Commercial Outdoor Parking Lot Lighting Fixtures And Fittings

Essential Aspects of Commercial Outdoor Parking Lot Lighting Fixtures and Fittings

Outdoor parking lots play a crucial role in providing convenient and secure access to commercial and retail establishments. Proper lighting is essential for ensuring the safety and visibility of pedestrians, vehicles, and property within these areas. Choosing the right commercial outdoor parking lot lighting fixtures and fittings is vital for optimizing illumination, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing overall aesthetics.

Types of Lighting Fixtures

There are various types of lighting fixtures available for commercial outdoor parking lots, each with its own advantages and applications:

Floodlights: Provide wide-area illumination with high lumen output. Ideal for large parking areas and open spaces.
Area Lights: Mount on poles or walls, providing uniform illumination for smaller areas like entrance and exit zones.
Bollard Lights: Used to define pathways and perimeters, creating low-level lighting for pedestrian safety.
Wall Packs: Installed on building walls, providing illumination for entry points and security areas.

Fixture Characteristics

When selecting lighting fixtures, consider the following characteristics:

Lumen Output: Measures the amount of light emitted, impacting the visibility and brightness of the area.
Color Temperature: Determines the warmth or coolness of the light, with options ranging from warm white to daylight white.
Beam Spread: Indicates the angle at which light is distributed, affecting the size and shape of the illuminated area.
Efficiency: Measures the amount of light produced per unit of energy consumed, influencing operational costs.

Materials and Durability

The materials used in lighting fixtures affect their durability and resistance to outdoor conditions:

Housing: Metal housings provide strength and protection against corrosion, while plastic housings offer lightweight and budget-friendly options.
Optics: Lenses and reflectors made of tempered glass or polycarbonate ensure light distribution and durability.
Finish: Durable finishes protect the fixture from fading, chipping, and weathering.

Mounting and Installation

Proper mounting and installation are crucial for the performance and safety of lighting fixtures:

Pole Mounting: Fixture is mounted on a pole or post, providing elevated illumination.
Wall Mounting: Fixture is attached directly to a building wall, suitable for entry points and security zones.
Pendant Mounting: Fixture is suspended from the ceiling or roof, offering a decorative element.
Ground Mounting: Fixture is placed on the ground, providing low-level lighting for pathways and perimeters.

Lighting Control

Lighting control systems optimize energy efficiency and enhance the functionality of outdoor parking lot lighting:

Photocells: Automatically adjust lighting levels based on ambient light conditions, reducing energy consumption during daylight hours.
Timers: Allow for scheduled lighting operation, ensuring illumination during specific hours of operation.
Motion Sensors: Detect movement and trigger lighting only when necessary, further reducing energy consumption.

Design Considerations

Beyond technical aspects, consider the following design considerations:

Light Spill: Minimize light pollution by directing illumination towards the intended area, reducing glare and preserving the night sky.
Aesthetics: Choose fixtures that complement the surrounding architecture and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the parking lot.
Maintenance: Ensure easy access to fixtures for cleaning, repairs, and lamp replacements.
Safety: Provide adequate illumination to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety, while minimizing potential hazards.

Conclusion

Choosing the right commercial outdoor parking lot lighting fixtures and fittings is essential for optimizing safety, visibility, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. By considering the type of fixture, fixture characteristics, materials, mounting options, lighting control systems, and design factors discussed in this article, you can create a well-lit parking lot that meets the specific needs of your facility.