Find out how LED lights and smart lighting controls are used in a wide variety of commercial lighting applications
Well thought out and well-executed lighting is important for any commercial space. More than just for aesthetics, commercial lighting needs to provide safe, comfortable, and dependable light no matter the application. Since we have learned more about the benefits of proper commercial lighting in recent years, many businesses are looking for ways to improve their lighting fixtures and
What is Smart Commercial Lighting?
Combining LEDs with smart lighting controls creates intuitive and energy-saving lighting applications
Smart commercial lighting creates a better environment for employees and customers.
When we talk about smart lighting, we are talking about a network of lighting fixtures connected to a smart lighting control system capable of automation and reporting. The smart lighting controls use sensors and other devices to report on and control fixtures throughout the property. Though these devices are capable of automation, a building manager is also able to input settings that fit the needs of the space. To facilitate communication between the smart lighting controls and the fixtures, each
By choosing intelligent lighting applications over outdated methods, businesses can improve the quality of their indoor lighting, pull important metrics from the building management system, and decrease total energy consumption. Because of these benefits, more companies are choosing to overhaul their current lighting setup in favor of something that saves on both labor and energy costs.
Since commercial lighting applications are often large projects in public transportation, healthcare facilities, warehouses, factories, retail locations, and restaurants, owners can make a significant difference in
Now that we’ve defined what smart commercial lighting is and how smart lighting controls work, let’s take a look at a few of the different types of lighting commonly used in commercial buildings.
What Are the Different Types of Commercial Lighting?
Using smart lighting controls, various types of lighting fixtures can be controlled simultaneously
A visual example of a task lighting setup.
As we previously mentioned, to take advantage of all of the benefits of smart lighting controls, LED fixtures are required. Because of the flexibility in light output, low voltage operations, and ability to communicate with a building management system LEDs are slowly becoming industry standard for all commercial properties. Here are a few examples of how LED lighting fixtures can be used in commercial buildings:
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is commonly used across all types of commercial developments. Previously, fluorescent CFL tubes were the most common way for large indoor spaces—like warehouses— to achieve sufficient lighting levels. Now,
Task Lighting
Unlike recessed lighting,
Outdoor Lighting
For businesses that are looking to improve their security or improve the look of their outdoor lighting landscape, smart LED fixtures are the perfect solution. There are a few different types of lighting fixtures that will improve outdoor lighting for large and small properties.
Shoebox lights—for example—are used as parking lots or street lighting and can better illuminate these spaces at night time, creating a safer environment for all employees and visitors. LED
Wall pack lights can also be used to illuminate the exterior of a building, though these lights are usually much smaller and are mostly used to illuminate parking spaces. Most commercial properties will require all three types of outdoor lighting in some capacity to complete their lighting profile.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is another common commercial lighting application. Used frequently in museums and
Lamps
Smart lighting applications are not necessarily limited to large-scale upgrades, implementing smart tech at a desk level is also beneficial for both employees and managers. Desk lamps using LED lights can better illuminate a workspace and can be controlled remotely by any worker using a smart device. That way, if someone forgets to turn off a lamp at their workspace, they can use a device to remotely turn the light off—as long as there is an internet connection.
What Are the Best Practices for Lighting Commercial Spaces?
Before businesses begin overhauling their lighting, it is important to research commercial lighting best practices
Lighting design needs to fit the needs of all employees and visitors.
While it is important to update lighting to LEDs to get the best lighting quality and conserve energy, lighting design is just as important. Without a clear vision, businesses can easily encounter issues once the new lighting is installed. That’s why we’re reviewing a few lighting design principles to pay attention to while designing smart commercial lighting applications.
Decide on a Lighting Profile
The first thing that should be done when planning a commercial lighting installation or overhaul is goal setting. What do you want to achieve with lighting? What do you want people to think/feel when they enter space? Try brainstorming a few characteristics you want for your lighting and begin to work out the lighting design based on those characteristics. For example, a restaurant space will require cozy, warm lighting while a warehouse space will require bright and efficient lighting. By first deciding on a
Use Lighting to Promote Sales in Retail Spaces
For brick and mortar retail businesses, lighting is extremely important for enticing customers. In retail lighting, it is essential for businesses to properly light their store so their products look appealing both on display inside of the store and in the windows. Every retail space relies heavily on lighting design to make sure all of the products are
Avoid Overlighting
One of the easiest mistakes businesses make when it comes to lighting design is overlighting. With all of the innovations and lighting controls, it can be easy to apply
While this is far from a complete overview of smart commercial lighting applications, we hope that you learned a few of the basic principles and a bit more about how smart lighting works. As businesses continue to update their lighting, smart LED fixtures will slowly become the industry standard for all types of commercial properties. If your business is still using outdated lighting, the best time to upgrade is right now!
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