Parking lots can be a dangerous place for your employees and customers. Like it or not, all kinds of undesirable activity can happen in your parking lot, including car accidents, slips, trips, falls, and a variety of crimes. As a small business owner, one of your best defenses against unwanted events is exceptional parking lot lighting. Read on to learn how you can get started today.
Understand Parking Lot Lighting Standards
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) of North America has standards on how much light your parking lot needs for optimal illumination. Since parking lots are illuminated an average of 13 hours per day, it’s important to use the following guidelines that address horizontal illuminance, vertical illuminance, and uniformity ratio. Vertical lighting refers to how light shines on surfaces such as the side of a building, while horizontal lighting refers to how light shines on surfaces including streets, parking lots, and sidewalks.
In typical conditions: IES recommends a minimum horizontal illuminance of 0.2 foot-candles, minimum vertical illuminance of 0.1 foot-candles, and a uniformity ratio of 20:1 maximum to minimum.
If more security is required: IES recommends a minimum horizontal illuminance of 0.5 foot-candles, minimum vertical illuminance of 0.25 foot-candles, and a uniformity ratio of 15:1 maximum to minimum.
If you’ve never heard of a foot-candle, you’re not alone. It’s basically a measurement of how much light is needed to saturate a surface. One foot-candle covers one square foot with one lumen of light.
Map Out Your Parking Lot
If you're in the fortunate position of designing your parking lot from scratch, you can optimize your parking lot’s lighting from the start. Draw a map of the design of your parking lot and implement the ideal placement of light sources throughout. If you’re working with an existing parking lot, you can still map out your ideal lightscape. Perhaps you need to add more light sources to enhance safety and security. A map can also help you determine how much light you need according to the IES standards.
Determine Your Lot’s Optimal Light Levels and Illumination
When designing the ideal lightscape for your parking lot, first determine if your lot needs general illumination or if you need more light for security purposes. Keep in mind, however, that more light doesn’t necessarily mean better acuity when it comes to security cameras. While security cameras are rated for low and high light conditions, many fall short when capturing contrast. Aim for uniform lighting across your parking lot to best capture activities on your security cameras. Consistent lighting on the pavement is also preferred from a driver and pedestrian perspective–both could get lost in the shadows without proper lighting.
Select the Right Lighting Fixtures and Placement
LED lighting has become the industry standard for its energy efficiency, lifespan, and light quality. When it comes to designing the pole placement, make sure they’re spaced so that light emits evenly across the pavement. You’ll also want to consider the height of your light poles and the angle at which the light is directed. In general, each pole should have two lights.
Here are some overall guidelines on pole height, light bulbs, and pole spacing.
| Light Pole Height | Light Bulb Lumens | Spacing Between Poles |
| 15 - 20 feet | 12,000 - 18,000 | 20 - 30 feet |
| 20 - 25 feet | 20,000 - 30,000 | 30 - 40 feet |
| 25 - 35 feet | 30,000 - 70,000 | 40 - 50 feet |
Give Motion-Sensor Lighting a Try
Part of your lighting plan for your parking lot can also include motion-sensor lighting. Depending on your business’s needs, motion-sensor lighting may be more effective than ongoing lighting in some areas. Motion-sensor lighting can reduce energy costs, limit light pollution, and even draw attention to unwanted trespassers.
Set It and Forget It? Nope.
Once you’ve installed your parking lot’s new light system, you’re done, right? Not so fast. Your new lights need regular upkeep. Make sure to address flickering bulbs right away, keep the exterior of bulbs debris-free, and ensure your lighting controls are in working order. Regular maintenance will keep your lights working for years to come.
Find Parking Lot Lighting at Zoro
Are you ready to start browsing for parking lot lighting? You’ve come to the right place. We also have a full assortment of security lights. Find everything else your business needs at everyday low prices at Zoro.com.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.