Valaistuskaaviot

Valaistuskaaviot are graphical representations used in lighting design to illustrate how light is distributed from a luminaire. The term is Finnish and translates to "lighting diagrams" or "light distribution curves." These diagrams are essential tools for lighting engineers, architects, and designers to understand and predict the performance of a light source in a given space.

There are several types of valaistuskaaviot, with the most common being polar diagrams and Cartesian diagrams. Polar diagrams, often referred to as photometric curves or batwing curves, display luminous intensity in candelas (cd) at various angles from the luminaire. These are typically presented as curves plotted on a polar coordinate system, where the distance from the center represents the luminous intensity and the angle represents the direction. Cartesian diagrams, on the other hand, plot luminous intensity against the angle in a standard x-y graph.

These diagrams provide crucial information about a luminaire's beam angle, spread, and intensity. They help in determining the appropriate number and placement of luminaires needed to achieve desired illuminance levels on surfaces like floors, walls, or workstations. By analyzing valaistuskaaviot, designers can ensure uniform lighting, avoid glare, and optimize energy efficiency in various applications, from indoor spaces like offices and homes to outdoor areas such as streets and sports fields. Manufacturers provide these diagrams as part of their product specifications.