When it comes to commercial parking garage lighting, finding the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics is crucial. Not only should the lighting provide sufficient brightness and visibility for improved safety and security, but it should also enhance the overall look and feel of the parking facility. In recent years, LED lighting has emerged as a popular choice for commercial parking garages, offering a range of benefits that make it an ideal solution. LED lighting not only provides energy efficiency and long-lasting performance but also offers versatility in terms of design options. With LED lights, parking garage owners can create a well-lit, functional, and visually appealing environment. In this blog post, we will explore some practical and aesthetic ideas for commercial parking garage lighting, focusing on the advantages of LED lighting solutions.
Parking Garage Lighting Design Ideas
Choose LED Lighting
For several reasons, LED lights are a superior choice for commercial parking garage lights. Firstly, they have a longer lifespan, typically lasting anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 hours of illumination. Additionally, LED lights generate minimal heat, ensuring the protection of internal drivers and maintaining a cooler environment compared to other light sources. Another advantage of LED lights is their ability to provide a clear white light, which significantly impacts how customers perceive the appearance of the commercial parking garage.
Use the Correct Number of Foot Candles
The number of foot-candles requirements in a commercial parking garage is determined by various factors, including the preferences of the customer and the regulations set by the city, town, or county where the garage is located. Generally, the range of foot candles falls between 1 and 5, considered the standard. However, it is important to note that increasing the number of parking garage light fixtures and utilizing parking garage LED light fixtures can significantly enhance the safety and security of the environment. By providing adequate illumination, these lighting solutions not only improve visibility but also help deter potential criminal activities, ensuring the well-being of both vehicle owners and pedestrians.
Get Rid of the Shadows
In a parking garage, it is essential to reduce shadows as much as possible. Shadows can create a sense of unease among customers by providing hiding spots for criminals. A practical approach to avoiding shadows is strategically combining high and low lighting levels. Areas such as elevators, stairwells, walkways, and doors benefit from higher light levels, while the rows or aisles where cars are parked can have lower or higher lighting placed at a higher position to ensure better light distribution. LED lights can also help reduce shadows as they emit less shadowy output compared to other light sources.
Add Some Daylight
In above-ground parking garages, there is usually a generous amount of natural daylight that can be found along the perimeter of the parking decks. This presents an excellent opportunity to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining a safe user environment. This can be achieved by installing integrated photo controls with dusk-to-dawn functionality. These advanced systems can automatically sense the ambient light levels and adjust accordingly. By utilizing this technology, the lighting in the parking garage can be effectively regulated, ensuring that only the required amount of light is provided at any given time. This not only helps to conserve energy but also enhances the overall safety and comfort of the facility.
Consider the Lighting in the Nighttime
When designing the lighting for commercial parking garages, carefully considering the nighttime lighting situation is of utmost importance. This becomes even more crucial if the garage has open windows that allow for partial natural light during the day. It is not uncommon for businesses to overlook this essential aspect during the planning phase, usually during daylight hours. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account the potential variations in lighting conditions between day and night, as well as the impact of natural light on the overall illumination of the garage. By doing so, businesses can ensure that the lighting design is optimized for both safety and aesthetics, providing a well-lit and secure environment for users throughout the day and night.
Don’t Forget about Timers and Dimmers
In addition to timers and dimmers, another option for commercial parking garage lighting is to consider track lights. Track lights, such as the ones available at LED Lights Direct, offer flexibility in positioning and adjustment, allowing for targeted lighting in specific garage areas. They can be a valuable addition to enhance the practicality and aesthetics of the overall lighting design.
Install Right Lighting Fixtures
A parking garage is a complex structure with various areas requiring illumination. Smart LED bulbs can be beneficial in addressing this challenge. Canopy lights provide uniform lighting across a wide surface, while vapor-tight fixtures offer resistance against the elements. Recessed ceiling lights help conceal unsightly components, and wall packs are useful for illuminating specific areas while freeing up ceiling space. Linear LED lights are suitable for emergency and long-duration lighting, while panel fixtures can blend seamlessly with ceiling panels. Induction fixtures can be considered for a smooth transition from incandescent to LED options.
Group You Light Fixtures
By grouping or zoning the lighting in parking garages, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of lights coming on late, similar to a conference room. With this approach, a single trigger can activate an entire deck or row of lighting, ensuring a seamless and efficient lighting experience.