What’s Important for Dimmable Downlights?
July 3, 2025
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UGR, which stands for Unified Glare Rating, is a metric for assessing the glare effect of indoor lighting systems. It specifically evaluates ‘psychological’ glare, which is disturbing but doesn’t necessarily reduce visual performance. The UGR is a measure of the subjective response to light emitted by a lighting device in a visual environment that causes discomfort to the human eye. This rating helps lighting designers control the anti-glare level in a lighting environment, creating a more visually comfortable space for occupants. The UGR value is an important parameter of lamps, and according to the European indoor lighting recommendation EN 12464-1 standard, the lower the UGR value means the better the visual comfort.
UGR Scale and Its Implications
The UGR scale ranges from 10 to 30, with higher values indicating greater discomfort:
For most indoor environments, a UGR of 19 or lower is considered acceptable.
Understanding the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) offers several key benefits, primarily related to enhancing comfort, productivity, and well-being in indoor environments. Here’s a summary of the main advantages:
Different lighting fixtures can significantly affect the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) due to factors such as size, shape, angle, and color temperature8. Here’s how different aspects of lighting fixtures influence UGR:
Luminous Area: Luminaires with larger luminous surfaces, such as 2’x4’ panels, tend to have lower UGR values compared to smaller ones like 1’x4’ or 2’x2’ fixtures.
According to a DesignLights Consortium (DLC) fact sheet, the factors that affect UGR include average luminaire luminance. Acuity Brands also indicates that higher lumens negatively impact UGR ratings.
Anti-glare downlights are specially designed lighting fixtures that minimize harsh brightness and discomfort caused by direct eye contact with light sources. They feature a deep recess that hides the LED chips, resulting in a softer, more uniform light distribution. This makes them ideal for residential and commercial spaces, enhancing visual comfort and reducing eye strain. Many customers in the UK and Europe choose these lights for their modern aesthetics and energy efficiency. For more options, check our LED Downlights category.
When selecting anti-glare downlights, consider factors such as beam angle, color temperature, and installation type. Look for models with a UGR (Unified Glare Rating) of less than 19 to ensure optimal comfort. Additionally, choose fixtures that complement your interior design; options in black, white, or silver reflectors can enhance any decor. Explore our Anti-Glare Downlights collection for various styles.
This is a common misconception. While many traditional downlights can produce glare, anti-glare models are specifically designed to reduce this issue. They achieve this through advanced design features such as deep reflectors and diffusers that soften the light output. Choosing the right product can significantly enhance your lighting experience without discomfort.
Our anti-glare downlights stand out due to their advanced glare reduction technology, which achieves a UGR of less than 17—one of the lowest in the market. Additionally, they come with multiple color temperature options (2700K to 5000K) and stylish designs suitable for any modern space. We also offer a 5-year warranty on all products, ensuring quality and reliability.
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