LEDs are a significant transformation in lighting, both in the private and public sectors. The individual bulbs are more energy-efficient and give a greater degree of control to the operator. They emit less heat and last thousands of hours longer than other types of bulbs. However, their brightness and advantages can sometimes hinder effective lighting design. Here are two constraints to plan for when lighting up your parking lots with LEDs.
Bright LEDs create strong shadows.
Bright lighting in potentially dangerous areas creates more good than it creates harm. Parking lots and parking garages with high levels of illumination deter significant percentages of criminal activity, making people feel safer. However, bright light creates harsh shadows, mainly when the light is directionally controlled, and the sudden contrast between bright and dim areas can make it harder to see as people transition to darker places. Ensure your new lighting design minimizes blind spots and dark patches that can be hazardous for pedestrians and drivers.
Too much brightness can be dangerous in other ways as well. Because the light output of LEDs doesn’t diminish with distance like with other lights, it can increase glare and misperceptions of distance. If you have a lot of tightly packed, highly reflective cars, this can increase the number of small traffic incidents on your property. Look for designs that minimize glare and any unwanted aspects of brightness.
Use LEDs to lower costs instead of increasing illumination too far.
While certain areas require brighter lighting for more effective mobility and greater safety, the low cost of lighting is leading many properties to use more light than they actually need. When redesigning your lighting system, ensure you strike the right balance between increased illumination and reduced expenses. The value of switching to an LED lighting system isn’t just in the brightness; it’s in the long-term savings.
Visit Relumination for more tips on designing the optimal lighting environment that balances both user safety and budget.
