Choosing the right industrial LED lights is vital for the proper functioning of the workplace. Working in factories and warehouses requires special attention to detail, especially if the work is complex. And the lighting of the outdoor and indoor industrial areas plays an important role in determining the quality of work. If you want to order industrial outdoor light, certain factors must be considered to get the best results.
Industrial Lighting Standard
Proper lighting is crucial for effective production in factories, workshops, and warehouses. Hence the lighting fixtures are governed by different lighting standards, and the important organizations that govern these standards are IES (Illuminating Engineering Society), OSHO (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and ANSI (American National Standards). So when you order industrial outdoor light, make sure you are mindful of these standards and regulations.
- OSHO: This American government organization deals with the private sector and provides lighting guidelines for construction work in shipyards and buildings.
- ANSI/IES: IES works under ANSI and provides lighting standards for many industries, including aerospace, automotive, workshops, general manufacturing, etc. It gives guidelines to the private sector, self-employed, as well as the government. The guidelines are based on the work performed, thus giving you the flexibility to choose the right illumination level.
Lighting Units
The illumination of these lighting fixtures is measured in different units like lux, lumens per square feet (lm/sq.ft), and foot candles (fc), which quantify how a person perceives lighting. Remember that the lumen rating of most flood lights used in the manufacturing industry is in the order of thousands. However, since some cases have an immense ceiling height, only a few lumens tend to reach the ground.
Ceiling Height
Industries and factories typically have extraordinarily high ceilings in order to accommodate large machines and inventories. Hence, it becomes a vital factor in choosing the appropriate lighting design. Thus there is no one size fits all approach since all spaces will have different ceiling heights. Tall ceilings will require extremely powerful fixtures to illuminate the area to its fullest and keep things running smoothly.
Ambient Temperature
Hotter air tends to move upwards, while colder air settles down. Although this temperature difference is not important in our daily life, it becomes a crucial factor in taller ceilings. Hence, the temperature surrounding the light fixture may reach 122F. So experts recommend that an IP rating (Ingress Protection) of 44 or higher is suitable for weatherproof lighting. If you want protection against extreme heat and humidity, go for lighting fixtures with IP ratings of 65. These types of fixtures also require the least maintenance.
Lighting Requirement
The amount of lighting that you need in a factory is determined by the work nature and area. Thus, it is crucial that you comply with the safety standards for better safety and productivity. The basic rule to follow here is that the height of the ceiling determines the space between the fixtures vertically and horizontally. If the height exceeds 25ft, the fixtures should be closer to each other. Also, the number of fixtures should be even to avoid unnecessary shadows.
Types Of LED Lighting Fixtures
- High Bay Lamps: These fixtures are excellent for tall ceilings, mostly between 25 to 40 ft, as they consume higher wattage, due to which they are able to produce greater illumination. High bay lamps are further divided into two types: high linear bays and UFO high bays. The UFO high bays resemble an alien saucer ship designed to spread light at a wider beam angle. In contrast, the linear bays are long and rectangular in shape and can distribute light evenly. These lights can be attached to the ceiling or hung using chains.
- Low Bay Lamps: These fixtures are suitable for 15 to 25 ft. ceiling heights, as they offer crisp and uniform light distribution.
- LED factory lights may also come in different colors, powers, sizes, temperatures, and CRI values.
Color Temperature And CRI
The color rendering index (CRI) is the light source’s ability to reflect the colors correctly. Most factory lighting requires a CRI rating of 75 to 85, but you can go higher if the work is complex. However, most warehouses and factories opt for cooler color temperatures of 4000K to 6000K in order to keep the environment bright and people attentive.
Vapor Tight Lighting
Many brands provide LED lighting fixtures designed to keep the LED bulbs intact and properly functioning, even if the space is humid or exposed to rain and snow. These fixtures can help prevent rusting, corrosion, and other types of damage. These lights make the best option for outdoor industrial lighting design.
To Sum Up
Considering your requirements and priorities, look for a provider who can suggest the best lighting fixtures suitable for your industrial or commercial space. Ensure that they are experts in retrofits and can understand your lighting problems.
