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Technical environment
Technical environment
Global standard 220V-240V/50Hz-60Hz
Standard for USA/Canada 120V/60Hz, 277V/60Hz
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Museum lighting with 50lx

The 50lx mantra: origin and application

Where does the 50lx reference value come from?

An illuminance of 50lx has become a standard with exhibition organisers for the illumination of light-sensitive exhibits in galleries and museums. The 50lx however cannot be justified due to reasons of conservation, but correspond to a lighting level enabling a young person with adapted eyes to clearly identify an object with bright colour tones, low details and simple structures. The value therefore specifies a threshold with visual perception. Darker and higher-detail exhibits must be more brightly lit to achieve a comparative impression. The age of the observer is also a factor. Older people sometimes need two to three times as much illuminance for the same visual experience.

Where does the 50lx reference value come from?

An illuminance of 50lx has become a standard with exhibition organisers for the illumination of light-sensitive exhibits in galleries and museums. The 50lx however cannot be justified due to reasons of conservation, but correspond to a lighting level enabling a young person with adapted eyes to clearly identify an object with bright colour tones, low details and simple structures. The value therefore specifies a threshold with visual perception. Darker and higher-detail exhibits must be more brightly lit to achieve a comparative impression. The age of the observer is also a factor. Older people sometimes need two to three times as much illuminance for the same visual experience.

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