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We have all experienced the sting in our eyes when we are in a dark room and then the light is turned on. Our eyes squint and we can’t keep them open. Eventually, we adjust.
Alternatively, when the light is turned off in a bright room, everything in the room seems dark. It takes some time for our eyes to adjust again to see in the darkness.
This effect also applies if there is light in the surrounding area.
The brighter the surrounding area the darker everything will look in the immediate area. What we could see clearly with 10 lux we would now need 20 lux to see.
Below is a guide of lux levels based on different environments.
Full Moon | Full moon as observed in Melbourne | 0.1 lux |
Facial Recognition | Minimum lux for facial recognition | 2.5 Lux |
Recommended lux for facial recognition | 5 lux | |
Residence Single Family | Exterior doorways | 8 lux |
Bike & Walking Trails | Bike and walking trails away from a road | 5 lux |
Bike and walking trails near a road | 10 lux | |
Schools | Sidewalks and footpaths for schools | 10 lux |
Parking for schools | 30 lux | |
Parks | Trails and walkways for parks | 6 lux |
Likely loitering areas for parks | 10 lux | |
Parking spaces for parks | 30 lux | |
Intersections Zebra Crossings | Local intersection | 18 lux |
Major intersection | 34 lux | |
Supermarket & Major Retail | Parking at supermarkets or large retail | 30 lux |
Hotels and Motels | Sidewalks and grounds at hotels and motels | 10 lux |
Parking at hotels and motels | 30 lux | |
Fast Food Restaurants | General Parking at fast food restaurants | 30 lux |
Drive up window up to 9 meters | 60 lux | |
Law Enforcement, Fire, Ambulance and other Emergency Service Facilities | General parking and walkways | 30 lux |
Within 18 meters of all movement from pedestrians and vehicles | 80 lux | |
Elderly | Exterior walkways around senior facilities | 50 lux |
Residence Multi-Family Apartments / Multi Units Caravan Parks / Camping Grounds | Sidewalks and footpaths | 10 lux |
Common areas | 30 lux | |
Common mailbox areas | 100 lux | |
Guarded Facilities | Entrances near guarded facilities | 100 lux |
Building Sites | Sidewalks and footpaths | 10 lux |
High risk of theft areas | 100 lux | |
Sporting Grounds | Sidewalks and footpaths | 20 lux |
Merchandising areas with lots of pedestrians | 300 lux |