Photometers – Light Intensity Meters

Photometers measure the intensity of visible light as perceived by the human eye, expressed in lux or foot-candles, used to verify lighting levels meet a workplace or product standard. WestCalibration stocks photometers for lighting designers, workplace safety inspectors, and QC teams checking illumination levels against a spec. Units ship from our own stock, so orders move without dropship delays.

How to Choose the Right Photometer

Match the photometer’s measurement range and cosine correction quality to your application, since poor cosine correction skews readings when light hits the sensor at an angle, and confirm whether you need a simple handheld unit or one with logging for tracking light levels over time. Photometers are used for workplace lighting compliance checks, product and display lighting QC, and general illumination surveys in offices, warehouses, and retail spaces; for measuring specific wavelengths or spectral output rather than overall brightness, our light meters cover that related but broader measurement category.

Brands & Certifications

As an authorized dealer, we carry photometers and light measurement equipment from established names including Extech, a manufacturer known for portable light and environmental measurement instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between lux and foot-candles? Both measure illuminance, but lux is the metric unit and foot-candles the imperial unit — 1 foot-candle equals roughly 10.76 lux.

Do photometers need calibration? Yes, periodic calibration against a traceable light source helps confirm the sensor still reads accurately over time.

Can a photometer measure sunlight as well as indoor lighting? Many handheld photometers cover both indoor and outdoor ranges, though very bright outdoor readings may need a model with a wider measurement range.

Is a photometer the same as a lux meter? The terms are often used interchangeably, since both describe an instrument that measures illuminance in lux.