Rating of the best lux meters for 2020

Quite often in practice, there are cases when it is necessary to measure the level of illumination of a room or determine the brightness of the lights. In this case, a light meter will come to the rescue. With its help, you can easily identify places with a lack of light, and then eliminate them.

How it works

Today, such devices have different designs and functionality, which are constantly being modified and improved. You can also often find devices that can measure not only the level of illumination, but also other parameters of light, such as brightness or ripple. Still, the main working component of such a device, regardless of its functionality, is a photocell. It is a sensor where photons transfer their light energy to electrons, which leads to the formation of an electric current. The amount of current will depend on the light level. Also, to get an accurate reading, each light meter has an indicator. If the device is mechanical, then this indicator begins to act on the arrow, it rotates, and according to these indicators, you can get the exact value. There are also digital lux meters. Here, the received analog signal is converted using a converter, and then the readings are displayed on the display.

Types of light meters

• By design.

First of all, this device for measuring illumination can be classified according to design features. These devices come with a remote or built-in sensor, which can also be called a monoblock.

The first option is convenient to use in hard-to-reach places, since the connection to the sensor is carried out using a wire. In a monoblock, such a sensor is fixed to the body, which does not make it possible to take measurements in places with limited access, but is suitable for obtaining quick results. Also, this version of luxometers can have a removable sensor, which increases the measurement capabilities.

• Mechanism or number

As mentioned above, indicators for devices can be mechanical or digital. In terms of accuracy, devices with an indicator in the form of an arrow are inferior to digital devices. Even more mechanical devices, although it is quite convenient to use them.

• Functional

Lux meters can be classified according to their functionality. The simplest and most budgetary options are household devices. They can only measure the level of illumination, their indicators are not very accurate, but the measurement is quite fast. There are more expensive home appliances available. They have internal memory, and the result is the average of several measurements.

Professional models are used to obtain accurate results. Their main difference from household luxmeters is the presence of light filters.These filters are able to bring the sensor sensitivity closer to that of the human eye. Thanks to this, the indicator of light metering is improved, as well as various shades. If such a device is installed outdoors, then in addition it has an absorbing filter. The error of such models is about 1%. Professional models can have additional sensors in their design, with which you can measure the brightness of luminous objects or objects.

There is a luxmeter-heart rate monitor. Besides its main function, it is able to measure the flicker factor of various devices. For example, TV screens, smartphones or monitors. But there is also a universal device that can determine the level of illumination, brightness and flicker. This option will have the highest cost among all the light meter options.

Terms of use

To take readings of the light level with a mechanical light meter, it must be placed on a horizontal surface. It will be necessary to install a special nozzle on the photocell. Each of the nozzles has its own coefficient of attenuation of the light flux. After that, you need to press the button and take the readings. If the reading with the nozzle is less than 30 Lx, then the measurement should be repeated without the nozzle. Before starting work, make sure that the pointer of the device is at zero. Otherwise, using a corrector and a screwdriver, it should be brought to the zero position. No shadow should fall on the photocell, otherwise the result will not be correct. Devices with electromagnetic radiation can affect the measurement error, so it is advisable to turn them off before measurements and, if possible, remove them.

It is easier and more convenient to use an electronic device. To do this, you just need to turn on the device and select the appropriate function. After that, the device itself will choose the required coefficient and measure it. The results will be displayed.

Note that natural and artificial light readings must be taken separately. There should be no movement during the reading as this will affect the result.

After the results have been taken, they are recorded and calculations are performed. The calculation result should be checked against the permissible standards.

Criterias of choice

Before buying such a device, you should decide with what type of lighting you will carry out measuring work. Each light meter has its own measurement range and spectral sensitivity. And based on this, each model has its own purpose. For example, one option is suitable for working with sunlight, and the other is suitable for neon lamps. But you can pick up a universal device that has a switch. Thanks to this, it will be possible to work with different light sources.

The size of the device plays an important role when choosing a product. The compact size will be more convenient to use, and it does not need a lot of space during storage. To make the operation comfortable, it will be more convenient if the parting does not work from the mains. In this case, you will not need to look for an outlet or, if necessary, use an extension cord. In addition, wires can interfere with work.

There are luxmeters, the functionality of which allows, in addition to the main measurement of the illumination level, to carry out additional measurements. For example, temperature, noise level or pressure. The cost of this option will exceed the price of a household appliance. But if you need these indicators, then it will be cheaper and more practical to combine them into one device.

If you decide to purchase an electronic lux meter, pay attention to the size of its screen. The larger the display, the more convenient it will be to take readings. To work in the dark, you will need a backlight. It is preferable if the device will have an internal memory to store the results. This will enable comparative analysis.

The cost of such measuring devices can vary from 1000 rubles and go up to several tens of thousands.If you take measurements less often and only work with lighting, you should not take the expensive option. Such devices have extensive functionality, which may not be useful to you, but this will significantly increase their price.

The best inexpensive lux meters

MS-6610

This instrument is a digital light meter that has a shock and drop resistant housing. The manufacturer guarantees the accuracy of measurements and long-term use of the device. The data is displayed on the LCD, all results are clearly visible even in bright sunlight. For measurements in places with limited access, there is a remote sensor on a flexible wire.

After turning on the device, it is necessary to select one of the three coefficients using the switch. After that, the remote sensor is installed horizontally with respect to the light source. And the display will show the reading. If the screen displays "000", then you should change the ratio using the switch. You can also keep the readings on the screen. To do this, press the "HOLD" button. In this mode, you will see the data, but no new readings will be taken. To exit this mode, press the same button again.

The body of the appliance can be cleaned with a mild detergent and cloth. The light sensor disk can be wiped off with a damp cloth, if necessary, without using detergents.

The measuring range of the MS-6610 is from 0 to 50,000 lux. The length of the remote sensor wire is 1.5 m. The device can be operated in the temperature range from 0 to +40 degrees. Weight "MS-6610" is 140 grams, excluding the weight of the battery.

The average cost is 1100 rubles.

• Compact size;
• Robust body;
• Convenient operation;
• Price.

• Error 5% + - 2 units.

Smart lab FVL-001

A distinctive feature of this model is that for its operation you just need to connect to the headphone port of any smartphone. And the obtained measurement results will be immediately visible on the phone screen. As a result, the light meter has a very compact size and requires additional battery power.

Since the smartphone will play the role of not only a power source for the device, but also a module with which the measurement process will be controlled. Therefore, it is necessary to install an application that works on smartphones with Android and iOS operating systems. Before you start, you should switch the phone to the "Airplane" mode, and turn off the Internet. this will affect the accuracy of the results. In addition, the brand of the smartphone and its performance will affect the error. With unknown phone models, the manufacturer does not guarantee the accuracy of the measurements. If you connect “Smart lab FVL-001” to another smartphone, you should perform calibration before starting measurements.

Smart lab FVL-001 has an aluminum casing that can be made in various colors. Its length is 30 mm and its diameter is 10 mm. The measuring range is from 0 to 100,000 lux. You can work with the device in the temperature range from -20 to +50 degrees.

The average cost is 2,000 rubles.

• Small size and weight;
• Measurement range;
• Operates in a wide temperature range;
• Stylish design;
• Easy control.

• The error depends on the smartphone model.

Mastech MS6612T

With this product, you can measure not only illumination, but also ripple and brightness. The main elements of "Mastech MS6612T" are a photodetector and a counting device. The data obtained is displayed both on a linear scale and in numerical value. The adjustment of the measuring range can be changed manually or automatically. The functionality of the device allows you to fix the received parameter. All results will be displayed on the LCD. In case of a lack of light, you can use the backlight, which will make the operation more comfortable.

The measurement range of "Mastech MS6612T" is from 0 to 200,000 lux. The error will not exceed 3%.The device requires one battery to operate. The size of "Mastech MS6612T" is 19 * 8.9 * 4.3 cm, and the weight with batteries is 420 grams.

The average cost is 5200 rubles.

• Shows the maximum and minimum value of the measurements taken;
• Large measurement range;
• Backlight;
• Shows results in digital and linear form.

• Not.

The best professional light meters

Testo 540

This light meter will help to quickly take measurements of the luminous flux. Due to its small size and light weight, it can be operated with only one hand. It is also worth noting that the sensor is firmly attached to the light meter body. There is a button marked HOLD, which allows you to record the result. With its help, you can get the minimum and maximum readings. And if necessary, you can use the backlight, which will go out after 10 seconds. The "Testo 540" functionality allows you to configure auto-off. In this case, the device will automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity. This can significantly extend the battery life. A protective cap for the sensor is included with the light meter. With its help, the photocell will not be damaged during storage or during transportation.

The measuring range of the Testo 540 is 0 to 99,999 lux. The measurement error does not exceed 3%. Product weight is 95 grams.

The average cost is 11,500 rubles.

• Compact size and light weight;
• Convenient operation;
• The ability to fix the value;
• Backlight;
• Auto power off.

• High price.

TKA-PMK (05)

This device is designed for sanitary control of the level of illumination in public buildings, residential and industrial premises. A feature of this model is the automatic range change, as well as the presence of an additional interface for communication with a computer. This feature allows you to reduce time and not create paperwork. Also, the TKA-PMK (05) functionality allows you to automatically cut out the natural lighting background. For this, readings are first taken without artificial lighting. And the following measurements with additional light sources will be automatically subtracted. In one second, the device takes 3 readings at one point. It is possible to fix them. The results obtained will be displayed. For work in the dark, there is a screen backlight.

The measuring range of "TKA-PMK (05)" is from 10 to 200,000 lux. In this case, the error does not exceed 8%. The device can be operated in the temperature range from -30 to +60 degrees.

The average cost is 18,000 rubles.

• Measurement range;
• It is possible to cut out the natural lighting background;
• Can be connected to a computer;
• Simple operation.

• The error of the device is about 8%.

eLight 01

With the help of this device, you can find out the readings not only of illumination, but also of brightness and pulsation of light. Products from this series are included in the state register of SI, which indicates the high accuracy of the device and its suitability for professional use. When taking light readings, eLight 01 will automatically remove natural light from the calculations. Memory "eLight 01" allows you to store in memory a million results. It is also possible to connect the device to a computer and use a cable to transfer data or conduct calculations. You can also connect other measuring devices to the control panel of this product and get the necessary data. Such devices can be, for example, a microclimate or electrostatic field meter.

The measuring range of "eLight 01" is from 0 to 200,000 lux. In this case, the error does not exceed 8%. The weight of "eLight 01" is 560 grams.

The average cost is 39,000 rubles.

• ELight 01 is entered in the state register;
• Allows you to measure brightness, illumination and light ripple;
• Other measuring devices can be connected to the control panel of this model;
• Possibility to connect to PC.

• High price.

Conclusion

Compliance with lighting standards creates a comfortable environment for the work process. But not all businesses follow these rules. Such violations entail deterioration in vision, decreased performance and deterioration in well-being. With the help of a luxmeter, you can easily eliminate this problem by choosing the correct location for the new light sources. The devices presented in the rating belong to different price categories. But even the most budgetary options will help to assess and, if necessary, improve the level of illumination in the room.