EN 12464-2 is a European standard that specifies lighting requirements for outdoor workplaces . It is the counterpart to EN 12464-1 , which focuses on indoor lighting. The standard helps ensure safety, visibility, and comfort for people working outdoors or in outdoor areas.
Key aspects of EN 12464-2
This standard specifies requirements for illuminance, uniformity, glare and colour rendering for various types of outdoor workplaces , such as:
- Construction sites
- Parking lots
- Ports and loading and unloading zones
- Industrial outdoor locations
- Pedestrian zones and access roads
- Gas stations and service locations
- Airports and railway yards
1. Light intensity (lux values)
The minimum illumination level is determined based on the specific task and environment. Some examples:
- General outdoor workplaces : Minimum 20-50 lux
- Parking lots : Minimum 10-20 lux
- Loading and unloading zones : Minimum 50-100 lux
- Construction sites and industrial outdoor areas : Minimum 100-200 lux
- Sports and recreation areas : Minimum 75-500 lux (depending on the sporting activity)
2. Evenness of illumination
- The lighting must be uniformly distributed so that no large shadows or dark spots arise that could affect safety.
3. Glare (UGR – Unified Glare Rating)
- Maximum glare reduction values (UGR) apply to prevent bright light from obstructing vision and causing fatigue.
- A low glare value is especially important in ports, construction sites and logistics centres.
4. Color rendering index (CRI)
- Minimum CRI of 40-70 , depending on the application.
- Higher CRI is important in situations where color recognition is essential (e.g. safety inspections).
5. Color temperature
- Warm white (3000K) for relaxing and pedestrian areas.
- Neutral white (4000K) for loading docks, parking lots and industrial areas.
- Cool white (>5000K) for high visibility at airports and construction sites.
Why is EN 12464-2 important?
✅ Improves safety and visibility : Prevents accidents and increases visibility in critical areas.
✅ Efficiency and energy saving : Helps choose the right lighting levels without excessive energy consumption.
✅ Comfort and productivity : Prevents glare and fatigue for workers working at night or in dim conditions.
✅ Regulatory Compliance : Essential for businesses and organizations that work with outdoor lighting.
EN 12464-2 vs. EN 12464-1
- EN 12464-1 → Indoor lighting for workplaces
- EN 12464-2 → Outdoor lighting for workplaces