Lighting in Car Parks
Any car park that is used during a period of darkness must be lit. Even in daylight, car parks may have dark areas and cast strong shadows; and underground car parks will need a continuous source of light. A car park’s lighting system should work to eliminate dark places, which can pose a threat to both vehicle and personal security.
Consequently, car park lighting should be consistent, offering the same level and quality of illumination throughout the space.
There are certain lighting basics for car parks:
- Avoid over-lighting the designated space as this will create dark shadows
- Ensure you properly mount lighting so it is out of reach of anyone looking to tamper with it
- Patrol the car park regularly to make sure your lighting is always working
- Replace any failed or defective bulbs swiftly.
Making Your Car Park Lighting Effective
Different car parks have different lighting requirements. Where there is light traffic, 100 spaces maximum, then overall uniformity of light can be a lower average of SI derived units of illuminance.
For medium traffic, anything between 100 and 500 spaces, then overall uniformity needs to be greater.
When it comes to heavy traffic, such as major shopping centre car parks, or short-stay airport parking, for example, then the overall uniformity of average light should be higher still.
Should you vary your lighting levels?
Intelligent lighting controls and LEDs can trigger changes in lighting levels to meet safety requirements while avoiding over-lighting the car park. This can then reduce energy consumptionwhile ensuring safety for pedestrians and vehicles.
Consider the kind of light you use. White light creates the best atmosphere for parking vehicles. It helps to clearly define the car park, and enhance CCTV views. For pedestrians’ visibility, and vision, neutral white light is ideal.
Controlling Car Park Lighting
It is important to control glare in car parks, with the aim that there should be none at all from car park’s lighting system.
This control comes from controlling the distribution and concentration of light, and using accessories such as optics and glazing.
For larger car parks, higher-powered light sources can be mounted at a greater height, keeping the lighting economical, and limiting how obtrusive it is.
There should also be consideration for neighbouring buildings and areas, especially if the car park is in a residential area. The lighting should be concentrated on the main car park area, with as little spillage as possible onto back gardens or windows.
In addition to lighting, covered or multi-storey car parks can also benefit from overhead guidance indicators, which also use LED lighting.
Why Choose Rayley Lighting?
We have years of experience installing and repairing parking lot lighting for commercial properties throughout the Southeast. Our highly trained technicians are professionally certified and always work within the regulations of local and state jurisdictions.
Please contact us to find out how we can help you.