EN 12193 illuminance classes explained

EN 12193 is the European standard for sports lighting. Its most useful idea is simple: the light a venue needs depends on the level of competition, not the sport alone. Each sport gets three lighting classes.

The three classes

For each class, the standard gives a minimum maintained average horizontal illuminance and a minimum uniformity (Emin/Eave), plus colour rendering and glare requirements for outdoor venues.

Example values

These are summary figures for orientation — always work from the current edition of the standard and any federation rules that apply.

Three things people get wrong

1. Maintained, not initial. The values are maintained illuminance — what remains after lumen depreciation and dirt. A design must start higher (see our note on maintenance factor).
2. Uniformity matters as much as level. A field at 300 lx average with dark corners can fail where an even 220 lx passes.
3. TV is a separate question. Broadcast requirements are set by federations and broadcasters, mostly as vertical illuminance towards cameras, and usually sit well above Class I.

Choosing a class

Pick the highest level of play the venue will realistically host, then use dimming to run lower levels most of the time. That gives a compliant installation without paying for full output every evening.