subject: Learn How Industrial Outdoor Lighting Can Increase Your Margins [print this page] By definition, industrial outdoor lighting is lighting equipment that is suitable to any outdoor environment-including hazardous work environments and harsh climates-and that is capable of producing any necessary or desired light levels that are required by the nature of the facility and the nature of its industry.
Industrial outdoor lighting systems are comprised of many different types of fixtures, lamps, and mounting accessories. Pole lighting is used for a number of applications, most common of which is parking lot lighting.
Pole lights are also commonly used in general area lighting, such as coal lighting, and in general outdoor work lighting. Companies also use pole lights of all types along roadways and driveways that run through large commercial properties. Entrances and exits to properties are also marked by light poles.
Some of the brightest industrial outdoor lights are floodlights. These lights are used to maintain security around the periphery of a commercial property. Wall packs illuminate sidewalk areas that run alongside building walls.
Canopy lights maintain visibility along walkways that connect commercial buildings. Bollards are popular for both decorative and functional lighting along outdoor trails and near landscape architectural features such as commercial ponds. Such areas also tend to feature additional decorative elements such as architectural lights, pond lights, and fountain lights.
Finally, the company name must always be showcased clearly for all to see. Sign lights and gooseneck lights can be mounted in a variety of configurations to highlight both monumentation and building facades.
In terms of facility type, there are two types of buildings that require the very best industrial outdoor lights: the corporate headquarters and any manufacturing facility.
Regardless of the industry type or nature, the corporate headquarters has to appear attractive and communicate a clear correspondence between lighting theme and corporate brand. Factories do not need such an aesthetic element, but they also need the very best in fixture engineering to generate precise levels of glare-free light.
Lighting design software is critical to the development of outdoor lighting systems. This software will simulate the behavior of various fixture types and determine which equipment options will work best for a company's needs. This saves company money by eliminating costly over purchasing and ensures they get exactly what they need.
Several factors are considered to ultimately choose and configure the fixtures used in an industrial light system. First, the size of the facility is analyzed. Obviously an area such as a mall parking lot will use more light poles than a small convenience store.
Secondly, the general lay of the land has to be considered. Some parts of the country are hilly, or even mountainous, and this unevenness of terrain affects light distribution patterns. Finally, the lighting requirements of the type of business are factored into the equation to produce a photometric design that satisfies the architectural, spatial, and functional demands of the property.
By investing a reasonable fee in a lighting design plan, an organization will gain significant savings by knowing up front exactly what they need before they mistakenly buy the wrong fixtures or buy too many fixtures. There is never a need to worry about over lighting an area or under lighting an area.
An industrial outdoor lighting design plan is also very flexible. It will offer any company much needed variations in light levels based upon the actual need for light in that area. In certain areas such as warehouse loading docks, employees will require brighter lighting for safety. In areas where work is not occurring, only general lighting is required for adequate visibility.
