NEMA Publishes New White Paper on the Origin and Use of Unified Glare Rating (UGR)

LDS NEMA Logo

Dec 22, 2021

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published NEMA LS 20001-2021 White Paper on Unified Glare Rating (UGR). This new white paper explains the original intent of Unified Glare Rating (UGR), its proper uses, and common misuses.

Unified Glare Rating (UGR) is one of the few lighting metrics that practitioners use to model and design appropriate lighting to meet application and task visual needs. In the hands of a competent lighting designer, UGR can provide insight into visual comfort expectations when included as part of a complete lighting design because it incorporates room layout, luminaire layout, the task being performed, and surface reflectances.  

However, improper use of the UGR approach can result in poor lighting design, poor luminaire design, and unintended glare. This white paper aims to prevent such misuse through education on the context of UGR and by demonstrating how erroneous use as a luminaire-specific qualification metric can lead to glare inaccuracies for lighting designs. 

“Glare is an important topic for all lighting manufacturers,” said Jeremy Yon, Task Force Chair and Industry Relations Leader at GE Current, a Daintree company. “Through careful research of the historical creation of the UGR calculations, in this paper, we were able to highlight the benefits for lighting professionals to carefully incorporate full-application UGR as a way of approximating visual comfort impacts as part of their overall lighting design.” 

The audience for this paper includes lighting designers, luminaire manufacturers, and luminaire specifiers.

NEMA LS 20001-2021 is available for download at no cost on the NEMA website.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the enhancement of its Scout luminaire family with the introduction of new accessories and a new color palette. Three new diffusers have been introduced. Bell is minimalist, translucent and cloche-shaped. Pebble introduces a soft touch and an ambient glow in a distinct, oval-shaped diffuser. Orb is sleek and dome-shaped, adding a touch… Read More…

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…