Best Practices: Parking Lot and Garage Lighting

Jul 15, 2023

Parking Lot and Garage Lighting

Parking lot and garage lighting play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, visibility, and security of vehicles and pedestrians. Here are some important considerations for parking lot and garage lighting:

Uniform Illumination

It is important to achieve uniform illumination throughout the parking lot or garage to minimize dark spots and shadows. This helps improve visibility and enhances safety. Lighting fixtures should be strategically placed to provide even coverage and minimize glare.

Light Levels

The recommended light levels for parking lots and garages may vary based on the specific requirements of the space. Typically, parking lots require an average illuminance level of around 5-10 foot-candles (fc). Garages may require higher light levels, ranging from 10-20 fc, particularly in entrance and exit areas, ramps, and pedestrian walkways.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is widely used in parking lots and garages due to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and high-quality illumination. LEDs provide bright, uniform light while often consuming less energy compared to traditional lighting options such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH) lamps.

Motion and Occupancy Sensors

Implementing motion sensors and occupancy sensors can help conserve energy by activating lighting only when needed. These sensors detect movement or occupancy and automatically turn lights on or off accordingly. This is especially useful in low-traffic areas or during periods of inactivity.

Emergency Lighting

Parking garages should have emergency lighting systems in place to ensure visibility and safe evacuation during power outages or emergencies. Emergency lighting typically includes battery backup or generator-powered lights that automatically activate when the main power source fails.

Security Considerations

In parking garages, it is important to consider security lighting to deter criminal activities and enhance surveillance. This may involve additional lighting in key areas such as entrances, exits, stairwells, elevators, and walkways. The lighting design should aim to minimize dark corners or hiding spots.

Light Pollution and Light Trespass

Pay attention to local regulations and guidelines regarding light pollution and light trespass. Light fixtures should be properly shielded and directed to minimize unnecessary glare or spillage onto adjacent properties or roadways.

Maintenance and Inspections

Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the lighting system remains in optimal condition. This includes cleaning fixtures, replacing burned-out bulbs promptly, and addressing any electrical or wiring issues. Regular inspections can help identify and address potential safety concerns.

An excellent “Deep Dive” is the Lighting Energy Alliance Guide for Parking Lot Lighting covering many of the points we briefly addressed. When designing the lighting for parking lots and garages, it’s important to choose quality commercial-grade products from qualified lighting installation service and maintenance providers such as Nevada Illumination. Please contact us below or via email at [email protected]

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