School and Classroom Lighting: EN 12464-1 Values and Advice
Short answer
Under EN 12464-1 the typical target is 300 lx in classrooms (500 lx for evening use and adult education), 500 lx on the board, 500–750 lx in technical drawing rooms and laboratories, and 100 lx in corridors. Glare below UGR 19, CRI of at least 80, flicker-free drivers and control that dims the window side according to daylight are recommended.
In a classroom, light lets pupils see the board, books and screens all day without tiring. Too little light causes eye strain, glare and flicker cause headaches, and badly placed luminaires create unreadable reflections on the board. School lighting is therefore planned to both standard values and visual comfort.
Typical values by area
| Area | Illuminance (lx) | UGR | Ra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom (primary and secondary) | 300 | < 19 | 80 |
| Evening classes, adult education | 500 | < 19 | 80 |
| Board | 500 | < 19 | 80 |
| Technical drawing, art studio | 750 | < 16–19 | 80–90 |
| Laboratory | 500 | < 19 | 80 |
| Library reading area | 500 | < 19 | 80 |
| Corridor | 100 | < 25 | 80 |
The values in the table are typical targets from EN 12464-1; in a project, the table in the current edition of the standard and the specific conditions of the space should be used.
Luminaires and layout
- General lighting: low-glare linear luminaires or panel-type luminaires; rows run parallel to the windows so that the window side can be dimmed separately with daylight.
- Board: a separate row with asymmetric optics in front of the board, switched separately.
- Flicker: flicker-free drivers so that screens and video recordings are not disturbed.
- Durability: impact-resistant (high IK rating) housings in corridors and sports areas.
Colour temperature
4000K neutral white is common in classrooms; it is a balanced tone for attention and colour discrimination. With tunable white systems, cooler light can be used in the morning and warmer light in the afternoon.
Control and energy
Schools can make the most of daylight: luminaires on the window side are dimmed automatically by a daylight sensor, and a presence sensor switches off empty classrooms. This control can be built with DALI or 1-10V. You can see the savings from replacing old fluorescent luminaires with our savings calculator.
Conclusion
In school lighting, the right illuminance, low glare, flicker-free light and daylight control are planned together. For a luminaire count and layout for your school, contact us through our design and consultancy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lux should a classroom have?
Under EN 12464-1 the typical target for primary and secondary classrooms is 300 lx; 500 lx is recommended for classrooms used in the evening and for adult education. The board is lit separately with 500 lx.
How is a whiteboard lit?
A luminaire with an asymmetric optic is placed in the ceiling in front of the board; light falls evenly on the board without dazzling the teacher or pupils and without reflecting on the board.
What should be checked in LED luminaires for schools?
Low glare (UGR < 19), a flicker-free driver, at least Ra 80, an impact-resistant housing and, in sports halls, protection against ball impact.