For security reasons, you will be logged out in 4 minutesCannot be added!Your basket contains a blocked quote and must be finalised before you can order other items.Add to basket...Item added to basket
Express
order
Basket0
Good dealsSolutionsE-catalogs
ServicesInfo & Contact

Laboratory lux meters: how can illuminance in an environment be measured and recorded?

In the lab, light isn’t just a comfort; it’s a parameter. A lux meter quantifies illuminance in lux to ensure compliance (e.g. EN 12464-1), assay reproducibility (phototoxicity, cell culture), work area safety and equipment qualification. Built around a photodiode corrected to the photopic curve V(?) with a carefully engineered cosine response, modern lux meters provide logging, lux-hours integration and calibration traceability, whether in fixed installations or out in the field, for LED as well as halogen sources.

What are the different types of lux meters and how do they work?

A lux meter converts incident light into an electrical signal via a silicon photodiode. A spectral filter shapes the response to the human photopic sensitivity V(?), and a diffuser provides cosine correction (angular incidence). Performance is expressed via f1’ (spectral mismatch), f2 (cosine), linearity and thermal drift, to DIN 5032-7 or CIE S 023.

Common types:
• Handheld lux meters: compact, instant readout, ideal for HSE walk-rounds and rapid qualification.
• Remote sensor: probe on a cable to measure inside chambers, fume hoods, isolators, and hard-to-reach light ducts/fixtures.
• Data loggers: long-term trends, curves, integration of lux-hours (photostability ICH Q1B).
• Connected models (USB/Bluetooth/Modbus): LIMS export, alerts, energy management.
• Class A/B: select according to metrological requirement (audit vs routine).

Key selection criteria: range (0.1 to ?200 000 lx), uncertainty and class, LED stability (low f1’), IP rating and robustness (field use), operating temperature, sampling rate, memory, time-stamping, and ISO/IEC 17025 traceable calibration. For UV, use a dedicated radiometer: a lux meter measures visible light.

TypePrincipleApplications
HandheldIntegrated sensor, direct readoutLighting audit, workstation checks, HSE
Remote probeSensor on cable, cosine headFume hoods, chambers, cleanrooms
Data loggerContinuous measurement + lux-hoursPhotostability, LED monitoring
Class ALow f1’, f2 and uncertaintyRegulated studies, metrology

In which fields is a lux meter used?

• Life sciences: setting illuminance for cell culture, phototoxicity studies, animal facilities (circadian rhythms).
• Pharmaceutical: tracking exposures in ICH Q1B photostability, qualification of climatic chambers, control of GMP areas.
• Food & beverage: visual comfort in quality control, display cases and prep zones, lighting/energy optimisation.
• Environment: field campaigns, museography (protecting sensitive materials <50 lx), greenhouses and plant growth.
• Cosmetics & chemicals: photo-induced testing, workstation safety, compliance with EN 12464-1.
• Cleanrooms: illuminance qualification in ISO areas, integration into IQ/OQ/PQ reports with metrological traceability.

The different types of lux meters available

Frequently asked questions about lux meters

How should I choose my lux meter class?
For audits and regulated studies, aim for class A (low f1’, f2). For routine work, class B is often sufficient. Check the calibration and the overall measurement uncertainty.

Is a lux meter reliable with LEDs?
Yes, if it has a low spectral-mismatch error f1’ suitable for LEDs. Otherwise the reading can drift. Favour a V(?)-corrected sensor and a good cosine response.

Lux, lumen… what is the difference?
Lux measures illuminance on a surface. Lumen is the luminous flux of a source. The lux meter measures lux; lumens are inferred via the photometry of the source/luminaire.

Do lux meters need recalibration?
Yes. Annual recalibration is common in labs. Ask for an ISO/IEC 17025 certificate with uncertainty, conditions and traceability to national standards.

How should I position the probe?
Place the sensor at the working point, horizontal, without shading from your body. Wait for stabilisation. Take multiple points if the lighting is non-uniform.

Can I measure UV with a lux meter?
No. A lux meter covers the visible (V(?) curve). For UV, use a dedicated UV radiometer or a system with interchangeable sensors.

What are lux-hours used for?
They integrate illuminance over time. Essential for ICH Q1B photostability and for exposure monitoring in museums or experimental chambers.