Photometry | Common Questions | Downloading Tips

Photometry Common Questions

Q: How can I download the photometric files from the website?

A: Within the Photometric Data section, there are several options for downloading photometrics. You can download the entire database of files (approximately 10,000 files), or select the product group you wish to use. These will be downloaded in a zipped file, which requires Winzip or Pkunzip. Downloading tips are available to assist you. You can also download individual files, which are not zipped. These files are downloaded one at a time based on your selection.

Q: Is there an index of photometric files?

A: Yes. If you know the product family and general catalog number, you can use the index to locate the filename of the IES file. Each product will be listed with its corresponding IES filename. This list can also be printed for easy reference.

Q: How can I view and print a full photometric report?

A: Once you locate the file you need, you can view and print the report by using the Photometric Viewer application. After you install the Photometric Viewer, simply specify the file you wish to view. There is also a search feature to help you locate the correct file based on certain attributes of the luminaire such as application type or efficiency. Select the "Print Full Report" button in the upper right corner to print the report.

Q: Can I use these photometric files with my lighting design software?

A: Yes. All Lithonia Lighting photometric files are in strict adherence to the 1991 version of the "IESNA Standard File Format for Electronic Transfer of Photometric Data" (LM-63-1991). Most lighting manufacturers adhere to these standards, and almost all lighting software packages allow the user to work with any IES file.

Q: I am getting an error message "File not in 1995 format" when I try to use the photometric files in my lighting software. Are Lithonia's files in the correct format?

A: Yes. The IESNA updates their standards every few years, and Lithonia Lighting is adhering to the 1991 format in order to accommodate the greatest number of lighting application programs. The main difference in the formats is the date at the top of the file. Line 1 of the file can be changed using a text editor (such as NotePad, WordPad or Word) from IESNA91 to IESNA:LM-63-1995. This does not change the data, it only changes the way the software will read it. Most lighting design software will read both formats. For assistance with Lithonia Lighting's files, please contact the Lithonia Lighting Support Center at 1-800-241-3638.

Q: How can I keep my photometric files current?

A: Periodically visit Acuity Brands Lighting's website at www.AcuityBrandsLighting.com/Lightware. The files at this location are updated monthly. In addition, each brand's individual web site -- www.lithonia.com, www.AntiqueStreetLamps.com, www.Hydrel.com and www.Peerless-Lighting.com -- provide access to the photometric data files for that brand of products.

Q: I can't find a certain photometric report on Lithonia's website or on Lightware. What should I do?

A: If you can't find the report you are looking for, it may not have been tested or it may be a new product that has not yet been added to the database. You should contact your local Lithonia Lighting Sales Representative for assistance.

Q: I found the IES file I need, can I just view the report?

A: Yes, if you have .IES files associated with a photometric viewing software, such as the Lithonia Photometric Viewer. Simply click the "download IES file" icon ( ) next to the file. You will be prompted to "Open ... " or "Save to disk." Select "Open from current location," which will launch the online viewer.

Q: I clicked the "download IES file" icon, but no photometric editor application opened. Why didn't the Viewer open?

A: You need to install an application that can read and render photometric data files. The Lithonia Photometric Viewer is available on the LightWare website.  Install this application (or another photometric viewer application) prior to attempting to view the reports.

Q: When I click on the arrow to download a file, all I see is text information about the file. It doesn’t seem to download. How can I download a file?

A: Files need to be associated with programs. Your IES files may not be associated with any program, so the computer is getting confused. Follow the below steps to associate your IES file. This will allow it to be downloaded. By associating the file, you are still able to USE the file in any application that works with IES files. It will not restrict the use of the file, it simply gives it a basic association.

  1. Go to Windows Explorer, select View, then select Options.
  2. Click on the File Types tab.
  3. Click on the New Type button at the right.
  4. Type in a Description Type, such as IES files.
  5. In the Associated Extension box, type ".IES" (without quotation marks).
  6. Click on New
  7. For the Action you want to perform, type OPEN
  8. In the next box, type in the path to the .exe of the Application you want to open the IES File, or browse to the file. For example, if you have loaded the Lithonia Photometric Viewer program and did not change the default location, you could type in the following path, "C:\Program Files\Lithonia Lighting\Photometric Viewer\ViewPhot.exe"
  9. Then select OK
  10. Make sure the "Confirm Open after Download" box is checked, then select Close.

Now when you select the download icon, you should be prompted to either Open the file or Save it to disk.
   

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