Parking Lot Lighting Calculator

Parking Lot Lighting Calculator

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Aspect	Information
Purpose	Illuminating parking areas and surrounding spaces to enhance visibility and security.
Types of Lighting	1. Pole-mounted fixtures (e.g., high-mast lights)
	2. Wall-mounted fixtures (e.g., wall packs)
	3. Canopy lights for covered parking areas
	4. Area lights for general illumination
Light Source	1. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps (e.g., metal halide, high-pressure sodium)
	2. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
	3. Fluorescent lamps
	4. Induction lamps
Wattage Range	Typically ranges from 20W to 1000W depending on the type and size of the parking lot.
Color Temperature (CCT)	Commonly 4000K to 5000K (neutral white) for improved visibility and security.
Mounting Height	Varies based on the type of fixture and lighting requirements, typically 15 to 40 feet.
Distribution Pattern	Various beam spreads available, such as Type I, Type II, Type III, etc., to direct light where needed.
Lighting Controls	1. Photocells for automatic dusk-to-dawn operation.
	2. Motion sensors for energy-saving when parking areas are unoccupied.
	3. Timers to customize lighting schedules.
Lighting Standards	Follow local lighting ordinances and regulations.
Energy Efficiency	LED fixtures are more energy-efficient and have longer lifespans compared to traditional HID lamps.
Maintenance	Regular maintenance is essential to ensure proper functioning and longevity of the lighting system.
Environmental Impact	Opt for energy-efficient and eco-friendly lighting solutions to reduce carbon footprint.

How do you calculate parking lot lights?

Calculating the number of parking lot lights requires considering various factors, such as the size and layout of the parking lot, the required light levels, and the type of lighting fixtures you plan to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the number of parking lot lights:

1. Determine the size and layout of the parking lot:
   • Measure the total area of the parking lot in square feet or square meters.
   • Note any specific areas or corners that might require additional lighting, such as entrances, exits, pedestrian pathways, or dark spots.
2. Identify the required light level:
   • The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) provides recommended light levels for different types of parking lots. These levels are typically measured in foot-candles (fc) or lux (lx).
   • Different areas of the parking lot may have different light level requirements. For example, the general parking area might need a lower light level compared to pedestrian walkways or entrances.
3. Select the type of lighting fixture:
   • There are various types of parking lot lighting fixtures available, such as metal halide, high-pressure sodium, LED, or induction lamps. LED lights are more energy-efficient and commonly used due to their longevity and brightness.
4. Calculate the number of fixtures required:
   • To calculate the number of fixtures needed, divide the total area of the parking lot by the coverage area of a single fixture. The coverage area of a fixture depends on the beam angle and mounting height.
   • For example, if you have an LED fixture with a beam angle of 120 degrees and a mounting height of 20 feet, it might cover an area of approximately 30 feet in diameter.
   • Adjust the number of fixtures based on the light level requirements for specific areas within the parking lot. Use different fixture types (e.g., floodlights, pole-mounted lights) to cater to different needs.
5. Consider lighting distribution:
   • Depending on the shape and layout of the parking lot, you might need to use a combination of fixtures with different beam angles and distributions to ensure uniform illumination throughout the area.
6. Account for maintenance factors:
   • Factor in maintenance considerations, such as lumen depreciation over time, to ensure the lighting system remains effective throughout its lifespan.
7. Consult a lighting professional:
   • If you are unsure about the calculations or want to ensure you meet specific lighting standards and local regulations, it’s best to consult with a lighting professional or an electrical engineer who can provide accurate recommendations for your specific parking lot.

Remember that lighting requirements can vary based on local regulations, safety standards, and specific project needs. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough analysis and consult with experts to ensure you achieve the appropriate lighting levels for your parking lot.

How many lumens do I need for parking lot lighting?

The number of lumens required for parking lot lighting depends on several factors, including the size of the parking lot, the type of lighting fixtures being used, the height of the fixtures, and the specific lighting requirements of the area. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are general guidelines that can help you determine an appropriate lumen range.

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) provides recommended light levels for various outdoor areas, including parking lots. According to their guidelines (as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021), here are the average illuminance levels measured in foot-candles (fc) for different types of parking lots:

1. Low-activity parking lots (e.g., residential parking lots): 1 to 5 fc
2. General commercial parking lots: 5 to 10 fc
3. High-activity parking lots (e.g., stadiums, busy retail areas): 10 to 20 fc

To convert foot-candles to lumens, you can use the following approximate conversion: 1 foot-candle ≈ 10.76 lumens per square foot.

For example, if you have a general commercial parking lot of 10,000 square feet and want to achieve an illuminance level of 7 fc:

Lumens needed = Illuminance level (fc) x Area (sq. ft.) x Lumens per square foot Lumens needed = 7 fc x 10,000 sq. ft. x 10.76 lumens per sq. ft. Lumens needed ≈ 753,200 lumens

What is the typical spacing for parking lot lighting?

The typical spacing for parking lot lighting depends on several factors, including the type and height of the light fixtures, the desired light level, and the layout of the parking lot. Generally, parking lot lighting is designed to provide adequate illumination and visibility for the safety and security of both drivers and pedestrians.

Here are some general guidelines for parking lot lighting spacing:

1. Mounting Height: The height of the light fixture plays a crucial role in determining the spacing. Higher fixtures can cover a larger area, so their spacing can be greater. Common mounting heights for parking lot lights are between 15 and 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters).
2. Illuminance Level: The average illuminance level, measured in foot-candles (fc) or lux (lx), required for a parking lot typically ranges from 1 to 10 fc (10 to 100 lx), depending on the specific application and local regulations. High-traffic areas and areas with security concerns may require higher illuminance levels.
3. Uniformity: In addition to the average illuminance, uniformity is essential to minimize dark spots and ensure even lighting throughout the parking lot. The ratio of the minimum to the average illuminance should typically not exceed 5:1 for good uniformity.
4. Light Distribution Pattern: The light fixture’s distribution pattern determines how light is spread across the area. For example, a fixture with a “forward throw” or “type III” distribution is commonly used for parking lots, directing light forward and minimizing light pollution.
5. Light Loss Factor: Over time, light fixtures can lose some of their brightness due to factors such as dirt accumulation and aging of the light source. A light loss factor is considered to ensure the target illuminance is maintained throughout the fixture’s life.
6. Pole Layout and Parking Lot Geometry: The layout of the poles and the shape of the parking lot influence the spacing of the fixtures. Irregularly shaped lots may require more careful planning to achieve proper lighting coverage.
7. Local Regulations: Some municipalities or regions may have specific regulations or guidelines for parking lot lighting design. Compliance with these regulations is essential when planning the spacing.

As a rough estimate, for traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide fixtures with a mounting height of around 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), spacing may range from 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters) or more. For LED fixtures with better light control and efficiency, spacing can be somewhat greater due to their ability to provide more targeted illumination.

It’s essential to engage a lighting professional or engineer to conduct a photometric analysis and develop a lighting plan tailored to the specific parking lot to ensure optimal lighting performance and energy efficiency.

How many foot candles for a parking lot?

The recommended foot-candle level for a parking lot can vary depending on the specific requirements of the location, the intended use of the parking lot, and local regulations. However, as a general guideline, here are some common foot-candle levels for different types of parking lots:

1. General Parking Lots: For most general parking lots with low to moderate traffic and no specific security concerns, the average foot-candle level can range from 1 to 5 fc (10 to 50 lux). This provides enough illumination for drivers to navigate safely and pedestrians to move around.
2. High-Traffic Areas: In high-traffic areas or places with complex layouts, it may be necessary to increase the average foot-candle level to ensure better visibility. A range of 5 to 10 fc (50 to 100 lux) might be more suitable in such cases.
3. Pedestrian Walkways: If the parking lot has designated pedestrian walkways or crossing areas, it is important to provide higher foot-candle levels in these sections. A range of 5 to 10 fc (50 to 100 lux) or more can enhance safety for pedestrians.
4. Security and Surveillance Areas: In parking lots where security is a significant concern, such as in commercial or industrial settings, higher foot-candle levels are recommended to reduce potential hiding spots and improve surveillance. Foot-candle levels between 10 to 20 fc (100 to 200 lux) or more may be appropriate for these areas.
5. Loading Zones and Entrance/Exit Ramps: For loading zones or entrance/exit ramps, higher light levels are necessary for safety during loading and unloading activities or when vehicles are entering or leaving the parking lot. Foot-candle levels of 10 to 20 fc (100 to 200 lux) are commonly used in these areas.

It’s important to note that local regulations or lighting standards may dictate specific foot-candle requirements for parking lots in different regions. Additionally, energy efficiency and light pollution considerations may also influence the final lighting design.

To determine the precise foot-candle levels for a particular parking lot, a lighting professional or engineer should conduct a photometric analysis and take into account factors such as mounting height, fixture type, light distribution, and uniformity requirements. This ensures that the lighting design meets the necessary safety and visibility standards while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and light spillage.

What is the British standard for car park lighting?

British standard for car park lighting is BS EN 12464-2:2014. This standard is part of the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is titled “Light and lighting – Lighting of work places – Part 2: Outdoor work places.” It provides guidance on the appropriate lighting levels and lighting design for outdoor workspaces, including car parks.

Keep in mind that standards might be updated or revised over time, so it’s essential to check with the latest version of the standard through the British Standards Institution or other authoritative sources to ensure compliance with current regulations.

How many watts is a parking light bulb?

The wattage of a parking light bulb can vary depending on the specific vehicle make and model, as well as the type of bulb used. In most cases, parking light bulbs have lower wattage compared to headlights or other main lighting systems.

Typically, parking light bulbs can range from around 3 watts to 10 watts. However, as automotive technology and lighting systems evolve, LED bulbs are becoming more common, and they tend to consume less power compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

To find the exact wattage of the parking light bulb for a specific vehicle, it is best to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a manufacturer or dealership for accurate information. Additionally, when replacing a bulb, you can check the markings on the old bulb or packaging of the new bulb to determine its wattage.