The exteriors of buildings can benefit from outdoor lighting in terms of both accessibility and safety; nevertheless, to obtain the best results possible, it is essential to pick the most appropriate type of fixture for each application. Also, keep in mind that outdoor lighting is used often from the time it gets dark until the time it becomes light again. Because of this, the use of LED bulbs and fixtures offers an excellent opportunity to save energy while simultaneously reducing lighting costs.
This article is intended to provide the reader with outdoor lighting information, as well as some tips for boosting performance while simultaneously reducing energy use.
Recommendations Addressed To The General Population
Because of their higher energy efficiency and longer predicted lifespan, LED versions of each of the aforementioned types of lighting fixtures are currently commercially available and come highly recommended because they are already accessible.
When making the transition to LED lighting, the following are the key options that are available to you:
- Fixtures with integrated LED lighting, which need the current fixture to be replaced with a new one.
- Replacement lights that is compatible with the existing sockets and ballasts in the fixture.
Rebate programs are usually controlled by governments and energy providers to aid building owners in covering the price of these improvements. However, there are minimal standards that must be met for a fixture to be qualified for a rebate.
Provision Of Light For The Canopy
As its name indicates, canopy lighting fixtures are designed to be installed on the underside of canopies that are used in outdoor settings. A “wet site” designation is typically included in the ratings for these fittings given that they will be installed in settings that include moisture. They need to be able to withstand vibration to be useful, as they are typically put to use in areas that are subject to a high volume of foot traffic.
It is necessary to choose a lighting fixture that has a beam form that is ideal, taking into consideration the mounting height in addition to the area.
Floodlights
A floodlight’s base can often be adjusted, allowing the light to be aimed at a specific architectural feature or point of interest in the area. This is one of the many advantages of floodlights. As a result of their ability to maintain a high level of field vision even when it is midnight, they are also frequently employed in outdoor sports. Any exterior area in a business or manufacturing setting that often sees cars, containers, or other forms of machinery in motion is a prime candidate for the installation of floodlights. These lights are an exceptionally beneficial addition.
One of the most distinguishing features of floodlights is the substantial quantity of lighting that they provide. However, other varieties have a more focused beam that is better suited for applications such as concerts and other events of a similar sort. The form of their beam is often broad so that it may cover a large area.
Lighting That Has A Linear Arrangement
These light fixtures have a structure that is long and thin, which is one of their distinguishing qualities, as their name could indicate. Additionally, they have a construction that is long and thin. Linear lighting fixtures, which are frequently used in multistory parking lots, have a framework that is hermetic, which means that it protects them from things like dust, moisture, and insects. They may also be used in some of the same contexts as canopy lighting, which is another advantage.
In the fluorescent variants of these lights, the bulbs used are tubular fluorescent bulbs that require a ballast to function properly. LED versions may employ tube-shaped LED lights that are designed to fit in bases that are analogous to those used for fluorescent tubes. These bases are equivalent to the bases used for fluorescent tubes. However, some linear LED lights are incorporated into the design. These fittings don’t have tubes; rather, they have a light engine that consists of an array of LEDs that are perfectly spaced out.
Lighting That Is Affixed To Poles In Various Locations
These light fixtures, which have names that indicate what they are, are frequently seen in open parking lots and streets, and also have names that explain what they are. In addition, the names of these light fixtures are self-explanatory. If you have a parking permit valid for the month, here is how it works.
The light beam that is produced by these lighting fixtures is often fairly wide. This is because they must illuminate a large area that is located below them. However, it is also essential to avoid lateral light projection, since this can cause glare for neighboring residents as well as for cars, which is especially dangerous in the case of drivers. This is why it is so important to avoid lateral light projection. It is also essential to avoid doing this.
On pole-mounted lights, there is something that is referred to as a BUG rating, which, by the way, has absolutely nothing to do with bugs. Instead, it gives information on the amount of glare (G), backlight (B), and uplight (U) that is produced by the fixture. The rating of B0 U0 G0 is believed to be the greatest possible rating since it implies that virtually all of the output is projected in the intended direction. Because of this, it is considered to be the highest possible rating. It is generally agreed that a grade of B5 U5 G5 is the absolute worst that may be given.
Wallhacks
Wallpacks are a type of lighting fixture that is self-contained and designed for direct installation on walls without the use of a pole. Wallpacks are also meant for usage in commercial and industrial settings. Both semi-cutoff and full-cutoff wall packs project some of their lighting output laterally, but full-cutoff wall packs concentrate their lighting output into a narrow beam that is directed downward. Wallpacks can be divided into two primary categories, both of which are determined by the shape of the beam that they produce.
Wallpacks are frequently used to brighten the area immediately surrounding a structure. This can be accomplished in several ways. When there is a requirement for illumination in large areas that are not immediately next to the walls, pole-mounted lights are utilized instead of the traditional wall-mounted lights.
Conclusion
There is a wide variety of options available for outdoor lighting fixtures, and each one is created to perform a certain task. In addition, for every kind of fixture, there are several different permutations. By working together with knowledgeable design professionals, you can ensure that your outdoor spaces have appropriate lighting coverage at the lowest possible cost to you in terms of the amount of energy that is expended. Because LED lighting has such a short payback period, switching to it is typically one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy because it reduces consumption over such a short period.
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