About the Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool

The Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool (LCAT) complies with the methodology outlined in Appendix B of AS 1428.1 (2009) and Appendix E of AS/NZS 1428.4.1 (2009) for assessing the luminance reflective values (LRV) of building elements and tactile indicators tested in a laboratory and uses the Bowman-Sapolinski equation:

C = 125 (Y2 − Y1)/(Y1 + Y2 + 25), where:

C = luminance contrast

Y1 and Y2 = luminous reflectance values (or LRV) of the two surfaces

Note – LRV is often referred to as light reflectance value or luminance reflective value also.

Access Central provides this tool for free.

Why have we developed this tool? For two reasons:

To help stakeholders understand their obligations in achieving compliance; and
To give stakeholders the tools to confirm compliance.

You can get a copy of the LCAT here

Paint fan deck with a range of different coloured paints

How the Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool Works

The Access Central LCAT is simple and free to use and allows the user to enter the LRVs, or Luminance Reflective Values, of two products or paint colours and instantly see if they comply. If they don’t, then an alternate product or paint can be specified. You can compare two LRVs in the ‘Single Comparison’ sheet, or up to 8 different combinations in the ‘Multiple Comparison’ sheet

A blind man is using a long white cane and approaches some steps

Luminance Reflective Value Testing

The LCAT is suitable for comparing luminance reflective values (LRV) to see if compliance can be achieved. Where it is necessary to achieve sufficient luminance contrast between surfaces, this can usually be achieved by using very dark or very light materials. The luminance contrast is achieved by measuring the LRV of the first surface and comparing it with the LRV of the second surface.

Comparing two LRVs

The Access Central LCAT allows the user to enter in the LRVs, or Luminance Reflective Values, of two different products or paint colours and instantly see if the results comply. Most companies will supply the LRVs for their paint or product range. You can also source the LRVs from each manufacturer and they should issue a certificate detailing the LRV of each product/paint.

Comparing Multiple LRVs

The Access Central LCAT allows the user to enter in the LRVs, or Luminance Reflective Values, of multiple different products or paint colours and instantly see if the results comply. If one product/paint doesn’t work, you can enter in 8 difference combinations until one does comply. Paint companies will generally supply the LRVs for their paint range, but you might need to ask.

Luminance Contrast can be FUN… really…

OK, this might shock a few people – luminance contrast is not boring, much to the surprise of a lot of people working in the building industry. Luminance contrast can be fun, well, at least at Access Central we think it is! You can our LCAT to check LRVs of different paints to see what is the best result, and surprised at some of the results.

Yellow stair tread nosing strips on wet concrete, with black discrete tactile indicators on both stair landings

Website Terms of Use

The Access LCAT is provided to our existing clients, and future clients, to help with specifying compliant products, finishes and materials. This is guidance information only. The LRV to be entered into this tool must have been determined in a laboratory in an approved method using the correct instrumentation as outlined in Appendix B of AS 1428.1 or Appendix E of AS/NZS 1428.4.1.