Unified Glare Rating (UGR) is a concept that is gaining a lot of importance in the field of lighting design. It is a metric that is used to measure the level of discomfort and annoyance caused by glare from luminaires. The UGR is a valuable tool for lighting designers as it helps them to create a lighting environment that is comfortable, efficient and safe.
The UGR is a scale that ranges from 10 to 30. A UGR of 10 represents a low level of discomfort, while a UGR of 30 represents a high level of discomfort. The UGR is calculated based on a number of factors, including the luminaires' luminance, their distribution, the surrounding surfaces, and the observer's position.
One of the significant advantages of the UGR is that it takes into account the observer's position. It means that the UGR can be used to evaluate glare in various applications, such as offices, hospitals, and schools. Moreover, the UGR can be used to determine which lighting fixtures should be used in a particular environment to prevent glare.
The UGR has become an integral part of modern lighting design. Lighting designers use the UGR to create lighting environments that are comfortable for people to work in. It is an essential tool that helps designers to reduce energy consumption, improve productivity, and enhance visual comfort.
European Standard for interior lighting
What quality classification should be adopted as a minimum for different types of space? European EN standards have been formulated for this purpose. These apply to all European Member States. Standards Institutes are required to adopt the European standards in their national codes. For the Dutch market for example the European standards bear the coding NEN-EN. In Germany this is DIN-EN.
The UGR-L values for a range of spaces are set out in standard NEN-EN 12464-1. UGR-L stands for Unified Glare Rating Limit, the limit for the degree of glare.
• Technical drawing UGR <16
• Offices UGR <19
• Reception areas UGR <22
• Archives, stairs and lifts UGR <25
• Corridors and passageways UGR <28
In conclusion, the UGR is a valuable tool in the field of lighting design. It helps designers to create a comfortable, efficient and safe lighting environment. By using UGR, lighting designers can ensure that people can work efficiently without experiencing any discomfort caused by glare. Overall, the UGR is an important factor that needs to be considered in lighting design, and it is essential to ensure that it is used correctly to achieve optimal results.
