by Andy Manning

Selecting the proper lighting for a church is one of the most important decisions for any building or remodeling project. Church lighting not only should provide adequate illumination, it also should complement a church's architecture, be efficient and easy to maintain.

Through the years lighting companies have found that the congregations that plan ahead and follow a few simple steps are happiest with the end result. The following steps explore the basics of church lighting. For more detailed information, it always is best to consult with an architect, engineer, lighting designer or manufacturer's representative.

Step 1: Location

Proper location of each fixture and electrical box is important not only to ensure a uniform level of illumination, but also to fit into the architectural design and pew layout of the church.

No matter how pews are arranged, fixtures should be centered over pew areas (not the aisles) to ensure enough light for comfortable reading. Spacing between fixtures should be based not only on the light coverage desired, but also on the spacing of the windows, ceiling beams and other architectural elements (see figure A).

Additionally, it is important to provide enough lighting for members to find seats and locate exits. Churches also should examine other lighting issues such as theatrical, custom, exterior, office, parking lot, hall as well as the electrical considerations entailed in those systems.

Step 2: Mounting Height

The mounting height of each fixture should be based on the lighting level desired, the appearance of the fixtures in relation to architectural elements and uniform distribution of light at the reading plane.

Pendant lighting using reflector flood downlights should be suspended so the distance from floor to bottom of fixture is approximately 1.2 times the distance between fixtures longitudinally (see figure B). Generally, the higher a fixture is mounted, the more even the light distribution will be below. However, the higher a fixture is mounted the more the wattage of the downlight must be increased to compensate for the higher mounting height.

Step 3: Lamp Type And Wattage

The light level at the reading plane of a church largely depends on the architecture, the denomination and the tastes of the congregation. Today, a level of anywhere from 15 to 40 footcandles is recommended at the reading plane for comfortable observation.

Most churches prefer a level of above 30 footcandles. Though calculation of exact requirements is complex, an allowance of one to five watts per square foot can be figured as average to obtain adequate results.

Another important area is electrical capabilities. In some instances, the facility will need additional electrical panels; however, they should remain as inconspicuous as possible, especially when redesigning the lighting systems in older buildings.

Wiring in existing churches should be checked for capacity with an architect or engineer. Churches also may elect to consult with a lightning director to evaluate their overall lighting needs and to provide solutions, rather than simply relying on the church's architect as in the past.

Many pendant fixtures are available with downlights, interior lamps and uplights depending on the model and size selected. In most cases, the greatest percentage of total wattage should be reserved for the downlight with small incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps used in the interior of the fixture.

Fluorescent and metal halide lamps offer greater energy efficiency and longer lamp life than incandescent lamps; however, the initial cost of the fixture is higher, especially if a church leaders want to allow dimming of the fixtures. Some congregations prefer the warm color of standard incandescent lamps vs. the cool color of more energy efficient lamps. However, lamp technology has greatly improved in the last 10 years and fluorescent and metal halide lamps deserve a close look. (see figure C.)

Step 4: Fixture Selection

There are two basic ways to light a church: Direct fixtures use downlights that light the pew areas from above, and indirect lighting fixtures that bounce light up off the ceiling to light the area.

Direct fixtures are better suited for churches with dark interiors and high ceilings. Gothic period churches maintain the beauty of their deep-shadowed, high-vaulted ceilings by using this type of lightning system.

Indirect fixtures work best for white or light wood interiors and lower ceilings. These lights often are featured in Greek or auditorium type churches.

Some fixtures combine both indirect and direct lighting for the advantages of both. Contemporary churches sometimes will use a combination depending on the various moods they seek to obtain.

The proportion and size of the design selected will depend on the proportions of the interior, spacing between outlets and the height at which fixtures will be suspended.

In an interior where the height is greater than the width (see figure D), fixtures of similar proportions are more compatible. A good rule of thumb is to choose a unit about 1-inch diameter to each foot of spacing between units longitudinally. In interiors where the width is greater than the height (see figure E), 2-inch in fixture diameter for each foot of spacing should be figured. Care should be taken that the size selected has sufficient wattage capacity to produce desired lighting results.

Step 5: Lighting Other Locations

In general churches fall into two classes--Liturgical or Ritualistic and Conventicle or Evangelical.

In the Liturgical or Ritualistic class, the altar is the focal point, and the religious ceremony takes precedence over the speaker. Since the altar or chancel is the focal point of most churches, it is recommended that the light levels be two to three times greater than above the pews.

Lighting for this area also should be concealed from the congregation to avoid any distractions and provide an unobstructed view. Adjustable flood and spotlight units mounted behind an arch or beam can be used to light the general area and spotlight the altar, pulpit or other areas. An adequate light level also should be provided so church members can follow the service in their missals.

In the Conventicle or Evangelical class, it also is important to provide necessary lighting for the congregation to read. However, the speaker is the focal point and provisions should be made to reduce lighting levels in the auditorium during sermons in order to accentuate the speaker with high-intensity spot lighting.

Lighting the pulpit or lectern is best accomplished by two units to minimize shadows. Light on the speaker should be directed from an angle of 30 to 45 degrees forward from the speaker and spaced so that the angle is 45 degrees or more above where the speaker stands.

Areas above and below balconies should be lit with smaller fixtures that match the units in the main area. Fixtures are available in several sizes and styles, including ceiling mounted fixtures for under balconies.

Foyer and hallway lighting should be selected by room proportions, using 1.5-inch fixture diameter to 1 foot of room width as a guide to proportions.

Entrances can be lit with wall brackets and pendant fixtures designed for outdoor use. Allow approximately 1-inch diameter to 1 foot of entranceway width as a general rule for proportions.

Andy Manning is the president of Manning Lighting, one the country's leading manufacturers of church lighting. The company has been helping churches meet these special needs since 1948 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.