What is Overlighting?

Lighting is one of the most important elements that increase the quality of life and comfort. Using the right light creates a healthier, safer and more efficient atmosphere both indoors and outdoors. However, the quality and quantity of lighting must always be balanced. At this point, we come across the concept of “over-lighting”. Over-lighting means illuminating the targeted area more than necessary or with the wrong angle and intensity. This can lead to many problems, especially energy waste. So, what are the details of this concept and how is proper lighting provided? Let’s examine it together.

Definition and Importance of Overlighting

Over-illumination is simply the exposure of an area to more light than it needs. This doesn’t just mean using more lamps; factors such as choosing the wrong bulb, improper placement or inefficiently directing the light also trigger this problem. Especially in city centers, over-illuminated streets and buildings at night increase light pollution, harming both wildlife and energy resources.

Lighting experts take into account both visual comfort and energy efficiency when making a correct lighting plan. That's why companies operating in the lighting sector constantly work to offer innovative and sustainable solutions to their customers.

Harms of Excessive Lighting

Although excessive lighting may seem to only cause excessive energy consumption at first glance, it actually brings with it many negative effects from human health to environmental pollution. First of all, glare and loss of visual comfort negatively affect people's daily lives. Long-term exposure to intense lighting can lead to health problems such as headaches, insomnia and stress.

From an environmental perspective, unnecessary light use creates a serious problem called “light pollution.” It causes the disruption of natural ecosystems, damages the life cycle of nocturnal organisms, and hinders sky observations.

Causes of Over-illumination

When it comes to excessive lighting, the first thing that comes to mind is using too many lamps, but the real problem is planning and design errors. Incorrectly positioned lighting products both reduce efficiency and waste energy by spreading light to unwanted points. For example, directing the light towards the sky instead of the ground in an outdoor lighting is a common mistake.

Failure to perform the necessary analysis and calculations in lighting systems also increases the problem. When details such as how much lumen value is needed for which space, which light temperature should be preferred according to the purpose of use are ignored, excessive or insufficient lighting problems arise.

How to Avoid Overlighting?

The first step in preventing over-illumination is to start with the right product and planning. A lighting project prepared by considering variables such as the size of the space, the purpose of use and design preferences provides advantages in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. LED technology, in particular, stands out in indoor and outdoor applications due to its energy saving and long-lasting use.

During the lighting project phase, it is also important to keep the use of daylight at the maximum level. Taking advantage of direct sunlight with large windows or the right curtain selection in interior spaces reduces the need for artificial light.

Sample Lighting Values ​​Table

The table below shows the recommended average illumination levels (lux) for different areas. These values ​​may vary depending on the purpose of the project. However, the table is intended to give a general idea.

When you look at the values ​​above, there are minimum and maximum lux range recommendations for general usage areas. Depending on the size of the project, architectural structure and aesthetic preference, these values ​​can be revised by experts.

Over-illumination is a problem that is frequently encountered today, but can be easily prevented with correct planning and appropriate product selection. It is very important to apply for professional solutions to increase both your visual comfort and energy efficiency. At this point, Ronisu Lighting offers you all the lighting solutions you need with its expert staff and innovative products.

Proper lighting is of great importance for a healthy life, energy saving and environmental protection. Preventing excessive lighting not only reduces electricity bills, but is also an important step in protecting natural resources and leaving a cleaner environment for the future. Remember, you don't need to spend more energy to improve light quality; just choose the right techniques and expert support.