Indoor Work Places
EN 12464-1
Below is a clear, lighting-designer–friendly explanation of task areas, immediate surrounding areas, and background areas as defined and used in EN / NEN-EN 12464-1.
Task Area (TA)
This is the most critical area in lighting design.​
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The task area is the zone where the visual task is actually performed.It is the area that requires the specified maintained illuminance (Em) listed in the EN 12464-1 tables
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Examples
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On a desk where someone reads, writes, or uses a laptop
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The checkout counter in a supermarket
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The operating surface of a machine
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A laboratory workbench
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A packing or inspection table
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Lighting requirements include
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Required lux (Em)
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Uniformity of task area (Uo)
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UGR limits apply to protect the task
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CRI, CCT considerations depending on task
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Key rule
If the exact size of the task area is unknown, the standard gives default dimensions (e.g., 0.6 m × 0.6 m for desks).
Surrounding Area (SA)
This is the area just around the task.
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A zone extending at least 0.5 m around the task area where lower lux levels are allowed, but still need to support comfort, contrast, and avoid sharp transitions
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Purpose
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Avoid eye fatigue when looking between the task and surrounding environment
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Maintain visual comfort
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Improve general orientation around the work area
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General rule of illuminance
Immediate Surrounding Area should be:
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At least 1/3 of the task area lux, or
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Minimum 150 lux
(whichever is higher — depending on table values)
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Example
If a task area needs 500 lux, then the surrounding area typically needs 300 lux.
Background Area (BA)
This is the rest of the room beyond the immediate surrounding area.
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The area extending from the surrounding area to the room boundaries.
It needs even lower lux but must still allow comfortable, safe orientation.
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Purpose
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Ensure the room doesn’t feel “dark”
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Improve overall visual comfort
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Support safe movement
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General rule of illuminance
The background area should have at least:
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1/5 of the task area lux, or
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Minimum 100 lux
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So if the task area is 500 lux:
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Background area needs ≥100 lux