Some outdoor lighting solutions are straightforward: swap aging fixtures for new equipment, install LED bulbs where possible to save on energy costs, or implement smart technology that maximizes lighting efficiency. But other situations demand a more complex approach, like illuminating a property’s exterior to increase safety and make the business or facility appear more inviting.
At Earthtronics, we specialize in LEDs tailored to each unique situation, including outdoor environments. Here are our tips for devising the best outdoor lighting solution for you.
Lighting neglect is a common problem.
Many business owners and facilities managers are not fully aware of the complex outdoor lighting needs of their property. Simply put: when considering lighting strategies for new or existing properties, managers often overlook crucial areas like parking lots, walkways and alleyways, not realizing the amount of foot traffic that occurs in these spots.
Safety is the number one consideration when implementing outdoor lighting. Staff and visitors should feel completely at ease when entering or exiting a facility, especially at night. Without proper exterior lighting, property owners also leave themselves vulnerable to the risk of accidents or even potential lawsuits. Managers should carefully determine areas that are currently unlit, or even underlit with inadequate fixtures or bulbs, and remedy the situation for maximum safety and confidence.
Implementation follows smart planning.
An effective outdoor lighting strategy begins and ends with careful consideration; it’s not as easy as purchasing a handful of floodlights and installing them haphazardly on a few corners of your facility. When determining the best lighting solution for your facility, your contractors or lighting distributor should consider the following:
- The overall footprint of your facility. Does it include one or more walkways? An adjacent parking lot that requires lighting from dusk until dawn? How much of the exterior requires illumination?
- Daily use of the facility. Is lighting merely a security precaution for nighttime hours when no one is present, or are staff entering and exiting the facility at all hours?
- Regional weather. How might harsh weather affect your lighting needs and choices? Should you consider all-weather fixtures and bulbs? Also, do weather patterns influence the human activity at your facility?
After considering questions like these, you’re ready to begin reviewing potential outdoor lighting solutions.
Outdoor lighting is essential for all types of facilities.
It’s clear that residential properties (especially those housing multiple dwellings, like apartment buildings) require outdoor lighting, but exterior illumination is essential for commercial properties as well. Recently, Dickman Supply, Inc. utilized Earthtronics’ wall pack LEDs to transform the exterior of a Culver’s restaurant in Marysville.
Dickman determined the amount of light necessary by calculating both watts and foot candles — the amount of light that hits a particular surface. Lighting specialist Lenny Garrard and general manager Mitch Geise then installed wall packs around the entire perimeter of the restaurant. This new lighting system ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for those entering and exiting this busy location.
Geise said: “First, the EarthTronics wall packs are compact and not visually obtrusive during the day. Second, we are able to focus the fixtures exactly where light is needed. And finally, we found that the EarthTronics wall packs were made of higher quality materials than similar competitive products.”
Implementing a new lighting plan is never a one-and-done process. However, by identifying exterior areas that require illumination, devising a well-researched plan, and understanding the importance of outdoor lighting in commercial spaces, business owners and contractors can ensure safety and approachability for their buildings.
Need help deciding which outdoor lighting solutions are best for your business? We’re here with premium products and industry expertise. Contact us today!