Lighting provides the basic infrastructure to task spaces. The basic needs of any task based environment is high end lighting supply which fulfills not just the general lighting needs but also adds ambiance to it. Warehouses are the backbone of every industry and in such places all the raw materials are stored. So these storage areas require lighting all the time for efficient supply of goods.
Warehouses are storage spaces with high ceilings which extend above 40 feet. These spaces are lined with storage shelves extending to the roof and also have large open space for loading and unloading of goods. Light tends to be the most important factor in such spaces to enhance visibility and facilitate the workers in the facility for their ease and efficiency.
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Creating a layout
The layout is roughly an estimate of the area which requires illumination. It is calculated and created by determining the area and the ceiling height of the space. Industrial spaces all have tall ceilings and huge areas to cover. Since these spaces are isolated and have large walls they barely have any natural light source which can effectively illuminate the space for productivity and safety.
The first step is calculating the area and ceiling height then dividing the zones according to their purpose. This step helps in selecting the most appropriate fixture for the space and helps with calculating the lumen output, number and placement of the fixture.
It is recommended to hire a lighting contractor for large spaces as they have an advanced approach towards calculations and have better offers for any layout.
Choosing the light fixtures
After calculating the basic needs it is effective to choose LED light fixtures. The LED manufacturers have introduced LED high bay lights for warehouses and industries as they are quite powerful and fulfil almost all the needs of these setups.
LED high bay lights are available in two major designs: Linear and round. For larger applications linear fixtures are quite appropriate as they fill a large space with bright and efficient lighting whereas round high bay lights are for comparatively smaller spaces yet they are also quite powerful.
In warehouses the layout carries shelves where light is essential at all elevation levels hence the use of round high bay lights is preferable. Round high bay lights are also called UFO high bays due to their saucer-like shape. The diameter of the fixture extends around 15-22 inches and it carries an integrated LED chip which is covered by glass or polycarbonate lens. The fixture is also compatible with different types of reflectors which allow the light to be directed at different elevation levels as well as downwards.
In order to create a sustainable layout it is essential to work with the present values. To read more about which kind of LED light fixtures are efficient in industries and task spaces check this buying guide.
Advantages of LED light fixtures for warehouses
For task spaces it is essential to have a layout and it is as sustainable as it gets. Few major advantages of LED lighting in warehouses are:
Higher efficiency
LED lighting is much more efficient than traditional options like incandescent HPS and HID lamps. These lamps were the go to choice as they were much brighter than CFL types but rather inefficient when it comes to industrial spaces where lighting is an essential need round the clock. LEDs on the other hand produce higher lumens and also consume very little fraction of power. They can help save up to 80% of the expenses on electricity consumption.
Moreover LED light fixtures have built in heatsink which efficiently dissipates heat in the surrounding and keeps the fixture cool and functional. These lights also do not produce heat like traditional lamps do and malfunction.
Directional lighting
LED lighting is pairable with reflectors of many different types. It allows the light to be directed at any elevation levels which is specifically important in warehouses where the shelves require optimal brightness for enhanced visibility. It improves security as well.
Smart lighting technology
Ambiance is the biggest factor in the layout. The light must be easy on the eyes and facilitate the tasks relative to the environment. These lights have switchable CCT ( correlated colour temperature) on a kelvin scale ranging from 2500K to 6000K where they are able to produce warm yellow to bright daylight like light. Some of these lights allow remote control options where it is easy to switch the ambiance. They also have motion sensors which saves a lot of energy as they only light up when they detect motion of an object or presence. They are dimmable and also highly advanced for any kind of futuristic layout.
Environment friendly
LED lighting technology is built for the feasibility of people. These lights work on green light technology and produce ambient and healthy light which is glare free and does not produce any harmful radiation. It is known to enhance the productivity of people working under it and reduce the complaints of headaches or migraines due to unnatural flicker and buzzing sounds from the fixture as well.
It becomes sustainable as these lights last for around 11-15 years in most cases requiring maintenance very rarely. They are quite sustainable and ensure effective working conditions which benefit the workers and business owners equally.