Guide To the Australian Lighting Standard AS/NZS 1158.1

The Australian lighting standard, also known as AS/NZS 1158.1, sets guidelines for the safe and efficient design and installation of lighting systems in Australia and New Zealand. The standard covers a wide range of lighting applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor lighting.

The most important points of the Australian lighting standard include:

1. Lighting levels: The standard sets minimum and maximum lighting levels for different types of spaces, such as living rooms, kitchens, and offices, to ensure that the space is well-lit and safe for occupants.
2. Glare: The standard includes guidelines for controlling glare, which can cause discomfort and visual impairment for occupants. Glare can be caused by excessive brightness or the reflection of light off shiny surfaces.
3. Color rendering: The standard includes guidelines for color rendering, which refers to how well colors appear under different types of light. The standard recommends using light sources with high color rendering indexes (CRI) to ensure that colors appear natural and vibrant.
4. Energy efficiency: The standard promotes energy-efficient lighting, such as LED lighting, to help reduce energy consumption and costs.
5. Safety: The standard includes guidelines for the safe installation and maintenance of lighting systems, including the use of appropriate electrical wiring and the proper disposal of light bulbs.
6. Emergency Lighting: The standard includes guidelines for emergency lighting, which is lighting that is used when the normal lighting in a building fails. This includes providing a minimum amount of light in emergency situations and ensuring that emergency lighting is tested regularly.
7. Outdoor Lighting: The standard includes guidelines for outdoor lighting, which include minimizing light pollution and providing lighting that is safe and appropriate for the intended use of the outdoor area.

Another important point of the Australian lighting standard is the use of emergency lighting. The standard includes guidelines for emergency lighting, which is lighting that is used when the normal lighting in a building fails. This includes providing a minimum amount of light in emergency situations and ensuring that emergency lighting is tested regularly.

Additionally, the standard includes guidelines for outdoor lighting, which include minimizing light pollution and providing lighting that is safe and appropriate for the intended use of the outdoor area. This includes ensuring that outdoor lighting does not cause glare or light trespass, and that it is directed downward and not upward.

Finally, the standard also includes recommendations for the use of controls and timers to manage lighting systems, which can help to reduce energy consumption and costs.

Overall, the Australian lighting standard is a comprehensive guide that helps to ensure that lighting systems are designed and installed in a safe and efficient manner, providing optimal lighting conditions for occupants while reducing energy consumption and costs. It is important to always check the standard for specific requirements for your project and location.