Local Knowledge About Task Lighting

Task lighting refers to any light source designed specifically to direct light onto some "task" performed by a person or machine. The primary benefits of task lighting are that it can increase our productivity, improve our personal viewing comfort, give us greater control of individual lighting levels, and save energy dollars. However, the illuminance level is not the only factor governing visibility. Contrast is also important, and a poorly positioned light source may cause contrast reduction, resulting in loss of visibility. Therefore, it can be argued that the most important purpose of task lighting is not increasing illuminance, but improving contrast. Because task lighting provides focused light where needed, general lighting can be reduced.