How Can I Get the LRV of a Material Tested?

LumiLab™ makes it simple to confirm compliance in luminance contrast:

  • Post us the material to be tested for its Light Reflectance Value (also referred to as Luminous Reflectance Value) or LRV for short.
  • This could include tiles, vinyl flooring, a piece of a painted door frame, signage, a toilet seat, tactile indicators etc.
  • We test the surface of the material and prepare a test certificate outlining our methodology and LRV findings.
  • If you just need the LRV and test certificate we then email that to you.
  • If you need a luminance contrast assessment undertaken of two materials or multiple materials we then undertake this comparison and write our report.
  • We email the report to you.
  • Then we return the samples to you by post (if you require them back).
  • All work is undertaken commercial-in-confidence.
  • Contact LumiLab for more information.

How Big does the Sample Need to Be?

Good question… for multi-coloured carpets or vinyl tiles we will need one representative tile (500mm x 500mm or two x 300mm x 300mm)

For tactile indicators, we need at five (5) individual (discrete) cones, but ideally ten (10) discrete tactile cones, or if it is an integrated tile type product, then just one tile.

Brown door in dark wall

Testing Equipment

The Appendices to AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.4.1 state that LRVs should be determined using a tristimulus colorimeter with d/o geometry, or spectrophotometer with d/o geometry, with CIE Standard Illuminant D65.

We use a tristimulus colorimeter complying the instrumentation requirements of AS 1428.1, Clause B3.2 and AS/NZS 1428.4.1, Clause E3.2, as there is no such spectrophotometer with a d/o geometry.

Testing Methodology

The following is a summary of our testing methodology, conducted in accordance with requirements of AS 1428.1, Clause B3.3 and AS/NZS 1428.4.1, Clause E3.3:

  • We take LRV measurements in ten locations (on one product); or
  • We take LRV measurements on at least five and up to ten units of a product (such as tiles, where ten units are available).
  • Where the surface does appear (visually) to be uniformly coloured, a minimum of 10 LRV measurements shall be taken.
  • When it is not uniformly coloured, more sample will be taken as necessary.
  • Where the surface comprises discrete colours that are sufficiently large to be individually measured, a minimum of five LRV measurements will be taken for each colour. Each colour will have a percentage allocated based on the coverage of the sample.
  • When the material could be installed outside or get wet, we will take measurements on wet samples also.
  • We then determine the mean dry LRV and the mean wet LRV.