What is luminous intensity?
Luminous intensity describes the directional properties of a source and shows how a luminaire distributes flux in space.
Candela and direction
Luminous intensity I is luminous flux emitted into an element of solid angle divided by that solid angle. Its unit is the candela (cd), one of the seven SI base units. Luminous intensity always refers to a direction.
From measurements to a photometric solid
A series of angular measurements creates a luminous intensity distribution used in lighting design and luminaire comparison. The L22 laboratory agrees the scope and accreditation status of a test before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the unit of luminous intensity?
The candela (cd).
Is luminous intensity the same as luminous flux?
No. Flux describes total photometrically weighted light, while intensity describes its distribution in a direction.