Light That Is Comfortable to Use

A light fitting is part of a system. Its lamp or light source works with a driver, control and the surfaces around it. The combination determines what happens when someone turns it on, dims it or sits where its reflection becomes visible.

Flicker is a variation in light output over time. IEEE's recommended practice for LEDs addresses potential health risks in relation to modulation characteristics. The practical consequence is to ask for relevant performance information and check the intended combination of source and dimmer. A fitting should be tried across the range in which it will actually be used.

Glare asks a different question: how does a bright source or reflection affect the viewer in that position? A counter can receive useful task light while reflecting the source towards the person working there. A lamp comfortable from one seat may need to move when the chair turns. Drawings from the occupant's eye level and trials with the actual fittings can expose these relationships.

The finished lighting should offer enough illumination for the activity with controls people can understand. A review that includes dimming, reflections and the view towards the fitting brings comfort into the specification as something to examine. The result belongs to the whole arrangement someone will use, including the places where they sit and work.