Luminaire Classification System

The Luminaire Classification System report summarizes outdoor luminaire flux by standard angular zones. LCS is commonly used in roadway and outdoor lighting to classify uplight, glare, and forward/backlight distribution.

The report supports two display bases:

• Display by Luminaire Lumens: zone percentages use emitted luminaire lumens.
• Display by Lamp Lumens: zone percentages use lamp lumens as the basis.

LCS Zones

LCS separates flux into regions such as forward light, back light, uplight, and high-angle glare-related zones. This helps describe where the luminaire sends light around the mounting position. The zones are especially useful for comparing products and checking outdoor lighting constraints.

Practical Use

Use luminaire-lumen mode when evaluating the actual output of the luminaire. Use lamp-lumen mode when documentation or a legacy requirement expects lamp-lumen-based percentages.

References

• IES TM-15-20 Luminaire Classification System: https://store.ies.org/product/tm-15-20-technical-memorandum-luminaire-classification-system-for-outdoor-luminaires/?v=eb65bcceaa5f
• FHWA Lighting Handbook, Lighting System Selection: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/other/visibility/fhwa-lighting-handbook-august-2012/6-lighting-system-selection