Effective parking lot lighting goes beyond installing bright fixtures. A well-designed system
ensures safety, energy efficiency, and compliance with local regulations. By following these
steps and choosing the right products, like the ESL Vision Selectable Area Light and the Orbit LFL-10
Adjustable Area Light you can create a lighting design that’s both practical and cost-effective.
Step 1: Assess Parking Lot Needs
Start by analyzing the lot’s size, layout, and intended use.
Ask key questions:
➤ How much traffic does the lot handle daily?
➤ Are there safety concerns in specific areas?
➤ Does the lighting need to enhance security?
By understanding your lot’s unique requirements, you’ll know how much light is needed and
where it should go.
Step 2: Understand Lighting Regulations
Parking lots must meet local lighting standards to ensure safety and minimize light pollution.
Key considerations include:
➤ Minimum foot-candle levels (brightness)
➤ Uniformity ratios to reduce shadows
➤ Glare reduction for nearby properties
The ESL Vision Selectable Area Light is an excellent choice for meeting these standards. Its
adjustable wattage and Kelvin temperature allow customization to comply with specific codes
while maintaining efficiency.
Step 3: Determine Appropriate Light Levels
Brightness, measured in foot-candles, varies by zone:
➤ Driving lanes: 0.5–1.5 foot-candles for clear visibility
➤ Pedestrian zones: 2.0–5.0 foot-candles for enhanced safety
➤ Entrances and exits: Brighter levels to improve navigation
The Orbit LFL-10 Adjustable Area Light provides versatile illumination with a range of beam
angles and wattage settings, ensuring proper light levels across different zones.
Step 4: Choose the Right Fixtures
Selecting the right fixtures ensures optimal light quality and energy efficiency.
➤ LEDs: Modern LED fixtures, like the ESL Vision Selectable Area Light, offer high lumen
output, reduced energy use, and adjustable features for tailored performance.
➤ Adjustability: The Orbit LFL-10 Adjustable Area Light includes precise aiming capabilities,
allowing you to direct light exactly where it’s needed.
These products deliver energy-efficient, long-lasting lighting for parking lots of all sizes.
Step 5: Plan Fixture Placement and Pole Height
Strategic placement of fixtures prevents shadows and ensures even coverage.
➤ Pole height: Use 20–30 feet for most parking lots. Taller poles provide broader coverage,
reducing the number of fixtures needed.
➤ Spacing: Position poles evenly to avoid dark spots.
➤ Angles: Both The Orbit LFL-10 and ESL Vision Versa Series can be angled to illuminate hard-
to-reach areas or highlight specific zones.
Proper placement ensures balanced lighting and enhances the lot’s appearance.
Step 6: Focus on Uniform Lighting
Consistent lighting reduces shadows and improves safety.
Achieve uniformity by:
➤ Overlapping light patterns from adjacent fixtures
➤ Selecting fixtures with adjustable beam angles
➤ Avoiding large gaps between poles
Both the ESL Vision Versa Series and the Orbit LFL-10 offer features that enhance uniformity,
ensuring smooth and even light distribution.
Step 7: Incorporate Energy-Saving Features
Energy efficiency is crucial for reducing costs and environmental impact.
➤ Dimming: Both the ESL Vision Versa Series and the Orbit LFL-10 support dimming
capabilities, allowing you to adjust light levels during off-peak hours.
➤ Motion Sensors: Pair these fixtures with sensors to activate lighting only when needed.
➤ Adjustable Wattage: The ESL Vision Versa Series lets you customize wattage for
specific areas, maximizing energy savings.
➤ Lower your cost outlay: Explore Utility Rebates
Efficient lighting design minimizes operational costs without sacrificing performance.
Step 8: Enhance Safety and Security
A well-lit parking lot deters crime and ensures safety.
➤ Bright fixtures like the Orbit LFL-10 Adjustable area light improve visibility in high-traffic
areas.
➤ Use the ESL Vision Versa Series to illuminate entrances, exits, and walkways where safety is
critical.
➤ Add extra lighting near payment kiosks or pedestrian crossings for added security.
Well-designed lighting creates a welcoming and secure environment.
Step 9: Test and Adjust the Lighting Design
After installation, evaluate your lighting during different times of the night. Look for uneven
brightness, dark spots, or glare.
Make adjustments as needed:
➤ Tilt fixtures for better coverage.
➤ Use adjustable wattage settings on the Orbit LFL-10 to fine-tune specific areas.
➤ Modify Kelvin color temperatures and wattage settings on the ESL Vision Versa Series for
the best ambiance.
Small tweaks can make a big difference in overall performance.
Design Parking Lot Lighting with Confidence
A well-lit parking lot improves safety, reduces energy costs, and creates a welcoming
atmosphere. Using advanced fixtures like the ESL Vision Versa Series Selectable Area Light
and the Orbit LFL-10 Adjustable Area Light, you can achieve optimal lighting performance.
Ready to light up your parking lot? Explore our Selectable Area Lights and let Central
Lighting Service help with your design needs.
