How bright does a sports hall have to be?
DIN EN 12193 (sports lighting) applies. It distinguishes three classes: class I for top-level competition, class II for mid-level events such as regional competitions, class III for training, school and recreational sport.
| Use | Class | Typical average illuminance |
|---|---|---|
| School sport, training, recreation | III | 200 lx |
| Regional matches | II | 500 lx |
| Top-level competition | I | 750 lx |
The values typically apply to ball sports such as handball, basketball or volleyball. Individual sports such as badminton have different requirements, and television broadcasts considerably higher ones. Dimmable LED installations can cover several classes: training with reduced light, matches at full output.
Values and design advice for each sport: Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Badminton, Indoor hockey and Tennis. All sports at a glance: Sports lighting lux levels.
Ball impact resistance
Luminaires in sports halls are hit by balls regularly. They therefore have to be ball-impact-resistant – verified against the requirements for sports halls, for example by testing to DIN 18032-3. That applies to the luminaire including its mounting and cover.
- Ball-impact-resistant luminaires with a tested design
- Protective guards for suitable luminaires
- Reuse of existing ball-impact-resistant fittings with LED technology
Glare: when players look up
In volleyball, badminton or basketball, players constantly look upwards. Point-shaped, very bright luminaires are then especially dazzling. Low-glare optics, large light-emitting surfaces, a sensible layout outside the main directions of play and bright ceilings that balance the room all help.
Reusing existing fittings
Many halls have rugged, ball-impact-resistant luminaires with T5 or T8 fluorescent lamps. Instead of replacing them completely, often only the lamps and control gear are swapped for LED modules – the tested fitting stays.
- In the Rehberghalle in Roßdorf T5 LED modules from Series 05 were installed in the sports hall and LED panels from Series 11 in the ancillary areas – with 49.9 % less lighting energy and integration into the existing KNX control system.
- In the tennis hall at Club Raffelberg the LED technology was fitted into the existing ball-impact-resistant housings: 54 % less lighting energy and less glare on high balls.
Controls and occupancy
Halls are often only partly occupied, for example one third of the hall. Zone-based switching, scenes for training and matches and linking to booking systems or presence detectors prevent the whole hall from being lit when only part of it is in use.
Costs and funding
Converting with LED modules inside existing fittings is usually considerably cheaper than a complete replacement. The payback depends on the operating hours – at the Rehberghalle it was 39.2 months, at Club Raffelberg 34 months. There are regularly funding programmes for municipalities and clubs; check the current situation before awarding a contract.
For halls used for sport and events, see also Multi-purpose and multifunctional halls, for tennis and padel the guides Indoor tennis hall lighting and Lighting a padel hall.
Which funding programmes exist for hall and floodlighting is covered in our guide to Funding for LED in sport.
LED savings calculatorWhat can your lighting save?Energy costs, CO₂ and payback in just a few minutes.Frequently asked questions
How many lux does a sports hall need?
Under DIN EN 12193, typically 200 lx for training and school sport (class III), 500 lx for regional matches (class II) and 750 lx for top-level competition (class I), for ball sports such as handball or basketball.
What does ball-impact-resistant mean?
The luminaire including its mounting withstands ball impacts without parts falling down. This is verified by testing against the requirements for sports halls, for example DIN 18032-3.
Can I keep the old hall luminaires?
If the ball-impact-resistant fittings are in good condition, they can often be modernised with LED modules. That saves money and preserves the tested design.
How much does LED save in a sports hall?
In our projects the savings were 49.9 % at the Rehberghalle in Roßdorf and 54 % at the Club Raffelberg tennis hall.
What lighting does a triple sports hall need?
DIN EN 12193 applies: typically 200 lx for school sport and training (Class III), 500 lx for regional matches (Class II) and 750 lx for high-level competition (Class I). The luminaires must be ball-impact-resistant. Because the hall is often used in thirds, control per hall section pays off.
Why do luminaires in sports halls need proof of ball resistance?
Luminaires in sports halls are regularly hit by balls. The certificate, for example from a test to DIN 18032-3, shows that the luminaire, fixing and cover withstand this. A high IK rating alone does not replace this proof.
Who supplies and installs ball-impact-resistant sports hall lighting?
TRiALED supplies LED luminaires and LED modules for existing ball-impact-resistant fittings and supports projects from lighting design to commissioning. We agree the exact scope, including installation, for your hall.
