In licensed facilities, the lighting requirement is mandatory. Mostly, the recommended badminton court light levels change with the level of competition. So, you will read about four different levels. In the following part, the description of the main variable factors in play is given. Lastly, a short FAQ section offers more details on four related topics.
The badminton court lighting uses as many LED lights as needed. Depending on the regulation, this number can vary. In the past, a badminton hall needed many metal halide lamps. But today’s LED tech offers a more innovative lighting design. Thanks to superior light efficiency, LED allows for reaching a specific lux level. That is, a default value for brightness.
Lux level requirement for badminton court
The badminton hall must meet all the demands for high-level preparation. In detail, it must have every necessary technical-sporting structure. This means that the lighting system must ensure a comfortable vision during the use of:
- massage rooms
- physiotherapy clinics
- equipped gym
- restaurant bar and dining rooms
- classrooms for young students in high school facilities
- large spaces for free time
But when it comes down to the badminton court lighting, a specific lux level must be met. The badminton court lighting must be approved to play official matches. Generally, most sports associations require the lux level requirement to be fulfilled even before the sports season begins.
Maybe, you already know the footcandle (Fc). It is the unit of luminous intensity. That is, the first light intensity unit from which all other photometric units, such as lux, come from. To specify, 1 footcandle = 10.76 lux.
A lux or footcandle value set the lighting requirement. In short, you must use a light meter to reach the needed luminous intensity.
1. Recreational use
Usually, a badminton hall uses many illumination modes. Depending on the planned sports activities, owners can thus save on energy costs. Of course, a recreational setting must provide adequate artificial lighting for all users. But mostly, the goal is to safeguard the safety, health, and well-being of players.
Ordinarily, the required lux level for recreational use ranges between 200 and 300 lux (18-28 fc). You can achieve this result with both flood lights and spot lights. In detail, flood lights produce a wider beam of light. Instead, spot lights have a narrower beam. We will focus on this matter more in detail later.
Of course, not all pitches need the exact same illuminance level. The badminton court size and ceiling height influence how many luminaries are needed. Then again, an outdoor badminton court lighting can call for modifications. For example, a lighting system that adjusts to the lack of fences.
So, what do 200-300 lux look like? Think of a well-lit living room area. For one thing, players need good visibility but not intense brightness. Broad light sources are ideal to create a softer light. On the playing field, the overall mood is relaxed and centered on enjoying the game.
2. College and campus facilities/Training
Sports facilities with tournament-size badminton courts must provide 300 to 500 lux (28-46 fc). This lux level is great for students who are taking courses. Or for professional coaching. Also, this range applies to college and campus facilities with regular physical activities.
All the light bodies in the badminton hall should be cost-effective and reliable. In this case, LED lights are the most suitable option because they are more efficient. In fact, energy-saving lamps need less energy (or watts). They emit the same amount of lumens as halogen or metal halide bulbs for a lower cost.
As the professional level increases, the need for better color rendering arises. For example, to heighten the contrast of the sidelines. Indeed, each light source has a color rendering index (CRI). This means that each lamp, according to its features, can reveal colors in different ways.
How would you describe a room with 300-500 lux? Think of any small retail outlet. Usually, the light is perpendicular and evenly distributed. With this lux level requirement, the badminton court lighting offers bright light with soft shadows.
Most training sessions focus on developing new skills. So, proper lighting is needed for drills. Notably, serving entails a keen eye and accurate shot placement. Also, learning the drop shot assumes you can clearly see the other player. Just like reacting relies on the recognition of the disguising in time.
3. Community competition
Local competitions during term time are common. Then, when the badminton season begins, weekly games keep the players busy.
Each badminton hall owner must apply the standard lighting design to host a community competition. That is, 500 to 700 lux (46-65 fc). So, quite a bright, intense lighting.
The lux level increases because most games take place at night. To be precise, most evening matches start from 7:30 pm.
A thorough analysis of the lighting system is required to ensure the visual comfort for:
- badminton players
- umpires, referees, service and line judges
- spectators in the stands
The players and the badminton officials must be able to clearly perceive everything that happens in the playing area. Without the correct lux level, none of them can express their best performances.
Spectators must be able to follow the performances of the players and the actions of the game with minimum effort. In other words, visual conditions must be pleasant. Of course, this implies that the playing area must be visible. As well as the surrounding areas well-lit.
The good news is that you already know what 700 lux look like. Think of any supermarket near you. Generally speaking, the lighting effect is almost magical. This specially designed lighting makes everything on the playing field better. Above all, it all feels more beautiful and vibrant. In short, it increases the pleasant experience in the spectator’s mind.
4. National or international tournament
The BWF World Championships has strict lighting design rules. For example, the finals exceeded 1000 lux. Similarly, if you ever saw the Olympic Games, you might have noticed the same lighting design. As we know, during Olympic events, the light level approaches 2000 lux.
Both tournaments involve a high-performance lighting system. In detail, LED fixtures. LED flood lights and spot lights can reach an illuminance value between 1000 and 2000 lux (93-185 fc) in no time. In fact, they turn on and off in an instant.
This feature allows for exciting plays of lights during the short breaks. Plus, it focuses the attention of the spectators on every players’ move. Not by chance, you hear the spectators cheer and applaud when the shuttlecock hits the ground. No one is looking anywhere else because of the bright lights.
As the winning player scores again, you can clearly see the losing opponent frowning. Almost no shadow is visible from every angle. The lighting is balanced. In fact, it envelops the badminton court and the sponsors’ ads perfectly.
In essence, the audience demand for televised matches creates the need for better lighting. Better lighting design means no flickering problems, for example. Besides, every national or international tournament needs this kind of lighting. After all, the main goal is to attract new sponsors.
Technically, we say that the right uniformity ratio is needed for the pitch illuminance system.
Factors affecting the lux level required for badminton court lighting
1. Level of competitions
The quality of light ensures the safety of the players. But as soon as the competition level rises, things change. The lighting design guidelines become more inclusive. First, the spectators become the center of attention for security reasons. Next, the badminton hall owner tries to land a big-time sponsor. Until the players make it or break it for the owner.
To put it simply, you need brighter lights for an international tournament. At the highest competitive level, the badminton court lighting influences the overall revenues. So, the best LED lights offer the probability of gaining a better return from the investment.
2. TV broadcasting
Sometimes, it is easier to jump at the first good opening. Community competitions open a few doors for skilled entrepreneurs. For example, TV broadcasting.
Of course, you will need brighter lights for the community competition if it is televised. Surely, you have seen videos with flickering problems. TV broadcasting can incur in the same technical issue as well.
Better lighting design takes care of any visible flicker or strobing effect. Plus, efficient lights have a more satisfying CRI value. In other words, anyone who looks at the televised match can enjoy it almost as he or she were in the badminton hall.
3. Indoor or outdoor badminton court
The place where the games take place greatly affects the life span of the light fixtures.
In indoor pitches, a reflective wall/ceiling surface may affect the perception of lux levels.
Outdoor badminton courts could also be near civil buildings, churches, or stores. So, we should also take the background light into consideration. The light coming from surrounding buildings or light poles might also be a factor, for good or bad.
4. End-user requirement
Sometimes, the badminton court/hall owner may impose some special requirements. Says the owner wants extra bright lighting for their badminton club. Or he/she might want you to not upgrade or retrofit the lighting system.
As you might expect, you should never take any deal for granted. There is no definite answer when it comes to badminton court lighting lux level.
The official regulation might change. Maybe, a new lighting solution becomes available. Several light bodies might break at the same time. More members of community colleges may want to take part in your badminton competitions. On balance, you might need to adjust to anything that comes your way. Always deal with the end-user constraints to find a win-win solution or hire a specialist.
Badminton court lighting lux level FAQ
1. What kind of lights does the badminton court use?
Flood lights make a wide beam angle. These lights cover broad areas and diffuse the light evenly. Usually, you find them both indoor and outdoor as they are amongst the more practical solutions.
High bay lights are the iconic badminton hall lights. In fact, indoor tournaments have been relying on these lights for years. Most sports facilities use several 200W LED high bay lights mounted in an intelligent way.
High mast lights are perfect for outdoor pitches. For example, multi-sport courts often include a badminton court, a soccer field, and/or a basketball court. In this case, high mast lights provide enough illuminance for each sports activity. Nonetheless, they can also produce a precise lux level.
2. What is lux?
The lux (lx) is the unit of measure for the illuminance in the International System. In detail, one lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. The lux measures the luminous intensity.
The lumen (lm) is the unit of measurement of the luminous flux. When you buy a lamp, you can read its lumen value on the label or package.
Lux and lumen are two different units of measure. While the lumen is an absolute measure for an amount of light, the lux is relative to an area.
3. How to measure the lux level?
The simplest and most accurate way is to use a lux meter. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated iPhone/Android App.
Some apps can help you measure the lux level of a light source by accessing the front or rear camera. In other words, you point your smartphone at a light source to make the app calculate the lux level.
Usually, the readings differ. But with better cameras, even these apps can provide a somewhat accurate reading.
4. Why is the adequate lux level essential to play on a badminton court?
The chief goal is to improve the badminton player’s vision. But it also critical to ensure a better atmosphere, security, and safety conditions.
Excessive brightness can cause glare and light pollution. Outdoor, the alteration of naturally occurring light levels in the evening can trouble the animals and neighbors.
The badminton court lighting must limit damage to the players in the event of accidental collision. For example, with obstacles and/or protrusions.
Conclusion
The badminton court lighting must fulfill a precise requirement for each type of sports activity. In general, these lux level values let you use a different quantity and types of luminaries. But LED light fixtures still remain the best choice. Indeed, they help to contain the electrical bills. Plus, they help you streamline the light control procedures for the bests results.
To sum up, recreational use needs 200 to 300 lux (18-28 fc). Training requires 300 to 500 lux (28-46 fc). Of course, a community competition demands 500 to 700 lux (46-65 fc). And a national or international tournament can exceed 1000 or 2000 lux (93-185 fc).
