How to Measure LED Intensity

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has been hailed as the wave of the future. The efficiency of LEDs is superior to any other light source commercially available. With enough LEDs, a standard home can be lit to the same level as with standard or compact fluorescent bulbs. Measuring the intensity of an LED light source depends on two factors, the viewing angle and distance from the light. Intensity, in lighting terms, is measured in lux (lumens per square meter).

Digital light meter
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and mark a distance of exactly one meter away from the center of the front of the LED light. Set the digital light meter at that point.
- 2
  Turn on the digital light meter and let it calibrate. This can take up to a minute, depending on the model, but most are ready to go within twenty seconds.
- 3
  Take a reading at the one-meter range. This reading will be in millicandela per meter. To calculate the intensity, convert the millicandela to candela by multiplying by one thousand. Then convert the candela to lumens by multiplying by 12.57. This will give lumens per meter, or intensity.

What is a Torchiere Lamp?

Do It Yourself: Hidden Lighting

Lighting