Installing a proper lighting system for your business is almost a science so it is important to consult with a professional for the best commercial lighting tips available. Typically a business requires more lighting and special considerations than a home in a residential area. Not only do you have to deal with indoor lighting for both employee and customer needs, but also outdoor lighting as well.
Lighting needs for businesses are likely to be similar whether you work in a mid-sized city or a larger one. Electricians with proper certification and training will help you navigate your journey through choosing the proper type of lights for both indoor and outdoor situations as well as the best installation locations. They will also be able to take into account current ambient lighting, the right lamp technology, choosing the right controls such as motion sensor or timers, fixture configurations, proper visibility and more.
Inside Lighting Considerations
One of the most important commercial lighting tips to consider is emergency exit lighting. What happens when your business loses power due to an outage or an emergency like a fire? You and your employees need to be able to see to safely exit the building. Exit signs and lights with battery back-ups are ideal in this situation.
Licensed, professional electrical contractors can help you choose the appropriate lighting scheme for your business indoors, whether you have a small shop which requires illuminated front window displays or a warehouse type of facility with larger, brighter lighting needs. For instance, for large, open spaces, you might be presented with options like high intensity discharge (HID) lights or fluorescent high bay fixtures.
Outdoor Options for Commercial Applications
As a business owner, you have to be cognizant of how your outdoor lighting affects your commercial neighbors, surrounding traffic areas and even nearby suburban neighborhoods. An improperly installed floodlight may inadvertently blind drivers at night, shine brightly into nearby homes or create shadowed areas around an illuminated area. Wallpack lights installed on the side of buildings may present similar problems.
A professional electrician from your area will likely understand and take into account city codes and laws which govern construction and commercial lighting. Tips may include installing wallbox lighting or shielded fixtures that aim illumination downward instead of upward and outward, which is basically useless. Downlighting signage and using internally lighted signs are additional outdoor options.
If you are looking at eco-friendly and energy efficient lighting for your business, an electrician can present options to you for review. For instance, you can install programmed lighting which shuts off at a certain time every day or motion-activated lighting which turns on only when a person enters a room. The same principle applies for parking lot and business entrance lighting after-hours.
The bottom line is that an electrical contractor can help you with a number of commercial lighting tips and even steer you in the right direction should you need to apply for permits. With professional lighting help, you will not only be able to comply with the law but save money and energy in the long run.