Lighting Scheme

Diffusing and Reflecting Surfaces: Globes and Reflectors

• When light falls on polished metallic surfaces or silvered surfaces, then most of it is reflected back according
to the laws of reflection i.e. the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Only a small portion of
the incident light is absorbed and there is always the image of the source. Such reflection is known as
specular reflection.
• However, as shown in Fig. 49.29 (b), if light is incident on coarse surfaces like paper, frosted glass, painted
ceiling etc. then it is scattered or diffused in all directions, hence no image of the source is formed. Such
reflection of light is called diffuse reflection.

• To avoid direct glare from electric arcs and incandescent filament lamps, they are surrounded more or less
completely by diffusing shades or globes. In addition, a reflector may also be embodied to prevent the escape
of light in directions where it serves no useful purpose. In that case, so far as the surroundings are concerned,
the diffusing globe is the source of light.
• Its average brilliancy is lower the more its diffusing area. Depending on the optical
density, these globes absorb 15 to 40% of light emitted by the encircled bulb. The
bulbs may also be frosted externally by etching or sand-blasting but internal
frosting is better because there is no sharp scratching or cracks to weaken the glass.

• Regular metallic reflection is used in search-light mirrors and for general lighting
purposes. But where it is used for general lighting, the silvered reflectors are
usually fluted to make the illumination as uniform as possible.
• Regular cleaning of all shades, globes, and reflectors is very important otherwise the loss of light by
absorption by dust etc., collected on them becomes very serious.

• Various types of reflectors are illustrated in Figs. 49.30 to 49.34. Fig. 49.30 shows a holophane stiletto
reflector used where extensive, intensive or focusing light distribution is required.
• The optical combination of a lamp, reflector and a lens plate, as shown in Fig. 49.31, provides a high degree
of light control. Multiple panels can be conveniently incorporated in fittings suited to different architectural
schemes.

• The dispersive reflector of Fig. 49.32 is suitable for practically all classes of industrial installations. The
reflector is a combination of concave and cylindrical reflecting surfaces in the form of a deep bowl of wide
dispersive power. It gives maximum intensity between 0º and 45º from the vertical.
• The concentrating reflector of parabolic form shown in Fig. 49.33 is suitable for situations requiring lofty
installations and strongly-concentrated illumination as in public halls, foundries and power stations etc. They
give maximum intensity in zones from 0º to 25º from the vertical.

• The elliptical angle reflector shown in Fig. 49.34 is suitable for the side lighting of switchboards, show
windows etc., because they give a forward projection of light in the vertical plane and spread the light in the
horizontal plane.
Lighting Schemes

• Different lighting schemes may be classified as

• (i) Direct lighting (ii) Indirect lighting

• (iii) Semi-direct lighting (iv) Semi-indirect lighting and (v) General diffusing systems.
(i) Direct Lighting

• As the name indicates, in the form of lighting, the light from the source falls directly on the object or the
surface to be illuminated (Fig. 49.35).

• With the help of shades and globes and reflectors of various most of the light is directed in the lower
hemisphere and also the brilliant source of light is kept out of the direct line of vision.

• Direct illumination by lamps in suitable reflectors can be supplemented by standard or bracket lamps on desk
or by additional pendant fittings over counters.

• Direct lighting, though most efficient, is liable to cause glare and hard shadows.
ii) Indirect Lighting

• In this form of lighting, light does not reach the surface directly from the source but indirectly by diffuse
reflection (Fig. 49.36). The lamps are either placed behind a cornice or in suspended opaque bowls. In both
cases, a silvered reflector which is corrugated for eliminating striations is placed beneath the lamp
• In this way, maximum light is thrown upwards on the ceiling from which it is distributed all over the room by diffuse
reflection. Even gradation of light on the ceiling is secured by careful adjustment of the position and the number of
lamps. In the cornice and bowl system of lighting, bowl fittings are generally suspended about three-fourths the height of
the room and in the case of cornice lighting, a frieze of curved profile aids in throwing the light out into the room to be
illuminated. Since in indirect lighting whole of the light on the working plane is received by diffuse reflection, it is
important to keep the fittings clean.

• One of the main characteristics of indirect lighting is that it provides shadow less illumination which is very useful for
drawing offices, composing rooms and in workshops especially where large machines and other obstructions would cast
troublesome shadows if direct lighting were used. However, many people find purely indirect lighting flat and
monotonous and even depressive. Most of the users demand 50 to 100% more light at their working plane by indirect
lighting than with direct lighting. However, for appreciating relief, a certain proportion of direct lighting is essential.
(iii) Semi-direct System

• This system utilizes luminaries which send most of the light downwards directly on the working plane but a
considerable amount reaches the ceilings and walls also (Fig. 49.37).
• The division is usually 30% upwards and 45% downwards. Such a system is best suited to rooms with high
ceilings where a high level of uniformly-distributed illumination is desirable. Glare in such units is avoided
by using diffusing globes which not only improve the brightness towards the eye level but improve the
efficiency of the system with reference to the working plane.
(iv) Semi-indirect Lighting

In this system which is, in fact, a compromise between the first two systems, the light is partly received by
diffuse reflection and partly direct from the source (Fig. 49.38). Such a system, therefore, eliminates the
objections of indirect lighting mentioned above. Instead of using opaque bowls with reflectors, translucent
bowls without reflector are used. Most of the light is, as before, directed upwards to the ceiling for diffuse
reflection and the rest reaches the working plane directly except for some absorption by the bowl.
(v) General Diffusing System

• In this system, luminaries are employed which have almost equal light distribution downwards and upwards
as shown in Fig. 49.39.