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Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Institutional Lighting

Research shows that lighting accounts for about 40% of the total energy cost in a school. Due to limited budgets, it is vital to select the right fixtures to cut down on expenses.

Using the wrong illumination in a school can lead to reduced visibility and trigger headaches. It may also lower the ability of students to focus and affect their academic performance.

Are you wondering how you can select the most efficient and reliable lighting for educational institutions?

Read on to discover the top 5 factors you should look out for before picking institutional lighting. We’ll also explain the benefits of different luminaries to help you select the most suitable one based on your needs.

1. What are the institution’s lighting needs?

The lighting needs of an education institution may differ depending on various factors. For instance, a school building with large windows may have more natural light and only require a few fixtures. On the other hand, one with darker rooms will need to use artificial illumination for extended periods.

Before getting various luminaires, you should first assess the school’s needs. Other than that, inspect the entire premises to determine which parts need lighting and develop a distribution plan.

Areas such as classrooms, offices, libraries, staff rooms, and laboratories require a high color rendering index (CRI). If these rooms are large, consider using panels with broad beam angles of about 60 degrees for light optimization.

However, ensure you pick models with a low glare to avoid discomfort. Luminaires require sufficient light output to achieve 500 lux on the task plan). You can also complement the manual light controls with automatic sensors for better energy consumption regulation.

For areas like gyms and common rooms, consider LED lights with high lumens to achieve about 300-500 lux. These fixtures will enhance safety by providing enough light without distorting vision.

Since picking fixtures with the correct properties may be time-consuming, it’s advisable to consult a lighting expert. These can help you select the best lighting solution for various parts of the school. They will also optimize light distribution to ensure you use fewer luminaries and connectors.

2. Choose the right color temperature

Color temperature refers to the appearance of light produced by a fixture. While most models emit white illumination, the shade may range from cool to warm. Those with a cool temperature are whiter and brighter than those with a warm one.

In most cases, people prefer warm colored lights over cool ones due to their relaxing effect. Still, these models are not suitable for classrooms because they may reduce concentration. On the other hand, cool colors can stimulate the brain to be more alert and increase optimal performance.

When selecting lights for a school, you need to identify the areas you want to place them. After that, use cool color temperature for learning areas such as libraries and class rooms. You may then install warm color temperatures in other areas like gyms, bathrooms, and swimming pools.

Alternatively, you may opt for tunable lighting, which allows you to shift the color temperatures. Using these systems, you can adjust from a cool to warm color depending on the environment

3. Selecting the right energy-efficient lighting fixtures 

Using linear lighting fixtures that are not energy efficient can increase utility bills in an institution. Besides, most models that consume a lot of power do not last long and can be expensive to maintain.

Before installing lighting in a school, ensure you use fixtures that save energy. These will allow you to  reduce your energy bill  by 20-80%.

One energy-saving solution you should consider is LED (light-emitting diode) panels. Unlike the traditional fluorescent fixtures, these models do not emit a lot of heat. Also, they produce bright light without using too much electricity.

LED fixtures are also a long-term investment since they do not require frequent repair and maintenance. Using them in a school can save money that would otherwise go into paying high energy bills. You may then direct the savings into improving infrastructure for a better learning experience.

4. Avoid electric current fluctuation.

Most fixtures flicker at intensities which may vary depending on various factors such as wiring, and when dimmers are not compatible. Flickers with a low frequency of about 20-50 flashes per second are easily noticeable. As a result, they may cause discomfort, make it hard to focus and cause rapid eye movement that will trigger headaches. When designing for a school, you should pick the right solution to avoid this.

LED panels with compatible dimmer switches are an efficient solution to this issue is using. Besides that, consider installing LED drivers to avoid electric current fluctuation.

Selecting the right fixtures can prevent discomfort, allowing students to concentrate better. It can also prevent the adverse effects of light flicker, such as photosensitive epileptic seizures.

You may find selecting the correct luminaires challenging. But consulting a professional allows you to ensure you pick the correct ones for improved energy, enhanced efficiency and minimal discomfort.

5. Plan ahead to reduce costs 

Another factor to consider when selecting school lighting is the cost of fixtures and installation services. While most lighting projects  are pocket-friendly, some that involve complex setups may be expensive.

Estimate the average cost of the entire project by first identifying how many fixtures you need. Alternatively, you can consult a professional for a more detailed assessment.

Once you have a price estimate, check whether the fixtures the company will use are worth the provided amount. After that, create a budget and present it to the finance department for analysis.

This step will allow you to forecast the returns on investment (ROI) and determine whether you will work with the company. You can also incorporate other ways to reduce costs, such as using durable LED lighting and hiring local lighting service providers.

Get the Best Lighting for Educational Institutions 

Selecting the most suitable lighting for educational institutions may be difficult because there are many factors to consider. At Richporter, we sell high-quality fixtures and provide reliable lighting services for various projects, including schools and universities.

We can help you determine the best fixtures for your institution and support you throughout the installation process.

Try our Project Starter for Educational institutions or contact us  for reliable and professional lighting services.