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Incorporate These 3 Things in Your Parking Lot's Lighting Design

January 12, 2022

A business can enhance customer trust, increase foot traffic, and gain an edge over its competitors with a well-designed and well-managed parking lot. The parking lot's lighting design, for example, plays a role in the overall efficiency and safety of the parking lot. Below are some design elements to incorporate in such a lighting system.

1. Lighting Safety

Enhanced safety is one of the reasons to light up a parking lot. However, the wrong lighting design can be a danger in itself. For example:

Uneven lighting can leave patches of dark areas where parking lot users might trip and fall.
Improperly placed parking lot poles can hinder navigation and increase the risk of auto accidents.
Light glare can blind parking lot users and increase the risk of tripping accidents for pedestrians and auto crashes for drivers.

A professional electrical contractor should design your parking lot's electrical system and ensure it doesn't create a danger to the lot's users. A safe design means that:

Every surface of the parking lot has adequate illumination
The lighting fixtures have adequate spaces between them and sit at the right height
The fixtures' colors are not too harsh

Talk to your contractor for further tips for lighting safety.

2. Minimal Light Pollution

The lighting system should not cause light pollution for an outdoor parking lot. Light pollution occurs if your light fixtures cause excessive illumination or illuminate the wrong areas. Light pollution creates several dangers. For example, light pollution:

Creates adverse health effects in people
Interferes with the growth and development of plants and animals
Interferes with astronomical studies
Wastes energy, some of which comes from nonrenewable sources

Here are some practical tips to minimize light pollution:

Aim the lighting fixtures downward so they don't illuminate the sky.
Reduce decorative lighting — the lighting fixtures in your parking lot should be practical.
Switch off the lights when the parking lot is not in use — for example, after business hours.
Install low glare fixtures.

Talk to your electrical contractor about your light pollution concerns, and they will help you avoid the problem.

3. Convenience

Good parking lot lighting should be convenient and easy to use. Convenience means the lighting system should:

Work as designed
Illuminate all the targeted areas
Work during the required times

For example, a convenient lighting design will not leave your parking lot in the dark when you need it most. Below are some tips to ensure the design's convenience.

Use of Sensors

Sensors can switch the light fixtures on and off at required times. For example, motion sensors can illuminate paths for those walking out of the parking lot and switch off afterward. Light sensors can switch off the fixtures at daybreak and switch them on at dusk.

Remote Control

Smart lighting fixtures allow remote control, such as switching the fixtures on or off or dimming the lights. Remote control means someone does not have to be physically present at the parking lot for them to function.

System Programming

Some smart systems are programmable for automated light operations. For example, a business complex can program its parking lot lights to switch on just before the complex opens and switch off after business hours. That way, the complex operators do not have to remember to operate the lights or worry if they report late to work.
Experienced electricians understand the need for the above design elements. Since Reinhold Electric has provided electrical services for over 45 years, you can rely on us to give your parking lot the lighting system it deserves. Contact us for a consultation or quote and enjoy our customer-centered professionalism.

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