IS 9091:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for interior lighting of buildings. This code of practice provides recommendations for the interior lighting of swimming pools and various indoor sports facilities. It specifies key lighting parameters like illuminance levels, uniformity, glare control, and color rendering to ensure visual comfort and safety for both players and spectators.
Provides recommendations for lighting installations in building interiors to ensure adequate illumination and visual comfort.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- MEP — Swimming Pools and Sports Facilities
- Type
- Code of Practice
Also on InfraLens for IS 9091
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Pay close attention to glare control (direct and reflected), especially for sports with fast-moving, high-flying objects (e.g., badminton) and over water surfaces in swimming pools.
! The choice and positioning of luminaires are critical to achieve the specified uniformity and avoid shadows that could hinder play or viewing.
! For swimming pools, ensure all electrical fixtures have the appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) rating (e.g., IP67/IP68) for wet and corrosive environments.
Frequently referenced clauses
lampsluminaireslighting fixturesballasts
International Equivalents
🌐
International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Recommended illuminance for recreational swimming150 lux
Recommended illuminance for competitive swimming500 lux
Recommended illuminance for competitive basketball750 lux
Recommended uniformity (E min/E avg) for competitive sports0.7
Limiting Glare Index (UGR L) for competitive tennis19
Minimum Color Rendering Index (Ra) for competitive sports80
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table (Annex A) - Recommended Maintained Illuminance for Swimming Pools
Table (Annex A) - Recommended Maintained Illuminance for Badminton
Table (Annex A) - Recommended Maintained Illuminance for Basketball / Volleyball
Table (Annex A) - Recommended Maintained Illuminance for Tennis
Key Clauses
Clause 5 - Factors Affecting Interior Lighting
Clause 6 - Recommendations for Good Lighting Practice (Uniformity, Glare, Colour Rendering)
Clause 7 - Lighting of Specific Areas
Annex A - Recommended Maintained Illuminance and Limiting Glare Index for Various Sports
Frequently Asked Questions4
What is the recommended light level (illuminance) for a competitive basketball game?+
750 lux, as per Annex A.
What is the minimum uniformity required for most competitive sports?+
The ratio of minimum to average illuminance (E_min/E_avg) should be at least 0.7, as recommended in Annex A.
What are the key lighting considerations for swimming pools?+
Controlling reflected glare from the water surface, ensuring underwater visibility, and using fixtures with high IP ratings for safety.
What is the recommended color rendering index (Ra) for sports lighting?+
A minimum Ra of 80 is recommended for good color distinction, especially for televised events (Clause 6.4).
QA/QC Inspection Templates
📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.