Do parking lots really need a lighting design? Absolutely!
Parking lot lighting design does not simply involve color temperature or fixture location. Lighting design involves everything from planning and preparation to advanced measures designed to save you money.
First of all, you’ve got to have a plan. Start by taking a complete inventory of the parking lot and adjoining areas. This inventory should list the total number of lights, the types of lamps, and the number and height of light poles.
When you count lights, be sure to note which types of lights are used in different places. (Lights near lot entrances and doors might be different from those mounted further out in the parking areas.)
Next, as you survey the lot, keep in mind the nature of your business, and what the lighting priorities are for your parking lot. Remember this: more lighting does not always equal better lighting! Too much light or badly distributed lighting can cause light pollution or problems with glare.
Are other parking lots in the area well-lit? If so, how is their lighting distributed? For a parking lot the same size as yours, how many light poles are installed and how are they positioned? When thinking about a well-executed design, lighting distribution is key. Each parking space should be fairly evenly lit.
Know the approximate square footage of your parking lot as well as the lumen output per fixture. Lumen output, not wattage, is the real indicator of lamp brightness. Typically, there are municipal standards for total lumens, depending on the location of your business.
Finally, the design phase is the best time to consider advanced lighting controls such as motion sensors and energy-saving timers. Most parking lots are lit for about 12 hours or more. Control systems will automatically turn lights on and off according to a schedule, letting you set up the timers and walk away.
Important considerations to keep in mind when designing your parking lot lighting include:
Are new installations involved, or do you only need replacement fixtures?
What are the replacement wattage values for each LED parking lot light?
Do you need to replace any existing light poles?
What are the lighting control options available to me?
