Guide to Led Lighting Solutions for Parking Lots

When it comes to parking lot lighting, LED technology is the best choice. The obsolete HID lights and high-pressure sodium lights are gone. LED lights offer an efficient and cost-effective solution that maximizes performance and visibility. Not only do they improve security and deter illegal activity, but they also provide customization options.
Typically, 80-90% of the lights in a parking lot are standard, while 10-20% require additional features such as sensors and emergency functions. Emergency features include battery power to ensure the lights continue to work in the event of a power outage. Sensor functions are typically used in channels and other specific areas that allow lights to react to movement.
Basic requirements for parking lights
Parking lights are underground and outdoor lighting installations, usually fixed to the walls and driveways of parking lots. This type of light is called shoebox lighting and is rectangular in shape. The following are the basic requirements for parking lights:
● General layout
When planning to repair parking lot lighting, one of the main things to consider is the general layout. Therefore, the parking lights must conform to the overall layout of the installation location. Fixtures should be placed where they are most beneficial. In some areas of the parking lot, such as entrances and intersections, businesses with heavy traffic should be properly lit to improve visibility and safety.
● Lighting device
Choosing the right fixtures for your parking lot is equivalent to having a well-lit space. You can install your light poles in a way that defines the general layout well. The Institute of Lighting Engineering (IES) has rules that guide the installation of vertical light poles and asks you to consider these rules when installing your luminaires.
● Lighting level and uniformity
In order to achieve the ideal lighting effect, the amount and distribution of light are the two main factors to consider. Effective lighting Ensure that all areas of the parking lot are well lit. Uniformity, on the other hand, prevents shadows that may form and causes obstruction and reduced visibility. Guidelines guiding lighting requirements should be followed during installation and design.
● Color rendering index and temperature
The color rendering index of a light source is a measure of the light source's ability to clearly display the color of an object. High color rendering index values help users see more clearly and distinguish colors better. This feature is necessary to improve the visibility and safety of parking lot users.
On the other hand, color temperature affects the overall appearance of the parking lot. It also affects the brightness of the space. For example, if the temperature is high, the space will be cool, and if the temperature is low, it will give a warm parking lot,
● Energy Efficiency
The energy required to operate a parking lot is high. Therefore, it is important to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability when purchasing parking lot lights. Efficient lighting will help significantly reduce energy costs, allowing business owners to save even more.
● Installation height
Installation height is the main factor in determining how light is distributed in a place. This means that the light distribution is proportional to the mounting height of the fixture. As the height increases, the distance between the bottom of the pole and the fixture increases, providing more lighting for the parking lot. Considering cost and effectiveness, the normal installation height is about 20 inches or more.
● Lighting control
There are different lighting controls. Basic lights can be turned on or off at specific times and for a few hours. Sophisticated sensors can dim a light fixture and gradually increase its brightness until the place is illuminated to a specific degree.
Examples of sensors include simple light switches, photocells, occupancy sensors, and wireless controls. These controls are one of the basic requirements for parking lot lighting.