Upgrading your commercial lighting can have a tangible impact on your business. Proper lighting can bring benefits such as energy efficiency, enhanced employee productivity, and increased customer satisfaction. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive walk-through of the process of upgrading your commercial lighting. Let’s get started!
Solutions to Create a Perfect Lighting for Commercial Space
Since LED lights can change colors, dim, and be programmed, they are more energy-efficient and long-lasting than fluorescent bulbs. As electricity passes through light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light is produced instantly rather than taking time to warm up. Because LED bulbs last an additional 10,000 hours, they cost less to operate and are less harmful to the environment. Fluorescent bulbs are up to 80% less efficient than LED bulbs. Since LED lighting contains no harmful substances, it is suitable for both commercial and residential applications.
Know About the Difference Between Commercial and Industrial Lighting
Commercial lighting is used in public and general workspaces such as offices, malls, and schools, where lights need to be functional and efficient while also contributing to the overall aesthetic. In contrast, industrial lighting is used in manufacturing locations where lights must be more durable and purely functional to withstand harsh environmental conditions. While both types of lighting serve specific purposes, they differ greatly in terms of their design, functionality, and intended use.
Remember About Standards
All types of lighting must meet regulations to comply with health and safety standards. It is required that commercial lights in the US meet energy codes established by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the National Electric Code (NEC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The state of California requires that commercial lighting systems be controlled by sensors, timers, and dimming systems to conserve energy, for instance.
Plan You Lighting
Construction delays and additional costs can occur without adequate planning time. It may be tempting to take shortcuts in development projects due to tight schedules and client demands, but considering the needs of occupants and intended use is essential. A short-term strategy is not always appropriate in such situations.
Account for Purpose
You should review an architectural lighting design guide before selecting interior or exterior lighting for your workspace, retail store, or any commercial application. Before designing a lighting scheme that is both effective and efficient, you need to anticipate the users’ needs, visualize the space, and formulate your goals.
Measure the Amount of Light You Need
An area of one square foot is measured by the amount of light falling from one foot away, and a foot candle is the measurement of light intensity on a surface. A lumen is, on the other hand, a measurement of the total amount of light emitted by a source and not specific to a particular spot.
It is worth mentioning that the amount of light required for different activities varies greatly, so a one-foot candle is roughly equivalent to 10 lumens or one lux. It is important to note that a foot-candle is roughly equivalent to 10 lumens, or one lux. Reading a book requires a different amount of light than watching a movie, and the optimal light levels vary based on the activity.
A foot-candle measures the amount of light that falls on a specific surface area, while a lumen measures the total amount of light coming from a source.
Consider a Color Temperature
In LED lighting, color temperatures are measured in Kelvins. Warmer environments have a lower color temperature, while daylight environments have a higher color temperature. Warmer white or neutral white is the appearance of mid-range color temperatures. Candlelight is 1,900K, sunrise/sunset is 2,500K – 2,800K, direct sunlight is 4,800K – 5,000K, overcast skies are 6,000K, and blue skies are 8,000K-12,000K.
Don’t Forget About CRI
The Color-Rendering Index (CRI) measures how well a light source illuminates colors. It is measured from 1 to 100, with 100 representing natural daylight. An object’s natural colors are reflected in the light source if the CRI is high, whereas an object’s natural colors may be reflected in the light source if the CRI is low. Color rendering with a CRI of 80 to 90 is generally considered good and effective, whereas colors rendered with a CRI of 90+ are excellent.
Choose a Light Fixture
It can be intimidating to choose the right light fixtures for a commercial space, but it is a great chance to customize the lighting to meet the company’s aesthetics and needs. Lighting fixtures can enhance the ambiance and functionality of a workspace by creating a dynamic lighting plan. Several types of light fixtures are common, including pendants, recessed lights, track lights, wall sconces, and industrial light fixtures. While selecting a light fixture, consider the purpose of each area within the commercial space, the fixture’s efficiency, and the type of light it produces. Proper lighting can define the character and functionality of a commercial space.
Use Smart Lighting
Providing automation, energy efficiency, and centralized control, smart lighting solutions are becoming increasingly popular in the digital age. They are convenient and energy-saving because they can automatically adjust light intensity based on occupancy and time of day. An example of how smart lighting solutions can be integrated is with occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, which adjust artificial light levels according to available natural light, smart bulbs that mimic natural light cycles, a centralized control system to manage all lighting from one device, and timers to turn off lights after business hours to save energy and reduce costs.
Consult a Lighting Designer or Architect
The expertise of your lighting designer or architect is important when determining how LED lights can enhance your building’s design narrative. In addition to pushing the boundaries of design, LED Lights Direct values both the occupant experience. Determine whether your design values align with those of potential designers or architects when researching them.
Conclusion
Lighting solutions for your commercial space can have a significant impact on productivity, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. A popular and efficient option for lighting, LED lights are energy-efficient and have a low environmental impact. To choose lighting that meets the necessary standards, it is important to understand the differences between commercial and industrial lighting. Planning and considering the purpose of each area within the commercial space can ensure that the lighting is efficient and effective. The overall design and functionality of your commercial space can also be enhanced by using smart lighting solutions and consulting with a lighting designer or architect.
