There’s more to good parking lot lights than just putting bulbs on poles. They make your property look nice and improve the security of the space. These illuminations also help reduce accidents and lower crime in your area.
Aside from the benefits already mentioned, making the right choice here can save you money in the long run. If you’re wondering how to choose the best parking lot lights for commercial property, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through the steps to making the right choice.
Start with LED Lighting
LED lights are the best choice for commercial parking lots, according to most experts. These options are better, last longer, and use less power than older ones.
Here are some benefits of choosing them:
- They use less power than other types.
- Can last up to a minimum of 50,000 hours.
- They don’t need to be replaced as often.
- Turn on instantly; no need to warm up.
- Do not produce a lot of heat or attract bugs.
In addition to these, you don’t need to change the whole system to make the switch. With LED retrofits, you don’t have to start from scratch to upgrade your current setup.
Look at Brightness and Coverage
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. About 150 lumens per square foot is what experts say is best for a commercial parking lot. People and drivers can see well at this level without it being too harsh.
Coverage is just as important as brightness. Your lampposts should evenly illuminate the whole lot. There should be no dark spots or blinding bright spots.
Tips for good coverage:
- Use tall poles to brighten larger sections.
- Put wall-mounted lights near the entrances and exits.
- Make sure there is lighting everywhere, even in corners and along walkways.
Pick the Right Type of Light Fixtures
Fixtures come in many types, and each one has a purpose. The one you should pick will depend on the layout of your lot and what your goals are.
Common parking lot fixtures:
- Pole-mounted fixtures are the best way to light up large areas.
- Wall-mounted fixtures are good for building edges and sides.
- If you want to shine the light on one area, like a sign or entryway, floodlights are great for that.
- Cobra headlights are designed to send light out evenly in all directions.
Choose your fixtures based on where you need light the most.
Pay Attention to Color Temperature
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), and it tells you what the light feels like to the eye.
- The best range for parking lampposts is between 4,000K and 5,000K.
- This produces a clear, white light that’s easy to see under.
- It also helps people recognize faces and read signage clearly.
Cool white light makes it easier to see and makes the lot feel safer. You can learn more about color temperature in relation to security lighting here: https://modernsurvivalblog.com/.
Think About Energy Efficiency
You can save money every month when you use less energy. Even though LEDs already use less energy, smart lighting can make them even better.
Here are some smart energy features:
- Motion sensors: When they sense movement, they turn on the lighting.
- Daylight sensors: Dim or brighten based on outdoor light.
- Timers: Shut off the lights when the property is closed.
You could also use solar-powered parking lot lampposts. These are great for saving money on energy costs and will still work when the power goes out.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since your lampposts will be outside all the time, they need to be tough. It’s best to find the ones that can withstand rain, snow, heat, and wind.
What to Check:
- IP rating: This tells you how resistant the lamppost is to dust and water.
- Material Quality: Pick fixtures made of aluminum or weatherproof plastic.
- Warranties: Most good lights have long warranties.
If your lights can’t handle weather changes, you’ll end up replacing them too often.
Go for Something that is Easy to Maintain
Parking lot lights are high up and hard to get to. So, pick lights that don’t need a lot of care.
Once again, you should go for LEDs because they:
- Last a long time
- Don’t burn out often
- Don’t need to be fixed or cleaned up often
Less maintenance means less time and money spent on upkeep.
Beam Angle and Light Spread
What makes the light spread out is the beam angle. The right angle keeps your lot bright without wasting light in places you don’t need it.
Types of Beam Angles:
- Wide angle (90 to 120°): This is good for general lighting.
- Narrow angle (less than 30°): Best for spotlighting signs or entries.
- Adjustable: Some fixtures let you change the beam angle when needed.
Pick the beam angle based on the shape and size of your lot.
Retrofit or Replace?
You might not need to buy or replace everything if you already have lighting poles and fixtures. With a retrofit, you can upgrade your lights to LEDs while maintaining the same setup. However, if your system is old or damaged, it might be better to get a full replacement.
When to do a retrofit:
- The wiring and poles are still in good shape.
- You need a fast upgrade and want to save money.
When to replace:
- Fixtures are rusty, broken, or in the wrong place.
- You want to change the layout for better lighting.
Plan for Long-Term Savings
It costs money upfront to get good parking lot lights, but you’ll save money in the long run. When you choose LEDs, the system will use less power. In addition, there will be fewer repairs and they will last longer.
To save money, check with your utility company to see if they offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. These programs can help you get the system installed for less money. Your new lights pay for themselves over time and will save you money on repairs and energy costs. You can read this article to learn energy-saving tips for your small business.
Conclusion
It’s quite easy to choose the best parking lot light for commercial property if you know what to do. First of all, you need to be clear about your goals: safety, savings, and basic maintenance. Getting the right lights for your property will make it safer, smarter, and more welcoming for everyone.
