Exterior Lights Estimator

What does this planner calculate

It estimates fixture spacing, fixture count, average light at grade in lux and foot candles, annual energy for legacy and LED, savings, and simple payback. It also shows a control preset based on your photocell and motion settings.

How accurate are the light levels

Light levels use a rule of thumb utilization factor by optic. It is a planning guide, not a stamped photometric layout. For camera critical areas, request a layout from our Outdoor Lights Upgrade team.

What spacing rule does the tool use

Recommended spacing equals about three point five times the mounting height measured along the wall. Adjust near doors and corners to keep uniformity and reduce dark pockets.

Should I enter lux or foot candles

Use either. The planner shows both values. Conversion is one foot candle equals ten point seven six four lux. Set your target unit in the Target unit field and the tool checks pass or adjust automatically.

How do motion and background settings affect savings

Savings during quiet hours follow this simple formula. baseline kWh multiplied by the quiet hour fraction multiplied by one minus the background level. Example. background twenty percent from eleven pm to five am, boost to full for ten minutes on motion.

Which wattage LED replaces my HID wall packs

A common starting point is forty five to sixty watt LED for many one hundred fifty watt HID and seventy to one hundred watt LED for many two hundred fifty watt HID. Confirm with optics and target light level.

Does this tool include Ontario rebates

It does not calculate incentives directly. Use the Lighting Rebate Estimator to preview current options for eligible controls and Retrofit pathways, then return here to see how incentives change payback.

Can I use feet or metres

Yes. Choose ft or m in Units. The planner converts lengths and keeps the spacing rule consistent.

What energy rate should I use

Enter your cost per kWh. Many exterior hours fall in off peak or overnight periods in Ontario. If you use time of use or ultra low overnight, estimate a blended rate for night hours.

Does the planner save my data

No. Inputs stay in your browser session only. For a record, use your browser Print to PDF to capture the summary and the project snapshot table.

What colour temperature is best for safety and cameras

Neutral white around four thousand kelvin usually provides clear visuals and stable camera white balance. Keep the site consistent to avoid a patchy look.

What are good starting control presets

Try photocell dusk to dawn, plus motion with background twenty percent from eleven pm to five am and a ten minute boost to full on motion. Tune on site to match activity and camera performance.