It may surprise you, but the customer’s first and last interaction with an establishment is in the parking area. It is therefore vital to have excellent parking lot lighting. Parking lot lighting is an important aspect of retail facilities. It must be designed carefully to meet safety standards, improve the aesthetic appeal of the space, and reduce maintenance and energy costs.
LED lighting is becoming a popular option for retail parking lots due to the growing demand for energy efficient lighting solutions. LED lighting is not only a high-quality light source, but it also has many advantages, such as durability, longevity, and low maintenance.
Discover the benefits of LED lighting in retail parking areas, how lighting can enhance aesthetics and functionality and what to look for when choosing lighting fixtures.
Security and Safety Increased
Inadequate lighting can have serious consequences in parking lots for retail stores. Poor lighting can lead to a variety of safety issues, such as theft, vandalism and accidents. Parking lot lighting is important for customers.
Here are some statistics and facts that quantify the effects of inadequate retail parking lot lighting.
* According to data from the Office for Victims of Crime, 35% of all assaults are committed in commercial settings, parking lots, or garages.
* The FBI estimates that in 2017, there were at least 5,865 documented cases of kidnapping or attempted kidnapping in the United States.
* In the mid-2000s, parking lots and garages were home to over 11% violent crimes.
* Parking lots and garages are the scene of 80% of shopping center crimes.
* In 2012, parking lots were the scene of nearly 13% of injuries.
* In 2013, more than $4 billion worth of vehicles were stolen.
Insufficient lighting can lead to expensive lawsuits against retail establishments. Priority should be given to the safety of both employees and customers. Well-lit parking lots can deter vandalism and theft.
A study by Campbell Collaboration found that crime rates dropped by 21% after parking lot lighting had been installed. LED lighting improves parking lot visibility, access and safety. This reduces the likelihood of accidents such as trip and falls and other liabilities. Better lighting and visibility make people more aware of the surroundings. You risk losing customers if your parking lot lighting is not up to par. It is important to invest in lighting that meets safety standards and reduces the risk of accident.
Enhance Visual Appeal
Lighting in parking lot will not only increase the security and safety of the area, but also the assets and the environment of your business. It can also improve the sense of design and the surrounding environment. Lighting can make the parking area and building where your business is located look more professional. Visitors are the most important critics of your business, so you should go above and beyond to ensure that your design and presentation is as professional as possible.
LED Lighting Is Low Cost
The lifespan of traditional parking lot lighting such as metal halide or high-intensity discharging (HID), is shorter than that of LED parking lot pole light. LEDs are very durable (around 10 years), so you won’t have to replace “dead lights” as often. This will reduce maintenance costs. It may also be difficult to get rid of HID bulbs due to their toxic composition and the potential health and environmental risks. LEDs are more energy efficient than other lighting options, so you will see a noticeable reduction in your electricity bill and usage.
The Environment Benefits from LED Products
LEDs are up to 80% efficient compared to other lighting sources such as fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. LEDs convert 95% of their energy into light, while only 5% is wasted in heat. It is a stark contrast to fluorescent lights that produce only 5% of the light they consume and 95% as heat. Another advantage of LED lighting is that a standard 84-watt fixture can be replaced with a 36 watt LED. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is achieved by reducing energy consumption.
Successful Lighting Design Strategies For Retail Parking Lot
A successful retail parking lot requires that you take into account the following factors:
* Environmentally friendly
* Light pattern with an even distribution
The LED lighting fixtures used in retail parking lots provide an even light distribution, without any “bright spots”.
Recommended Parking Lot Lighting
Choosing the right lighting partner can sometimes be half the battle! We understand that and have made the process simple and easy with our parking lot LED lighting solutions. Here are some photos from previous VKS Lighting clients who made the call to switch to LED parking lot lighting for their lots.
Visually, the difference between a uniformly distributed LED light pattern and dull, splotchy traditional lighting is obvious.
Most parking lots are lit for at least 13 hours each day. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) recommends these parking lot lights for their safety and effectiveness:
* The IES recommends a horizontal illuminance minimum of 0.2 foot candles, a vertical illuminance minimum of 0.1 foot candles, and a uniformity of 20:1 for parking lots in typical conditions.
* IES recommends a horizontal illuminance minimum of 0.5 foot candles, a vertical illuminance minimum of 0.25 feet candelas, and a uniformity of maximum to minimum of 15:1 for highlighted security conditions.
A foot-candle represents the amount of lighting required to cover a surface of one foot square with one lumen. Vertical illuminance is used for surfaces like the sides of buildings, while horizontal illuminance is applied to surfaces like sidewalks. To achieve an even light pattern, parking lot lighting must be designed to provide the required foot candles.
Different Types of Lighting for Parking Lots
Parking lot lighting fixtures include outdoor wall fixtures, outdoor area fixtures, light poles and floodlights.
It is possible to have different types of lamps in a fixture. In the past, commercial parking lot lighting used high intensity discharge (HID), mercury vapor, or high pressure sodium lamps. Mercury vapor lamps, which are usually found in outdated parking lot lighting, are being phased-out.
As building managers place greater emphasis on energy efficiency, LED lighting is now the industry standard. LED parking lot lighting is up to 90% more energy efficient than older lighting types. This makes them an environmentally friendly option that can also reduce your energy bills. The flicker-free, high quality light that LEDs produce is also easier on your eyes.
Parking Lot Light Poles
The lighting of parking lots is incomplete without light poles. It is important to take into consideration the lamp height when choosing the right light poles for a parking lot.
The coverage area is affected by the location of the lights on a parking lot light pole. The height of the lights can affect the coverage area, whether you have more than one light on a single pole or only one.
Outdoor Area & Walls
Parking lots are safer with outdoor area and wall lighting.
LED wall packs are an alternative to HIDs that saves energy. LED wall packs are energy efficient and have a 50,000-hour rated life.
Parking lot lighting can be functional and attractive by selecting the desired color temperature and wattage.
LED floodlights act as ambient lighting for your parking lot. They ‘flood’ the area with a bright and uniform wash of lights.
It is important to select a fixture that will last a long time when choosing outdoor flood lights for parking lots. Durability is important to avoid repairs and malfunctions. Since most parking lot lights in commercial areas are hard to reach, having a long life expectancy will save you money on labor and maintenance.
VKS’s outdoor LED flood lights have wide beam angles and long life ratings. They also come in durable die-cast aluminium housings. Your parking lot will be a beautiful place to park with this energy-efficient, long-lasting alternative to HID lights.
Lumens & Wattage
Both lumens and wattage measure brightness. Wattage is used to indicate the energy consumption of non-LED light sources. This directly translates into the amount of light that the incandescent bulb emits.
Due to the fact that LEDs emit more light with less energy, they do not have the same wattage measurement as traditional bulbs. This is why LED brightness instead measures in lumens. Lumens are used to measure the brightness of the lamp rather than its energy consumption.
For comparisons, most LED lamps include the wattage equivalent. A 900 lumens LED bulb can be as bright as an incandescent 60-watt bulb, even though it uses only 15 watts.
How do you choose the brightness of your parking lot lights? You will need enough ambient light to ensure safety and comfort in your parking lot. VKS’s lighting specialists can help you calculate the number of lights you need and their brightness based on the area you require.
VKS Lighting offers a wide range of LED parking lot lighting solutions, which are tailored to meet the needs of any facility. Our lights are designed to provide excellent illumination and minimize energy consumption, making them an affordable and sustainable choice for retail parking lots. Our high-output, LED lights are the perfect solution for parking lots that require optimal visibility and security during the night.
We have over 10 years of experience in helping organizations to improve the lighting on their parking lots. VKS Lighting can provide you with more information about LED lighting options. Contact us today. We are happy to provide you with a no-obligation, free assessment. We are looking forward to hearing back from you.
Post time: May-19-2023
