When replacing or installing parking lot lights, it is vital to figure out where you will position them all around the parking lot. When it comes to installation safety, visibility, and logistics, there are several variables to consider. Continue reading to discover the best coverage area of a parking lot light.
The following are the most important factors to consider while setting up parking lot lights:
• The Design of Parking Lot Lights
• The Location of Surrounding Buildings
• Minimum Parking Lot Lighting Levels
• Maximum Height of Parking Light Poles
Surrounding Buildings Proximity
Pay particular attention to surrounding building placements and how the public enters and departs the parking lot while doing the first site assessment for parking lot lighting. Light shields may assist prevent light trespass or glare from the fixture. Non-cutoff, semi-cutoff, and full-cutoff are the four cutoff categories based on luminous intensity. Using the proper optic will also assist to reduce light trespass.
Parking Light Pole Height Permitted
Many counties may specify the maximum permissible height for light poles, which should be considered before the design stage. The height of the light pole is usually determined by the size of the parking lot. Shorter poles will ensure that glare does not become an issue in densely populated areas, but more light poles will be required to provide adequate coverage (especially when compared to rural settings, where taller—and fewer—poles can achieve the same uniformity without the worry of glare due to less public interaction). The glare rating or veiling brightness of the light may be used by the designer to guarantee that the angle of discomfort does not extend beyond the property line.
Take a look at this tutorial to learn how to pick the best location for your parking lot lights.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for parking lot light design, but keeping the following suggestions in mind will create a cohesive design that balances providing adequate light for safety while not causing a public nuisance. Do you have any additional suggestions for ideal parking lot placement? Tell us in the comments.
Take into account the external expense
Payments for energy usage, installation, replacement, and maintenance, in addition to the cost of procuring fixtures, are crucial for cost control. A more thorough examination of overall cost might assist you in reducing prospective expenses.
• Cost of energy
Energy-saving fixtures may successfully convert the input to output, transforming power into additional photic energy. When choosing a parking lot fixture, we should consider effectiveness, which is measured in lumens per watt. The greater the effectiveness, the higher the values. LED lights may save 30 to 70 percent more energy than traditional lighting. Longer fixture lifespans may also reduce average energy costs. Installing adaptive controls may help you save time and energy.
• Installation and replacement fees
To provide enough illumination, parking lot lamps are generally installed on poles of proper height. Installation is expensive owing to the need for experienced specialists. The foundation and trench for supplying electricity to poles, as well as the poles themselves, are both expensive. In rare cases, the overall cost of poles may surpass the cost of fittings. A large amount of labor is also needed to replace parking lot fixtures. As a result, if you want to upgrade the parking lot lighting system, utilise the existing poles if feasible.
• Cost of upkeep
When a fixture fails, it must be repaired using a bucket truck or a hoist since the fixtures are often installed on poles that exceed 15 feet in height. However, not every structure or facility has a bucket truck or lift. As a result, it is required to hire repair tools and professionals. The expense of upkeep is uncertain. As a result, tough manufacturers issue warranties that may last longer than the lifetime of fixtures, while also considering maintenance costs.
Determine whether or not to provide lighting controls
Parking lots are well-lit throughout the day. At various times of the night, there are no cars or pedestrians in the parking lots. Controls are one step toward a more energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting system. Lighting controls are often comprised of photo sensors, time clocks, astronomical time clocks, and motion detectors.
• Photo sensors
Photo sensors control the lighting fixtures based on the quantity of natural light. Photo sensors are used in housing, optics, electronics, and photocell. To prevent energy waste, parking lot fixtures are switched off when there is enough daylight and turned on at sunset using photo sensors. Photo sensors’ shortcomings include erroneous triggers during climatic changes and a lower life span as compared to fixtures.
• Timepiece
Time clock controls are often used in conjunction with a photo sensor. As a result, fixtures are switched off or dimmed at a certain time. Time clock settings help conserve electricity at night or after business hours.
• Astronomical timepiece
Astronomical time clock controls alter the on and off timings of lights depending on expected sunset and dawn periods based on parking lot location. Although astronomical time clock controls are unaffected by available sunshine, they are unable to detect thick clouds. As a consequence, there is a chance of ineffective control.
• Motion sensors
The movement of automobiles and people activates motion detectors. They are often utilized for both entrance and interior purposes. The dynamic reaction enables higher energy savings without being constrained by time or daylight.
Take measurements of your parking lot
Only by properly measuring your parking lot can you determine the size and layout of the fixtures. Draw the parking lot according to the measurements, and then determine where to put the fixtures. A smart plan may assist you in effectively placing fixtures, boosting space utilization, and lowering energy costs. Parking lots with a bigger size will undoubtedly need more lighting, as well as fixtures with a higher illuminance. However, keep in mind that additional fixtures do not always equal a better lighting experience; lighting performance should also be considered.
Consider lighting performance
Illuminance, color rendering index, associated color temperature, lighting distribution, and resilience to the external environment are all factors to consider when it comes to lighting performance. Premium lighting performance benefits the atmosphere and face recognition, making people feel safer.
• Environmental resistance
Parking lot fittings are subjected to long-term exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and severe hot or cold temperatures. The tough climate of a parking lot necessitates the use of high-quality fixtures. Water, dust, impact, and corrosion resistance are important concerns in a parking lot fixture’s ability to tolerate a harsh environment. IP rating, IK rating, and corrosion resistance are the equivalent standards.
IP (Ingress Protection) is a globally recognized measure that indicates the degree of protection provided by electrical equipment enclosures against foreign object penetration. The degree of protection is often stated by two digits followed by IP. The numbers indicate the amount of protection.