Acoustic
lighting

Acoustic Lighting FAQ

• What are acoustic lights?

  Acoustic lights combine the functions of lighting and sound absorption. Constructed with sound-absorbing materials, such as felt, these fixtures can improve the acoustics of a space while also providing adequate illumination.

  How do acoustic lights work?

  Acoustic lights work by absorbing sound waves. Alcon Lighting’s acoustic lights are constructed with felt—a porous material with a fibrous structure. When sound waves encounter the surface, they penetrate the material and get trapped within its fibers, effectively reducing the sound wave's intensity and reflecting less sound back into the room. Felt’s textured surface scatters the remaining sound waves that aren’t absorbed, preventing them from bouncing directly back into the room.

  What are the benefits of acoustic lighting?

  Sound-absorbing acoustic lighting is beneficial for several reasons:

  • Noise reduction: Sound absorption reduces noise levels, improving acoustic comfort and creating a more peaceful environment in open-plan offices, restaurants, or other busy areas where noise can be a problem
  • Improved speech intelligibility: By reducing background noise and echo, acoustic lighting can enhance speech clarity and intelligibility—beneficial in spaces where communication is important, such as conference rooms, classrooms and auditoriums
  • Increased productivity and stress reduction: Studies have shown that poor acoustics can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress levels. By improving the acoustics of a space, acoustic lighting can help to create a more comfortable and productive environment.
  Does acoustic lighting eliminate all noise in a space?

  No, acoustic lighting will not eliminate all noise in a space. While it helps reduce noise levels and improve the acoustic environment by minimizing echo, it cannot entirely eliminate all sources of sound.

  Acoustic lighting focuses on absorbing and reducing reflected sound waves, minimizing echoes and reverberations. However, it may not address direct sources of noise, such as conversations, mechanical equipment or loud activities.

  A combination of acoustic lighting, sound-absorbing materials and strategic space planning is often needed for optimal noise reduction.

• Do acoustic fixtures require specialized maintenance or cleaning?

  Yes, sound-aborbing felt lighting requires dusting to remove surface debris. Avoid water damage or harsh chemical cleansers, which can compromise the integrity of the fixture and affect its acoustic performance. Consult manufacturing guidelines for more information.

  What types of commercial spaces can benefit from acoustic lighting?

  Acoustic lighting is beneficial in commercial spaces where noise reduction, speech intelligibility and overall acoustic comfort are important.

  • Offices: Acoustic lights in open-plan offices, coworking spaces and conference rooms minimize noise distractions, enhance speech clarity, and create a productive work environment
  • Hospitality and dining: Acoustic lighting helps create a pleasant atmosphere by reducing noise levels, enhancing ambiance and allowing guests to converse comfortably without excessive background noise
  • Educational institutions: Acoustic lighting solutions in classrooms, lecture halls, libraries and study areas improve speech intelligibility and minimize reverberation to create better learning environments
  • Healthcare facilities: Sound-absorbing lights can be beneficial in hospitals, clinics, waiting areas and patient rooms, where a quiet and calming environment is crucial for patient well-being and privacy
  • Retail stores: Acoustic lights help create a pleasant shopping experience by reducing noise from crowds and enhancing the clarity of announcements or customer interactions
  • Entertainment venues: Theaters, concert halls and performance spaces benefit from acoustic lighting to optimize sound quality, reduce echo and improve the overall acoustic experience for the audience
  • Airports and transportation hubs: Acoustic lights can contribute to a more comfortable and less chaotic atmosphere, minimizing noise disruptions for travelers
  What does an NRC rating mean for a light fixture?

  A noise reduction coefficient (NRC) rating indicates the percentage of sound energy a material absorbs. It’s represented as a decimal ranging from 0 to 1—higher values indicate greater sound absorption.

  For example, a light fixture with an NRC rating of 0.9 demonstrates a high degree of sound absorption at a specific frequency, generally from 250 to 3000 Hz.