Things to Consider before Installing Commercial Exterior Lighting

So you’ve decided it’s time to improve your commercial outdoor lighting. What should you do next? Before you have any type of  exterior lighting installed, here are a few things you should first consider.

Future changes to your landscape

Ideally, outdoor lighting plans will be made after all the elements of your landscaping are already in place. That way, you can determine which features you would like to highlight at night, and then plan your lighting arrangements accordingly. If you are considering adding new plants, be sure to let share this information with a lighting designer in order to ensure your fixtures will continue to work well in the future.

Where will lines be buried?

This is important, since burying electric wires could be disruptive to other utility lines. In order to ensure no lines are present, you should call 811 at least three days prior to digging a trench to house landscape wiring in. You’ll also need to determine whether or not lines will need to run underneath sidewalks or other concrete structures so that you can attempt to reroute them if possible.

What prior authorization is needed?

If you currently lease your space, you could be restricted on how and where exterior lighting is placed. Likewise, the addition of certain fixtures could require you to obtain a building permit as well.

You’ll also need help from an experienced outdoor lighting specialist. Here at Relumination we are very familiar with exterior lighting procedures, and can install any type of fixture safely and efficiently. To set up an appointment for a consultation, contact us. 

3 Things You Need to Know About Installing Exterior Lighting

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhen it comes to installing exterior lighting, there are a number of factors to consider. These first and foremost include installation, design and maintenance. By learning how to evaluate such factors, it should be possible to create a successful outdoor lighting layout that lasts for years to come.

1. Light Efficiency Relates Directly to Cost

When it comes to cost, the efficiency of your lighting system is extremely relevant. Efficient lighting systems not only greatly reduce the amount of electricity necessary, they also tend to have light bulbs which last much longer, reducing the cost of maintenance. Consider installing a system which turns the lights on and off based on the current amount of natural light available. A large amount of energy is wasted on lights which are not programmed to turn on and off according to the constantly changing lighting schedule.

2. Avoid Trespassing Light

Light which inadvertently leaves your property can often cause problems. According to Discover Lighting, “Light trespass is the light that leaves the area for which the lighting system was designed and “trespasses” onto the neighboring property.  To minimize this effect, the light from an installation must be controlled with a combination of luminaire optics, pole placement, and overall light levels.” Design your exterior lighting system so that it minimizes light which leaves your property while still satisfying your lighting requirements.

3. Prioritize Light Based on Security Needs

In many outdoor lighting systems, security at night is one of the highest priorities. This is especially true if the lighting will be used in an area with a lot of businesses or automobiles. Although the aesthetics of a lighting system are important, light coverage in areas which are vulnerable to thieves is a strong deterrent to crime. Such areas should be illuminated to the full ability that the scope of the design allows.

Take the time to contact us at Relumination if you have any questions about designing and implementing exterior lighting for your home.