UGR is a very common data usually appeared in LED lighting specifications. So do you know what is UGR?What does this word mean?

In fact, UGR is the abbreviation of Unified Glare Rating is a metric used to assess the level of discomfort caused by glare in a LED lighting environment.

It is particularly relevant in situations where lighting can cause visual discomfort, such as in offices, homes, or public spaces. 

UGR is a numerical value that indicates how glaring a light source is from the perspective of the observer.

What is UGR?

The UGR is a scale ranging from 0 to 40+, where:

 UGR < 19 is considered "good" (low glare)，especially the indoor lightings need achieve this standard, like: LED panel light LED linear light table light,etc.,that is good for eyes.

 UGR > 25 may indicate "uncomfortable" glare.

 UGR > 30 typically signals "unpleasant" or "very uncomfortable" glare.

The UGR considers various factors, such as:

 Luminance of the light source (how bright it appears).

 Size of the light source (larger light sources may be perceived as more glaring).

 Position of the light source relative to the observer.

 Room geometry and reflective surfaces, which can affect how light is scattered around the space.

When is UGR used in the LED lighting field?

In the field of LED lighting, UGR is frequently used to ensure that the lighting installation is comfortable and safe for the eyes. It’s especially important in environments where people spend long hours, such as:

 Offices (where employees work at desks or computers)

 Classrooms or educational settings

 Hospitals and clinics

 Retail spaces

 Public areas like airports or libraries

LED lights, being compact and powerful, have the potential to cause more glare, especially if they are too bright or improperly placed. The UGR metric helps designers select and position lighting to minimize glare and maximize visual comfort.

Why is UGR < 19 good for the eyes?

UGR < 19 is generally considered ideal because it indicates low glare, our full range LED linear lights all satisfied UGR<19.reducing the risk of visual discomfort or fatigue. Here’s why:

 Prevents eye strain: High glare levels force your eyes to constantly adjust to the extreme differences in brightness, which can lead to tired or sore eyes over time.

 Improves comfort: Low glare ensures that the light distribution is more uniform, creating a more comfortable and stable visual environment.

 Enhances concentration: With reduced glare, there are fewer distractions for the eyes, allowing individuals to focus better, whether at work, reading, or studying.

 Protects long-term vision: Continuous exposure to high-glare environments can strain the eyes, leading to potential issues such as headaches, blurred vision, or even increased risk of other vision-related problems.

Thus, achieving a UGR < 19 means the lighting is comfortable for most people and promotes better well-being by minimizing the risk of glare-related discomfort.