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Guide to Parking Lot and Garage Lighting

In today’s urban landscapes, parking areas are essential for commercial properties. However, these spaces require more than just a few scattered light bulbs. A proper parking lighting system is crucial for dusk-to-dawn safety, security, and overall functionality.

Good parking lights make it safer for drivers and pedestrians. They reduce the risk of accidents and help prevent crimes like vandalism and theft. A well-lit parking area promotes a sense of security while improving the overall user experience.

How to effectively light a parking lot?

Here are some solutions:

LED Flood Lighting (wall & pole-based)

Effective LED parking lights, including flood lights, are an optimal solution. These are energy-efficient and cost-effective, offering long lifespans of up to 100,000 hours. They provide bright, uniform lighting, which is ideal for parking areas.

They consume significantly less energy compared to traditional lighting solutions, which leads to lower utility bills for property owners. Their long lifespan means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs, making LED lights a smart investment for parking areas.

Solar-Powered Lighting

Solar-powered lighting offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for parking lots by harnessing energy from the sun to reduce electricity costs and minimize carbon footprint. These fixtures are highly durable, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and require minimal maintenance, providing long-term value for property owners.

Additionally, by eliminating the need for wiring, solar fixtures can significantly reduce initial installation and ongoing maintenance costs. This solution is especially practical for existing parking lots where wiring for poles and fixtures is not feasible, making it a versatile choice for various outdoor settings.

Smart Lighting Systems

Integrating technology for monitoring and control, smart lighting systems offer grouping and zoning capabilities, adaptive lighting based on occupancy, and remote management.

Property managers can control smart lighting systems remotely through a centralized platform. This allows them to monitor lighting performance, adjust settings, and troubleshoot issues from anywhere.

Also, customized lighting zones ensure that each part of the parking lot gets the right light level based on its usage.

Lighting Controls 

Lighting controls are a great choice for parking lots and garage lighting. By using motion detectors and photocells, when the area is empty, the system dims or turns off the lights, instantly brightening them when it detects motion. This feature significantly reduces energy consumption by only providing full radiance when needed, saving energy and enhancing security by startling potential intruders.

Design Considerations

Light Levels

Properly distributing light flux from luminaires is a must for efficient outdoor lighting. The Luminaire Classification System for Outdoor Luminaires (LCS) details the characteristics of high-angle, upward, and backward light distribution.

We measure these using BUG (Backlight, Uplight, Glare) ratings to ensure efficient outdoor lighting.

To learn more about the BUG classification, refer to our article Proper Parking Garage Lighting on LinkedIn.

Lights Layout and Distribution

An effective lighting layout guarantees the required light levels and uniformity across different zones of a project. By selecting the appropriate fixtures and locations for wall-mounted and pole-mounted lights, we can achieve optimal lighting performance in each area.

According to IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) classifications, light distribution types are defined as follows: Type I, II, III, IV, V: These types describe lateral light distribution, detailing the pattern and spread of light based on the desired coverage area.
These IES classifications help ensure that luminaires are precisely matched to the shape and size of each illuminated area, maximizing lighting effectiveness and efficiency across the project.

Color Temperature and Light Quality

Different light temperatures impact visibility and comfort. Choosing the appropriate color temperature enhances visual acuity and reduces eye strain.

Using high-quality light sources with accurate color rendition can significantly improve color contrast. This makes it easier for drivers to distinguish small objects, like road signs and vehicle instruments.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Outdoor parking lighting fixtures must withstand various weather conditions. Durable materials ensure long-life fixtures and consistent performance. Some important recommendations include:

• Ensure optimal installation by following manufacturer guidelines and considering factors like placement, height, and angle of the lighting fixtures.
• Check and clean the fixtures regularly, replace any faulty components promptly, and adjust lighting controls to maintain efficiency.

Obtrusive Lights

Obtrusive light is any light that extends beyond its intended targeted area. When designing a good lighting system for parking areas, it is important to avoid them.

Light pollution, such as sky glow, brightens the night sky over populated areas. This reduces the visibility of stars and disrupts ecosystems.

Proper lighting design can help solve these problems. Outdoor lighting fixtures direct light downward and shield unnecessary areas.

Energy-Efficient Parking Lighting

LED Solutions vs. Traditional Lighting

LED lighting for parking lots consumes less energy and has lower maintenance costs compared to other lighting solutions. This makes them a better long-term investment for property owners than traditional lighting solutions.

Examples of eco-friendly and cost-saving lights are solar-powered. They use renewable energy, reducing electricity bills and carbon footprint.

Maintenance Costs

By implementing modern lighting systems, property owners can reduce energy costs by up to 80% compared to traditional lighting. It reduces long-term maintenance costs because of their durability and extended lifespan.

Energy-efficient LED lighting saves money and helps meet green building standards and sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Conclusion

You can create a secure environment by choosing the right lighting solutions and adhering to lighting design best practices.

Following the IES standards for parking lot lighting ensures proper illumination levels, minimizes glare, and addresses safety concerns. This enhances the space’s visibility and elevates the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Contact Richporter Lighting today for a consultation or quote, and let’s illuminate your space with the best solutions available! We offer various lighting options to fit different needs, all designed to meet established standards for efficiency.

Please remember that our lighting values are just guidelines. We cannot take responsibility for the results. Each parking area is unique and has its own context.