The category system of rating light fittings in offices is to be scrapped.
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) cites the tendency for designers to "misuse" Cat 2 lighting by applying it as standard in areas where visual display terminals are present as a principal reason for the decision.

The decision came after monitoring by the CIBSE's Society of Light and Lighting into the use of lighting technology.

At a press conference on 3 July, Mike Simpson, president of the Society, warned: "Some designers are concentrating on the Cat 2 luminaire classification and ignoring other, equally important, aspects of the Society's recommendations for lighting."

The Society intends to release a factfile in September to effect the withdrawal of the category system. It will also emphasise the factors needed for good practice, such as luminance levels being checked against an installation's specific needs.