The commercial lighting industry is constantly evolving, with frequent changes to regulations and questions on energy-saving solutions and power management. This can make it difficult for business owners to stay up-to-date. Nevertheless, lighting has a significant impact on employee and consumer performance. To help businesses navigate these challenges, LED Lights Direct has created a comprehensive guide that offers practical solutions based on years of experience in the industry.
A Guide for Commercial Lighting
Compose Commercial Lighting Design and Layout
Effective commercial lighting ensures visibility and creates an environment that fosters employee and customer satisfaction and productivity. To achieve this, lighting should cater to the needs of the workforce, taking into account the type of work being done in the building. For instance, lighting in an environment where employees operate heavy machinery must adhere to critical lighting standards, with higher intensity and clarity, compared to an environment where employees interact with customers and clients.
Measure Twice, Light Once
When it comes to commercial lighting, it’s crucial to have the appropriate number of lights, as overlighting or underlighting can have negative impacts on both the space and the people in it. A scientific approach is required to determine the number of lights needed, with lighting in a space often measured in terms of “foot candles” or the number of Lumens per square foot. Different spaces have different requirements in this regard, so the number of foot candles varies. As light emanates from a fixture in a cone-like pattern, expanding outward from the light source, the height of the light is a critical factor.
The recommended foot-candle levels for a range of spaces are as follows:
- Retail: 50 foot-candles
- Department Store: 40 foot-candles
- Autoshop: 50 foot-candles
- Classrooms: 40 foot-candles
- Factories: 30-100 foot-candles
- Hallways: 20-25 foot-candles
- Warehouse: 10-30 foot-candles
You can calculate how much light you will need by multiplying the total square footage of the space by the number of foot candles recommended and then dividing that number by the lumen output of the fixture you wish to use.
Choose the Right Intensity
When choosing new office lighting, there are several factors to consider. Along with light intensity, it’s important to think about the color temperature of the bulbs. The right temperature can contribute to a better work environment, while the wrong temperature can cause discomfort and affect productivity. Additionally, the fixtures’ height and placement can significantly impact the overall lighting in the space. If fixtures are installed too high or too low, they can cast shadows or create glare, which can cause headaches and eye strain.
Poorly lit spaces can cause eye strain and fatigue, while over-lit spaces can cause visual discomfort and glare. Unbalanced office light fixtures can also lead to an uncomfortable working environment, which can affect productivity and even cause employees to quit due to recurring migraines or eye strain.
To determine the appropriate lighting power for your space, you can calculate the room area in square meters and multiply it by the lux. This will give you an idea of the amount of light required to illuminate the space properly. From there, you can decide how many light bulbs are required to achieve the required lumen output. Finally, divide the number of lumens by the lumens delivered by each bulb to find the right option for your space.
Consider Where the Light Will Be Located
When selecting new office lighting fixtures, it’s essential to think about where they will be positioned and how employees will receive them. Poorly placed lighting can make workdays more challenging and uncomfortable for some employees. Consider the tasks being performed in your office and whether your employees are on their computers all day. Opt for gentle office lighting that won’t compete with the light emitted from computer monitors. If there are various light sources in the room, choose office light fixtures that provide sufficient visibility and illumination to focus on the task at hand. Additionally, be sure to follow the commercial lighting supplier’s spacing guidelines when placing the lights and aligning the fixtures with the shapes of the desks. Consider a single fixture or a few recessed lights for small square tables. Opt for wider fixtures or more office lighting fixtures to distribute the light evenly for longer shared tables.
Choose LED Lights
Many commercial buildings have relied on traditional bulbs, such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. However, these lights use a lot of electricity, and fixtures that use LED lights are inherently more efficient at converting electricity into light. LED lights simply use less power to create more light, resulting in lower electricity bills. Therefore, LED lights have become a popular choice for many businesses.
LED lighting is the most efficient lighting option available today. It can be installed in a variety of fixtures to maximize their benefits, such as recessed, surface mount, pendant, and downlights. Additionally, LED lights are more durable than other lighting types and can last up to 25 years, making them an ideal choice for commercial lighting. Another advantage of LED lights is their ability to be dimmed, saving energy while providing enough illumination for navigation.
Install Motion Sensor
Motion sensors are an excellent solution for business owners who want to reduce their energy consumption and improve lighting efficiency. These sensors come in various types, including infrared, ultrasonic, and microwave, and work by detecting movement. The most common type is the passive infrared (PIR) sensor, which detects motion by passively receiving infrared radiation from warm bodies. This technology is particularly useful in a commercial setting with high energy consumption. By using motion sensors, businesses can reduce their electricity bills and lower their carbon footprint.
The benefits of motion sensors go beyond just energy savings. These sensors can automatically turn lights on when someone enters a room and turn them off when they leave. This feature can be particularly useful in areas with high traffic but not always in use, such as hallways and stairwells. Additionally, motion sensors can dim lights when a room is not in use, ensuring proper illumination while saving energy.
Motion sensors are versatile and can be installed in ceilings or walls in any commercial building room, including offices, break rooms, and conference rooms. By installing motion sensors, businesses can ensure that their lighting system is always efficient and energy-saving. Moreover, the installation process is relatively easy and does not require any significant changes to the existing wiring or infrastructure.
In conclusion, motion sensors are a valuable investment for any commercial building owner who wants to reduce their energy consumption and save money on electricity bills. By installing motion sensors, businesses can save money and contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Effective commercial lighting is essential for businesses to ensure visibility, foster employee and customer satisfaction and productivity, and reduce energy costs. To achieve this, businesses must consider various factors, such as lighting design and layout, intensity, fixtures, and bulb type. LED lights are the most efficient option available today, and motion sensors can help businesses save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. By following the tips in this guide, businesses can create a well-lit and efficient environment that benefits both their bottom line and the environment.
