Parking lot lights are one of those amenities we take for granted. But if you've ever pulled into a parking lot that felt more like a dimly lit maze than a safe, welcoming space, you'd quickly come to appreciate having the best LED parking lot lights on your property.
Parking lot lighting creates a safe and welcoming environment for pedestrians and drivers. Whether it's a retail center, corporate campus, or public venue, a well-lit parking lot ensures visibility, enhances security and improves overall user experience. However, not all lighting solutions are created equal, and choosing the right parking lot lights requires careful consideration.
If you're upgrading your fixtures, LED technology is the gold standard. LEDs offer superior visibility and security plus, they're energy-efficient, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. But how do you choose the best lights for your space?
That's where this parking lot lighting guide comes in. We'll break down the factors to consider, like lumen output, beam spread, fixture durability, and minimum parking lot lighting levels, to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you'll have all the tools you need to create a parking lot that's safer, brighter, and more inviting — without breaking the bank. Let's go!
Why LED Parking Lot Lights Are the Clear Winner
Traditional lighting systems, like high-pressure sodium or metal halide lights, may have served their purpose in the past, but LEDs have revolutionized the way we light up outdoor spaces. Here's how:
Energy Efficiency That Pays Off
LEDs use far less electricity than traditional lights – at least 75% less. This means brighter, more reliable illumination for your parking lot while keeping utility bills under control.
Unmatched Lifespan and Durability
Say goodbye to frequent lamp replacements. LED fixtures can last 50,000 hours or more — up to five times longer than traditional lighting systems. Because they're built to withstand harsh weather conditions and wear, LEDs are ideal for outdoor environments where reliability is crucial.
Enhanced Safety and Security
A well-lit parking lot deters crime, increases visibility, and promotes a sense of safety for both drivers and pedestrians. LEDs provide consistent, uniform lighting with minimal glare and no flickering, creating a welcoming environment while boosting security.
Eco-Friendly Solution
LEDs have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional lighting and don't contain hazardous materials like mercury. They're an environmentally friendly choice that supports sustainability initiatives.
A Modern Look
Beyond functionality, parking lot LED fixtures offer sleek designs that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your parking lot. Whether you're running a retail center or a corporate campus, modern lighting can make a positive impression on visitors.
Types of Parking Lot Lights
Back in the day, there was one type of parking lot light. Modern lighting solutions cover far more ground than their ancestors. Let's break down each type of parking lot light to help you make an informed choice.
LED Area and Site Lights
These lights are the most versatile fixtures for parking lots, providing broad and even illumination. LED area and site lights are mounted on poles to cover large spaces efficiently.
- Best for: Large commercial lots, retail centers, and public spaces.
- Advantages: High lumen output, customizable beam spreads, and modern designs.
LED Wall Pack Lighting
These compact fixtures are mounted on building exteriors to illuminate adjacent areas. LED wall pack lighting provides excellent supplemental lighting for smaller lots or perimeter zones.
- Best for: Small parking lots, walkways, and building entry points.
- Advantages: Durable, energy-efficient, and easy to install.
LED Flood Lights
These fixtures offer powerful, focused illumination, making them ideal for high-traffic or darker areas that need targeted lighting. LED flood lights ensure high visibility in specific zones.
- Best for: Perimeters, entrances, and high-security areas.
- Advantages: Wide beam angles and high brightness for enhanced visibility.
LED Canopy Lights
These lights are designed to provide downward-facing illumination in covered areas. LED canopy lights provide consistent lighting without harsh shadows.
- Best for: Parking garages, gas stations, and covered parking spaces.
- Advantages: Compact design, energy efficiency, and uniform brightness.
LED Vapor Tight Fixtures
These fixtures are built to withstand harsh environments, protecting the lighting components from dust, moisture, and other external factors. LED vapor tight fixtures provide reliable, durable performance in challenging conditions.
- Best for: Industrial parking lots, warehouses, and areas prone to extreme weather.
- Advantages: Durable, weatherproof design with consistent performance.
Smart Features for Added Control
Many LED parking lot lights come with advanced features like motion sensors, dimming capabilities, andin-field wattage selection. These technologies allow you to adjust the brightness to your needs, save energy during low-traffic hours, and reduce light pollution.
How To Calculate the Number of Parking Lot Lights Needed
Designing a parking lot lighting system that is safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations requires the right tools and a clear calculation method. Below, we'll explore the tools you'll need and walk you through a step-by-step example to determine the number of LED parking lot lights required for your space.
Tools and Resources
If this is your first rodeo, so to speak, there's professional help out there. Full-service lighting companies like Revolve LED will help you prepare a free Commercial LED Lighting Layout. Just answer a few simple questions, and you'll be well on your way to determining how many fixtures and what type of illumination you'll need for your parking lot. Here are some other tools that can help:
- A laser distance meter or tape measure will help you accurately determine the dimensions of your parking lot.
- Local or municipal code regulation guides provide minimum parking lot lighting levels to ensure your design complies with safety standards.
Step-by-Step Calculation With Example
For the most accurate calculation of lighting distribution, you would need a professional lighting layout, but for a general reference, let's break down the process with a real-world example to make it easy to follow.
- Measure Your Parking Lot: Determine the dimensions of your lot. For example, you have a rectangular lot measuring 200 feet by 400 feet. To calculate the total area, multiply the length by the width to get the total area: 200 ft x 400 ft = 80,000 square feet.
- Choose Your Pole Height: Select the height of your light poles based on the lot size and required coverage. Taller poles cover larger areas but may need higher-lumen fixtures. In our example, we have a medium-sized lot requiring 25-foot poles. Common heights: 15–20 feet: Small lots or pedestrian areas. 20–30 feet: Medium-sized lots (e.g., retail centers). 30+ feet: Large lots, stadiums, or industrial spaces.
- Select the Lighting Distribution Type: Match the beam spread to your lot's needs. In our example, we may want to look at either a Type III or Type V depending on how the light poles are arranged in the parking lot: Distribution types: Type III: Great for most applications, like parking lots that require general, wide coverage, as it provides a balance of in both its forward throw and width of coverage. Type IV: Best for lighting spaces, like the edges or perimeters of the lot, that require a narrower and more extended forward throw. Type V: Provides a circular, uniform beam, perfect for large, open spaces, & spaces requiring an even amount of back throw.
- Estimate the Coverage Per Light Fixture: Check the manufacturer's photometric data to find the coverage area for your chosen fixture. In our example, each fixture covers 6,400 square feet with Type V distribution and 25-foot poles.
- Calculate the Number of Lights Needed: Divide the total lot area by the coverage per fixture. In our example, 80,000 sq ft ÷ 6,400 sq ft = 13 fixtures needed.
- Adjust for Overlap and High-Traffic Areas: Ensure some overlap between fixtures to avoid dark spots. Add lights for entrances, high-traffic zones, or areas requiring additional security.
Finalizing Your Layout
Using these tools and steps, you can create an effective lighting plan tailored to your parking lot's needs. To ensure compliance and efficiency:
- Double-check local regulations for minimum lighting levels.
- Test the layout with lighting software or consult a professional for verification.
Konlite LED Parking Lot Light
Get a close-up look at our proprietary Konlite LED parking lot light, a solid (and affordable) choice for your space.
Illuminate Your Spaces With the Best Parking Lot Lights From Revolve LED
Whether you're upgrading to LEDs or planning a new layout, the benefits of efficient parking lot lighting are undeniable. Explore Revolve LED for the best parking lot lights for your project. If you need guidance, contact our team for expert advice to suit your unique needs.
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