How to choose a lux meter or UV meter
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which light meter you need: whether you measure visible light (lux) or ultraviolet (UV-A), the range and accuracy your standard requires, and whether readings must be recorded. Answer those first.
Lux, UV-A or luminance?
A lux meter measures illuminance, the light falling on a surface, for workplace lighting, offices, production areas and inspection. A UV-A meter measures ultraviolet irradiance, which matters when you inspect with fluorescent particles or penetrants. A luminance meter measures the brightness of a surface as seen by the eye, used in display and lighting design.
Which meter?
| Application | Suggested starting point |
|---|---|
| Basic lux checks, tight budget | M81B digital lux meter |
| Workplace lighting, general use | AL-162 digital lux meter; PCE-LM 4 |
| Lux with ISO calibration certificate | PCE-LMD 5 with certificate |
| Lux with a data logger | PCE-LXT lux meter |
| UV-A for fluorescent inspection | UV-A irradiance meter; PCE-UV34 UV meter |
| Luminance of surfaces | PCE-LMD 100 luminance meter |
Checks that make readings valid
Hold the sensor at the working plane and check the reading at each point you need. For UV-A, check the lamp output and the meter's calibration before you inspect, because fluorescent indications depend on UV-A intensity. Keep the record of each check.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: lux meters from about R1,750 to R12,500; UV-A and UV meters from about R8,300 to R15,600; luminance meters from about R96,200. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the calibration each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us whether you measure visible light, UV-A or luminance, the range and accuracy your standard requires, where and how you take readings, whether you need logging, and whether a calibration certificate is required. With that we can recommend a meter and provide pricing.