Computer Room Lighting

[Lutfi]

I have heard discussions that parabolic light fixtures are good for computer room application. However, I hear that paracubes are good as well. Any comments would be appreciated.

Lutfi

http://www.cdeco.com

 

[mpparent]

For computer rooms, I prefer an "indirect" fixture. In my opinion, it gives a more even illuminance than a parabolic. Since a parabolic is a "direct" fixture, glare can be a result on a computer screen.

Mike

 

[alehman]

If there are displays where reflection from light fixutres may be a problem, indirect is typically better if your ceiling is high enough that there is room to install them. They need to be suspended 18 to 24 inches below the ceiling. Also, if there is high air velocity, rigid mounting or bracing may be needed to avoid swaying.

Many computer rooms use separate control rooms for the operator displays now, so reflections in the computer room may not be so much of a problem.

Paracubes are very inefficient. They block a great deal of the light. Traditional 18 cell parabolics are much more efficient.

 

[ruggedscot]

Hey I always thought computers could work in the dark....

leave the lights off and save on the juice !

Rugged

 

[cgpe]

If you are dealing with a machine room, parabolics are fine. I suggest the use of three lamp T-8 with dual level switching. Typically these spaces aren't occuppied and don't require high lighting levels. By separately switching the inner from outer lamps you are able to achieve three lighting levels with two switches.

Unoccuppied mode could be a single lamp and all three lamps on during maintenance or clean-up.

If it is not a machine room, but is monitor intensive, Then I suggest a low level of indirect lighting (15 to 25 FC). The trick here is uniformity of ceiling illuminance. There are several manufacturers who can achieve even illumination at 18" below the ceiling at 10'-0" on center.

Try looking at Peerless, Litecontrol, Corelite, or ALS

 

[alehman]

Actually prismatic lensed fixtures work fine for a room without monitors, and provide better dust control.

 

[cflatters]

Have you looked up the CIBSE LG3 guidance and notes for display screen equipment lighting and control room lighting.

These may be of help.

The practice previously was to use parabolic louvres, however the current UK standards require a minimum illuminance level on walls and ceilings.

Suggest that you visit

http://www.cibse.org