Commercial Lighting for a Safer Parking Lot

Instead of absorbing light, reflective surfaces are handy because they redirect the light to improve visibility.

Every commercial parking lot needs enough illumination for drivers to navigate safely without causing accidents or damaging other vehicles. Thieves will also avoid such areas because they are easily spotted.

Let's discuss some tips for reliable lighting for a commercial parking lot.

Use reflective surfaces

Instead of absorbing light, reflective surfaces are handy because they redirect the light to improve visibility. As such, they minimize light wastage, especially in larger parking lots. To get the most out of these features, business owners should position them strategically to ensure the light penetrates the dark spots.

There are two ways to use reflective surfaces. The first is to paint walls and roads white. The second is to use stainless steel or aluminum poles.

Keep maintenance in mind

Unlike building lighting systems, parking lot lighting systems receive little maintenance attention. Yet, they are less robust due to their direct exposure to the elements. Maintenance routines help catch problems early on before they escalate.

Pay attention to light color

Having lights installed in the parking lot is not enough. Business owners must go further to ensure clear visibility throughout the space. The key factors to consider are color and brightness.

Color refers to the appearance of the light produced by the bulbs, which is measured in kelvins. It can either be cool or warm. Cool colors are always intense and brighter and appear blue or white.

Conversely, warm colors (such as yellow) are dimmer. It's advisable to go for a neutral range that's neither too bright nor too dim to provide clear visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

Choose the right pole spacing and height

A well-lit parking lot should not have blind spots or areas with complete darkness. To address this issue, business owners should consider the heights and spacing of the light poles.

However, although taller poles illuminate a larger area, they might cause light to spill in unintended areas or result in glare. On the other hand, shorter poles concentrate light in one area but only cover short distances.

Spacing determines whether the light distribution is uniform. Moderately spaced poles ensure consistent lighting and coverage across the entire space. Since parking lots differ in size, it's always advisable to work closely with an electrician to determine the suitable pole height and spacing.

Shift from traditional lighting to LED

Unlike other bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) don't produce heat. As such, they yield more light output per unit of electricity consumed. This results in high energy efficiency, which will minimize costs. In addition, their low operating temperatures reduce the risk of a fire outbreak because of overheating.

Don't compromise commercial parking lot lighting

Insufficient brightness, glare, and dark spots are some factors that can make customers and employees avoid a commercial parking lot at night. Therefore, it is best to rely on a pro to address all these issues and improve the property's safety profile. 

If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.