Jennifer Castillo, Author at LED Spot

How to Choose the Right Barn Lighting

Posted on November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Are you considering investing in the rustic, vintage charm of barn lighting? Here are some considerations on how to choose the right barn lighting:

Consider your space and application
Model your lighting goals with photometric analysis
Determine the right fixtures and style for your project
Bring in the lighting installation professionals when it is time to set your lights up

Barn lighting is prized for its old-world aesthetic and effectiveness in many applications. By following the process above, you will choose the right barn lighting for your setting.

Choose the Best Barn Lighting for Your Application

Barn lighting has been around in some form for more than a century, so there are plenty of fixtures to choose from. Modern barn lights are also compatible with LED lighting technology, which provides superior energy efficiency, longevity and performance. If you are considering LED barn fixtures for your home or business, here are the details on how to choose the right lights:

Consider your space and application – What will you use your barn lighting for and where will it be installed? If you are putting together a residential lighting project, you are likely installing barn lighting for their aesthetic qualities and to add accent or decorative illumination to your space. If your barn lights are intended for a commercial application, aesthetics may still be a concern, but you will also need to factor in the light’s performance in various applications, such as security or signage lighting applications. Some barn lights are a better fit for accent, signage or security applications than others.If you are unsure whether a particular barn light will meet your lighting project’s needs, an expert lighting company can provide valuable insight into your fixture and lamp selection. However, before a lighting professional can expertly guide your project, you will need to roughly map out your lighting objectives.
Model your lighting goals with photometric analysis – Lighting professionals utilize photometric analysis to precisely model projected lighting values throughout the space once the barn lights are installed. This process provides an advance look at what your barn lighting system will look like, and how it will illuminate the space.This software-based analysis is used to build a computerized model of the project area. Various LED fixtures are positioned in the model to see how they would perform in real life. Photometric analysis derives its lighting data from the manufacturers themselves, so it is accurate and precise.
If your professional lighting partner uses photometric analysis for its projects, they will be able to optimally position and aim the barn lights for your application. This approach is particularly important for commercial and industrial settings, where maximizing lighting efficiency and coverage while also minimizing lighting trespass and pollution onto neighboring properties. Photometric analysis guarantees your barn lighting project will not violate local lighting ordinances.
Determining the right size and style for your project – Part of choosing the right barn lighting is selecting the appropriate fixture size and design for the application.Barn lighting is available in several fixture designs and in a staggering array of styles. Contemporary, modern, rustic and geometric are some of the options, and the right choice here will come down to aesthetic preference or to ensure a visual match with your facilities and existing fixtures.
The options between different types of barn fixtures include gooseneck fixtures, pendant fixtures, ceiling-mounted fixtures and wall-mounted fixtures. Each one is designed for different applications.

Gooseneck fixtures are so named because the fixture features a curved “neck” that resembles a goose’s neck. These barn lights are typically used in sign lighting or accent lighting applications, as they are closely associated with a vintage aesthetic that attracts attention. They are also effective at illuminating a small target like a sign.

Pendant fixtures are suspended from the ceiling using a long chain or cable, so they are usually installed right over the intended target. These fixtures are used exclusively for task or accent lighting applications, and they are also ideal for illuminating smaller areas. Pendant fixtures, like gooseneck fixtures, are available in an impressive array of aesthetic designs, so they can be matched to any space or facility.

Ceiling-mounted fixtures are attached directly to the ceiling and are therefore placed further away from the intended target. Also termed bay lights, ceiling-mounted fixtures are the right barn light for workshops and areas where visibility and even lighting coverage are the priorities. A lighting expert can help determine which bay lights to choose to ensure adequate lighting coverage for your project.

Wall-mounted fixtures, also known as wall pack lights, are typically used in security or general lighting applications. As the name suggests, they are mounted to walls – interior or exterior – and can therefore be placed nearly anywhere. When choosing the right barn lights for your application, wall pack lights can boost visibility in areas where it is important, but they are not considered the first choice where aesthetics are a concern. As such, wall pack fixtures are often combined with other barn lights to create the desired look.

Lighting Experts Can Help with Choosing or Installing the Right Barn Lights

Barn lights bring classic charm and excellent versatility to any residential or commercial application. The question is: Which barn lights are the right choice for your project? Another important consideration is who will install them? A professional lighting crew can assist with both, with expert insight and photometric analysis that will optimize your barn lighting system.

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

There are almost as many outdoor lighting fixtures as there are outdoor lighting projects. Whether used for safety, security, efficiency or aesthetic reasons, exterior lighting fixtures are available in many forms, including the following:

Parking lot and street lighting
Sports arena and sports court lighting
Wall packs and other security lighting options
Landscaping lighting
Sign lighting fixtures, like gooseneck lights

These are only a small portion of the exterior lighting applications that an expert lighting company can assist with. The impressive versatility and performance that LED lighting technology offers means that a lighting expert can source LEDs for any outdoor lighting project.

The challenge is choosing the right outdoor lighting fixtures for your project, as there are many to pick from. Read on to learn how to identify the best LED lights for your exterior lighting project.

A Practical Guide for Choosing the Right Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Whether you are installing new fixtures for safety, security or productivity reasons, the goal is to choose a set of exterior lights that offer the best combination of performance, reliability and cost effectiveness. Which lighting fixtures fit the job? That will depend on your application. Here are some examples:

Parking lot and street lighting fixtures – If you are setting up a new set of parking lot lights, LEDs are now the industry standard. LED parking lot fixtures are less expensive to operate and maintain than all other lighting technologies. They also outperform metal halides and high-pressure sodium fixtures in both lighting quality and consistency. LEDs render colors better, distribute illumination more evenly, start up much faster and are easier to control with dimmers, occupancy sensors and other advanced control options.
When choosing LED parking lot fixtures, the primary consideration is light distribution. How will the light be shaped and sized to fit your property? LED parking lot fixtures are available in several distribution patterns. Some throw light forward and some distribute light around and near the pole.
Experienced lighting companies utilize specialized software known as photometric technology to visualize outdoor lighting projects before installing fixtures. Lighting designers use photometric analysis to plug in lamp and fixture data, and use it to position those fixtures in a software-generated model of your property. This process identifies the ideal fixtures, lighting poles and fixture positioning with precision. If your business is trying to choose the right outdoor lights for your parking lot, consider partnering with a lighting professional who offers photometric analysis.
Sports arena and sports court lighting fixtures – LED lighting has also taken over sports lighting applications, from small neighborhood parks to massive outdoor arenas. When choosing outdoor lighting fixtures for a sports arena or court, lighting distribution is also important, but consistency is paramount. Whether it’s a tennis court, a baseball field, a soccer pitch, a rodeo arena, or a pickleball court, it is critical that the lights produce even illumination across the entire playing area.
This is measured using a min/max ratio, which describes the difference in lighting intensity between the darkest and brightest parts of the court or arena. The smaller the number, the less difference between these endpoint values.
Some sports, like pickle ball and baseball, require tight min/max ratios to ensure safe play (think small ball moving fast). When setting up sports lighting, make sure your outdoor fixtures meet or exceed this min/max ratio for optimal lighting consistency.
Wall packs and other security lighting fixtures – LED lighting is ideal for security applications as the technology is prized for its instant-on functionality, controllability and excellent color rendering.
Wall pack fixtures are a popular security lighting option as they can be installed just about anywhere. Flood lights are another proven option for security fixtures.
The primary concern with outdoor security fixtures is controllability. The LED lights will need to light up instantly when they are needed, and lighting controls make that happen. When choosing outdoor security lights, pick LEDs that are compatible with modern lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors which can be tied to the fixtures and used to instantly switch them on as soon as movement or activity is detected.
Another important consideration is color rendering. Prioritize high-CRI LEDs when setting up security lights to ensure high quality surveillance images or video recordings.
Landscaping lighting fixtures – When choosing outdoor lighting fixtures for landscaping purposes, the shape of the fixture’s output beam matters and will have a big impact on how your landscape lighting looks.
For example, if your landscaping includes accent pieces like a fountain or sculpture, a bullet fixture will provide the spot-like pattern that is ideal for a single subject. If you are lighting trees or walls, uplights and wall washers are ideal fixture options. If you are illuminating bushes, shrubs or other large, landscaped areas, flood lights may work best.
Sign lighting fixtures – Effective sign lighting ensures your business is visible at night. LED outdoor fixtures are the choice for signage applications as they render color well and provide 5-10x the lifespan of other lighting technologies.
When choosing exterior LEDs for signage, reliability is essential. Choose a gooseneck or signage fixture that is rated for an extended lifespan, and one that is IP-rated for your application environment.
IP (ingress protection) ratings specify the fixture’s ability to withstand exposure to dust, dirt and water. The IP rating is expressed as a two-digit number, with the first number (from 0-6) describing its protection against solids (dust) and the second (from 0-9) describing its protection against water intrusion. Aim for signage fixtures with at least a listed IP65 or IP66 rating to ensure they will handle the elements without incident.

There is a Lot to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Durability, reliability, performance, controllability and appearance are all critical considerations when choosing exterior lights. How these factors are weighed and applied will depend on your outdoor application, and this can make the decision difficult.

If the selection process feels overwhelming, an experienced lighting company can provide an optimal lighting solution for your property and application.

The Importance of EPA Wind Ratings

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

The EPA wind rating of a light fixture refers to the maximum wind speed the fixture can withstand before it is at risk of failure. This failure could be with the luminaire itself, or a failure with the fixture or the hardware connecting it to a light pole.

There is a lot to consider regarding wind, so when installing a new lighting system, the installation team must factor in each fixture’s EPA wind rating to ensure it will not pose a risk to people during stormy weather.

How are EPA Wind Ratings Determined for Lighting Fixtures?

Calculating a fixture’s EPA wind rating requires complex math and a lot of data. EPA is an acronym for effective projected area (EPA), referring to the fixture’s total surface area when you add up the surface area of all wind-exposed faces.

Here is an example: Imagine a fixture that is pyramid shaped. If you view the fixture from the side, it looks like a triangle. If you view the fixture from below, you will see the base of the pyramid is square. Both faces will have different surface areas individually, but because they are both exposed to the wind, they are both factored into a fixture’s EPA wind rating. It is like the old shape folding questions from your high school tests – how much total surface area does a 3D object have once you calculate that surface area for every face? Of course, lighting fixtures can be extremely complex geometrically, so the math may involve hundreds of individual faces.

That is the EPA part of the equation, but there are other factors that influence a fixture’s wind rating. The fixture’s drag coefficient is used with its EPA to determine wind ratings. A fixture’s drag coefficient is unique to the fixture and is partly dependent on its shape and material composition, as material density has a big impact on how that material responds to wind pressures.

Drag coefficients are derived from real-world operational data that may take years to completely refine. This is because they are based on complex fluid dynamics that change from one second to the next with prevailing wind conditions.

Fortunately, it is not necessary for property owners to understand the math behind EPA wind ratings. All property owners need to know is what a fixture’s EPA wind rating means and how it will guide a lighting project.

What Does a Lighting Fixture’s EPA Wind Rating Mean?

EPA wind ratings are listed as a single value that corresponds with the fixture’s maximum wind tolerance, expressed in miles per hour. For instance, if a fixture has an EPA wind rating of 100, it is not considered a failure risk until wind speeds reach 100 mph or higher.

Lighting installers consider a fixture’s EPA wind rating when selecting fixtures for exposed exterior applications like parking lot and stadium lighting applications.

Every part of the U.S. is part of one of several “wind regions,” ranging from 70 mph to 150 mph (or more, in a few isolated areas). These are expected maximum wind speed values, save extreme circumstances like a hurricane or tornado.

Each fixture’s EPA wind rating must be greater than the max wind speed in their wind region to be considered a safe installation option. Lighting installers ensure that the fixtures they use meet this specification, along with any hardware or other additions to the fixture that may influence its EPA wind rating.

When Do Lighting Installers Consider EPA Wind Ratings?

EPA wind ratings are obviously only important for exterior lighting applications where wind exposure is expected. Some common examples include:

Parking lot lighting systems
Stadium lighting systems
Park and public space lighting systems
Street lighting systems
Security lighting systems

Why Professional Lighting Installers Should Handle Your Exterior Lighting Project

If your new lights will be tested by intense wind pressures, it is important that an expert lighting crew select, position and install those fixtures. Here is what the professionals bring to the project:

An expanded selection of compatible fixtures – The lighting experts are accustomed to installing lights in outdoor settings where intense winds are expected. This experience means your lighting partner will know which fixtures to select for your project.
Smart installation practices to minimize wind impacts – Ultimately, the fixture’s EPA wind rating will determine whether it is appropriate for a particular job, experienced lighting companies can optimize a fixture’s wind resistance by pairing it with the right lighting poles and hardware. In short, the lighting experts can maximize your lighting’s wind safety.
Superior lighting results – The lighting experts will provide the best possible look, performance and efficiency, given the parameters of your project – including wind concerns. Lighting professionals use specialized in photometric design software to optimally select and arrange a new set of lights, so property owners end up with a wind-safe lighting system that will not compromise on performance or durability.

Lighting Experts Understand the Importance of EPA Wind Ratings and How to Apply Them

Exterior lighting fixtures are potential safety risks if they are not properly installed and secured which is why it is important to work with a reputable lighting expert who understands EPA wind ratings and the various zones in the U.S.

When property owners work with a reputable lighting company they can rest assured that their lighting team will pay attention to those EPA wind ratings and ensure all wind-related hazards are accounted for when setting up a lighting system.

Commercial Christmas Tree Size Guide

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

During the holiday season, Christmas trees are the focal point of many eye-catching displays. If your commercial property is setting up a display of its own, the right-sized artificial Christmas tree will make a statement. When assessing the size of a Christmas tree, there is more to consider than just height. The tree’s diameter and fullness are other important considerations.

Read the following commercial Christmas tree size guide to make it easier to choose the ideal tree for your business.

What’s the Right Size for a Commercial Christmas Tree?

Height and diameter are the measurements of interest when choosing a Christmas tree. And between the two, height will largely steer the decision, so the recommendation is to base the main part of your decision by the ceiling height. If you are setting up a display in an outdoor space, the sky is the limit, literally.

When determining the ideal height of the tree for the space, it is important to include the tree stand height and dimensions in the calculations. In general, aim for a Christmas tree that leaves at least 6-12 inches of clearance between the top of the tree and the ceiling. This includes anything placed on top of the tree – like a tree-topper ornament or other decorations. The higher the ceiling, the more clearance you will want to leave for appearance reasons. So, if your ceiling height is 20 feet high, you will need a Christmas tree that is no more than 19 feet high. If you anticipate adding a topper, choose a slightly shorter tree.

For commercial spaces, the preferred range of Christmas tree sizes sit between 12 and 50 feet high.

Whether your Christmas tree is tall or short, fullness is another important factor. Options generally include:

Full

A full artificial Christmas tree has the classic profile and shape that most people prefer.

Slim

Slim trees provide all of the height of a Christmas tree, with a reduced diameter that makes it easier to fit in tighter spaces.

Wide

Wide Christmas trees have an expanded diameter that is ideal for filling larger commercial spaces.

Sparse

Sparse Christmas trees have a reduced number of branches and allow light to peek through. They are designed to look more like natural trees.

Some Christmas trees may also be termed flatback, which are trees designed to sit flush against the wall while still appearing like a full Christmas tree. This can be an ideal option for businesses without a lot of space.

There are also flocked trees, which are designed to look like Christmas trees after a fresh snow, with a dusting of artificial snow that adds volume and color to the tree. Flocked trees are available in a range of colors in addition to white.

What Kinds of Artificial Christmas Trees are Available?

Size and fullness are often a matter of available space, but the type of Christmas tree you choose is a matter of personal preference, and there is a large variety to choose from. Some of the most popular options include the following:

Eagle Frasier Fir – The Frasier Fir embodies the shape and profile of a classic Christmas tree, with a conical crown and upward-angled branches that are ideal for hanging Christmas ornaments from. Most Frasier Firs intended for Christmas displays sit under 8 feet tall, but they can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Our Eagle Frasier trees are available in unlit and pre-lit varieties at different heights. Our 12-foot pre-lit Eagle Frasier tree comes with 2,000 white or multi-color LED lights, while our 14-foot Eagle Frasier is designed with 2,750 white or multi-color LED lights.
Norwood Pine – The Norwood Pine is a tall, slender tree that’s often nicknamed the Norwood Pencil for its shape. As such, this is an ideal choice for tighter commercial spaces, or for Christmas displays that include several trees.
Our Norwood Pine trees come unlit standard, but pre-lit varieties are available on request.
Oregon Fir – The Oregon Fir, or Douglas Fir, is another iconic Christmas tree native to western and northwestern America. Oregon Firs can grow extremely tall – sometimes up to 300 feet tall. For Christmas display purposes, artificial Douglas Firs are available in a range of heights.
Our Oregon Fir trees are also available in unlit and pre-lit models. Our 12-foot pre-lit Oregon Fir is made with 37 branches (each 26” in length) and 4,600 white or multi-color lights. We offer Oregon Fir trees up to 20 feet in height – which are made with 111 branches and 12,000 warm or multi-color LED lights.
Grand Teton – Grand Teton Christmas trees are wonders to behold, with full branches, wide bases and impressive heights. Grand Teton trees are available in heights up to 40 feet high or more, making them a go-to option for outdoor displays and grand indoor displays with higher ceilings.
Our Grand Teton Christmas trees are available in a large range of sizes and can also be pre-lit on request. For example, our 12-foot Grand Tetons are made with 18 branches and 3,400 warm or multi-color LED lights. Our massive 26-foot Grand Teton has a robust 89 total branches and more than 14,000 warm or multi-color LED lights.

LED Lights Can Enhance a Christmas Tree Display

Many artificial Christmas trees are now available in pre-lit varieties that can help businesses get a head start on decorating. If pre-lit Christmas trees are the right choice for your holiday display, LED lights offer several benefits to your holiday display, including:

Better bulb lifespan – LED Christmas lights last much longer than incandescent and halogen lights. Although bulb life varies from one manufacturer to another, you can expect to get a few more years out of your LED lights, compared to alternative options.
Better energy efficiency – LED lighting is the most energy efficient on the market. Compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs, LED lights only consume about 10 percent of the wattage to produce an equivalent amount of illumination. That means lower energy costs and less heat output – which are both important considerations for a public holiday display.
Better controllability – LED lighting is also the most controllable option on the market. It can be paired with dimmers, timers, and occupancy controls, so you can program the lights to switch on or off depending on whether anyone is near the tree. LEDs can also be programmed to blink, race, change color and output a variety of interesting effects.

LED lighting is used in a huge variety of commercial applications. That now includes commercial Christmas tree displays, where their added efficiency and longevity ensure the tree can be used for many years without the lights burning out.

Set Up the Perfect Holiday Display with the Right Sized Christmas Tree

As the focal point of your holiday display, your Christmas trees should command the space. That starts with picking a tree that is appropriately sized for your display. Stick with a tree that sits within 6-12 inches of your ceiling height, and one that looks full without interfering with foot traffic. If your tree will require lighting, LED lights are the top option for their lifespan and controllability. If you’re unsure if a particular Christmas tree will meet your space’s needs, a commercial lighting expert can provide guidance in this area, as many lighting professionals work with commercial clients to set up their holiday displays.

Gooseneck Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Gooseneck lighting has been used in outdoor spaces for decades, initially for barns, warehouses and industrial areas. Today, it remains a popular choice for property owners, but it’s no longer confined to the above rustic settings. Now, gooseneck lighting can be found in the following applications:

Exterior signage lighting
Entrance lighting
Security lighting
Warehouse and loading dock lighting
Path and walkway lighting

There are several benefits of gooseneck lighting for outdoor spaces, but the technology is at its best when paired with LED luminaires.

Advantages of LED gooseneck lights for outdoor areas

Gooseneck fixtures bring several benefits to every commercial property, including:

Targeted illumination – Gooseneck fixtures are defined by their curved stem that’s shaped like a goose’s neck. A primary advantage of this stem shape is how it aims illumination. Gooseneck fixtures emit tight spots that can be targeted at signs, entrances and other important exterior elements, with minimal excess. The result is an aesthetically pleasing look that gets attention.
Modern or vintage appearance – The curved stem of a gooseneck light gives away its mid-20th century origins, but it’s a timeless look that is equally appropriate in modern or vintage applications. With its versatile aesthetic, gooseneck fixtures offer a visual boost wherever they’re placed.
Easy, anywhere installation – Gooseneck fixtures are made with a compact, simple design that can be installed anywhere they’re needed. This includes exterior facades, overhangs, billboards, door frames and more. Gooseneck lighting’s installation versatility means it can go where many other fixtures can’t.

Overall, gooseneck lighting improves a business’s curb appeal, draws attention to where it’s needed and does so in a versatile fixture package.

And with LED lighting, gooseneck fixtures are even more effective.

How LED lights improve gooseneck fixtures

LED lighting technology is now adapted for an impressive range of lighting fixtures, including gooseneck fixtures. When paired together, here’s how gooseneck fixtures and LEDs can improve exterior lighting applications:

Superior lighting performance – LED lighting is known for its energy efficiency, and for good reason. Switching from older lighting options to LEDs can save a business hundreds or thousands every year in utilities.
What doesn’t get as much attention is LED lighting’s performance. LED lights are characterized by their even, flawless illumination that isn’t marred by hotspots or dead spots. It’s a clean look that improves the appearance of anything it’s aimed at.
Excellent color rendering – Some LED lights are available in high-CRI models that render color with precise accuracy. This is important for outdoor signage or displays, or for billboards, where accurate color rendering can greatly improve the way a sign looks.
Long-lasting lighting solution – LED gooseneck lights last much longer than fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide or high pressure sodium lights. On average, property owners can expect 50,000 hours or more from their LED gooseneck lamps before they need to be replaced. LED’s closest competitor in this area – fluorescent lights – only provide around 20,000 hours of illumination before replacement, on average. With fewer lamp replacements to invest in, property owners can limit their maintenance-related overhead.
Instant lighting availability – LED lighting technology is also distinguished from other lighting options because of its instant-on functionality. As soon as LED fixtures receive power, they provide illumination, which is valuable for outdoor applications that call for instant light when it’s needed – like in security lighting applications.
Complete controllability – LED lighting is designed for total compatibility with modern lighting controls – including dimmers, timers, photocells and various occupancy sensors. This controllability is useful for reducing waste, as gooseneck lighting systems can be configured to shut off during the day or dim down when no one is nearby. Occupancy controls can also limit waste when used with walkways and other outdoor spaces.
LED’s controllability is also valuable for security lighting applications, where linking occupancy controls to security fixtures can provide instant-anywhere illumination.

An experienced lighting company can provide effective gooseneck lighting solutions for outdoor spaces

Gooseneck lighting is purpose-built for outdoor spaces, providing quality illumination and improved aesthetics for commercial applications. It’s more than a good-looker, too, because gooseneck fixtures can provide targeted lighting for task or general lighting purposes in exterior areas.

Given its versatility, gooseneck lighting can serve in a variety of roles for commercial or industrial properties. The challenge is proper lamp selection and proper fixture positioning. This is where an experienced lighting professional can prove valuable.

Lighting experts have access to a deep inventory of LED lamps and gooseneck fixtures, but more importantly, they have access to design technology and processes that ensure an optimal result.

For example, reputable lighting companies utilize photometric software to visualize installation projects before a single light is placed. With photometric software, lighting designers can simulate the project space and experiment with different LED gooseneck lamps and fixture positionings. During this process, photometric analysis software provides exact readings of lighting intensity at every square foot of the property, so your lighting team will know exactly how the lighting system will look before work begins.

If gooseneck lighting could improve your property’s look or function, consider consulting with a proven lighting installer to see where gooseneck fixtures could make the biggest impact on your property.

Repurposing a Court to Make a Pickleball Court

Posted on August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Pickleball is one of the country’s fastest growing sports, so it’s no surprise that many cities and municipalities are repurposing their sports courts for pickleball playing.

Many pickleball court conversion projects involve tennis courts. However, many overlook the fact that a basketball court is an ideal option when it comes to repurposing a court to make a pickleball court.

Why Basketball Courts are Ideal for Pickleball Conversions

Tennis and pickleball are both racquet sports played on surfaces that look a lot alike. When municipalities are searching for areas to install new pickleball courts, tennis is often the first choice. There’s a problem, though: Pickleball courts use markings and dimensions that don’t line up well with tennis courts.

A standard tennis court measures 36 x 78 feet, though most courts have an extended out-of-bounds area that brings the final size to 60 x 120 feet. A pickleball court is 20 x 44 feet, so it is possible to install four pickleball courts on a single tennis play surface. However, there won’t be much space between those courts, so getting a light between them is challenging. Court markings are an issue as well, and you will have to add several lines to the surface to make it usable for pickleball players.

Basketball courts are also large enough (94 x 50 feet) to repurpose into multiple pickleball courts. If fact, this space can accommodate three of them fitting next to each other comfortably, with plenty of room between them to install adequate lighting. Even better, the court lines used on a basketball court line up well with pickleball courts, making conversion easier.

Repurposing a Basketball Court for Pickleball

When repurposing a basketball court for pickleball players, you can use the division line (the line separating both halves of the court) for net placement. Alternatively, you can use the key (also called the free throw line) for the net’s placement.

That Is only one example of basketball and pickleball aligning well, dimension-wise. Other examples include:

The length from the division line to either basket is 47 feet – which is almost identical to the length of a pickleball court.
The length from the division line to the three-point line is 22 feet – the exact length needed for half of a pickleball court.
The width of the painted area is just a little over 20 feet – the perfect width for a pickleball court.

The point is that a basketball court requires fewer modifications to repurpose it into a pickleball court. The only thing you’ll need is a net, but portable pickleball nets are inexpensive and can easily be rolled out and put away when not in use. The standard height of a pickleball net is slightly lower than a tennis net (34″ vs. 36″), so while you can play pickleball using a tennis net, it is not recommended and may interfere with the game. As such, having tennis nets available doesn’t necessarily make for an easier conversion to pickleball courts.

Repurposing a Court for Pickleball: Lighting Considerations

If you are repurposing a court for pickleball, lighting will be a primary consideration. As many pickleball conversions involve tennis areas, it is worth considering the differences in lighting requirements between tennis and pickleball courts:

Tennis courts – For recreational level play, lighting should provide between 20 and 30 footcandles of luminous intensity, with a min/max ratio of 3.0.
Pickleball courts – For recreational level play, 30 footcandles are recommended as a minimum. A min/max ratio of 2.0 is recommended.

What should jump out is the min/max ratio. This describes the difference, in lighting intensity, between the brightest and darkest parts of the court. Pickleball has stricter requirements, as the brightest and darkest areas must be closer together in perceived brightness to the player – meaning less lighting contrast. Tighter min/max ratios are more difficult to achieve, therefore pickleball’s lighting requirements are stricter. A pickleball ball is smaller and flies quickly over short distances, so higher quality lighting that is properly positioned is required for play.

Lighting a Repurposed Pickleball Court

The above illumination requirements can be achieved with an LED lighting system designed by an experienced lighting company that can provide photometric analysis services.

Photometric analysis is a precise method of lighting design that allows the designer to visualize the project in detail before a single fixture is installed. This includes:

Calculating the exact footcandle values of every square foot of the property, using the current fixture and placement specifications.
Switching different fixtures and lights in and out to experiment with various configurations.
Ensuring all project requirements are met – in terms of optimizing illumination intensity and placement (i.e., no lighting trespass).
Calculating the expected power consumption (and its associated utility cost) of the current configuration.

In short, if your lighting partner can perform photometric analysis, they will be equipped to offer the most cost-efficient, best-performing system possible.

For example, pickleball courts are best illuminated with a set of four LED fixtures mounted on 20-foot-high poles. This provides an optimal mix of lighting coverage and intensity and can work with one or multiple courts.

Repurposing a Court for Pickleball? Don’t Forget the Lighting

When repurposing a court into a pickleball playing area, most of the focus will be placed on markings and the net, but the court’s lighting also needs attention. Brighter, sharper lights will be needed for your pickleball players – illumination that can be achieved by partnering with an experienced lighting provider who provides photometric analysis.

The Advances in Parking Lot Lighting

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Parking lots have been a vital part of the American landscape for many decades, and parking lot lighting has improved greatly over the years. Some of the most recent advancements in parking lot lighting include:

LED parking lot lights
Fixture shielding for LED lights
Smart controls for parking lot lighting systems
Photometric analysis for parking lot lighting design

Together, these advances in parking lot lighting provide a wealth of benefits to property owners, including better efficiency, improved performance, enhanced security and clearer visibility.

1. LED Parking Lot Lighting Improves Energy Efficiency, Reliability, Performance and Cost Effectiveness

LED lighting is the most important advancement in lighting over the past few decades. It appears that commercial property owners agree, as LED lighting solutions have replaced metal halide, fluorescent and other options as the primary lighting technology in the country. This trend will likely continue until LED lights are found in nearly every commercial lighting application imaginable, including parking lots.

In parking lot applications, LED lighting offers the following advantages:

Better energy efficiency – From its introduction, LED lighting has developed a reputation for being the energy efficient lighting option. Specifically, LEDs can output greater than 50 lumens per watt at the system level. Metal halides struggle to reach 30 watts per lumen. Put simply, LED parking lot lights generate more light per unit of energy.LEDs are able to achieve this for two reasons. One, the illumination-generating engine inside of an LED is far more precise, as it utilizes semiconductor technology instead of a heated filament. Two, LED lights produce directional illumination that can be aimed at the target without bulky reflectors. That means more light reaches the target. Metal halide fixtures emit light omnidirectionally, so much of it is wasted and often interferes with dark sky initiatives.
Extended lifespan and reduced maintenance – LED lighting products are the longest-lived lighting technology available. Whereas a metal halide will only provide around 10,000 hours of illumination before replacement is necessary, LEDs provide 50,000 hours (or more) of reliable, low-maintenance illumination. Newer high-performance LEDs can last even longer – up to 100,000 hours in some instances.A longer-lasting light provides longer-lasting value, which reduces replacement and maintenance costs.
Improved lighting performance and visibility – The initial challenge for LED lights was overcoming the performance advantage that other lighting technologies had over LEDs. That’s changed greatly in recent years and LED lighting systems now offer comparable or superior performance to metal halides and others. LED lighting solutions emit illumination evenly across the targeted surface, with minimal hotspots and shadows that could interfere with visibility.LEDs are also available in high-CRI models that can accurately render color, improving visibility at a distance and, by extension, safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Better controllability – As a product of modern engineering, LED lighting is built for compatibility with a range of modern lighting controls. This includes dimmers, timers, photocells and occupancy controls. In parking lots, this control allows property owners to dictate exactly how their LED lights are used. When no one is in the parking lot, the LEDs can be dimmed down, and vice versa. When motorists or pedestrians do walk nearby, the LEDs can brighten up.LED lighting has more specialized uses as well, which may be useful for parking lots. For example, LEDs can be programmed to change color when a vehicle enters a parking space, which can help motorists identify an open space from a distance.

Among all the available lighting improvements on the market, switching from an older technology to LED lighting provides the greatest impact.

2. Fixture Shielding Minimizes Light Pollution and Glare on Parking Lots

Parking lot lighting fixtures must meet increasingly strict lighting ordinances, including ordinances limiting light pollution. The goal for lighting designers – and parking lot owners – is to minimize any illumination trespassing onto neighboring properties.

Fixture shielding is a proven way to do this, and LED fixtures are a good fit for shielding. LEDs can be paired with full cut-off fixtures that screen out any illumination aimed above the horizon, without loss of performance. Again, this is due to LED technology’s directional nature, as the light can be aimed downwards.

By pairing fixture shielding with LED lights, parking lot owners can guarantee minimal uplighting (a primary driver of light pollution), glare and light trespass, making it easier for property owners to stay within ordinance requirements.

3. Photometric Analysis Maximizes Lighting System Value and Performance

During photometric analysis, lighting designers use visualization software to model a client’s parking lot and simulate a variety of lighting layouts. This enables the property owner to see how the system will look and perform once installed and in use.

The primary advantage with photometric analysis is that it ensures the lighting solution meets the client’s needs in terms of performance, efficiency and compliance with local lighting ordinances. Photometric analysis can tell the lighting designer exactly how much light each part of the parking lot is receiving, down to the square foot and footcandle.

Photometric analysis software also simulates using lighting data direct from the manufacturer. In other words, there is no guesswork involved, as each fixture behaves in the software as it would in a real-world application. The result is optimal energy efficiency and performance before a single fixture is installed.

LED Lights are Leading the Way in Parking Lot Lighting Advances

Parking lot lighting has taken major steps forward in recent decades, with LED lighting foremost among those advancements. Compared to parking lot lights from just a few decades ago, modern parking lot fixtures perform better, require less energy to operate, are easier to control and produce minimal lighting pollution. If your business is ready to improve its parking lot lighting, work with a reputable lighting expert for a photometric analysis that will ensure the best results for your property.

Benefits of LED Lights for Office Lighting

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

LED lighting is the number one choice for office buildings as the technology offers several benefits to commercial property owners. LED lights are beneficial as office lighting for the following reasons:

Better energy efficiency
Extended lifespan and reduced maintenance
Improved lighting performance and better safety
Precise, directional lighting
Reduced heat emissions
Enhanced controllability
A potential boost in worker productivity

Here is a closer look at each of these benefits, and why LEDs are making older lighting solutions obsolete in many office settings.

What are the Benefits of LED Office Lighting?

As previous lighting technologies are quickly becoming obsolete, LED lights have effectively taken over as the preferred lighting choice for most commercial applications. In an office environment, LED technology offers the following compelling benefits:

Improved energy efficiency – LEDs are the most energy efficient lighting solution on the market, and this advantage scales up with the size of the LED lighting system. At the source, an individual LED light has an efficacy (lumen-to-watt ratio) of nearly 100 lumens per watt. Some high-performance LED lights can achieve greater efficacies – some nearing 150 lumens per watt. Compare this to fluorescent lighting (about 70-80 lumens per watt) and metal halides (about 80-90 lumens per watt), both of which are becoming obsolete. LED has a modest advantage at the source level, but it is the system level where LED’s energy efficiency really takes off.
Improved lifespan and reduced maintenance – LED lights last far longer than previous lighting technologies, and it is common for an LED light to reach the 50,000-hour mark before lighting quality becomes a concern. That is several years of reliable illumination before replacement must be considered.

Fluorescent lighting fails between 15,000 and 20,000 hours, while metal halides fail around 10,000 hours or less.

With its enhanced longevity, LED lights require less maintenance and fewer bulb replacements. That helps keep maintenance-related overhead in check.

Improved lighting performance, visibility and safety – LED lights have greatly improved in output and consistency since they were first introduced decades ago. Today’s LED lighting products are comparable or superior to older technologies in lighting quality, achieving greater levels of brightness and color visibility, which enables people to remain more alert to their surroundings and stay safer.
Improved lighting precision with LED’s directional illumination – LED lights boost energy efficiency at the lamp level, but LED lighting solutions achieve most of their efficiency benefits when the entire system is considered. This is because LEDs produce directional illumination, in contrast to fluorescent’s omni-directional nature. Directional illumination is focused in a particular direction – a trait that installers can leverage to aim LEDs with better precision. The result is more light reaching the target, without the need for expensive or bulky reflectors.
Reduced heat emissions and thermal load – LED lights emit some thermal energy, but it is largely dispersed inside the fixture and poses minimal heat-related hazards. This also reduces the thermal load on your facility’s HVAC equipment by ensuring it does not have to work as hard to keep the office cool.
Improved controllability with various lighting controls – LED lighting technology is the most controllable in the industry. LEDs are compatible with dimmers, timers, photocells and motion sensors, so they are ideal security lighting options (especially when you factor in LED lighting’s instant-on capabilities).
Improved worker productivity, in some cases – This point is somewhat subjective, but a few studies have demonstrated potential productivity benefits in office buildings using LED lighting. One study, published in National Bureau of Economic Research, reviewed a company that noted a near one percent jump in productivity among all of its workers. This is a modest per-person boost, but together it greatly reduced the system’s payback period.

Why More Office Buildings are Switching from Fluorescent to LED Lights

The above advantages are convincing enough for many businesses – especially those relying on obsolete fluorescent lights. If your office work environment also uses outdated fluorescent tubes or bulbs for its lighting needs, consider the following drawbacks of fluorescent lighting technology:

Poor lighting quality and emission range – LED lighting emits across the entire emission spectrum, just like natural sunlight. Fluorescent produces mostly greens and yellows, which may be the reason that employees report health issues like headaches more frequently when working under fluorescent light.
Flickering and other signs of early failure – Long before some fluorescent lights fail, they will show signs of decline, like dimming or flickering, which can be distracting for employees.
Shorter lifespan and more frequent light replacement – For every one LED lamp replacement, you will have to replace the same fluorescent light two or three times. Those costs, including specialized disposal costs, can add up quickly.
Environmental concerns – Fluorescent lights contain a small, but hazardous, amount of mercury. This mercury can potentially escape into the environment if fluorescent lights are not disposed of properly. LEDs pose smaller risks and therefore do not need to be disposed of in a special waste stream, making disposal easy.

Fluorescent lighting technology has been around for nearly a century, and though it served the industrializing world well, LED lights better suit the needs of modern businesses and office buildings.

Photometric Analysis Ensures Optimal LED Office Lighting

Is it time to upgrade your facility’s lighting? As the statistics show, you are not alone. Many business owners are transitioning to LED lighting technology, and they are using photometric analysis to get maximum value from their new lighting technology.

During photometric analysis, your lighting designer will use 3D graphics software to visualize your office building’s layout. This can be used to simulate how various LED lights and lighting arrangements will perform in the space. There are a few cost-saving and efficiency-improving benefits to this approach, including:

Optimal LED light placement – Photometric analysis allows lighting designers to determine ideal placement for each LED fixture. Combined with LED lighting’s directionality, this can make for extremely precise applications.
Optimal LED light selection – Photometric software imports each light’s manufacturer data to generate realistic lighting simulations. With a library of LED lamps to choose from, lighting designers can pick the best lamp for every office environment.
No unwelcome surprises during or following installation – Photometric analysis also allows designers to build a clear, cohesive plan for the installation team. That makes for a more efficient project, one that will stay on budget and on time. Property owners can also get a clear idea of what their new LED lighting system will look like with the photometric analysis software.

LED Lighting Has Proven Benefits for Office Settings

With more commercial building owners opting for LED lighting technology, facility managers are seeing the benefits of implementing LED lights in the office, in both improved productivity and cost savings. If it is time to upgrade your office lighting, consult with a commercial lighting expert and ask how photometric analysis and an LED retrofit could improve your facility’s lighting technology and save you money in the process.

How Having a Photometric Plan Saves You Money in the Long Run

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Photometric plans save property owners money on every lighting project. Photometric plans save money because they:

Ensure the project meets the client’s needs perfectly, the first time
Optimize the lighting system’s energy efficiency
Avoid light pollution by observing dark sky regulations
Minimize the risk of costly mistakes or change orders

Together, these benefits boost the immediate and long-term savings for a variety of commercial projects. We will take a closer look at each of those benefits and how they can improve your lighting project’s cost efficiency.

What is a Photometric Plan and What are its Benefits?

Photometric plans are an important tool that lighting designers use to develop a lighting project before it is installed. In the hands of an experienced designer, photometric plans provide several advantages to every project. Specifically, a photometric plan can help with the following lighting solutions:

Sports arenas, including tennis and pickleball courts
Municipal parks and public areas
Parking lots and garages
Commercial retail centers
Department stores
Warehouses

In short, photometric plans make sense for any commercial space, regardless of location or layout, as they offer the following benefits:

Better lighting coverage
Better lighting quality and performance
Reduced glare, light trespass and lighting pollution
Observation of dark sky regulations
Reduced planning and installation time

These benefits are in addition to the cost savings that photometric plans offer, which we will address in detail next.

1) Photometric Plans Guarantee Optimal Lighting Coverage

Photometric plans simulate lighting solutions with excellent precision, and an experienced design team can use it with properties of any size, layout or purpose without compromising this precision.

For the purposes of lighting a property, precision really means “do your lights provide illumination where it’s needed, and only where it’s needed?” By optimizing the system’s coverage and distribution patterns, photometric plans ensure clients get the most useful light for every dollar spent and that the light is only dispersed where it is needed, reducing light pollution.

For example, commercial parking lots must meet minimum lighting levels to maintain safety and attract customers. The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has even published recommendations for parking lot owners for this purpose (between one- and four-foot candles throughout the lot). Photometric planning allows lighting designers to take those recommendations and apply them before a single fixture, driver or luminaire is placed. The result is optimal lighting performance without using more fixtures than needed.

2) A Photometric Plan Maximizes Energy Efficiency

Photometric plans ensure improved energy efficiency, which saves businesses money in the long run. According to the Department of Energy, commercial properties can save thousands every year in utilities by switching to high-efficiency lighting like LEDs.

Photometric planning can further this energy efficiency mission by optimizing every fixture’s placement. As mentioned, this has significant performance benefits, which means property owners get more value from their new lights.

Optimal lighting placement also means your property will need fewer fixtures to get the illumination it needs. That means fewer fixtures to power and a lower utility load on your business.

3) Photometric Plans Ensure Adherence to Dark Sky Regulations

Light pollution is a serious problem in many areas and can have a negative effect on both humans and wildlife. In fact, at least 19 states have legislation in place that requires photometric plans to observe dark sky regulations and avoid possible fines. Lighting experts will use these plans to determine exactly where light will be needed for the project.

Lighting experts can avoid light pollution further by restricting use of upward-directed lighting, avoiding glare by using shielded fixtures, using low-wattage bulbs such as LEDs, and following the guidelines of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to adhere to state lighting regulations.

4) Photometric Plans Reduce the Likelihood of Mistakes or Change Orders

Photometric plans provide lighting installers with a detailed approach to every project. Assuming the property was thoroughly surveyed first, a photometric plan removes much of the subjectivity and guesswork out of installation. Property owners also have a chance to see their proposed lighting solution in action beforehand, so the client and lighting team have shared expectations.

All of this smooths out the installation process and minimizes the risk of any unexpected change orders or mistakes – which are often expensive and drain time.

What Does a Photometric Plan Include?

While putting together a photometric plan, the lighting designer will first visualize the client’s space – think of it like a blank canvas that mirrors your space’s layout and area. Once it is built inside the photometric software, the designer can drag and drop various lighting fixtures in to visualize how they would look.

Photometric software uses data straight from the light’s manufacturer, which provides a mathematically precise analysis of how much illumination is reaching each part of the property. This can be measured down to the square foot and footcandle, so if your lighting design must meet tight lighting pollution or trespass requirements, photometric planning is a must.

Once the designer has positioned all lights and verified that the project’s specifications have been satisfied, this plan can be used to guide the installation team, improving their speed and precision.

Does Your Space Need New Lighting Fixtures? A Photometric Plan Will Save Your Organization Money

The modern economy has commercial and industrial property owners facing numerous cost pressures. To mitigate those pressures, property owners are turning to smarter, more efficient ways to manage their facilities. This extends to the way commercial spaces are illuminated, such as relying on energy efficient lighting and retrofit lighting solutions to save money.

Photometric planning can also save you money in the long run by improving your lighting system’s performance and efficiency. If your facilities require a lighting upgrade, or if you are building out a new facility, consult with a trusted lighting expert to see how photometric planning can reduce your lighting costs.

How to Choose the Right Parking Lot Pole

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Parking lots require high quality night-time illumination to remain safe and functional at night. That starts with choosing the right parking lot lighting pole – one that will ensure even, adequate lighting coverage.

When choosing a lighting pole, the following factors need to be considered:

Height
Lighting distribution
Material and construction
Wind rating
Fixture compatibility

There is a variety of lighting poles available on the market, so it may not be clear which is the best fit for your parking lot. This is where an experienced lighting company can provide expert help. Professional lighting installers know what types of parking lot lighting poles make sense for a particular project and can recommend the right option for a client.

4 Things Lighting Experts Consider When Assessing A Project For The Right Lighting Poles:

1) Height and Lighting Distribution

The height of the lighting pole is a primary factor in light distribution. The taller the pole, the wider the spread of illumination, so you will typically see the tallest lighting poles in the largest parking lots. Most parking lot poles range between 12 and 30 feet in height, but taller poles may be required for expansive parking lots.

The goal is to establish an even spread of illumination throughout the parking lot, as this promotes better visibility through the space. It also prevents hotspots or shadows, which can adversely affect motorist or pedestrian vision.

Lighting experts establish even illumination using photometric modeling software, which allows lighting designers to visualize the client’s space and simulate a variety of lighting solutions. It uses manufacturer data to simulate how a particular lamp emits light – its direction, and its intensity. With a bit of experimentation, lighting designers can develop a flawless lighting solution before mounting a single fixture – including identifying the perfect pole height and placement for the property.

2) Pole Material and Construction

Lighting poles are available in a few material choices – steel, aluminum and fiberglass are the three most common. Here is a quick comparison:

Steel (including galvanized steel) – Steel offers superior impact strength and is a good choice for parking lots that see heavy or commercial traffic. However, unalloyed steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion, which is why manufacturers use galvanized steel in their lighting poles. Galvanized steel is a zinc-iron alloy that features improved corrosion resistance, giving it well-rounded durability. Steel is also less expensive than aluminum or fiberglass, so it offers an upfront cost advantage.
Aluminum – Aluminum is the lightest of the three materials and is not quite as impact-resistant as steel. It can’t bear as much weight, either, but it is naturally corrosion resistant, so aluminum light poles tend to last longer than steel poles. Aluminum lighting poles are a good fit for parking lots located near the ocean, where airborne salts pose a constant threat of corrosion.
Fiberglass – Fiberglass is the most expensive lighting pole material and doesn’t last quite as long as aluminum, but it offers comparable durability, is corrosion resistant and doesn’t conduct electricity. Fiberglass can be used interchangeably with aluminum in most parking lots.

Ultimately, your parking lot’s location and the traffic it receives are primary factors in choosing the right parking lot pole material.

3) The Lighting Pole’s EPA Wind Rating

Every lighting pole has an EPA (effective projected area) wind rating that specifies the maximum wind speed that the pole is expected to withstand before there is a high risk of failure. EPA wind ratings are based on the pole’s wind-exposed surface area, so size and shape must be reconsidered from every possible angle. This can make calculating wind ratings a challenge, but the difficult math has already been done for property owners.

The U.S. is divided into several wind zones, each one defined by the maximum wind speeds that wind-exposed structures should be built to handle. Houston, for example, sits in Zone III, an area where lighting poles must be fortified for winds between 110 to 165 mph. Property owners and their lighting installers should select a lighting pole that meets or exceeds this threshold, paying close attention to poles located near schools or medical facilities. The lighting expert will also help determine whether anchor-based or direct burial of the poles is the best option. Keep in mind that your lighting fixtures are also EPA-rated, so they will also need to be rated for your property’s region.

4) Poles that are Compatible with LED Fixtures

While most lighting poles are LED-capable, it is still worth verifying before installing anything. More parking lot owners are choosing LED lighting for their properties. There are several reasons for this, including improved energy efficiency, extended lamp lifespan (which means less maintenance and fewer lamp replacements), better lighting performance, and expanded controllability. In nearly every category, LED lights now surpass metal halides, high pressure sodium and fluorescent lamps in most areas – offering better night-time visibility, improved reliability, and greater installation flexibility.

For instance, LED lamps are now available in several light distribution options. Type III and IV LEDs are popular choices for parking lot applications because they throw illumination forward from the lamp, instead of pooling it around the base of the light pole. This gives installers a bit more flexibility in how they position lighting poles, and it may reduce the overall number of poles you’ll need.

The takeaway here is that it is bet to choose a set of poles that can accommodate LED lights.

A Reputable Lighting Expert Can Help Choose the Right Parking Lot Lighting Poles

Parking lots require adequate illumination through the night-time hours. To establish high-visibility, reliable lighting for their parking lots, property owners need the right lighting poles for the space. An experienced lighting installer can help their clients identify which poles will work best and use photometric modeling to position those poles for optimal lighting.