CAT Light Reflective Value (LRV's)

Light Reflectance Values

Light Reflective Value (LRV) is a measurement that expresses the percentage of light that is reflected from a surface with lighter finishes at the upper end of the scale and darker finishes at the lower. Designers of buildings need to comply with the building regulations applicable to the structure under consideration. Since 2004 guidance has existed on access to and use of buildings. The guidance is particularly concerned with provisions to assist the disabled, including those who are visually impaired.
 

The guidance highlights the need for certain surfaces and features to “contrast visually” with their surroundings. This is relevant to a wide range of non-residential buildings including, hospitals, schools, hotels, theatres, etc.

​

Current Guidance

​

The current guidance in the regulations BS8300:2009 is that adequate visual contrast is provided if the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of the contrasting areas exceeds 30 points, “i.e., the contrast between the stair edging and the floor covering”. The testing equipment used to assess the LRV of C.A.T. product finishes is an integrated sphere spectrophotometer