What You Should Know about Commercial Grade LED Parking Lot Lights

When it comes to lighting a parking lot, in 2023 LEDs are the obvious choice for architects, engineers, purchasing agents, and executives. High pressure sodium lights frequently fail, which is why they are no longer a favorite option for lighting designers. In contrast, LED lights from a reputable manufacturer have a long life span (up to 10 times longer than other lighting types). LED fixtures provide an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for outdoor lighting. Let’s take a deeper dive into what you need to know about commercial LED lights for parking lots. 

 

Things To Consider Before Installing LEDs 

Before installing LED lights for your parking lot, consider the environment where the lights will be installed and how much light is necessary for your particular application. For instance, you’ll want to consider how many foot-candles you want on the ground from the parking lot lights. This will determine the wattage and lumen output required. Make sure that you buy from a reputable company that offers quality products with warranties that cover potential issues that may arise after installation. Additionally, it is important to factor in installation and maintenance costs as well as failure rates when calculating total cost savings so you can get an accurate estimate of your return on investment (ROI) over time. 

Want to save money by purchasing LED lights with an exceptionally low failure rate? Explore the GridLite3 from Solais.

 

Choosing the Right Fixtures and Installation Height

When selecting fixtures for your parking lot lighting, you’ll need to make sure you get the right ones based on your needs. For instance, you might wonder how many lumens are needed for parking lot lighting. Generally speaking, most parking lots require at least 150 lumens per square foot to be effective without being too bright or creating glare. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the fixtures you choose are designed specifically for outdoor use; these fixtures will be labeled “suitable for wet locations” or “IP66 rated” which indicates water resistance and dustproof qualities. As far as installation height goes, most standard poles range from 16-20 feet tall depending on the size of the area being lit. Lumens of a fixture alone are not the only factor for consideration. You must also consider distribution and how much of that light, or how many footcandles,actually reach the ground for proper lighting.

 

Types of LED Lights for Parking Lots 

There are several different types of LED lights available for parking lots. High Mast LEDs are commonly used in high-traffic areas like truck stops, airports, and large shopping centers where visibility is key. Street and Area light fixtures are typically shorter (about 10 to 25 feet) and provide wider coverage with fewer fixtures than High Mast LEDs. Wallpack fixtures are best suited for illuminating doorways, buildings or other structures surrounding the parking lot itself. Bollards can provide low level ambient light that helps create an inviting atmosphere without compromising safety or security. 

Finally, you’ll want to consider what type of control you desire. Do you want the lights to turn on/off/dim at specific times or based on motion?

 

Energy Efficiency 

LEDs use significantly less electricity than older fixtures while providing much more light. In addition, they produce less heat, which lowers maintenance by extending the life of the fixture. LEDs do not contain mercury or other toxic substances, making them more environmentally friendly than older types of lighting systems. They use up to 70% less energy than traditional options, and last anywhere from 10-25 times longer. This means fixtures require replacement less frequently, saving time and money on maintenance costs. Additionally, LEDs produce significantly brighter light, which makes them ideal for outdoor applications such as parking lots.

 

The Color Temperature of LED Lights

The color temperature of LED lights refers to how “warm” or “cool” it appears to the viewer. A warm LED light would have a yellow/amber color while one that is cool would appear more blue. For an atmosphere that is designed to be cozy and relaxing, choosing LED lights in the warm range will elicit a sense of candlelight or sunset. A brighter, more energizing daytime feel is created with cooler lights (white tending towards blue).

The scale used to measure color temperatures is the Kelvin (k) scale. Daylight is usually in the 5500-6500k range while a candle might hover around 1800-2000k. 

  • Fluorescent lights are usually produced to emit white light in the mid-range between warm and cool. 
  • Old-fashioned incandescent bulbs were traditionally in the warmer range around 2800k. 
  • Modern LED lights are available in a much wider range of “color temperature” from very warm (2700k) to very cool (5000k).

 

Troubleshooting Problems With Your Lighting System

If you experience issues with your LED parking lot lights such as flickering or dimming, it could be due to inadequate wiring or loose connections somewhere along the line. You may need an experienced electrician who can check all of the wiring in order to identify any potential problems that may be causing the issue. 

Additionally, if your lights are not producing enough illumination despite having correct distributions and sufficient lumens and wattage installed, it could be a sign that something is blocking the light from reaching its intended destination; this could include trees or buildings in close proximity so it is important that any obstructions are removed in order for your lighting system to function properly.

 

The Cost Effectiveness of LEDs 

LEDs have a much longer lifespan than traditional lighting which means you won’t have to replace them as often. This translates into lower maintenance costs in the long run as well as fewer replacement costs over time. Additionally, because LEDs require less energy to operate, you will see significant savings on your electric bills compared to older types of lighting systems.  

Finally, LEDs are incredibly durable and resistant to vibration or shock damage; this makes them ideal for outdoor applications where they will be exposed to harsh elements like rain and wind. Additionally, LEDs generate very little heat compared to traditional fixtures;

LED lighting systems offer many advantages over traditional lighting solutions when it comes to illuminating parking lots; from increased visibility and safety to reduced energy costs and greater durability these systems offer numerous benefits both now and into the future. Understanding how these systems work and what factors need to be taken into consideration when selecting fixtures will help ensure that you get a system that is both efficient and cost-effective while maximizing safety in your parking lot space. With proper installation and maintenance practices in place, you can trust your LED lighting system will continue functioning at its best year after year!