Proper lighting is key to parking lot safety. Commercial building owners must ensure that there are sufficient lights to prevent accidents, theft, and falls around their property as people enter and exit the premises. Professional lighting contractors can help with the specifics, but below are a few aspects to consider.

A Guide to Lighting a Parking Lot

1. Survey the Surroundings

Before you determine what lights your lot needs, you should map out how you use it and what the lighting is like throughout the adjacent buildings or streets. For example, if your lot is next to another building or road, direct your lighting away from that side to limit light pollution. However, make sure there’s sufficient illumination where people frequently enter and exit.

2. Review Local Regulations

Some communities have rules about how much exterior light you can have, the height of outdoor lights, or the spacing between fixtures. Before choosing specific options for your lot, make sure both you and your lighting contractors understand the rules to avoid wasting time and resources. They may also specify that you need a certain amount of light, so you should check on this, as well.

3. Space Fixtures Evenly 

Your goal should be to have sufficient light throughout the lot. Proper spacing of the fixtures is essential to preventing spots that are either too dark or too bright. Local regulations and the wattage of your lights may impact the exact distance between fixtures, but mapping out the area ahead of time can help you ensure that everything is even.

4. Opt for Efficiency

When considering which bulbs to use, consider light-emitting diodes (LED). These require significantly less energy than other options, which means you’ll pay less to illuminate the parking lot. Even areas that already have lighting may want to switch the bulbs to LED versions to enjoy more energy efficiency and lower operating costs.

If you need lighting contractors to help with your parking lot, contact Gutridge Electric, Inc, in Newark, OH. In business for 37 years, the electrician serves both homeowners and businesses throughout the area, providing electrical wiring, installation, and repair services. Each employee is fully licensed and insured, and the small team has more than 100 years of combined experience. To see a full list of electrical services, visit the website. To request an estimate, call the lighting contractors at (740) 349-7624.