LIGHT AND
SYSTEMS
ARCHITECTURAL
LIGHTNING
1. What is the formula for illumination (E)?
A. E = \frac{\Phi \times A}{\Phi}
B. E = \Phi / A
C. E = A \times \Phi
D. E = \Phi + A
2. What is the unit of illumination in the metric
system?
A. Footcandle
B. Phot
C. Lux
D. Lumen
3. What does a footcandle equal in lux?
A. 1.0 lux
B. 10.76 lux
C. 100 lux
D. 0.76 lux
4. What is visible light?
A. The entire electromagnetic spectrum
B. Light capable of exciting the retina and producing
visual sensation
C. Light that reflects off black surfaces
D. Ultraviolet and infrared light
5. What is glare?
A. A strong, steady dazzling light
B. A type of diffuse light
C. Light reflected from mirrors
D. Light that is invisible to the human eye
6. What is the coefficient of reflection (p)?
A. The ratio of light absorbed versus light transmitted
B. The ratio of luminous flux reflected to the total flux
incident on a surface
C. The amount of light scattered in all directions
D. The difference between incident light and
absorbed light
7. What is the range of the utilization factor (η) for a
direct lighting system?
A. 0.10 to 0.40
B. 0.40 to 0.60
C. 0.60 to 0.80
D. 0.70 to 1.00
8. What is the maintenance factor (MF)?
A. A measure of the lamp's energy consumption
B. A factor relating to the cleanliness and
maintenance of lighting systems
C. The ratio of absorbed to transmitted light
D. A factor that reduces glare in lighting
9. Which factor is NOT associated with maintenance
factor reduction?
A. Dust and dirt
B. Voltage fluctuations
C. Blacking of filament
D. Lamp replacement
10. What is the average luminous efficacy of
incandescent lamps?
A. 10 lm/W
B. 14 lm/W
C. 20 lm/W
D. 25 lm/W
11. What does the depreciation factor (DF) represent
in lighting design?
A. The rate of lamp burnout over time
B. The reciprocal of the maintenance factor
C. The efficiency of the light source
D. The color temperature of the lamp
12. What is the formula to calculate gross lumens
required?
A. \Phi = E \times A \times \eta
B. \Phi = E \times A / (\eta \times MF)
C. \Phi = E / (A \times \eta \times MF)
D. \Phi = E \times (\eta + MF)
13. What is the unit for light efficiency or efficacy?
A. Watts
B. Lumens
C. Lumens per watt
D. Watts per lumen
14. Which factor does NOT directly affect the
utilization factor (η)?
A. Shape of the room
B. Color of the surroundings
C. Lamp color rendering index
D. Type and mounting height of fittings
15. What is the main characteristic of indirect lighting
systems?
A. 90% of the light reaches the working plane directly
B. Most of the light is reflected off the ceiling or walls
C. The light is evenly distributed in all directions
D. Light is focused on a small surface area
22. Which lighting system is characterized by
luminaires emitting light downward?
A. Direct lighting
B. Indirect lighting
C. Diffuse lighting
D. Asymmetric lighting
16. Which type of glare results directly from intense
light sources?
A. Indirect glare
B. Diffuse glare
C. Direct glare
D. Reflected glare
23. What is the ideal application for indirect lighting?
A. Offices
B. Factories
C. Cinemas and decorative purposes
D. Gymnasiums
17. What is the color temperature range of
incandescent lamps?
A. 2600–2900 K
B. 3500–4000 K
C. 4100–5000 K
D. 5000–6500 K
18. What is the primary advantage of compact
fluorescent lamps over incandescent lamps?
A. Faster startup time
B. Higher luminous efficacy
C. No sensitivity to voltage fluctuations
D. Perfect color rendering index
19. Which type of lighting is most commonly used for
streetlights?
A. Halogen lamps
B. Sodium vapor lamps
C. Mercury vapor lamps
D. Compact fluorescent lamps
20. What is the key characteristic of LED lighting
systems?
A. Short lifespan
B. High energy consumption
C. Monochromatic light
D. Inconsistent light output
21. What is the primary purpose of a luminaire?
A. To generate electricity
B. To house and electrify the lamp
C. To distribute power evenly across a building
D. To absorb and diffuse heat
24. Which type of luminaire emits light both upward
and downward but not to the sides?
A. Indirect luminaires
B. Semi-direct luminaires
C. Direct/indirect luminaires
D. Diffuse luminaires
25. What is a perfect diffuser?
A. A lamp that emits light evenly across a flat surface
B. A material that scatters light uniformly in all
directions
C. A reflector that directs light downward
D. A device that eliminates all glare
26. Which is NOT a characteristic of a well-designed
lighting scheme?
A. Avoidance of glare
B. Sufficient light distribution
C. Maximization of shadows
D. Adequate illumination
27. What type of lamp has a halogen gas such as
iodine or bromine added?
A. LED
B. Fluorescent
C. Halogen lamp
D. Sodium vapor lamp
28. Which type of fluorescent lamp is the most
energy efficient?
A. T-12
B. T-8
C. T-5
D. T-2
29. Which type of sodium lamp has a higher lumen
output and is used for industrial purposes?
A. High-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps
B. Low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps
C. Mercury vapor lamps
D. Compact fluorescent lamps
36. Which type of lighting control device
automatically turns lights off after a period?
A. Toggle switch
B. Timer switch
C. Dimmers
D. Photoelectric sensors
30. What is the recommended lighting level for a
classroom?
A. 100 lux
B. 150 lux
C. 300 lux
D. 500 lux
37. What is a characteristic of pendant lighting
fixtures?
A. Mounted flush with the ceiling
B. Suspended by a cord or chain
C. Used only for task lighting
D. Designed for high-bay industrial spaces
31. What is the primary benefit of using track lighting
systems?
A. Inexpensive installation
B. Fixed beam direction
C. Flexibility in location and aiming
D. High energy consumption
38. Which lighting layer provides background lighting
that creates a sense of openness?
A. Ambient lighting
B. Task lighting
C. Focal lighting
D. Decorative lighting
32. Which luminaire type is ideal for highlighting art
and displays?
A. Adjustable accent fixtures
B. Direct lighting luminaires
C. Semi-direct luminaires
D. General-purpose fluorescent lamps
39. What is the primary function of task lighting?
A. Highlight architectural features
B. Provide general background illumination
C. Illuminate specific work areas or tasks
D. Add visual drama to a space
33. What is a troffer typically used for?
A. Decorative lighting
B. Outdoor lighting
C. General lighting in commercial spaces
D. Low-pressure sodium lighting
40. Which type of lamp is considered the future of
energy-efficient lighting?
A. Incandescent lamps
B. LED lights
C. Fluorescent lamps
D. High-pressure sodium lamps
34. What is the role of asymmetric luminaires?
A. Distribute light evenly across all surfaces
B. Emit light downward only
C. Designed for specific applications like wall
washing
D. Reflect light off ceilings
41. What is the color rendering index (CRI) range
for halogen lamps?
A. 50–70
B. 70–85
C. 90–100
D. 100–120
35. What is the lighting technique called that places
the light source close to a textured wall?
A. Wall grazing
B. Wall washing
C. Accent lighting
D. Diffuse reflection
42. What is the luminous flux unit in lighting
systems?
A. Lumen
B. Lux
C. Footcandle
D. Watt
43. Which type of luminaire is primarily used in
gymnasiums and industrial spaces?
A. Indirect luminaires
B. High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps
C. Compact fluorescent lamps
D. Adjustable accent fixtures
50. Which lamp type is characterized by being
monochromatic and long-lasting?
A. Compact fluorescent lamps
B. Halogen lamps
C. LEDs
D. Sodium vapor lamps
44. What lighting system is ideal for cinemas and
dancing halls?
A. Semi-direct lighting
B. Indirect lighting
C. Diffuse lighting
D. Direct/indirect lighting
51. What is the recommended distance for wallwashing fixtures from the wall?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
45. What is a common feature of mercury vapor
lamps?
A. High color rendering index
B. Long warm-up time
C. Instant start capability
D. Short lifespan
52. Which lamp type is commonly used in
showrooms and offices for its high energy
efficiency?
A. T-5 fluorescent lamps
B. Mercury vapor lamps
C. Halogen lamps
D. Low-pressure sodium lamps
46. Which is NOT a recommended type of
decorative lighting?
A. Chandeliers
B. Sconces
C. Track lighting
D. Vanity lights
47. Which lighting layer typically
architectural features and artwork?
A. Task lighting
B. Ambient lighting
C. Focal lighting
D. Decorative lighting
53. What lighting control uses motion detection to
activate lights?
A. Dimmers
B. Timer switches
C. Occupational sensors
D. Toggle switches
highlights
48. What does "semi-recessed indirect troffer"
lighting primarily rely on?
A. Reflected light from the ceiling
B. Direct light emission
C. Focused light beams
D. Wall-mounted fixtures
49. What is the maximum luminous efficacy of LED
lights compared to incandescent lamps?
A. Twice as efficient
B. Five times more efficient
C. Ten times more efficient
D. Equivalent efficiency
54. Which lighting approach is best for creating a
comfortable ambiance in living rooms?
A. Task lighting
B. Ambient lighting
C. Wall grazing
D. Accent lighting
55. What is the lifespan of an average compact
fluorescent lamp (CFL)?
A. 1,000 hours
B. 5,000 hours
C. 10,000 hours
D. 20,000 hours
56. Which type of fixture is commonly used for
highlighting textured walls?
A. Wall washers
B. Adjustable accent fixtures
C. Wall grazing fixtures
D. Troffers
57. What is the primary advantage of high-pressure
sodium (HPS) lamps over low-pressure sodium
(LPS) lamps?
A. Better color rendering
B. Longer lifespan
C. Higher luminous efficacy
D. Faster startup
58. Which layer of lighting is purely aesthetic and
focuses on style?
A. Task lighting
B. Decorative lighting
C. Ambient lighting
D. Display lighting
59. What is a key feature of recessed downlights?
A. Fully exposed light bulbs
B. Adjustable beam direction
C. Aesthetically neutral design
D. Intended for outdoor use
60. What type of lamp combines three twin tubes on
a single base?
A. Triple tube CFL
B. Quad tube CFL
C. Twin tube CFL
D. Long twin tube CFL
61. What type of fluorescent lamp is no longer
commonly used due to inefficiency?
A. T-2 lamps
B. T-8 lamps
C. T-5 lamps
D. T-12 lamps
62. Which lighting system creates both uplighting
and a decorative glow on ceilings?
A. Wall grazing fixtures
B. Indirect cove fixtures
C. Semi-direct lighting
D. Troffers
63. What type of luminaire emits light uniformly in all
directions?
A. Asymmetric luminaires
B. Diffuse luminaires
C. Direct luminaires
D. Semi-direct luminaires
64. Which lamp is most sensitive to voltage
fluctuations?
A. Compact fluorescent lamps
B. Incandescent lamps
C. High-pressure sodium lamps
D. LEDs
65. What is the main use of mercury vapor lamps?
A. Residential indoor lighting
B. Street and parking lot lighting
C. Task-specific lighting
D. Decorative purposes
66. Which lamp type provides better color rendering
among HID lamps?
A. Sodium vapor lamps
B. Mercury vapor lamps
C. Metal halide lamps
D. LED lamps
67. What does the coefficient of utilization (CU)
measure?
A. The total lumen output of a lamp
B. The ratio of light reaching the working plane to the
total emitted light
C. The lifespan of the lamp under regular conditions
D. The energy consumption of the lamp in lumens
per watt
68. Which lighting system is commonly used for
accenting architectural features?
A. Decorative lighting
B. Task lighting
C. Wall grazing
D. Ambient lighting
69. What type of lamp is best suited for heavy
industrial workplaces?
A. T-8 fluorescent lamps
B. High-pressure sodium lamps
C. Reflector halogen lamps
D. Compact fluorescent lamps
70. What is the recommended lighting level for a
master bedroom?
A. 50 lux
B. 150 lux
C. 300 lux
D. 500 lux
71. What is the function of photoelectric sensors in
lighting systems?
A. Adjusting light levels based on ambient daylight
B. Reducing power consumption in decorative
lighting
C. Detecting motion to activate lights
D. Automatically turning lights off after a period
72. What is a significant benefit of LED tape lights in
cove lighting?
A. High heat output
B. Small profile and flexibility
C. Requires frequent maintenance
D. Designed only for task lighting
73. What is a common application for recessed
accent fixtures?
A. Outdoor pathway lighting
B. Illuminating horizontal surfaces only
C. Highlighting art or signage
D. Wall-mounted task lighting
74. What lighting control allows variation in light
intensity?
A. Toggle switches
B. Dimmers
C. Timer switches
D. Occupational sensors
75. Which layer of lighting typically reduces shadows
and creates a sense of openness?
A. Task lighting
B. Ambient lighting
C. Focal lighting
D. Decorative lighting
78. What lighting technique uses fixtures spaced 1
to 1.5 times the distance from the wall?
A. Wall grazing
B. Wall washing
C. Semi-direct lighting
D. Recessed accent lighting
79. What type of lighting fixture is commonly used in
shower stalls and spas?
A. Insulated ceiling (IC) fixtures
B. Wet location fixtures
C. Adjustable accent fixtures
D. Standard troffers
80. Which component in lighting systems evaluates
the amount of light lost by the end of a lamp's life?
A. Maintenance factor
B. Depreciation factor
C. Lumen maintenance
D. Utilization factor
81. What is the typical light color temperature for a
"neutral" appearance?
A. 2700 K
B. 3500 K
C. 4100 K
D. 5000 K
82. Which lamp type offers the best combination of
energy efficiency and long life?
A. Mercury vapor lamps
B. LED lamps
C. Halogen lamps
D. Compact fluorescent lamps
76. What is the primary drawback of incandescent
lamps?
A. Poor color rendering
B. High energy consumption
C. Long lifespan
D. Slow warm-up time
83. What is the key characteristic of asymmetric
luminaires?
A. Emit light uniformly
B. Designed for specific applications such as wall
washing
C. Direct light only upward
D. Feature only adjustable beams
77. Which type of lamp is most commonly used in
decorative chandeliers?
A. Globe lamps
B. Reflector lamps
C. Compact fluorescent lamps
D. LED panel lights
84. Which is a lighting system known for minimal UV
and IR radiation?
A. Fluorescent lamps
B. Fiber optic lighting
C. High-pressure sodium lamps
D. Incandescent lamps
85. What is the primary use of decorative sconces?
A. Task lighting
B. Creating ambient light
C. Adding aesthetic value
D. Illuminating working planes
86. What does the term "focal layer" in lighting
design refer to?
A. Lighting used to perform tasks like reading
B. Lighting that highlights architectural features and
displays
C. Background illumination in a room
D. Decorative lighting that creates mood
87. Which lamp type is most commonly used for
precise, adjustable spotlights?
A. LED
B. Halogen
C. Sodium vapor
D. T-8 fluorescent
88. What is a key disadvantage of mercury vapor
lamps?
A. Long lifespan
B. Poor color rendering
C. High efficiency
D. Low luminous output
89. What lighting layer uses daylight to reduce
artificial lighting?
A. Focal layer
B. Task layer
C. Ambient layer
D. Daylight layer
89. What lighting layer uses daylight to reduce
artificial lighting?
A. Focal layer
B. Task layer
C. Ambient layer
D. Daylight layer
90. What is a common application for lensed
troffers?
A. Outdoor lighting in parking lots
B. Highlighting textured walls
C. General lighting in offices and schools
D. Decorative lighting in living rooms
91. What is the typical color temperature for warm
lighting?
A. 2700 K
B. 3500 K
C. 4100 K
D. 5000 K
92. What is the primary advantage of using LED
lights in modern lighting systems?
A. High initial cost
B. Long lifespan and high efficiency
C. Low efficiency and short lifespan
D. Limited color options
93. What type of lighting is best suited for
highlighting artwork in museums?
A. General ambient lighting
B. Accent lighting
C. Task lighting
D. Decorative lighting
94. What feature is typically found in a fixture rated
for wet locations?
A. Protection from direct water spray
B. Inability to withstand moisture
C. Adjustable beam angles
D. No exposure to outdoor elements
95. Which is a commonly used lighting control for
adjusting light intensity based on surrounding
daylight?
A. Timer switches
B. Photoelectric sensors
C. Dimmers
D. Motion detectors
96. What is the best use for track lighting systems?
A. General room illumination
B. Providing dramatic, flexible lighting for artworks or
displays
C. Task lighting in workspaces
D. Reducing glare in industrial settings
97. Which of the following is an example of an
asymmetric luminaire?
A. Wallwasher
B. Floodlight
C. Ceiling-mounted downlight
D. Fluorescent tube
98. Which lighting layer helps create drama in a
space by accentuating vertical and non-horizontal
surfaces?
A. Focal layer
B. Ambient layer
C. Task layer
D. Decorative layer
99. What lighting system is commonly used in offices
to minimize glare and improve visual comfort?
A. High-intensity discharge lamps
B. Parabolic troffers
C. Incandescent lamps
D. Adjustable accent fixtures
100. What is the recommended lighting level for a
reading area?
A. 150 lux
B. 300 lux
C. 500 lux
D. 1000 lux
ANSWER KEY
1. B
2. C
3. B
4. B
5. A
6. B
7. B
8. B
9. B
10. B
11. B
12. B
13. C
14. C
15. B
16. C
17. A
18. B
19. B
20. C
21. B
22. A
23. C
24. C
25. B
26. C
27. C
28. C
29. A
30. D
31. C
32. A
33. C
34. C
35. A
36. B
37. B
38. A
39. C
40. B
41. C
42. A
43. B
44. B
45. B
46. C
47. C
48. A
49. C
50. C
51. C
52. A
53. C
54. B
55. C
56. C
57. A
58. B
59. C
60. A
61. D
62. B
63. B
64. B
65. B
66. C
67. B
68. C
69. B
70. B
71. A
72. B
73. C
74. B
75. B
76. B
77. A
78. B
79. B
80. C
81. B
82. B
83. B
84. B
85. C
86. B
87. B
88. B
89. C
90. C
91. A
92. B
93. B
94. A
95. B
96. B
97. A
98. A
99. B
100. B