Red Light Panel Distance Planning: A Practical Guide for Active Households
Quick answer: Distance changes how much light reaches you. Choose a distance from your manual, mark the spot on the floor and measure it the same way every session. Published irradiance values let you compare distances fairly.
Panels are used at a distance, so where you stand matters. Here are the measured AWA values and a simple way to turn them into a fixed spot.
Measured irradiance for AWA panels
| Distance | FX300 (mW/cm2) | FX500 (mW/cm2) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 145 | 220 |
| 3 in | 116 | 197 |
| 6 in | 83.5 | 94 |
| 12 in | 43.3 | 73.8 |
The full list is in the irradiance specs post.
Turn it into a routine
- Pick a distance from your manual.
- Mark the spot with tape.
- Use a tape measure the first time.
- Use the same timer each session.
Example numbers for arithmetic only: 83.5 mW/cm2 for 300 seconds gives 83.5 x 300 / 1000 = 25.05 J/cm2. See the dose guide.
Common mistakes
- Standing at a different distance each time.
- Using a number from another device.
- Skipping the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the panels differ at the same distance?
Different LED layouts and output. Read FX300 vs FX500.
Should I wear eye protection?
Follow the manual. See eye protection.
Is a panel FSA or HSA eligible?
Depends on your plan. See the FSA and HSA guide.
Browse the panels collection. This guide is educational and is not intended to diagnose or replace clinician advice.
How we create this guide: We use measured values published by AWA and review each claim against our editorial standards.
Updated October 2026.
