Rating of the best light meters for 2022

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 it, you can easily identify places with a lack of light, and then eliminate them.

How it works

To date, such devices have a different design and functionality, which is 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 pulsation. But 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 level of illumination. Also, to get the exact value, each light meter has an indicator. If the device is mechanical, then this indicator begins to act on the arrow, it rotates, and from these indicators you can get the exact value. There are also digital light 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 on the body, which makes it impossible to take measurements in places with limited access, but is suitable for obtaining quick results. Also, this version of luxmeters can have a removable sensor, which increases the measurement capabilities.

• Mechanism or digit

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. More mechanical devices are larger, although they are quite convenient to use.

• Functional

Light meters can be classified according to their functionality. The most simple and budget options are household devices. They can only measure the level of illumination, their performance is not very accurate, but the measurement is quite fast.There is a more expensive option for home appliances. They have an internal memory, and the result given 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 sensitivity of the sensor closer to the sensitivity of the human eye. This improves the measurement of illumination, 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 may 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. In addition to 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 luxmeter options.

Terms of Use

To take readings of the light level with a mechanical light meter, it must be placed on a horizontal surface. A special nozzle will need to be installed 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 readings. If the reading with the nozzle is less than 30 lx, then a second measurement should be taken without the nozzle. Before starting work, make sure that the instrument pointer is at zero.Otherwise, it should be brought to the zero position using a corrector and a screwdriver. The shadow must not fall on the photocell, otherwise the result will not be correct. Measurement errors can be affected by devices with electromagnetic radiation, so it is advisable to turn them off before measurements and, if possible, remove them.

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

It is worth considering that readings of natural and artificial light must be taken separately. There must be no movement during the reading as this will affect the result.

After the results were taken, they are recorded and calculations are carried out. The result of the calculations should be verified with acceptable 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 second 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 much space for storage. To make the operation comfortable, it will be more convenient if the parting does not work from the network.In this case, it will not be necessary 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 level of illumination, 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 light meter, then pay attention to the size of its screen. The larger the display, the more convenient it will be to take readings. For work in the dark, a backlight will be required. Preferably, the device will have an internal memory to save the results. In this way, a comparative analysis can be carried out.

The cost of such measuring instruments can vary from 1000 rubles to several tens of thousands. If you take measurements infrequently and work only 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 light meters

MS-6610

This meter is a digital light meter that has a shock and drop resistant housing. The manufacturer guarantees the measurement accuracy and long-term use of the device. The data is displayed on the LCD display, all results will be 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, use the switch to select one of the three coefficients.After that, the remote sensor is installed horizontally with respect to the light source. And the display will show the readings. If "000" is displayed on the screen, then you should change the coefficient using the switch. You can also keep the received readings on the screen. To do this, press the "HOLD" button. In this mode, you will see the data and 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 a cloth. If necessary, the light sensor disk can be wiped with a damp cloth without the use of detergents.

The measurement range of "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;
• Rugged housing;
• Convenient operation;
• Price.

• Error 5% + - 2 units.

Smartlab 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. Due to this, 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 the Android and iOS operating systems.Before starting, you should put your phone in the "Airplane" mode, and turn off the Internet, because. 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 measurements. If you connect "Smart lab FVL-001" to another smartphone, you must calibrate before starting measurements.

"Smart lab FVL-001" has an aluminum body, which can be made in different colors. Its length is 30 mm, and its diameter is 10 mm. The measurement 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 2000 rubles.

• Small dimensions 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 received data is displayed both on a linear scale and in a digital value. The measuring range adjustment 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. With 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.

• No.

The best professional light meters

Testo 540

This luxmeter will help you 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 fixed on the body of the light meter. There is a button marked HOLD, which allows you to fix the result. With it, you can get the minimum and maximum readings. And if necessary, you can use the backlight, which will go out after 10 seconds. Functionality "Testo 540" allows you to set auto-off. In this case, the device will automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity. This can significantly extend battery life. The light meter comes with a protective cap for the sensor. With it, the photocell will not be damaged during storage or during transportation.

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

The average cost is 11,500 rubles.

• Compact size and light weight;
• Convenient operation;
• Possibility 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 change of ranges, as well as the presence of an additional interface for communication with a computer. This feature allows you to reduce time and avoid paperwork. Also, the functionality of "TKA-PMK (05)" allows you to automatically cut out the natural background of lighting. To do this, first take readings without artificial lighting. And the next 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 will be shown on the display. There is a screen backlight for working at night.

The measurement range of "TKA-PMK (05)" is from 10 to 200,000 lux. The error in this case 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 background lighting;
• Can be connected to a computer;
• Simple operation.

• The error of the device is about 8%.

eLight 01

Using this device, you can find out the readings of not only illumination, but also the 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 readings of illumination, "eLight 01" will automatically remove natural lighting from the calculations. Memory "eLight 01" allows you to store a million results in memory. It is also possible to connect the device to a computer and use a cable to transfer data or make 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 measurement range of "eLight 01" is from 0 to 200,000 lux. The error in this case does not exceed 8%. The weight of "eLight 01" is 560 grams.

The average cost is 39,000 rubles.

• "eLight 01" entered in the state register;
• Allows you to measure the brightness, illumination and pulsation of light;
• It is possible to connect other measuring devices to PU of this model;
• Ability to connect to a PC.

• High price.

Conclusion

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