Asymmetrical VS Symmetrical Illumination

The question of beam angle can be confusing when shopping for any floodlight. To clear up this confusion, you should understand the angular configurations of the different lighting types. Asymmetric and symmetrical lighting are the most common types of LED lighting. They play a vital role in creating optimal lighting effects.

The main difference between asymmetric and symmetric lighting is their direction of light flow. Asymmetric lighting emits method-specific light. Additionally, it reduces light pollution and unwanted glare. But symmetrical lighting spreads the beam evenly in all directions. Plus, it wastes light and creates both intentional and unintentional glare.

What is asymmetric lighting?

Asymmetric lighting focuses on specific areas. It has a reflector that acts as a mirror to concentrate the beam without spreading it in all directions. This is how it removes unwanted glare and reduces light pollution. The best examples of asymmetric lighting are street lights, stadium lights, theater lights, etc.

Asymmetric Lighting: Historical Background

The first asymmetric luminaires appeared in the 1960s. The main purpose of the invention is to create uniform illumination on the surface. After many modifications, today asymmetric lamps are widely used for a variety of purposes.

What is Symmetrical Lighting?

Symmetrical lights are suitable for illuminating large areas. It spreads evenly in all directions and is not concentrated in a specific area. Therefore, symmetrical lighting is recommended for outdoor spaces and accent lighting. Also, you can use it for indoor and garage lighting.

Difference Between Asymmetrical and Symmetrical Lighting

Asymmetrical vs. Symmetrical Lighting - Which Is Better?

Let's compare asymmetric and symmetric lighting to find the better one

1.Asymmetrical light focuses on specific areas without illuminating unwanted areas. Therefore, it prevents light pollution. At the same time, the symmetrical lighting diffuses the light to a great extent. Thus, it illuminates unintended areas causing light pollution.

2.Symmetrical lighting glare can cause eye strain. But asymmetrical light only glares at directional angles. So it reduces unwanted glare and doesn't stress the eyes.

3.Asymmetric lighting has a reflector that produces more concentrated light with the least amount of energy. However, symmetrical lighting wastes energy lighting an entire room that doesn't need it. Therefore, it is not as energy efficient as asymmetrical lighting.

4.Symmetrical lights are suitable for illuminating large areas. But asymmetry only focuses on specific sites. Therefore, it is not suitable for illuminating large areas.

So the lighting of both is good in its particular field. Asymmetrical lighting can better direct light sources to specific areas. However, symmetrical lighting is best for general lighting or well-lit spaces.

But considering cost-effectiveness and reducing glare, asymmetric lighting is somewhat better than symmetrical lighting. why is it like this? Let's understand the things that create the situation -

Let's say your exam is knocking on your door and you have to prepare by studying all night. In this case, lighting up the entire room should affect the sleep of others. But consider a desk lamp with asymmetrical lighting that focuses solely on your book. So you can study without disturbing anyone around you as it doesn't create any unnecessary glare. Plus, it saves on your electricity bills. This is why asymmetrical light is a better choice for certain lighting tasks.

Advantages of Asymmetrical Lighting

Asymmetric lighting is suitable for indoor and outdoor lighting. Furthermore, this lighting has a wide range of advantages. These are as follows -

illuminate specific areas

Asymmetrical lighting is your best choice when intending to illuminate a specific space. That's because it only focuses on areas that need inspiration. So if you want any particular area of a room or space to pop, choose asymmetrical lighting.

prevent light waste

Lighting unnecessary areas is a complete waste. So, asymmetrical lights only illuminate what needs to be illuminated. Therefore, this lighting does not generate light pollution.

limited light source

Asymmetrical lighting creates a narrow beam to illuminate the target area. Plus, no reflections. Instead, it uses the least amount of energy to inspire. Therefore, it eliminates the need for additional lighting.

Most cost-effective

Asymmetric lighting bounces light in a fixed direction. Therefore, it uses less energy to produce more concentrated light. Therefore, asymmetrical lighting can benefit you by saving on electricity bills.

Disadvantages of asymmetrical lighting

In addition to these advantages, asymmetric lighting also has some disadvantages. these are-

Asymmetric lighting is not suitable for general lighting. Instead, it is used for specific vision tasks.

Since no backlight is created in asymmetrical lighting, the other half remains dark. Therefore, it needs enough lighting to work across the room.

So, these are the disadvantages of asymmetric lighting. So, keep these points in mind before installing it for your lighting project.

Where is asymmetric lighting used?

With all these benefits of asymmetrical lighting in mind, you might be wondering where to use them. You can use asymmetrical lighting in open or enclosed spaces. However, here are some common uses of asymmetrical lighting -

marking workstation

Asymmetrical lighting is great for directing light to specific areas. That's why they're perfect for inspiring workstations - such as desks, study tables, cooking stations, and more.

stadium

Asymmetric light sources work extremely well when lighting stadiums. Because they only focus on the field, allowing the audience to watch the game easily. Therefore, by asymmetrical lighting, stadium spectators will avoid unexpected glare problems.

street

Street lights are the most common example of asymmetrical lighting. On roads, asymmetric lights are used to illuminate specific road areas. Therefore, it reduces light pollution.

theater

In a theater, only the stage is illuminated and the rest of the area remains dark. For such lighting conditions we use asymmetrical lighting in the theater. It only focuses on the platform instead of illuminating the entire hall.

Apart from this, asymmetric light is also suitable for many other purposes. For example, you can use them to accentuate any corner of the room. Therefore, they can add beauty to your interior decoration.

Advantages of Symmetrical Lighting

The advantages of symmetrical lighting are as follows -

large space lighting

Unlike asymmetric lighting, symmetrical lighting is not focused on a specific area. Instead, it spreads the beam evenly in all directions. This is why symmetrical lighting is suitable for lighting large spaces.

Uniform optical flow

Symmetrical lighting does not focus the beam on a specific area. Instead, it flows evenly. As such, they are ideal for general lighting purposes.

Support visual activity

Symmetrical lighting illuminates the entire room, supporting proper visualization. Thus, it allows working throughout the room with plenty of light in every corner.

Disadvantages of Symmetrical Lighting

The disadvantages of symmetrical lighting are as follows

1.Symmetrical lighting can cause both intentional and unintentional glare

2.cause eye fatigue

3.Light pollution occurs due to lighting in unwanted areas

4.Not energy efficient compared to asymmetrical lighting

Therefore, it is necessary to understand the disadvantages of symmetrical lights before installation.

Where is symmetrical lighting used?

Symmetrical lamps are the most commonly used lighting in our daily life. Here, I cover some common uses of Symmetrical Lighting −

large open space

It can be a fair or any outdoor event; symmetrical lights are perfect for use in open spaces. Furthermore, this type of lighting can illuminate large areas, which is why it is widely used for functions or programs.

storage facility

In the warehouse, storage boxes are packed one by one. Symmetrical lighting is great for full visualization when maintaining these congested areas.

open parking lot

In the open car park, symmetrical lights are used to illuminate all vehicles. Therefore, you can distinguish your car from a distance in the crowd.

Indoor lighting

The lights we use in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, shopping malls and other places are generally symmetrical. This type of lighting needs to be used frequently as it can evenly illuminate the entire area of your room.