LIGHTING
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Understanding the difference between lumens and lux: why both matter in lighting design I n the world of lighting, two terms often surface when discussing brightness never reach the intended area. That’s where lux becomes critical. installations deliver both efficiency and effectiveness. Lumens allow us to compare products and evaluate energy performance,
“At Aurora Lighting Africa, we don’t just measure how much light a product produces, we measure how effectively that light transforms a space. Understanding lumens and lux isn’t just technical knowledge; it’s the foundation of creating environments that feel brighter, safer, and more human,” says Scylagh Clunnie, managing director of Aurora Lighting Africa. In essence, lumens measure light at the source, while lux measures light in use. By understanding and applying both, we can transform spaces not only with brightness but with purpose, precision, and sustainability.
and performance: lumens and lux. While they sound similar and both relate to light, they measure very different things and understanding their distinction is essential for anyone specifying, designing, or installing lighting systems. Aurora Lighting Africa believes that informed choices lead to better, more efficient, and more sustainable lighting outcomes. Lumens: measuring the total light output Lumens (lm) represent the total amount of visible light emitted by a source, regardless of direction. In simple terms, lumens quantify how much light a lamp or fixture produces in total. It’s the raw measure of brightness that comes straight from the source. For example, a 10 W LED downlight might produce around 900 lumens, whereas a 60 W incandescent bulb emits about 800 lumens. Despite consuming less power, the LED produces more light, showcasing its superior energy efficiency. When consumers look at packaging or specifications, lumens indicate how bright the lamp or fitting will appear overall, a key factor in energy comparisons and product selection. However, lumens don’t tell the whole story. A light source could have a high lumen output, but if that light is not directed or controlled effectively, much of it may
while lux ensures that light is properly distributed for human comfort, safety, and productivity. Aurora Lighting Africa designs lighting solutions that balance high-lumen efficiency and precise optical control to deliver the right lux levels exactly where they’re needed. Whether illuminating a corporate office, an industrial site, or a retail environment, our goal is to enhance visual comfort while maximising energy savings.
Lux: measuring light where it matters Lux (lx) measures illuminance, or how much light falls on a given surface. One lux equals one lumen per square metre. In other words, lux quantifies the intensity of light on a surface, not the total light produced. Consider two identical 1,000 lm fixtures: one mounted high above a warehouse floor and another positioned closer to a workbench. The first will spread its light over a wide area, resulting in fewer lux (lower brightness per square metre), while the second will concentrate its light on a smaller area, producing more lux (higher brightness where needed). For lighting designers, architects, and engineers, lux is a far more practical measure than lumens. It determines whether a space is adequately illuminated for its purpose. For example: An office typically requires 300–500 lux for comfortable reading and computer work. Retail environments may aim for 750– 1,000 lux to highlight merchandise. Warehouses might need around 200 lux, while detailed assembly work could demand 1,500 lux or more. Why both matter Understanding the difference between lumens and lux helps ensure that lighting
Enquiries: info@aurora-africa.com
BEKA Schréder enhances lighting at Chamberlain Montana
and uniformity achieved in the store extension, Chamberlain Montana decided to retrofit the existing installation with the same lighting solution, forming the second phase of the project. About the ECOBAY The ECOBAY is a versatile lowbay and highbay lighting range designed to deliver excellent performance and a high return on investment. Proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa, the ECOBAY provides an ideal lighting solution for industrial facilities, optimising light levels, energy efficiency, and operational value. Available in a visually pleasing round or square design, with an optional decorative skirt, the ECOBAY offers flexible configurations to suit a wide range of applications.
Key advantages: • Designed and manufactured in South Africa • Five-year warranty (terms and conditions apply) • Highly efficient and energy-saving, replacing up to 400 W HID light sources • Flexible design for both lowbay and highbay applications • Optimised heatsink with vertical ribs for superior heat dissipation (up to 201 W) • Engineered to operate up to 201 W LED sources in ambient temperatures (Tq) of at least 25 °C, maintaining a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours at a lumen depreciation of ≤ 30% (L70B10) • Performs in environments with temperatures (Ta) up to 45 °C • Long lifetime and low maintenance; no lamp replacement required for over 10 years • Various optical solutions available to meet specific lighting requirements • Suitable for installations requiring very low Unified Glare Rating (UGR) • Optional skirt for an aesthetically pleasing look with enhanced glare reduction • Circular economy three-star rating • Delivers stable, flicker-free lighting “BEKA Schréder is dedicated to supporting local innovation by providing reliable, energy-efficient lighting solutions designed for South African conditions,” a company spokesperson says. “With a strong focus on quality and sustainability, BEKA Schréder continues to be a trusted partner in improving the safety, efficiency, and productivity of warehouse and industrial environments across the country.”
The lighting installation at Chamberlain Montana was completed in two phases. The first phase involved providing the lighting solution for the store extension, where the ECOBAY RP highbay with a decorative skirt was selected as the luminaire of choice. At Chamberlain’s request, Pienaar & Erwee Consulting was tasked with investigating whether highbay luminaires would outperform the existing linear luminaires. Their findings confirmed that BEKA Schréder’s ECOBAY RP highbay met the performance and efficiency specifications. Impressed by the improved light quality
BEKA Schréder has supplied the highbay lighting solution to Chamberlain Montana in Pretoria, Gauteng. Founded in 1903, Chamberlain has grown from a small timber and building materials supplier in Pretoria’s Riviera area into a respected, multi-site hardware and home improvement retailer. The family-owned business is built on the values of integrity, hard work, and “progress with caution”. Over the decades, Chamberlain has expanded its offering to include more than 26,000 product lines, while maintaining its strong commitment to quality service and value.
Enquiries: northern@beka-schreder.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
JANUARY 2026
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