surface reflectances.
Do TECHLUMEN luminaires come with photometric files?
Yes. All TECHLUMEN luminaires come with complete photometric files in EULUMDAT (LDT) and IES format, available for download from techlumen.gr. Files can be imported directly into DIALux EVO, RELUX or any compatible software. For special applications or new products, contact the technical department.
What does "—" mean in the UGRL or Uo table columns?
"—" indicates that the parameter does not apply or is not specified by the standard for that particular activity. This mainly occurs in special applications (e.g. surgical field, shop windows) where lighting is provided by specialised luminaires with separate specifications.