May 12, 2025
The Complete Office Lighting Guide: From Productivity to Standards
Office lighting is a technical discipline that directly influences employee health and productivity. This guide covers EN 12464-1 requirements, UGR (glare) calculations and concrete fixture recommendations for different office areas.
EN 12464-1 and Lux Requirements
European standard EN 12464-1 sets a maintained average illuminance of 500 lux (Em) and a UGR ≤ 19 glare limit on office worktops. The uniformity ratio (Uo) must be at least 0.60.
Meeting these values can be verified with lighting calculation software such as DIALux. Darklight's technical team provides project-specific lux simulation support.
Area-by-Area Fixture Recommendations
In open offices, rows of recessed linear LED fixtures (UGR ≤ 19 guaranteed) provide both even illumination and a tidy ceiling appearance.
In meeting rooms, dimmable recessed downlights or a magnetic track spot + linear combination provides presentation flexibility. Corridors need just 150–200 lux; motion-sensor downlights can increase energy savings.
Colour Temperature and Human-Centric Lighting
Instead of fixed 4000K, tunable-white systems produce cooler light in the morning (5000K) and warmer light in the evening (2700K), in tune with human biology — supporting alertness and focus.
This Human Centric Lighting approach makes a real difference especially in call centres and long-shift environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I achieve UGR ≤ 19?
Manufacturer UGR tables (BZ classification) appear on the product page; choose linear fixtures with a guaranteed UGR ≤ 19 at the room aspect ratio and mounting height you have.
Is a lux calculation required for an office?
The legal obligation varies by designer; but for a quality result a DIALux simulation is strongly recommended. Darklight's technical team can provide project support.
Let's find the right solution for your project together.