SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

SECTION

ILLUMINATION
3.0 Purpose
Good illumination promotes the safety of the people using the building; work and other activities carried
out within the building; and creates, in conjunction with the structure and decoration, a pleasing
environment conducive to interest of the occupants and a sense of their well-being.
3.1

SCOPE

(1) This Section of the Code gives requirements and guidance on design and installation of artificial
lighting systems in interiors; it also applies to artificial lighting of outdoor areas.
3.2

NORMATIVE REFERENCES

(1) The following references contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of the Ethiopian Building Code Standards on Electrical Installation of Buildings.
(a) BS 8206:1985

Part 1 Lighting for Building.

(b) DIN 5035:1990

Part 1 Artificial Lighting, Terminology and General Requirements.

(c) DIN 5035:1990

Part 2 Artificial Lighting, Recommended values for Lighting

Parameters for Indoor and Outdoor Workplaces.

(d) DIN 5035: 1988

Part 3 Artificial Lighting of Interior, Hospital Lighting.

(e) DIN 5035:1983

Part 4 Artificial Lighting of Interior, Special Recommendations for

Lighting Educational establishment.

(f) DIN 5035:1987

Part 5 Artificial Lighting of Interior, Emergency Lighting.

(g) DIN 5035:1988

Part 7 Artificial Lighting of Interiors, Lighting of Rooms with

Video Display Unit (VDU) workstation or VDU Assisted
workplaces.

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3.3

DEFINITIONS

(1) For the purpose of this Section of the Code, the following definitions shall apply in addition to the
terms defined in Section 1.
Illuminance

At a point on a surface, the ratio of the luminous flux incident on an

infinitesimal element of the surface containing the point
under consideration to the area of the element.
NOTE: The unit of illuminance (the measurement of illumination) is Iux which is 1 lumen per
square metre.

Mean illuminance (E)

the arithmetical mean of the illuminance in a room or in a room zone being

defined as that area of a room in which the same type of activity is performed
at a number of work-places or which is used for similar purposes.

Rated illuminance (En)

the normal value of the mean illuminance that the lighting installation is
designed to illuminate.

Light loss factor (V)

the ratio of the rated illuminance, En, to the design value of the mean
illuminance of a lighting system.

Depreciation factor (P)

the reciprocal of the light loss factor.

Reflectance (c)

the ratio of the luminous flux reflected from a surface to the luminous flux
incident on it.

General lighting

the required average illuminance with a certain degree of uniformity over the
total area; and is obtained by a regular arrangement of luminaries over the
ceiling area (see Figure 3.1)

Localized lighting

a non-uniform illuminace over the whole work area (see Figure 3.2)

Local lighting

lighting for individual workplace in addition to the general lighting produced

by placing luminaries close to the visual task and supplemented by a general
lighting (see Figure 3.1).

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Figure 3.1 General lighting

a) Grouped

b) Switched
Figure 3.3 Localized lighting

Figure 3.2 Localized lighting

Glare a condition in which vision is affected by an excessive luminance and/or excessive differences in
illuminance in the visual field (i.e; parts of this field are excessively bright).
Note:

A distinction is made between:

disability glare, defined as glare causing an actual physiological reduction in visual capability
(impaired, perception of contrasts and forms), and
discomfort glare, defined as glare considered solely in terms of its psychological effect on the
occupant. Discomfort glare experienced by the occupant of a room increases with time and
leads to premature fatigue and a reduction in performance, performance attitude, and wellbeing.

Direct glare

a glare caused directly by luminance from luminaries of luminous ceilings.

Reflected glare

glare and contrast reduction caused by reflection of high luminance from glossy
surfaces.

Note:

The main disturbances caused by such reflection are contrast reduction, and impaired
accommodation and fusion.

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Color appearance the chromaticity of an illuminant and is generally expressed as the colour impression
received when looking at a light source.
Note:

the colour of the light emitted by a near-white sources can be indicated by its correlated colour
temperature (CCT). Each lamp type has a specific CCT; but for practical use, they have been
grouped into three classes (see Table 3.1).

Table 3.1: Correlated color temperature classes

Correlated color temperature
(CCT)
CCT < 3300

Color rendering

CCT Class
Warm (white) WW

3300 < CCT < 5300

Intermediate (white) NW

5300 < CCT

Cool (daylight white) - TW

the relationship between the original color of an object and the color in which it is
rendered by artificial lighting.

Note: the ability of a light source to render colours of surface accurately can be conveniently quantified by
the CIE general colour rendering index. This index is based on the accuracy with which a set of test
t

color are reproduced by the lamp of interest relative to how they are reproduced by an appropriate
standard light source, identical agreement being given a value of 100.0 lx. Each lamp type has a
specific CIE general color rendering index; but for practical use they can be divided into a number of
groups (see Table 3.2)

Table 3.2 Color rendering groups

Colour
rendering
groups

CIE general colour

rendering index (Ra)

Typical application

1A

Ra>90

Wherever accurate colour matching is required; e.g.

colour printing inspection.

1B

80 < Ra< 90

Wherever accurate colour judgments are necessary

and/or good colour rendering is essential to
appearance; e.g. shops and other commercial
premises.

60 < Ra < 80

Wherever moderate colour rendering is required.

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Colour
rendering
groups

CIE general colour

rendering index (Ra)

Typical application

40< Ra < 60

Wherever colour rendering is of little significance but

marked distortion of colour is acceptable.

20 < Ra < 40

Wherever colour rendering is of no importance at all

and marked distortion of colour is acceptable.

Emergency lighting

lighting designed to become operative promptly if the power supply to normal

artificial lighting fails.

Safety lighting

an emergency lighting required for reasons of safety (general safety, prevention

of accidents).

t For tabular florescent lamps apparent colour and colour rendering characteristics, refer to Table 3.4.

Escape lighting

a specified minimum illuminace for emergency escape purposes, thus, permitting

buildings and plant to be safely evacuated at any time during their utilization.

Safety lighting for particular

safety lighting designed to ensure that the work performed at such

Hazardous workplace

workplaces can be safely terminated in the manner required and the

workplaces themselves evacuated without danger.

Note: particular hazardous workplaces are those which represent an immediate risk of accident or a
potential source of danger to third parties if the supply to the lighting should fail, raised platforms,
theatre stages, race-courses and arenas counting as particularly hazardous workplaces.

Standby lighting

an emergency lighting which can assume the function of normal

artificial lighting for a limited period so as to enable normal
activities to continue.

Response time

the interval between a failure in the power supply to the normal

artificial lighting and the provision of the required illuminancne
by the emergency lighting.

Rated duration of operation

the period of time for which an emergency lighting system is

designed to operate.

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Limit duration of operation

Note:

the minimum period of time during which an emergency lighting

system shall still be capable of achieving the minimum
illuminance specified for the given application.

This concept applies specifically to battery-operated systems.

Useful life

the duration of an emergency lighting system from the date of its

commissioning up to the point in time at which it only achieves
the limit duration of operation.

Safety luminaries

a luminary which may or may not be provided with its own

power supply and which is used for safety lighting.

Escape sign luminaries

a moulded luminaire bearing a graphical symbol to serve as an

escape sign; it indicates and assist the identification of escape
route.

Standby lighting luminaries

a luminary which may or may not be provided with its own

power supply and which is used for standby lighting.

3.4

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

3.4.1

Illuminance

(1) Recommended illuminance for different types of interiors, tasks and workspaces given in Table 3.5
and Table 3.6 shall be taken as the recommended minimum values on which the design and assessment of
lighting installations are to be based.
(2) For indoor workplaces that are manned full-time, a minimum rated illuminance of 200.0 lx shall be
provided unless other factors (such as nature of operation, physiological reasons) require different values.
(3) (a) In interior designed for permanent human occupation, a minimum rated illuminace of 100.0 lx is
required.
(b) If tasks are performed at fixed-location workplaces outdoor that correspond to tasks performed
indoors (e.g. operation of wood-work machines), then a rated illuminance specified for such tasks
in Table 3.5 for indoor workplaces shall be provided.

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(4) At no stages in the useful life of the lighting installation shall the mean illuminance, E, obtained at the
workplaces be less than 0.8 times the value of the rated illuminace; at no single workplace shall
illuminace ever fall to less than 0.6 times the rated illuminance
3.4.2

Luminance

(1) Reflectance in the working zone shall be planned so that the ratio between task luminance (inner field)
and that of the surrounding of the task are no greater than approximately 3:1.
(2) Reflectance of from to 0.2 to 0.5 are recommended for working surfaces such as bench and desktops.

3.4.3 Glare
(1) Glare shall not be caused by lamps or luminaries (direct glare) nor by reflection of high luminance
from glossy surface (reflected glare).
(2) Lamps with a high luminance (e.g. filament lamps and high discharge lamps) shall always be shielded.
(3) In case of luminaries for local workplaces lighting, a direct view of the lamps shall be precluded by
shielding or by arranging them in a suitable position.
3.4.4 Light Direction and Modelling
(1) Lighting shall be directed to produce an adequate degree of modelling shadow to enable objects and
surface texture to be easily recognized.
(2) Unduly hard shadows shall be avoided. If the ratio Ez (cylindrical): En (horizontal) at a height of
1.20m above floor is not smaller than 0.3, unduly hard shadows can be avoided.
(3) Deep shadows producing excessive luminance contrasts shall be avoided.
3.4.5 Colour Rendering
(1) For inspection and comparison of colours, the CIE general colour rendering index Ra shall not exceed
90 and the rated illuminance shall be 1000.0 lx.
(2) Only lamps meeting the requirements of Colour Rendering Group 3 (or higher) shall be used for
lighting interiors.
(3) Safety colours shall be duly recognizable as such.

3.5 EMERGENCY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

3.5.1 Escape Lighting
3.5.1.1 Illuminance
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(1) The minimum illuminance of the safety lighting for escape routes shall be 1.0 lx. This requirement
applies to the centre line of an escape route along a horizontal plane 0.2 m above floor level.
(2) The response time shall not exceed a maximum of 15.0 sec.
(3) The rated duration of operation shall at least equal to the time that will be specified by safety law to
be enacted by the concerned government body.
(4) The limit duration of operation shall be 3/4 (for l.0 hr) or 2/3 (for 3.0 hr) of the rated duration.
(5) Safety luminaries for escape routes shall be sited according to their luminance distribution so as to
meet the requirements specified for safety lighting and in such a way that they cannot easily be
rendered ineffective. (Principal locations for the sitting of safety luminaries are, thus, near the exits
of escape routes and at points where it is necessary to emphasize the positions of potential hazards.)

3.5.2 Safety Lighting for Particular Hazardous Workplaces

3.5.2.1Illuminance
(1) The minimum illuminance for such workplaces shall be 0.1En (rated illuminance specified for the
task and room of such workplaces in Table 3.5) but not less than 15.0 lx.
(2) The minimum illuminance for platform and theatre stages shall be 3.0 lx, and 15.0 lx for arenas and
race-courses.
3.5.2.2 Colour rendering
(1) The colour rendering shall at least be equivalent to Group 3 so as to ensure that safety colours remain
recognizable as such.

3.5.2.3 Response time

(1) The response time of safety lighting shall not exceed a maximum of 6.5s.
(2) In case of raised platform, theatre stages, arenas and race-courses, the maximum response time shall be 1.0s.

3.5.2.4 Rated duration of operation

(1) For workplaces, the lighting shall be effective for as long as the hazard subsists, with a minimum duration of 1.0
min.
(2) For raised platform, theatre stages, race-courses and arenas, the rated duration of operation shall at least be equal
to the duration required by law.

3.5.2.5 Sitting of safety luminaries in hazardous workspaces

(1) Safety luminaries shall be sited so as to ensure that the required illuminance is provided over the entire
area in which hazardous tasks are carried out.
3.5.3 Standby Lighting
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(1) The requirements to be met by standby lighting are analogous to those applying for normal artificial
lighting. To enable normal activities to continue, a minimum illuminance of 10% of the rated illuminance
value is generally required.

3.6 LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF BUILDINGS

3.6.1 General
(1) The design objectives for lighting shall be to provide both good task visibility and a satisfactory visual
environment.
(2) (a) The lighting of workspaces shall ensure good visibility of the visual objects.
(b) The lighting of workplaces shall also be conducive to concentration and performance attitudes,
counteract premature fatigue and permit any potential hazards to be clearly recognized.
3.6.2 Industrial Buildings
(1) In addition to the lighting required for specific tasks, a general illumination shall be provided to allow
safe movement through the building at all material times.
(2) Where critical colour matching is to be done for a long period, a minimum illuminance of 1000.0 lx
shall be provided.

3.6.3 Offices
(1) As indicated on rated illuminance tables, for general offices illuminance of 500.0 1x and for drawing
offices illuminance of 750.0 lx shall be provided.
(2) Where VDU (Visual Display Units) are used, the illuminance shall be restricted to 500.0lx or less to
minimize the high brightness reflection from the screen and large luminance differences between
screen, any source documents and the backgrounds against which these items are seen.
(3) Where localized lighting is used, the ratio of illuminance between adjacent areas shall not be more
than 3: 1 with a minimum illuminance for any continuously occupied area of 200.0 lx.
(4) Where local lighting is used, the ratio of illuminance between task area and the surrounding area shall
not exceed 3: 1.
(5) A glare limiting index of 19 is appropriate for general office rooms and an index of 16 is desirable for
drawing offices because of the more demanding nature of work.
(6) Where daylight makes a substantial contribution, lamps with a CCT of 4000.0 k or above should be
used.
3.6.4 Hotels and Restaurants

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(1) In dinning rooms and restaurants an illuminance of 100.0 lx is recommended on a dinning table.
(2) In lounge and public bars, an average illuminance of 50.0 lx is recommended.
(3) In kitchens and other service areas, a general illuminance of 300.0 lx is recommended and working
areas should have an illuminance of 500.0 lx.

(4) Escape lighting shall be provided for public rooms, staircases and corridors and provisions shall be
made for emergency lighting and exit signs.

3.6.5 Educational Establishments

(1) The wide range of activities carried out in teaching and the variety of working media used create
constant changes in visual tasks; due to this, special requirements, over and above those given in
Clause 3.4.1, shall apply to the quality of the lighting in teaching rooms. This requirements are given
in the following Clauses.
(2) The guideline values for illuminance, colour appearance, colour rendering group and quality of class
of direct glare restriction given in Table 3.7 shall be applied in teaching spaces.
(3) Should the relevant type of room or activity not be listed in Table 3.7, the values given for a similar,
comparable room or activity shall be used mutatis mutandis.
(4) The guideline values given in Tables 3.5 and 3.6 for workspaces shall apply to rooms which have the
same visual requirements as comparable workplaces, as well as to general purpose and office-type
rooms.

(5) The main chalkboard in teaching rooms and demonstration desks in teaching rooms for special
subjects shall be equipped with a supplementary lighting system to increase the vertical illuminance.

3.6.6 Hospitals
(1) The guideline values for hospital lighting set in Table 3.8 shall apply to all rooms and zones of a
hospital.
(2) The lighting of bedded areas shall be conducive to the well-being of the patient, while also enabling
examination or treatment to be carried out. To achieve these goals:
a) (i) the general lighting illuminance shall be 100.0 lx and shall not dazzle the patients or nursing staff.
(ii) the mean luminance as perceived by the recumbent patients shall be limited to 1000.0 cd/m2 while
the luminance of the ceiling shall nowhere exceed 500.0cd/m2.
b) (i) Each bed shall be equipped with a rigidly mounted, adjustable luminaire. A rated illuminance of
300.0 lx shall be achieved on the reading plane (see Figure 3.4).
(ii) To avoid glare in multi-bed wards, the luminance of reading luminaries in the field of vision of
other patients shall not exceed 1000.0 cd/m2

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c) (i) For the examination and treatment of patients at the bedside, a rated horizontal illuminance of 300.0
lx, inclusive of the general lighting, shall be provided 0.15m above the longitudinal axis of the plane
of the bed surface.
(ii) At no point along the axis in (i) above shall the illuminance be less than 150.0 lx.
(iii) The uniformity ratio of illuminance Emin: E1 shall here not be less than 1:2.
d) (i) Night watch lighting with illuminance of approximately 5.0 lx shall be provided for keeping
patients under observation during the night.
(ii) In wards occupied by infants, a rated illuminance of 20.0 lx is recommended.
(3) (a) General lighting with a rated illuminance of 500.0 lx and Group 1 colour rendering properties shall
be provided for examination and treatment.
(b) In addition to the general lighting an illuminance of at least 1000.0lx is generally required at the site
of examination.
(4) (a) The lighting in operating theatre shall always be designed in conjunction with the lighting of the
operation theatre field.
(b) In view of the illuminances of 20,000.0 lx to 100,000.0 lx required in the operating field, the
surrounding lighting shall be designed to reduce the adaptation problems which would be caused by
extreme difference in the luminance between operating field and the surrounding area.
(c) The illuminance of the surrounding light shall not be less than 1000.0 lx at a height of 1.0m above
floor level.
(5) (a) standby lighting system shall be provided for the operating theatres, anaesthetic rooms, sterilizing
sinks and recovery rooms.
(b) The standby lighting of the operating table should be equal in all respects to the normal lighting of
this area, and should be of the maintained type to ensure continuous illumination.

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Figure 3.4 Reference plans of a hospital bed

3.7 OUTDOOR LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

3.7.1 Illuminance
(1) For outdoor workspaces, circulation areas/zones and work roads, the recommended rated
illuminances in Table 3.6 shall be provided and they are to be taken as the recommended minimum
values.
(2) If the type of application of interest to the user is not listed, the recommended values specified for a
similar space shall be applied analogously.
3.7.2 Colour Rendering Group
(1) At fixed location workspaces, the colour rendering capability shall at least meet the requirements of
Group 3; safety colours and colours used for classification purposes shall be recognizable as such.

*Data on the group to which lamps belong with respect to their colour rendering capability are given in product lists of
manufacturers.

3.7.3 Limitation of Glare

(1) Limitation of direct glare shall be based on Clause 3.4.3 of this Section.
(2) If the outdoor workplace is floodlight, the luminaries used shall be so located and arranged that
hazards due to direct glare are precluded.

3.7.4 Lighting of Outdoor Fixed Location Workspaces

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(1)

If tasks are performed at fixed location work spaces outdoors that correspond to tasks performed
indoor, then, local workplace lightings shall be provided with rated illuminance equivalent to the
values specified for such tasks in Table 3.5.

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Table 3.3 Typical characteristic of lighting sources used for general lighting
Characteristics

Tungsten
halogen

Lowpressure
sodium

Highpressure
sodium

8 to 18

18 to 24

100 to 175

65 to 120

35 to 90

40 to 60

35 to 55

65 to 85

25 to 1500

100 to 2000

10 to 200

50 to 1000

4 to 125

20 W/m to 30
W/m

50 to 2000

250 to 10000

1000 to 2000

2000 to 4000

6000 to 12000

6000 to 12000

5000 to 10000

20000

5000 to 10000

5000 to 10000

Colour rendering group

1A

1A

Non existent

2 or 4
depending on
lamp pressure

Can very widely

depending on
additives used.
Manufacturers
should be
consulted

Need for control gear

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Range of luminous efficacy

(1.0 lrn/W)
Available wattage range (W)
Range of nominal life
(h)

Hot cathode Cold cathodes High-pressure

mercury
tubular
tubular
fluorescent
fluorescent
fluorescent

Mercury
halide

Tungsten
Filament

Yes

Operating position

Any

Horizontal

Horizontal

Any

Any

Any

Any

Some restriction

Run-up time (min)

Immediate

Immediate

6 to 12

4 to 7

Immediate

Immediate

Restrike time (min)

CCT(K)

Immediate

Immediate

Immediate

Immediate

10

10

25000 to 3000

28000 to 3100

Not applicable

2200

2700 to 6500

2700 to 6500

4000

3600 to 4400

Note: Detailed information about any specific lamp type should be obtained from the manufacturer.

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Table 3.4 Tubular fluorescent lamps apparent color and color rendering characteristics of lamps in general use
Lamp name

Apparent
color Color
(CCT class)
rendering
group

Color rendering characteristics

Typical application

Northlight color
matching

Cool

1A

Similar to north sky light; emphasizes blues end, to less

extent, greens

Used where color rendering similar to north sky daylight is

needed

Artificial daylight

Cool

1A

Similar to north light/color matching but emits more

ultraviolet to conform with natural sky light

Used where critical color matching complying with BS 95:Part

1 is required

Special

Intermediate

1A

Equal emphasis given to all color

Used where fine color judgments are required, e.g. hospitals, are
galleries and museums,

Triphosphor 4000

Intermediate

1B

Emphasizes oranges, greens and blue-violets, subdues

yellows and deep reds

Factories, offices and shops where good, but not critical, color
rendering or matching is required together with high luminous
efficacy

Triphosphor 3000

Warm

1B

Emphasized oranges; greens and blue-violets, subdues

yellows and deep reds.

Social areas, restaurants, hotels and homes where good but not
critical, color rendering or matching is required together with
high luminous efficacy.

Cool white (natural)

Intermediate

Emphasizes yellows and, to less extent, green and blues;

red shifts slightly towards orange

Factories, offices and shops, particularly where a significant

proportion of daylight is admitted.

White

Intermediate

Emphasizes yellow; and to less extent, greens; reds;

slightly subdued; blues subdued and shifted towards
violet

Factories, offices and shops

Warm white

Warm

Emphasizes yellows and, to less extent, greens; reds

slightly subdued, blues subdued and shifted towards
violet

Commercial/public buildings

Lower-power
compact lamps

Warm

1B

Emphasized oranges, greens blues and violets; subdues

some yellows end deep reds

Hotels, shops, homes; as replacement for tungsten filament

lamps

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Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

1.

Rated
illuminance,
Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

50

ww.nw

50

ww,nw

100

ww,nw

200

ww,nw

20
200
200

ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw

3
2A
3

3
1
2

200
100
300
100
100
100
500

ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw

2A
2A
2A
2A
2A
2A
1A

1
1
1
2
2
2
1

100
100
500
300

ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw
ww,nw

3
3
2A
2A

3
3
1
1

5
Remark
Class of
direct glare
limitation

General space

1.1 Circulation zones in storerooms

1.2 Warehousing
1.2.1 Warehouses for goods of one kind or of large unit
size
1.2.2 Warehouse with goods of different kinds and
search and retrieval tasks
1.2.3 Warehouses with reading tasks
1.3 Automatic high-bay store
1.3.1 Aisles and gangways
1.3.2 Control platform
1.4 Dispatch room
1.5 Rest rooms; sanitary facilities; medical rooms
1.5.1 Canteens
1.5.2 Other rooms for recreation and rest purposes
1.5.3 Rooms for gymnastic exercises
1.5.4 Changing rooms
1.5.5 Washrooms
1.5.6 Toilets
1.5.7 Medical treatment and nursing rooms; first aid
facilities
1.6 Building services installations
1.6.1 Machine rooms
1.6.2 Power supply and distribution
1.6.3 Telex and post rooms
1.6.4 Telephone switchboard
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Incandescent lamps may be used

when lighting is to create a specific
atmosphere supplementary mirror
lighting optional

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

6
Remark

Adjustment of rated illuminance to

adjoining spaces; En1 En2

2. Circulation areas in buildings

50

ww,nw

2.2 For persons and vehicles

100

ww,nw

2.3 Stairs; escalators, and ramps

100

ww,nw

En of adjoining interior.

2.4 Loading platforms

100

ww,nw

The interior area of the shed entrance

is to be illuminated.

2.5 Automatic transport facilities or conveyor belts in

or adjoining circulation areas
2.6 Shed entrances
2.6.1 Day-time operation

100

ww,nw

100
2x
min
400.0 lx

ww,nw
ww,nw

0.5 En to
0.2 En

ww,nw

2.1 For persons

2.6.2

Night-time operation

En

where En1= En of the circulation

areas.
En2=En of adjoining spaces

En of the adjoining interior. The

interior area of the shed entrance is to
be illuminated.

Only luminaries
without
luminous side
panels are to be
used.
Only luminaries
without
luminous side
panels are to be
used.

Workplace-oriented general lighting;

3. Office and similar rooms

minimum of 0.8 En at workplace.

3.1 office with daylight-oriented workplaces, all in

immediate vicinity of windows
3.2 Offices
3.3 Open-plan office with average reflectance with
high reflectance

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

300

ww,nw

2A

500
1000

ww,nw
ww,nw

2A
2A

1
1

EBCS-10: 2013

High reflectance: ceiling 0.7

minimum: walls/partitions: 0.5
minimum, local workplace lighting

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

3.4 Technical drawing office

750

ww,nw

2A

Class of
direct glare
limitation
1

3.5 Conference and consultation rooms

300

ww,nw

2A

3.6 Reception rooms

100

ww,nw

2A

3.7 Rooms open to the public

200

ww,nw

2A

3.8 Data processing rooms

500

ww,nw

2A

50

ww.nw

4.2 Process engineering plants

100

ww.nw

4.3 Permanently manned workplace in process

engineering plants
4.4 Measuring stations, control platforms and
observations posts
4.5 Laboratories, pharmaceutical packaging rooms

200

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

2A

300

ww.nw

2A

4.6 Particular exacting visual tasks

500

ww.nw

2A

1000

ww.nw

1A

200

ww.nw

6
Remark

permitted
En referred to working plane of
drawing board of 75o to the horizontal
at the centre point of the board and a
height of 1.2m.

4. Chemical industry
4.1 Remote controlled process engineering plans

4.7 Colour matching

5. Cement industry, glass works and pottery
5.1 Workplaces or zones at furnaces/ kilns, at raw
materials mixers, at grinning plant in brickworks
ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Where required for operational

reasons, En may be less than 300.0 lx.

Local workplace lighting

recommended, with shielding against
light sources of other light types.

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

5.2 Enamelling, rolling, pressing, moulding of simple

parts; glazing, glass blowing
5.3 Grinding, etching, glass polishing; precision
moulding; manufacture of glass instruments
5.4 Colouring and decorating

300

ww.nw

500

ww.nw

500

ww.nw

2A

5.5 Grinding lenses, crystal glassware; manual

grinding and engraving; medium quality tasks
5.6 Precision work

750

ww.nw

2A

1000

ww.nw

2A

50

ww.nw

100

ww.nw

200

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

2A

500

ww.nw.tw

2A

7.1 Hammer-forging of small parts

200

ww.nw

7.2 Welding

300

ww.nw

6. Smelting works, iron and steel works, rolling

mills, foundries
6.1 production plants not requiring manual
intervention
6.2 Production plants requiring occasional manual
intervention
6.3 Permanently manned workplaces in production
plants
6.4 Measuring stations, control platform and
observation posts
6.5 Testing and inspection areas
7. Metal working and finishing

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

6
Remark

Local workplace lighting

recommended

Where required for operational

reasons, En may be less than 300.0lx

En may exceed 500.0lx

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

7.3 Machining centres; automatic or semiautomatic

machining plants
7.4 Rough and medium machining tasks, with
permissible deviations greater than 0.1mm
7.5 Precision machining tasks, with permissible
deviations less than 0.1mm
7.6 Robot-equipped workplaces

300

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

500

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

7.7 Laying out and control workplace; measuring

stations
7.8 Cold rolling mills

750

ww.nw

200

ww.nw

7.9 Wire and tube drawing works; manufacture of cold

rolled sectional strip
7.10 Machining and working of sheet metals

300

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

7.11 Manufacture of hand tools and cutlery

500

ww.nw

7.12.1 Low precision

200

ww.nw

7.12.2 Medium precision

300

ww.nw

7.12.3 High precision

500

ww.nw

200

ww.nw

7.12 Assembly

7.13 Drop forging

7.14 Foundries

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

6
Remark

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

7.14.1 Under floor man-sized trenches, belt

conveyor, roads, cellars, etc.
7.14.2 Platforms

50

ww.nw

100

ww.nw

7.14.3 Sand preparation

200

ww.nw

7.14.4 Dressing room

300

ww.nw

7.14.5 Workplaces at cupola furnaces and mixers

200

ww.nw

7.14.6 Casting bays

300

ww.nw

7.14.7 Shake out bays

200

ww.nw

7.14.8 Mechanical moulding

200

ww,nw

7.14.9 Hand moulding

300

ww.nw

7.14.10 Core moulding

300

ww.nw

7.14.11 Pattern making

500

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

7.16.1 Electroplating

300

ww.nw.tw

7.16.2 Priming, painting, varnishing

500

ww.nw.tw

7.15 Die casting works

7.16 Surface treatment

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

6
Remark

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

(conted)
6

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

750

ww.nw.tw

2A

1000

ww.nw.tw

Local workplace lighting

recommended

7.18.1 shell manufacture

500

ww.nw.tw

Shielding against direct glare at

assembly lines with local workplace
fluorescent lighting may be dispensed
with if the operational conditions so
require.

7.18.2 Body surface treatment

500

ww.nw.tw

1000

ww.nw.tw

750

www.nw.tw

7.18.5 Retouching

1000

ww.nw.tw

7.18.6 Upholstery

500

ww.nw.tw

7.18.7 Final vehicle assembly

500

ww.nw.tw

7.18.8 Inspection

750

ww.nw.tw

50

ww.nw

100

ww.nw

Type of interior task

7.16.3 Inspection areas

7.17 Tool, gauge jig manufacture; precision
mechanics; high precision assembly
7.18 Motor vehicle manufacture

7.18.3 Paint spray booth

7.18.4 Paint polishing bays

8. Power stations
8.1 Loading plant
8.2 Boiler room

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Remark

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

200

ww.nw

2A

100

ww.nw

50

ww.nw

8.6 Switchboard plant

100

ww.nw

2A

8.7 Control rooms

300

ww.nw

2A

8.8 Maintenance work on turbine and generator

500

ww.nw

2B

9.1 Cable manufacture; varnishing and impregnation of

coils, simple assembly tasks; winding of coils and
armatures with heavy-gauge wire

300

ww.nw

9.2 Assembly of telephones and small motors; winding

of coils and armatures with medium gauge wire
9.3 Assembly of precision devices; radio and television
sets; winding of fine wire coils; fabrication of
fuses; adjustment, testing and calibration

500

ww.nw.tw

1000

ww.nw.tw

Type of interior task

8.3 Pressure equalizing chamber in nuclear power

6
Remark

stations
8.4 Machine rooms
8.5 Ancillary rooms, e.g. pump rooms, condenser
rooms

Where required for operational

reasons, En may be less than 300.0 lx.
By providing supplementary lighting
while work is carried out.

9. Electrical engineering industry

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Local workplace lighting

recommended

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

9.4 Assembly of high-precision parts and of electronic

components
10. Jewellery industry, watch and clock making
industry
10.1 Manufacture of jewellery

1500

ww.nw.tw

2A

1000

ww.nw.tw

2A

10.2 Working of precious stones

1500

ww.nw.tw

1B

10.3 Opticians and watchmakers workshops

1500

ww.nw.tw

2A

11.1 Steam pits

100

ww.nw

11.2 Saw mils

200

ww.nw

11.3 Bench work, gluing, assembly

300

ww.nw

2A

11.4 Selection and inspection of veneer wood;

500

ww.nw

1A

11.6 Work at woodworking machine; turning,

chamfering, dressing, rebating, slotting, cutting,
sawing, sinking
11.7 Surface finishing

500

ww.nw

2A

500

ww.nw

2A

11.8 Checking for defects

750

nw.tw

1A

Type of interior task

11. Woodworking

11.5 Pattern making shop; polishing; varnishing

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

6
Remark

Local workplace lighting

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

6
Remark

12. Paper industry, printing allied trades

12.1 Work at Hollanders, edge runners, grinding mills

200

ww.nw

12.2 Paper-making and corrugating machines;

cardboard fabrication
12.3 Standard bookbinding; wallpaper printing

300

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

2A

500

ww.nw

2A

750

ww.nw.tw

2A

12.4 Trimming, gilding, embossing; work at printing

presses
12.5 Hand printing; paper sorting
12.6 Retouching; lithography; hand and machine
composing; make-ready
12.7 Colour control in multi- colouring printing

1000

ww.nw.tw

2A

1500

ww.nw.tw

1A

12.8 Steel and copper engraving

2000

ww.nw.tw

2A

13.1 work at vats; tubs, pits

200

ww.nw

13.2 Scraping, splitting, smoothing, fulling of hides

300

ww.nw

2A

13.3 Saddlery work; quitting, sewing polishing;

sorting; pressing; cutting to size punching; shoe
manufacture

500

ww.nw

2A

Avoidance of reflected glare by

selection of correct light incidence;
for hand composing, obliquely from
the side.

Local workplace lighting

recommended

13. Leather industry

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

For tubs, due attention must be given

to vertical lighting, reflections being
avoided by means of suitable light
incidence.

For dark materials, increase to

1000.0lx local workplace lighting

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

(conted)
6

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

750

ww.nw.tw

2A

750

nw

1B

13.5.2 High standard

1000

nw.tw

1B

13.5.3 Very high standard

1500

nw.tw

1B

100

tw.nw

1A

14.1 workplaces and work zones at baths and in bate

breaking areas

200

ww.nw

14.2 Combing, washing, ironing, devilling and carding

work; drawing, leasing, sizing, card cutting;
slubbing; jute and hemp spinning
14.3 Dyeing

300

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

2A

14.4 Warping, beaming, spinning, spoiling and

winding, twisting, braiding, knitting, and weaving
14.5 Cob pricking; perching; sewing block printing

500

ww.nw

2A

750

ww.nw

2A

Local workplace lighting

recommended.

14.6 Millinery

750

ww.nw

2A

For colour matching tasks, shield

from light sources with a different
illuminant

Type of interior task

13.4 Leather dyeing (mechanical)

Remark

For surface inspection tasks, provide

supplementary lighting with oblique
incidence. Local workplace lighting
recommended.

13.5 Quality control

13.5.1 Medium standard

13.6 Colour matching

Shield from light sources with a

different illuminant. Local workplace
lighting recommended

14. Manufacture and processing of textiles

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

14.7 Trimming; burling

1000

ww.nw

2A

14.8 Goods inspection; colour matching

1000

ww.nw.tw

1A

14.9 Invisible mending

1500

nw,tw

2A

15.1 workplace and work zones in breweries and malt

houses; washing, tilling in barrels, cleaning,
sieving, peeling, cooking and boiling in canning
and chocolate factories; workplaces and work
zones in sugar refineries, for drying and
fermenting leaf tobacco; fermenting cellar

200

ww.nw

2A

15.2 Sorting and washing of produce; grinding,

mixing, packaging

300

ww.nw

2A

15.3 Workplaces and work zones in abattoirs,

butchers stores dairies, mills and filter beds
15.4 Cutting and sorting of fruit and vegetables

300

nw

2A

300

nw

2A

15.5 Making of delicatessen products; kitchens; cigar

and cigarette manufacture
15.6 Inspection of glass jars and product control;
garnishing, decorating and sorting
15.7 Colour matching; laboratories

500

nw

2A

500

nw

2A

1000

ww.nw.tw

1A

6
Remark

15. Food and luxury food industries

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Depending on the layout of the

workplace, ensure adequate vertical
illuminance.

For colour matching, shield form

light sources with a different
illuminant. Local workplace lighting
recommended.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

16. Wholesale and retail trade

16.1 Sales areas

300

ww.nw

2A

16.2 Cash desks

500

ww.nw

2A

17. Craft and trades (examples from different

branches)
17.1 Removing rust and painting steel components

200

ww.nw

17.2 Subassembly of heating and ventilation system

200

ww.nw

17.3 Locksmith and plumbing work

300

ww.nw

17.4 Motor car workshop

300

ww.nw

17.5 Carpentry and joinery

300

ww.nw

17.6 Repair shops for machines and appliances

500

ww.nw

17.7 Radio and television repair workshops

500

ww.nw

2A

18.1.1 Reception

200

ww.nw

2A

18.1.2 Kitchen

500

ww.nw

2A

18. Services enterprises

18.1 Hotel and restaurants

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

6
Remark

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.5 Indoor workspaces recommended illuminance

1
Type of interior task

(conted)

Rated
illuminanc
e, Em, in lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
group

Class of
direct glare
limitation

18.1.3 Dining rooms

200

Ww

1B

18.1.4 Conference rooms

300

ww.nw

2A

18.1.5 Self-service restaurants

300

ww.nw

1B

18.2.1 Washing

300

ww.nw

2A

18.2.2 Machine ironing

300

ww.nw

2A

18.2.3 Ironing by hand

300

ww.nw

2A

18.2.4 Sorting

300

ww.nw

2A

1000

ww.nw

2A

18.3 Hairdressing

500

ww.nw.tw

1A

18.4 Beauty treatment

750

ww.nw.tw

1A

19.1 injection moulding

500

ww.nw

19.2 Blowing

300

ww.nw

19.3 Compression moulding

300

ww.nw

6
Remark

18.2 Laundries and dry cleaners

18.2.5 Stain removal inspection

19. Plastics processing

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Local workplace lighting permitted

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.6 Outdoor workplaces
1
Type of outdoor workspace circulation areas/zones and
workshops

Rated
illuminance,
En in lx

Uniformity of
illuminance, g1 =
Emin/E

Colour
rendering
group

5
Remarks

g2 = Emin/ Emax

1. Circulation areas on works premises, roads

1.1 Gates

50

0.5

Emin shall be 1.0 lx minimum

1.2 Footpaths

g21 0.08

En, Emin and g2 related to the center line of

the path

Emin 3

g21 0.3

Emin and g2 related to the center line of the

path.

1.3.1 Works roads with loading and unloading zone or

with heavy cross traffic and a speed limit of
30.0km/h or less

10

04

1.3.2 Work roads with loading and unloading zone or

with heavy cross traffic and a speed limit of
50.0km/h or less
2. Parking areas

20

0.4

0.2

20

0.2

100

0.2

1.3 Cycle paths

3. Harbours
3.1 Container transshipment areas
3.1.1 Open storage areas and circulation areas
1) g2 = Emin / Emax
3.1.2 Loading and unloading containers

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Supplementary local workplace lighting

required in containers.

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.6 Outdoor workplaces (conted)

Rated
illuminance,
En in lx

Uniformity of
illuminance, g1 =
Emin/E

Colour
rendering
group

3.2.1 Quayside

0.2

3.2.2 Loading unit loads

20

0.2

3.2.3 Loading bulk goods (dry bulk and fluids)

10

0.2

3.3.1 Unit loads

20

0.2

3.3.2 Bulk goods

0.2

3.3.3 Hazardous fluids

0.2

3.4 Wharfs for passenger traffic

30

0.2

3.5 Wharfs for mixed traffic

50

0.2

3.6 Docks

50

0.2

3.7 Repair facilities in harbor

50

0.2

30

0.5

Type of outdoor workspace circulation areas/zones and

workshops

5
Remarks

3.2 Quayage

3.3 Workspaces in depot areas

4. Transshipment areas, loading areas

5. Workspaces in depot areas, stacks

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Dazzling of shipping to be avoided

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.6 Outdoor workplaces (conted)

5.1 Piece goods

Rated
illuminance,
En in lx
30

Uniformity of
illuminance, g1 =
Emin/E
0.2

Colour
rendering
group
4

5.2 Bulk goods

10

0.2

Type of outdoor workspace circulation areas/zones and

workshops

6. Track system
6.1 Sidings, shunt yards
6.1.1 Public transport

6.1.2 Other traffic

6.2 Platforms

7.

6.3 Rehandling yards

30

6.4 Level crossing

20

Building sites
7.1 Overground workings

20

0.2

7.2 Underground workings

20

0.2

7.3 Structural steelwork, structural metal work

20

0.2

7.4 Tunneling

30

0.2

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

5
Remarks

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.6 Outdoor workplaces (conted)

Rated
illuminance,
En in lx
10

Uniformity of
illuminance, g1 =
Emin/E
0.2

Colour
rendering
group
4

9.1.1 Conventional fuel power stations

10

0.2

9.1.2 Nuclear power stations

20

0.5

20

0.5

10.1 Directional lighting

10.2 Supplementary working zone lighting

20

0.2

11.1 paths and roads

0.2

11.2 Tanks and basins

100

0.5

Type of outdoor workspace circulation areas/zones and

workshops
8. Large-scale chemical production plant

5
Remarks

9. Power stations
9.1 Circulation areas

9.2 Switchboard plant

10. Open cast mining

11 Sewage treatment works

12 Filing stations

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Lighting only where needed

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

3.7 Guideline values for educational establishment lighting
1

Rated
illuminance En in
lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
property group

Quality class of
direct glare
restriction

Remarks

1.1 Roofed recreation area

50

ww.nw

1.2 Roofed bicycle stands

20

ww.nw

200

ww.nw

200

ww.nw

3.1 Corridors

100

ww.nw

3.2 Staircases

100

ww.nw

3.3 Entrance halls

100

Ww,nw

3.4 Canteens

200

ww.nw

3.5 exhibition rooms

100

ww.nw

3.6 Multi-purposes rooms

300

ww.nw

Type of space or activity

1. Outside structures

2. Secondary rooms for

special
purposes
2.1 Room for teaching aids and
collections
2.2 Projection

If necessary, supplementary lighting

for stacks cabinets

3. Community rooms

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

If necessary, supplementary lighting

for objects exhibited, platforms and
shelves.

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

3.7 Guideline values for educational establishment lighting (Conted)

1

Rated
illuminance En in
lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
property group

Quality class of
direct glare
restriction

Remarks

3.7 Auditoria, rooms for functions, if not

included under
3.8 Above

100

ww.nw

3.9 Libraries (books, other media)

300

ww.nw

3.10 Reading rooms

500

ww.nw

3.11 Book stack-rooms

200

ww.nw

Type of space or activity

4. General teaching rooms

The main chalkboard and/or

demonstration desk required
supplementary lighting.

4.1 Rooms for pre-schooling purposes

300

ww.nw

4.2 Teaching rooms, if not included under

4.3 below

3001

ww.nw

1) At the working positions, a

minimum of 0.8En is required

4.3 Teaching rooms with a day-light

factor D (see DIN 5034 Part1) less
than 1% at the most unfavorable
working position, teaching rooms used
chiefly in the evening or specially for
adult education
4.4 Open-plan teaching spaces

5002

ww.nw

2) The illuminance required if the

rooms is put to other uses can be
attained by switching parts of the
lighting systems

With high reflectionce3

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

3) High reflectance is deemed to be

at least 0.7 for the ceiling, at least
0.5 for the walls or room dividers

750

ww.nw

EBCS-10: 2013

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

3.7 Guideline values for educational establishment lighting (Conted)
1

Type of space or activity

Rated
illuminance En in
lx

Colour
appearance

Colour
rendering
property group

Quality class of
direct glare
restriction

Remarks

1000

ww.nw

5.1 Kitchens for teaching purposes

500

ww.nw

5.2 Rooms for manual training

500

ww.nw

500

ww.nw

5.4 Drawing, painting

500

ww.nw

5.5 Physics, chemistry and biology

500

ww.nw

5.6 Laboratories, demonstration rooms

500

ww.nw

5.7 Teaching drawing4

700

ww.nw

6.1 Lecture theatres with windows

500

ww.nw

6.2 Lecture theatres without windows

750

ww.nw

With medium reflectance

5. Teaching rooms for special purposes

5.3 Rooms for

typewriting

handicrafts

sewing

6. Lecture theatres

The values of the luminance restriction curve belonging to the next highest nominal illuminance shall be observed.

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

4) En with respect of the drawingboard positioned as for use at 750

from the horizontal, the centre of
the board being 7 at a height of
1.2m

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.8 Guidance value for hospital lighting

Room type

Type of activity/type of
illumination

Rated
illuminance
En in lx

Lighting
colour

Colour
rendering
group1

Quality class
for
restriction of
direct glare

Bedded area

General lighting

100

ww

Infants ward

Reading lighting
Examination lighting
Night watch lighting
Night lighting
General lighting

200
300
200

ww
ww
ww
ww
ww

1
1
1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1

Night-watch lighting

20

ww

General lighting

500

ww.nw

>1000

ww.nw

500

ww.nw

Urology

50

ww.nw

Rectoscopy

50

ww.nw

Gynecology

50

ww.nw

General
examination and
treatment rooms

At site of examination

Special
examination and
treatment rooms
Preparation
For endoscope
examination

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Remark

Reduced glare for patients

Approximately 5.0 lx

General lighting at workplaces not less

than 160.0lx

If required switchable or controllable

to give lower illuminance values

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.8 Guidance value for hospital lighting (Conted)

Room type

For ophthalmic
examination

For radiographic
examination

For dental
examinations
For dermatological
examinations
Intensive theatre
suites
Operating
theatre suites

Type of activity/type of
illumination

Rated
illuminance
En in lx

Lighting colour

Colour
rendering
group1

General lighting

500

ww.nw

Refractometry

500

ww.nw

Skiascopy

50

ww.nw

Ophthalmoscopy

50

ww.nw

Ophthalmometry

50

ww.nw

Perimery

50

ww.nw

Adpatometry

ww.nw

General lighting

500

ww.nw

Work at monitor

20

ww.nw

General lighting

1000

nw

Operating field lighting

---

nw

Surround lighting in
operating theatre

---

nw

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

Quality class
for restriction
of direct glare

Remark

If required, switchable or controllable to

give lower illuminance values

Illuminance: 20,000 lx to 100,000.0 lx.

1000 lx minimum; Desired illuminance:
2000.0 lx

SECTION 3: ILLUMINATION

Table 3.8 Guidance value for hospital lighting (Conted)

Room type

Ancillary rooms

Therapy rooms
Medicinal baths
Physiotherapy
Massage
Dialysis rooms

Laboratories and
dispensaries

Type of activity/type of
illumination

General lighting for

changing rooms
Wash rooms

Rated
illuminance
En in lx

Lighting colour

Colour
rendering
group1

Quality class
for restriction
of direct glare

Reduced glare for patients

500

nw

Rooms for pre-surgery

preparation
Rooms for post-surgery
treatment
Instrument stories

500

nw

500

nw

500

nw

Sterile parts stories

500

nw

Sterilization stores

500

nw

Recovery room

500

nw

Recovery lighting

100

General lighting

ww.nw

300

ww.nw

General room lighting

100

ww

General lighting in bedded

areas
General lighting

500

ww

500

ww,nw

Colour check

1000

tw

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

Remark

EBCS-10: 2013

Reduced glare for patients

Workplace lighting, if required.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF BUILDINGS

Table 3.8 Guidance value for hospital lighting (Conted)
Room type

Corridors and
stairs

Type of activity/type of
illumination

Rated
illuminance
En in lx

Lighting colour

Colour
rendering
group1

Quality class
for restriction
of direct glare

- Day-time

200

ww

- At night

50

ww

- Day-time

300

nw

- At night

100

nw

Sanitary blocks connecting

to bedded areas

100

ww

Toilets

200

ww

Dirty work areas

300

ww.nw

General lighting

300

ww

Lighting for difficult

visual tasks
General lighting

500

ww

1000

nw

Workplace lighting

>5000

nw

Remark

Bedded areas

Operating theatre suit

Toilets and dirty

work areas

Duty rooms for

doctors and
nursing staff
Post-mortem
examination
rooms

ETHIOPIAN BUILDING CODE STANDARD

EBCS-10: 2013

If required, workplace lighting for

filling hypodermic syriniges,
sorting medicines etc.