Security lighting plays an important role in protecting your business and ensuring your customers’ and employees’ safety. There are legal requirements for emergency lighting you want to adhere to, and you want to ensure the exterior lighting is used effectively. Below are must-know details to get the most from your fixtures and commercial electrical services.

Your Guide to Commercial Security Lighting

1. Know the Legal Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other organizations have lighting guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. You’ll need to adhere to these to avoid fines. Examples include illuminating all exits, including egress windows, and ensuring the lighting systems will be active immediately and for at least 60 minutes should a fire or other emergencies occur.

If you aren’t familiar with these codes, work with commercial electrical services. These professionals will be up to date to ensure you follow all the regulations.

2. Choose the Right Lights

Not all security and safety lights are the same. Legally, you’ll need to have signs that say “EXIT” at all building exits. The letters need to be at least 6 inches high, and the sign has to be illuminated.

You have a variety of options for security. Motion-activated lights trigger whenever something passes through their detection field. Floodlights cast a wide, bright light that’s terrific for covering areas, and high-intensity discharge lights can cover even larger ones. These are a favorite of commercial and industrial properties and won’t draw significant energy when you use LED lights.

3. Focus on Entries, Exits, & Blind Spots

When you have commercial electrical services install new exterior fixtures, begin with entry and exit points. Front, back, and alleyway doors and all windows should fall under the security lights’ cast.

Blind spots that security cameras can’t see should also be illuminated. Often, motion-triggered lighting will be enough to scare burglars away.

4. Establish a Maintenance Plan

You’ll legally need to check your emergency lighting once a month. This includes testing all the signs and having them inspected by code enforcement or a commercial electrical service. It’s wise to also schedule yearly electrical inspections and to check light bulbs every few months to make sure they don’t need to be replaced.

If you’re exploring commercial electrical services in the Wisconsin Rapids, WI, area, contact E-Con Electric, Inc. These skilled professionals provide 24-hour emergency electrical repairs for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. They’ll ensure you’re in compliance with codes and that you have a reliable system and electrical maintenance plan in place. Call (715) 423-8440 to schedule an inspection and visit their website to learn more about their services.