At MHSC Energy, precision lighting isn’t just about appearance—it’s about performance, consistency, and creating spaces that work for both people and operations. In our recent collaboration with VeraBank, our team was tasked with determining the ideal layout for recessed lighting that would deliver both energy efficiency and visual comfort. This project involved a side-by-side photometric comparison of two luminaire types within the same first-floor space to ensure consistent footcandle levels and maintain the bank’s design integrity.
Project Overview To determine how many 8″ recessed can lights would be required for VeraBank’s red-outlined area on the first floor, MHSC Energy first ran a complete photometric layout using the provided flat panel luminaire files. These flat panels were already placed in the drawing and served as the baseline for footcandle output across the space. Once the average illuminance was confirmed, our team conducted a second layout using the provided recessed can fixture files, adjusting spacing and quantity to match the original footcandle target as closely as possible.
Flat Panel Photometric Results Using the TPSC 24 LS55 G1 FSK- flat panel fixture, we modeled a grid of 12 luminaires spaced to achieve an average footcandle (fc) level of 37.3 fc (equivalent to 401.5 lux) across the workplane. This lighting level provides bright, evenly distributed illumination well-suited for a financial institution like VeraBank, where clarity and comfort are both essential.
Flat Panel Luminaire Summary: Fixture: TPSC 24 LS55 G1 FSK- Lamp Quantity: 1 per fixture Lumens per Fixture: 4,346.8 Total Wattage: 480 W Quantity Installed: 12 LLF (Light Loss Factor): 0.950 Mounting Height: 10 ft Workplane Height: 2.5 ft Reflectance: Ceiling 0.80, Walls 0.50, Floor 0.20 Average Illuminance: 37.3 footcandles / 401.5 lux
Recessed Can Light Photometric Results To match the footcandle output of the flat panel layout, we then tested the D848-3500K-30W recessed can fixtures. Using a layout of 18 fixtures at the same mounting height, this configuration achieved an average illuminance of 37.1 fc (399.4 lux). Despite a lower lumen output per fixture, the increased fixture count allowed us to meet the design goal while preserving the clean ceiling aesthetic preferred by the client.
Recessed Can Luminaire Summary: Fixture: D848-3500K-30W Lamp Quantity: 1 per fixture Lumens per Fixture: 2,630.3 Total Wattage: 496.8 W Quantity Installed: 18 LLF (Light Loss Factor): 0.950 Mounting Height: 10 ft Workplane Height: 2.5 ft Reflectance: Ceiling 0.80, Walls 0.50, Floor 0.20 Average Illuminance: 37.1 footcandles / 399.4 lux
Lighting Design Observations The flat panel layout offered slightly higher output per fixture, resulting in a simpler grid and fewer total fixtures. However, the recessed can layout provided a comparable result in both footcandles and lux, offering a viable alternative where ceiling aesthetics or fixture visibility are a concern. Both layouts perform within industry standards for office and commercial bank interiors, offering glare-free light with strong vertical and horizontal distribution.
MHSC Energy continues to support commercial lighting projects with complete photometric analysis, product specification support, and layout optimization. Whether you’re retrofitting a financial institution or designing from the ground up, our team helps you achieve high-quality lighting outcomes that balance form, function, and efficiency.
