Parking Lot Lighting: Which LED Controls Should You Select?
Selecting the appropriate parking lot LED light fixtures requires more than just selecting the correct fixtures. You also need to decide which advanced lighting controls will work best in your parking lot. LED Lighting controls can range from DALI and internet-based controls, which are complex, to simpler LED lighting controls. This content will review the different types of lighting controls that you might use in your parking lot and the benefits and negatives of each type. When planning for your parking lot lighting and controls, be sure to check local ordinances, as local lighting ordinances frequently address or require specific lighting control requirements.
Key Takeaways
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- LED parking lot lighting offers superior energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to traditional HID lighting, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced maintenance.
- Advanced lighting controls such as photocells, occupancy sensors, and time clocks enhance energy efficiency and ensure compliance with local ordinances while providing uniform and adequate illumination for safety and security.
- Proper design considerations, including fixture selection, mounting height, and color temperature, are essential to achieve optimal light distribution, minimize light pollution, and create a safe, well-lit parking environment.
Adequate illumination is essential for safety and compliance with local regulations, ensuring proper light distribution and adherence to dark sky ordinances. Adequate parking lot lighting is also crucial to enhance safety, security, and compliance, helping to prevent accidents and discourage criminal activity. There are many factors to consider when selecting parking lot lighting controls, such as fixture type, mounting height, and compliance requirements.
Manual Light Switch LED Lighting Controls
The most basic of all lighting controls is a manual light switch. This is the same switch that is on the wall of every room you enter. You enter and you flipped the switch. The light goes on. While this is a potential solution for parking lot lighting controls, it is not necessarily a logical one. Somebody must remember to turn the lights on. Somebody must remember to turn the lights off. Neither will probably happen on a regular or timely basis. This will work in a bedroom, but it is probably the worst lighting control solution that you could employ for a parking lot.
- Pros
- Inexpensive
- Simple to use
- Ubiquitous
- Cons
- You must remember to turn it on and off
- It is unlikely you will remember to turn it on and off
- Switches will not meet any lighting ordinances that require controls
Manual Light Switch
Time Clock Parking Lot Lighting Controls
There are two different types of time clocks, mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical time clocks are very reliable and easy to use. A dial has times noted on it. To set it, the user places the on and off arrows that tighten onto the dial.
Electronic Time Clocks are the digital version. Electronic time clocks are a little more complicated to use, but they frequently offer more options, such as self-adjusting for sunrise and sunset times.
- Pros
- Inexpensive
- Simple to use
- Easy installation, making them a convenient option for upgrading parking lot lighting controls
- It turns the lights on and off without you remembering
- Cons
- May require resetting when there is a power outage
- The lights may be on when they are not needed
- Needs to be reset when it starts to get dark early
Mechanical Time Clock Used for Parking Lot Lighting Controls
Photocell Parking Lot LED Lighting Controls
Photocells are a simple way to control LED parking lot lights, including commercial parking lot lights and LED pole lights. The lights go on at dusk and off at sunrise. There are two ways to deploy photocells. One way is to install a photocell on each fixture, like a municipality does with street lights. The alternative way is to install a remote photocell on or near light poles or poles, on the line between the power supply and the parking lot lights. Installed that way, all the lights go on and off at the same time.
- Pros
- Inexpensive
- Either preinstalled or installed by electrician in line so easy to use
- The lights on and off without you
- Cons
- Time clocks may require resetting when there is a power outage
- Dirty lenses can cause the lights to stay on during the day
- May not meet very specific or restrictive lighting ordinances
Photocells for LED Parking Lot Lights
Photocells Combined with Time Clocks for Parking Lot Lighting Controls
Photocells and mechanical time clocks or electronic time clocks are two simple ways to control LED parking lot lights. Combined, they are an excellent way to control LED parking lot lights and support energy-efficient lighting solutions. This is how it is installed.
- The conduit leaves the power supply, which is typically the panel
- The conduit is run to a location where the time clock can be accessed and set
- Next the conduit is run to a properly located photocell
- Once the conduit exits the photocell, it is run to each parking lot light
- If each parking lot light has a photocell, the conduit is run from the time clock to the light fixtures
- See the time clock to go on in the late afternoon and to turn off at a logical time during the night
This lighting control plan works well, and, in many instances, it meets more rigorous lighting ordinances. The time clock lets power go to the photocells in the afternoon, an hour or so before the earliest time it gets dark. Once it starts to get dark, the photocells turn on the LED parking lot lights, helping ensure enough light and uniform lighting throughout the parking lot. This combination is effective in providing safe and secure parking lot environments. Once it becomes time to shut the lights off, the time clock turns off the power to the photocell and lights, saving energy.
- Pros
- Inexpensive, even with two types of controls combined
- Quite easy to use, and the lights turn on and off without you
- Significantly reduces energy use
- Cons
- Lights may be on for hours when nobody is around
- Dirty lenses can cause the lights to stay on during the day
- Photocells work better combined with other options
Occupancy Sensor Parking Lot Lighting Controls
Occupancy sensors are available in multiple variations. The design of LED parking lot lights has evolved to the point that in many instances the occupancy sensor is hidden inside the light fixture. Occupancy sensors have advanced too. Some are programmable on site while others are preset at the factory. In parking lots, it is common for each light fixture to have its own occupancy sensor. When replacing outdated lighting controls or fixtures, occupancy sensors are often used, and older systems are frequently replaced with advanced sensor-based solutions. It should also be noted that most if not all occupancy sensors require either a photocell or a time clock to shut off the power to the parking lot fixture. Otherwise, the light fixture will continue to “be on” and draw some power. An occupancy sensor does not shut off the light fixture. The light fixture needs the photocell or time clock to cycle off. Using occupancy sensors can lead to significant cost savings by reducing unnecessary energy usage. When paired with LED fixtures, occupancy sensors help extend the long life and overall life of the lighting system by minimizing unnecessary operation. Modern occupancy sensors and LED fixtures are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environments. Occupancy sensors are suitable for outdoor lighting not only in parking lots but also in other outdoor areas such as walkways and recreational spaces. The following is a summary of occupancy sensor variations and options.
LED Parking Lot Light with Occupancy Sensor
Basic occupancy sensors
Basic occupancy sensors will turn the light on when they recognize someone is in range. The light will stay on for a preset amount of time. If the occupancy sensor senses a continued presence, the length of time will be set back to the pre-set time. In other words, the light remains on as opposed to going off and then testing for someone being present.
Programmable occupancy sensors
Some occupancy sensors are preset at the factory. While there may be options, once set, the program remains the same. Programmable occupancy sensors are a key component of advanced lighting systems. Many can be programmed via a handheld device. The handheld is then aimed at a single fixture or a row of fixtures within range, and the program for those fixtures is updated.
Bi-Level Occupancy Sensors for Energy Efficiency
Instead of simply turning the lights off like a more basic occupancy sensor, bi-level occupancy sensors, bi-level occupancy sensors dim the lights down to a predetermined percentage of the maximum light available when the area is unoccupied. That way, the area with reduced illumination is still illuminated for safety or to appear open for business. Most bi-level occupancy sensors are programmable. It should be noted that bi-level occupancy sensors can only be used on LED light fixtures that have dimmable drivers. Bi-level occupancy sensors help create efficient spaces by providing the right amount of light when needed.
- Pros
- Increases the energy efficiency of LED lights
- Lots of flexibility to meet the property manager’s preferences
- Meets almost, if not all state and local light fixture ordinances
- Cons
- Additional expense
- Initial installation and operation are more complex
- Adds more points of failure
DALI Parking Lot Lighting Controls
DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. Managed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) through the IEC 62386 family of standards, the standard ensures the interoperability of all products using DALI. DALI facilitates two-way communication, meaning that it can precisely control many aspects of a lighting fixture, including parameters such as color rendering index, to ensure high-quality lighting. It can also read back the operational status, such as light level, light failures, configuration, and emergency lighting battery tests. DALI systems can significantly optimize energy usage by providing precise control over lighting fixtures, ensuring that less energy is used during off-peak times and more energy is available when higher illumination is needed. Additionally, precise control with DALI can help minimize light pollution by reducing unnecessary light output and directing light only where needed.
Use of DALI is growing overseas, but is still limited in use in the USA. DALI is complex, and adding to the difficulty is a lack of trained personnel in the USA. To use DALI, the drivers in the LED parking lot light fixtures need to have DALI drivers, and the drivers need to be programmed correctly. Most DALI installations are run via a computer and require a DALI-trained professional to commission the installation.
- Pros
- Increases the energy efficiency of LED lights
- Flexibility to meet and monitor all preferences
- Facilitates meeting almost, if not all, state and local light fixture ordinances
- Cons
- Similar LED fixture cost as 0-10 dimming, but significantly more expensive to deploy
- Installation and operation are complex, complex, complex
- What happened to “Lights on – Lights off – No drama”?
DALI Driver Manufactured by Philips Advance
Wireless Advanced Lighting Controls for Parking Lots
Wireless parking lot controls entered the marketplace with all kinds of heightened anticipation. Finally, there was an advanced parking lot lighting control system that didn’t require fancy wiring. Wireless controls are suitable for a wide range of parking lot lighting applications and parking lot lighting options, including upgrades from traditional HID lighting and HID lights. While wireless controls have significant potential and offer the most options and flexibility, they have the highest upfront cost of any lighting control system.
Wireless controls require additional hardware to receive and send signals. The device is wired to the driver, and the driver must be compatible, which means compatible to transfer information and capable of 0-10 volt dimming or able to accept 12-volt controls. Once the parking lot light fixtures are set up, they all communicate to one central control unit. Wireless controls can be easily integrated with fixtures mounted on tall poles and various types of poles, making them ideal for large parking lots.
Deployed wireless control systems can handle functions as basic as turning the lights on or off, as well as dimming. Better use is having the system collect data, send alerts to the system manager, and follow pre-programmed if-then routines for lighting disruptions or failures. For example, a manager would know if a light failed without sending an employee to walk around a facility looking for a non-functional light.
For large applications, wireless control solutions provide ROI. Managers have complete system control. During periods of his or her facility’s peak demand, the manager could reduce the light levels, reducing peak demand charges. On the other hand, if the power supply company were maximizing power production and hitting power generation limits, power reduction might be monetized by the end user.
- Pros
- Comprehensive data on the performance of all parking lot lights
- Maximum control of all parking lot lights all the time
- Facilitates peak demand management and grid requests for reduced use
- Cons
- The most expensive parking lot lighting control system there is
- Ongoing cost for communication between lights and control system
- Complex, complex, complex
State Ordinances, Local Ordinances, and Parking Lot Lighting Controls
Many state and local lighting ordinances now require lighting controls for parking lot lighting. While the ordinance might not specify the controls, the results are specified. Consequently, the lighting controls are required. For example, a state, city or town may specify that the lighting in a parking lot cannot be on after midnight, or, the ordinance might specify that the lighting has to be dimmed down to 20% from a maximum light level of 5 foot candles anytime nobody is present for 5 or more minutes. In any of these cases lighting controls are required to meet the ordinances. Access Fixtures’ lighting specialists and lighting engineers can review the lighting ordinances that need to be met and to advise you as to which lighting controls would best meet the requirements of the local ordinances.
LED Parking Lot Lighting
LED parking lot lighting has revolutionized the way businesses and organizations illuminate their outdoor areas. By utilizing advanced LED technology, parking lot lights now offer superior illumination, energy efficiency, and reliability compared to older lighting systems. LED parking lot lights are specifically engineered to provide bright, even lighting across large spaces, ensuring that parking lots remain safe and well lit for both drivers and pedestrians. The reduced energy consumption of LED lighting not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes maintenance, as these lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional options. As a result, LED parking lot lighting is an ideal solution for those seeking to enhance safety, reduce costs, and promote sustainability in their outdoor environments.
Benefits of LED Lighting for Parking Lots
Switching to LED parking lot lights brings a host of benefits for property owners and facility managers. One of the most notable advantages is energy efficiency, LED lights use significantly less power than traditional lighting solutions, such as metal halide or high intensity discharge (HID) lamps. This translates to substantial energy savings and lower utility bills. Additionally, LED parking lot lighting offers a much longer lifespan, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements and maintenance. The improved light distribution of LEDs ensures uniform illumination, eliminating dark spots and enhancing both safety and security for everyone using the parking lot. Environmentally, LED lights are a smart choice, as they contain no hazardous materials and produce fewer carbon emissions, supporting green initiatives. With their combination of cost savings, safety improvements, and environmental benefits, LED parking lot lights are a superior lighting solution for any parking lot.
LED Parking Lot Lighting Design Considerations
Designing an effective LED parking lot lighting system involves careful planning and attention to detail. The selection of the right lighting fixtures, such as LED area lights, shoebox lights, or pole lights, depends on the unique requirements of the parking lot, including its size, layout, and the level of activity it experiences. Mounting height is another crucial factor, as it influences both the spread and uniformity of the light output. Choosing the appropriate color temperature can also impact visibility and the overall ambiance, making the parking lot more inviting and secure. To achieve optimal light distribution and avoid issues like glare or dark spots, it’s important to match the fixture type and placement to the specific needs of the space. Consulting with a lighting professional can help ensure that the best solution is implemented, resulting in a well-lit, energy-efficient, and safe parking lot.
Lighting Assessment and Consultation: Choosing the Right Controls
A thorough lighting assessment and professional consultation are key steps in creating a high-performing LED parking lot lighting system. Lighting experts can evaluate the unique characteristics of your parking lot, including fixture count, mounting height, and desired color temperature, to recommend the most effective lighting solutions. Selecting the right controls, such as motion sensors, timers, or photocells, can further enhance energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and improve safety and security. By tailoring the lighting controls to the specific needs of your parking lot, you can ensure optimal illumination while minimizing energy consumption and operational expenses. This personalized approach not only maximizes the performance of your LED parking lot lighting but also provides peace of mind for both customers and employees.
Conclusion
In summary, LED parking lot lighting stands out as a smart, energy-efficient solution for illuminating outdoor spaces. With its long lifespan, reduced maintenance needs, and superior lighting performance, LED lighting offers significant cost and energy savings over traditional lighting solutions. By carefully considering the specific requirements of your parking lot, such as fixture selection, mounting height, and advanced controls, you can create a lighting system that enhances safety, security, and customer satisfaction. Whether upgrading an existing lot or designing a new one, investing in LED parking lot lighting is a forward-thinking choice that delivers lasting benefits for your business, your customers, and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Parking Lot Lighting
What are the basic parking lot lighting requirements?
Parking lot lighting requirements focus on ensuring adequate illumination for safety and compliance with local ordinances, including appropriate mounting height, light distribution, and adherence to dark sky regulations.
How does mounting height affect parking lot lighting performance?
Higher mounting heights provide wider light distribution, reducing the number of light poles and fixtures needed. However, mounting height must balance lighting performance with aesthetic and regulatory considerations.
What is the recommended average light level for parking lot lighting?
A general guideline is an average of 2 footcandles (fc) with a minimum of 1 fc, though local ordinances may specify different levels based on safety and visibility needs.
Why is uniform lighting important in parking lots?
Uniform lighting eliminates dark spots and glare, enhancing visibility, safety, and security for both pedestrians and drivers.
What is a max/min ratio in parking lot lighting, and why does it matter?
The max/min ratio measures the uniformity of light distribution across the lot. Lower ratios, such as 10:1 or 3:1, indicate more even lighting, which improves safety and user comfort.
How do LED parking lot lights compare to traditional HID lights?
LED parking lot lights offer superior energy efficiency, longer lifespan, better light distribution, reduced maintenance costs, and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional high intensity discharge (HID) lights.
What types of lighting controls are available for parking lot lighting?
Common controls include manual switches, time clocks, photocells, occupancy sensors, DALI systems, and wireless advanced controls, each offering varying levels of energy savings and automation.
How do lighting controls help reduce energy consumption?
Controls like motion sensors and photocells adjust lighting based on occupancy and ambient light, preventing unnecessary energy use and extending fixture lifespan.
What is the importance of color temperature and color rendering index (CRI) in parking lot lighting?
Color temperature affects the quality and ambiance of light, while CRI measures how accurately colors appear under the light. Proper selection enhances visibility and comfort.
Are there regulations regarding light pollution and dark sky compliance?
Yes, many local ordinances require full cut-off fixtures and limit uplight to reduce light pollution. Dark sky compliance often specifies color temperature limits (e.g., 3000K or lower) to protect the night environment.
How can I ensure my parking lot lighting meets local ordinances?
Conducting a photometric study and consulting with lighting professionals can help ensure compliance with light levels, uniformity, mounting height, and lighting control requirements.
What are the benefits of upgrading to LED parking lot lighting?
Upgrading to LED lighting reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs, improves lighting quality and uniformity, enhances safety and security, and supports sustainability goals.
Can existing light poles and fixtures be reused when upgrading to LED?
Often, existing poles can be reused, and retrofit kits are available to upgrade existing fixtures to LED technology, reducing installation costs and preserving aesthetics.
How long do LED parking lot lights typically last?
LED parking lot lights generally have a lifespan of 50,000 to over 100,000 hours, significantly longer than traditional lighting options.
What maintenance considerations are there for LED parking lot lighting?
LEDs require less frequent maintenance due to their long life and durability, and many lighting controls help further extend fixture lifespan by reducing unnecessary operation.