Production and Food Industry Lighting: Lux Levels, Hygiene and Protection Ratings

In production, the quality of the light is directly linked to the quality of the product: defects are spotted or missed, staff tire or stay focused. In the food industry, hygiene, wet cleaning and avoiding foreign bodies come on top. This guide shows lux levels by task, the right protection rating and what IFS and HACCP audits look for.

Lux levels by task

Task	Illuminance	Colour rendering
Rough work, material storage in production	approx. 200 lux	Ra ≥ 60–80
General production, machine operation, rough assembly	approx. 300 lux	Ra ≥ 80
Medium-fine assembly, switchboards	approx. 500 lux	Ra ≥ 80
Fine assembly, electronics	approx. 750 lux	Ra ≥ 80
Inspection, colour control	approx. 1,000 lux	Ra ≥ 90
Food processing, general	approx. 300 lux	Ra ≥ 80
Sorting, food quality control	approx. 500 lux	Ra ≥ 80–90
Bakery: preparation and baking	approx. 300 lux	Ra ≥ 80

The values are based on EN 12464-1 and are maintained values. Where individual workstations need more light, task lighting is often more economical than making the whole hall brighter. Hall planning basics are covered in LED High Bay Lighting.

Food industry: hygiene before brightness

• No glass: If a glass cover breaks, a whole day's production can be quarantined. Luminaires with polycarbonate covers or shatter-proof tubes are standard in IFS and BRC audits.
• Smooth surfaces: No open cooling fins or corners where dirt and germs collect.
• Cleaning: IP65 for wiping and hosing, IP66 to IP69K for high-pressure, hot-water or foam cleaning (see IP Ratings Explained).
• Chemicals and ammonia: In cold areas and livestock buildings, ammonia and cleaning agents attack unsuitable plastics. Ammonia-resistant tri-proof lights are made for this.

Luminaires for production and food

Flicker and the stroboscopic effect at machines

Rotating shafts, saw blades or drills can appear to stand still under flickering light. That is a serious accident risk. Luminaires with high-quality drivers (low ripple) avoid this effect. In machine halls, check the flicker specification in the data sheet.

Colour temperature and controls

4000K is standard for production and food. 5000K to 6500K helps at inspection points where colour defects must be detected. Dimmable luminaires with daylight and presence sensors cut consumption in areas with windows or changing occupancy (see 0-10V, 1-10V and TRIAC).

Worked example

Production hall with 60 fluorescent fittings 2 × 58W (approx. 140W), two-shift operation of 4,500 hours, €0.28/kWh. Replaced by 60 LED tri-proof lights of 55W: saving 60 × 85W × 4,500 h = 22,950 kWh, around €6,400 a year. See LED Payback Period Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How many lux does a production hall need?

Around 300 lux for general production, 500–750 lux for finer assembly and up to 1,000 lux for inspection.

Which luminaires are suitable for the food industry?

Shatter-proof covers without glass, easy-to-clean surfaces and a protection rating suited to the cleaning method. The exact requirements follow from the hygiene concept or audit standard (IFS, BRC).

Which protection rating do I need for wet cleaning?

IP65 for normal hosing, IP66 for powerful water jets and IP69K for high-pressure and steam cleaning.

Why does flicker matter at machines?

Flickering light can make rotating parts appear to stand still. Flicker-free drivers prevent this dangerous stroboscopic effect.

Which colour temperature suits inspection points?

Daylight white between 5000K and 6500K with colour rendering of Ra 90 or higher.