Understanding the Workings of the Dusk-to-Dawn Sensors

Dusk-to-dawn lighting is a lightbulb that turns on when it detects a low level of light and switches off when it senses more light. When the sensor is installed in a wall light, lamp post or garden solar step light, it can eliminate the need for people to remember and turn on and off their outdoor lighting each day.

How does the sensor work? A sensor is generally built into a dusk-to-dawn light bulb. This photoelectric device can distinguish light and dark, sending a signal to let the bulb know when it’s time to turn on and off. There are two critical parts to photoelectric devices:

• Photo-voltaic cells
• Photo-conductive cells (the majority of desk-to-dawn light bulbs use this type of sensor)

The light-dependent resistor (LDR) declines and rises its resistance, attaining the dusk-to-dawn capability based on the light the sensitive surface receives. A dusk-to-dawn light bulb may only work correctly if no dust, particles, or objects are on the surface. It may also not work right if installed on a building that gets a lot of light at night. With a dusk to dawn light, you must ensure it’s located away from a light source. 

There are several kinds of photocells on the market, but it’s important to understand that the technology of each one is similar. They all use semiconductors to regulate the electric current. If the semiconductor is exposed to a specific light level, the current will cause the light to turn off. You can find adjustable photocell sensors so that you can determine what level of light will cause the semiconductor to kick on. When it becomes dusky, the flow quits, and the light turns on. 

Where Can a Dusk-to-Dawn Light Be Used

A dusk-to-dawn lightbulb is often installed in an outdoor light; no reason for it to be used inside. This kind of lightbulb sensor is ideal for most outdoor projects, so keep that in mind when making improvements to your area. 

3 Kinds of Dusk-to-Dawn Light Fixtures to Consider 

Dusk to Dawn Motion-Sensor Warning Light 

Light can help illuminate an area, keeping you safe from danger and other hazards. If safety is a concern, the dusk-to-dawn motion sensor warning light should be the way to go. It has both a motion and light sensor, which means the light will turn on when the sun goes down and will start flashing red and blue light brightly when its motion sensor perceives a person is coming close to your home. 

Dusk to Dawn Wall Pack Light

This kind of light uses photocells to turn the light on at sunset and shut off at sunrise. This helps stop energy from being wasted because the lights are still on after being forgotten all day.

Outdoor Parking Lot with Photocell Light

Many parking lot lights are installed with a dusk to dawn LED with photocell sensors built in. The sensor will detect when there is or is no light, sending out a signal to turn it on or off. When the sun sets, the light will come on. When dawn arrives, it will turn off. There is no switch to deal with; it’s all automatic.

The post The Complete Guide to Dusk-to-Dawn Lighting appeared first on Lepro Blog.

How can you do that?

What are Surge-Over Voltages?

Surge-over-voltages are spikes that last several microseconds but can hit tens of kilovolts. Although there are short-lived, the amount of voltage they carry could lead to significant electronic damage, including premature aging or damage. This will cause service disruptions and involve hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs. 

There are several reasons why voltage surges occur. 

Lightning Strikes – Any lightning strikes near a building’s distribution line can generate electromagnetic fields that will produce voltage spikes to adjacent lighting installations. Outdoor distribution power lines are especially vulnerable to lightning strikes. 

Other reasons for voltages surges are:

• Swapping out contactors inside electrical cabinets 
• Disconnecting transformers, motors, generators or anything with high loads of power

There are two circulation modes with surge-over voltages – common and differential. What are the differences between the two? Common modes show up between the ground and live conductors. Differential modes travel among live conductors, such as line-to-line. 

When a luminaire is installed, it should be protected from both types of surge voltages. 

Surges can Cause Damage to LED Lights 

It’s not just direct lightning strikes that can cause significant damage to LED lights, but also indirect lighting. This kind of lighting can create over-voltages that surpass the sensitivity wattage of an LED light. When there is an overvoltage, it can lead to some or total loss of the LED modules and drivers. It can also cause electronic devices to die or reduce the brightness level. 

Should the LED light still work, its lifespan is much less than before. 

Surge Protection for LED Lighting 

LED lighting systems, similar to other electronics, can be destroyed by voltage surges. They cause the LED drivers and distribution panels to wear out quicker than they typically would. They can also experience more frequent service interruptions. Lightning-induced voltage surges can break the lighting distribution panels’ circuit boards’ protective parts. 

There is a vast array of documented cases of over-voltages damaging electronic lighting systems, and varying international standards and regulations dictate the necessary protection. 

Surge Protection for LED Street Lighting Systems

More and more communities are opting for long-lasting LED technology for their street lights because of the reduced costs and maintenance needed. The changeover is happening for several reasons – bans of certain kinds of lighting technologies, energy-efficient, funding and more.  

Despite the numerous benefits LED technology offers, it’s quite vulnerable to surges and replacing it is costly. When a surge happens to LED street lights, multiple lights are usually affected. 

LEPRO has designed its LED parking lot light with a 10KV surge immunity, significantly exceeding the legally required 2KV. They will work even during severe weather, such as thunderstorms with persistent lightning. 

Surge Protection for Indoor LED Lighting

The idea behind surge protectors is to ensure devices don’t become damaged in the event of a surge. Businesses can also benefit from surge-protecting lighting in their buildings beyond protecting their devices. It can help keep employees safe from accidents that could occur without adequate lighting.

Lepro LED High Bay Lights offer superior surge immunity, with six times more capability to withstand surges than recommended. 

The post Surge Protecting Technology Helps Safeguard Costly LED Technology appeared first on Lepro Blog.

How Many Feet does a Shoebox Light Cover?

The appropriate mounting height of parking lot lights usually ranges anywhere from 12 feet to 20 feet, though in some cases, poles can reach heights of up to 35 feet. Generally, the size of the parking lot determines the height of the light poles. 

How Many Lights do You Need for Your Parking Lot

On average, two LED parking lot lighting heads of 20,000 lumens each at a height level of between 15 and 20 feet is appropriate. Here, poles are typically kept about 20 feet apart. However, to determine the correct number of lights for your specific parking lot, you can focus on foot-candle and uniformity. A foot-candle is a measurement of the amount of light that reaches a surface area. Light uniformity is expressed as the ratio of maximum to minimum illumination. Currently, the recommended ratio for most outdoor parking lots is 3:1. When lighting lacks uniformity, this is often due to too much space between the fixtures. Alternatively, other features, like trees, may complicate uniformity.

The type of poles across your parking lot can also influence the number of lights that should be used. As a rule of thumb, the size of the parking lot will determine the recommended height of your poles. For larger areas, tall poles are preferred, and vice versa. It is recommended that first, you determine the height of the pole to use, then you decide on the spacing of your fixtures. Typically, the higher the mounting height, the fewer poles you need!

Do LED Parking Lot Lights Cover More Area?

No, LEDs might be brighter, but they do not always cover more area.

LED fixtures can help you to design a layout that provides optimum light coverage. LEDs have patterns that, when projected onto an object or surface, determine how light is dispersed from an illumination fixture. This is defined as the point at which 50% of the fixture’s luminous intensity is met. These distributions are an optimal choice to meet parking lot needs.

LED Shoebox Light Pattern Distributions

A Type I pattern achieves a wide, symmetrical light – perfect for fixtures in the middle of a walkway. 

As Type II light fixtures effectuate a slightly lower distribution, they are primarily intended to be placed at the side of a roadway or as street lighting. 

Type III light distributions cast light about 2.75 times wider than the mounting height of the fixture. 

Type IV light distribution fixtures are also known as asymmetrical fixtures. Like Type IIIs, they cast light 2.75 wider than their heights, but as they generate a much more rounded distribution pattern that pushes outward, little light falls behind the fixture. 

Type V light distribution fixtures are also called omnidirectional fixtures. They distribute light evenly in a uniform or circle around the fixture. Click for more information about Light Distribution Types for Parking Lot Lights.

LED Parking Lot Light Coverage Area Charts

The parking lot light chosen most frequently is T3, short for Type III. It is the de-facto standard in the parking lot lighting arena and has proven itself an effective choice for many years. Example measurements can be seen in the light type chart below: at 140 degrees wide, 90 degrees forward, and 20 feet high, that is about 46 feet wide and 28 feet forward.

Additionally, it is clearly visible where the foot candles drop off. This helps us to determine where the next light should be placed. In the example, at a 20-foot height, the next light should probably be located around 30 feet away to maintain an even 8-foot candle along the side of the road. If an alternating dark-light pattern is acceptable, you could move the next pole 40-50 feet away, but this would mean going from 7fc down to 2fc and then back to 7fc. Generally fine for back lots, it is not recommended for parking lot lighting.

How is the Parking Lot Light Coverage Area Calculated?

The parking lot coverage area is easily calculated by multiplying the parking lot’s square footage by the foot-candle requirement. For instance, a parking lot the size of 100 square feet, needing 20 foot-candles, will require 2,000 lumens.

LED Shoebox Light Lumens, Wattage, and Footcandle

It is crucial that you pay attention to wattage lumens and foot candles. LED shoebox lights provide more lumen output per watt. For efficient lighting, this is what matters. If you require the lighting to cover between 15 and 20 feet, it is best to look for an output of between 16,000 and 20,000 lumens. By contrast, if you wish to cover 20 to 30 feet, 40,000 lumens should suffice. Therefore, when looking for the most appropriate LED parking lot lights, your focus must be on lumens, a unit of measurement of brightness provided by the light! The brightness of LEDs is also determined by lumens.

Footcandles, on the other hand, are the most common unit of measurement used to calculate light levels across outdoor spaces. A foot-candle can be defined as the luminance of a surface area of one square foot from a uniform source of light. Thus, it is a measure of the amount of light that reaches a specific surface area. From a candlelit source, light falling onto one square foot equals one lumen per square foot. The shape and coverage of an area are the main determinants of an adequate level of light. Lighting experts typically recommend a minimum light level of 1fc across the desired area, with 2fc to 4fc being more desirable for the purposes of appeal and optimal visibility.

The post What is the Coverage Area of a Parking Lot Light? appeared first on Lepro Blog.

DLC keeps track of a product list (known as a Quality Products List) of high-quality, high standards and efficiency. To be eligible for this list, products must adhere to the strict DLC standards. Any DLC-listed lights have been DLC tested and certified. 

What are the Technical Requirements of DLC V5.1?

The Design Lights Consortium was given a grace period to update its technical requirements for SSL (solid-state lighting), and it announced a reminder that products that failed to update to the DLC V5.1 SLL requirements would be removed from the DLC SSL Qualified Products List on July 1 and would no longer qualify for energy-efficiency incentives. The goals the DLC has for V5.1 are:

• Better color rendering and consistency via the new color quality requirements.
• Lighting manufacturers can feel more confident in the glare performance when using the DLC Premium classification.
• Nearly all products on the list are dimmable, which helps to boost energy savings and increase user satisfaction. 

Should You Use a Light with DLC?

DLC lights go through a series of tests, making them a better choice in the long run, as these tests determine quality and efficiency. They also determine if the manufacturer’s claim of light quality and lumen output are accurate. These lights are tested in the DLC lab, and results are available via the website. With stringent testing, you can feel confident that you’re getting the noted lumens – THD and CRI amount. In most cases, you must have a DLC-listed product to qualify for the rebate.

A Look at Energy Rebate Program 

The Energy Rebate Program is a cash rebate incentive program eligible for people who switch to LED Corn Bulbs, LED retrofit lights, or any other LED fixture. When the switch is made, the energy company pays the person a rebate for it. The funds are typically seen in the utility bills, with the lower demand for energy usage. It also helps the environment and your wallet. 

How Many Rebates You can Receive

With rebates added to lighting upgrade proposals, it can improve the return on investment and likelihood of approval. However, to receive these rebates, it’s important to do some research. Some options to receive the rebates include control devices like networked lighting control systems or sensors.

BriteSwitch noted the process of getting a rebate can take up to five months, as the programs are random and can change at any time. It’s why people need to learn what the requirements are. It’s important people know what they get because it can take nearly 40 days to get a check back.

Professionals who sell upgrades can also offer rebates, helping to ascertain business. However, the rebate may not be as much as advertised or even provided. Proposal wording must be carefully thought out to avoid false advertising and a loss of money.

Preapproval starts even before installation, with all the forms being filled out. Some regions may not have any available rebate funds due to early participation. You also need to be mindful that the exact LED product you have is on the DLC list. You may also be asked for an online inspection to ensure the product has been installed. 

How to Check the Amount of Possible Rebate 

BriteSwitch noted that the average LED product rebates had remained steady in 2021 after yearly drops of 20% because of a decline in product costs. The thought for this is the pandemic, causing a drop in rebates and cost stabilization. The rebates for 2022 are still holding steady, reflecting the pandemic and rising costs associated with the disruption in the supply chain. 

How can you know if you qualify for a rebate? For example, if you purchase the Lepro 150W High Bay Light, you need to visit the product page (https://www.lepro.com/150w-ufo-led-high-bay-light.html) and click on “Rebates”. There, you fill the form out and hit “Find Your Rebates.”

DLC vs. Energy Star Program 

The DLC is similar to the Energy Star Program (a system most people recognize). The DLC’s goal is to speed up the construction industry’s use of energy-efficient lights, which they do through three fundamental techniques: public policy influence, teaching techniques, and education. The difference is that DLC is for fixtures, whereas Energy Star is for lamps.

Here are Lepro LED Lighting Fixtures with DLC :

Here are Lepro LED Lighting Fixtures with Energy Star:

Click for more information about rebates you can get with Lepro.

The post What is DLC V5.1 and How it Affects Your Rebates appeared first on Lepro Blog.

With so much to consider, city officials must be mindful of the design concept from the onset of a lighting project. 

Why is Street Lighting so Important?

When it comes to street lighting, there are four key things adequate lighting can do:

• Decrease risks associated with late evening and overnight accidents
• Dissuade people from committing criminal acts such as vandalism, burglary, etc. 
• Protect property and buildings
• Improve the security of the habitation environment 

What must be Considered in a Street Lighting Design 

How lighting is arranged can help highlight a road’s function and produce an urban effect. For instance, a road entrance can look like a gateway when two light poles are installed. The lighting design needs to consider any shrubs and trees (which will still grow). 

The proper lighting should improve pedestrian, driver, and cyclist security and safety. It can help brighten a road’s bends and bottlenecks, allowing drivers to see possible obstacles and one another. It can also help alleviate crime fears. 

It’s crucial that street lighting is installed at road accesses and along shared roads, walkways, and driveways. The plan must consider their location and possible shrub and tree growth. The lighting should decrease the vulnerability cyclists and pedestrians could have with shadows. 

Lighting poles and their fittings and accessories must be resistant to tampering and in positions where cars cannot easily damage them. They must be aligned with other street accessories to improve the area and in locations that don’t cause obstructions. 

Mounting Street Lights on Buildings 

Where streets are narrow, installing street lights on buildings helps provide adequate lighting without impeding or encroaching on other roadway designs. Mounted street lights can improve the aesthetics and ensure space for already-limited space availability. This helps with access issues and maintenance. 

3 Important Considerations with Lighting Poles

Color – Lighting color is an essential aspect of light poles. White light is a major preference (not orange or yellow) when it comes to pedestrians. White lighting can illuminate the street’s features and users’ facial expressions – a critical aspect of addressing security for people.  

Luminance – A suitable amount of street lighting is five lux, but in locations where people gather (bus stops, parks, etc.), the recommendation is 10 lux. Lighting levels are an integral aspect of urban design and streetscape. Any unexpected changes in these levels can become dangerous for partially-sighted individuals. Tree and shrub shading should be taken into consideration for the location and management. 

Other Lighting Issues – Lighting contributes to an area’s sense when using passive and active lighting features, combining and blending functionality and aesthetics.

4 Kinds of Street Lights 

While there are many kinds of urban design street lights to consider, four stand out most of all:

• Metal Halide Street Light – This kind of light is used in areas that need high brightness, such as parking lots, stadiums, streetlights, etc. These lights, which produce white light, generate a significant amount of light pollution but are very efficient. They have a good color rendering, which means objects under them remain true to their color. 

• High-Pressure Sodium Street Lights – Many countries use this kind of street light to generate bright light through a mix of gasses and electricity. The light illuminates a yellow-orange glow and is very efficient. Very little maintenance is required on the lamp.  

• Low-Pressure Sodium Street Lights – This light is similar to the HPS light, producing a warm yellow/orange color instead of a white color. Although it’s an efficient light, it can take time before the bulb completely turns on. 

• Light-Emitting Diode Street Lights – LED technology has undergone rapid development in the last decade, with the bulbs are now introduced into outdoor lights. Despite the energy savings they offer, the white-blue light can have a negative impact on the health of both humans and wildlife. When used along with solar panels, they can significantly reduce electricity demands. 

When planning out a street design, lighting must be an integral part. Many factors must be considered, such as:

• Lighting colors
• Street light size and type
• Trees/shrubs
• Urban design

When applied all together, it can improve an area’s aesthetics and bolster people’s confidence in its security and safety. 

The post Full Guide to Street Lighting and Urban Design appeared first on Lepro Blog.

There are two key things to look for from an LED street light :

• Energy-efficiency
• Strong, durable encasing

If you’re still unsure of what LED streets lights to consider, here are five of the best products on the market to choose from.

Best LED Street Lights for Outdoor Ambient Lighting

1. Lepro 100W LED Parking Lot Light, Dusk to Dawn Shoebox Light
2. LEDMO 200W LED Street Parking Lot Lights
3. LEONITE LED Barn Light, Daylight 5000K-75W
4. BBOUNDER 70W Dusk to Dawn LED Barn Lights
5. STATSUN LED Security Street Lights with Built-In Cree LED Chips
6. Gebosun LED Outdoor Street Floodlight
7. ENGREPO 80 Watts Solar Street Lights Outdoor
8. Lovus 100W Solar Street Lights

Lepro 100W LED Parking Lot Light, Dusk to Dawn Shoebox Light 

If you want the best LED lighting output for your neighborhood, then consider the fact that the Lepro 100W LED parking lot outdoor light offers 13,000 lumens of 5000K bright high-powered white light. Similar to what you’d see with a 300W metal halide lamp, these lights use energy-efficient LED chips that will save you up to 67% in costs. 

It’s designed with the dusk-to-dawn photocell sensor, which can automatically recognize the variations of light strength and turn on and off the light. If you’re looking for a bright light without considerable cost, this is the one to consider. 

The manufacturer has designed the LED light to ensure the following:

• UL safety standards compliance
• DLC rebate qualification certificate
• IP65 waterproofing
• Five-year warranty
• 50k hours of life 

Besides the 100W lights, Lepro has come up with a high-wattage LED light that can be installed at larger commercial venues such as stadiums, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. 

LEDMO 200W LED Street Parking Lot Lights 

While many LED street lights don’t make the grade for lighting efficiency, the LEDMO 200W LED Street Parking Lot Lights is not one of them. The manufacturer has made sure it stands out with its dusk-to-dawn photocell sensor, allowing it to detect when the light should turn on or off. Due to its hollowed-out heat sink design, it’s lighter to hold (less than 15 pounds), and the heat is better dissipated. Since its 200W, it offers 26,000 lumens. It’s a high-quality, environmentally-friendly lamp, producing no UV or IR radiation. 

This LED light is waterproof and can be adjusted in any direction. 

The manufacturer provides a five-year warranty should any unforeseen problems come up, helping to extend its lifespan. 

LEONITE LED Barn Light, Daylight 5000K-75W

The LEONITE barn light’s brightness and glow are similar to a 60W incandescent lamp. The manufacturer designed its casing to better withstand corrosion, with an IP65 waterproof rating and dissipates heat better while ensuring the lamp operates efficiently and effectively. It’s got a lifespan of 50,000 hours and is both DLC and ETL listed. 

The manufacturer announced buyers should install the barn lamp at a height between 19 and 27 feet high, so its coverage will range from about 50 to 90-feet in diameter. 

BBOUNDER 70W Dusk to Dawn LED Barn Lights 

The BBOUNDER Barn Light proves it’s a top contender when it comes to LED lighting. The manufacturer uses IP67-rated water and dust-proof casing that ensures it’ll work even when it’s raining heavily. It’s got a side-mounted photocell away from the mounting bracket and is affixed. If you plan to face the light north, this could be problematic. 

It’s DLC and ETL compliant and can last up to 50,000 hours. It also gives off 9800lm. 

There is one complaint people have with this light. There is no arms or brackets that allows a person to mount the light on a pole. For pole mounting, you’ll need to purchase both an arm and bracket. 

STASUN LED Security Street Lights with Built-In Cree LED Chips 

The STASUN LED street light is one a kind in that the manufacturer has included a shadow-free, anti-glare feature with highly-efficient lighting that helps users reduce their electricity bills. The manufacturer has installed Cree LED Chips with 30CREE LEDs capable of generating about 13,500lm. Thanks to this product, a person can save nearly 88% of their electrical bill. 

The manufacturer realized that people look for products that will last them a long time. This is why it designed the LED lights with shock-resistant PC lens and used a strong die-cast aluminum. It’s not just to maintain its durability but also to help with heat expenditure. The lens is made of an impact-resistant polycarbonate that keeps water, dust and other debris out. 

This light has a dense aluminum plate that helps heat efficiently dissipate.

Gebosun LED Outdoor Street Floodlight 

What makes the Gebosun LED street light different from many other LED lights is its non-dependence on solar energy. It will turn on at dusk and shut off when the sun comes up. 

Its output is approximately 9200 lumens with an input of 100-277V AC. Simply put, it can save users a ton in energy costs. It’s an alternative to the HID 200-250W light. The light is bright enough to lighten typically dark areas such as yard, street, garage, pathway, etc. The manufacturer ensured that this high-quality product came with instructions and accessories for safe use. Other reasons to consider this product for your lighting needs:

• Aluminum-designed shade
• Comprises of die-cast aluminum 
• Moveable light direction
• Shock and vibration-resistant features

Along with an FCC and UL rating, Gebosun provides a five-year warranty. 

ENGREPO 80 Watts Solar Street Lights Outdoor 

The lamp casing of the ENGREPO Solar Street Lights comprises of very robust die-cast aluminum, with an IP67 waterproof rating to ensure it can stand up to any kind of weather. The manufacturer also saw fit to install a photoelectric sensor. The light turns on automatically when it can no longer sense light and turns off when it senses light returning.  

What makes this LED light unique is that it can be operated via remote from more than 30 feet away from it. Avoid using the on/off switch to keep the lights on longer, as this action causes faster damage to the batteries. By doing so, it can last over 2,000 cycles. 

Lovus 100W Solar Street Lights 

There are two ways to operate the Lovus 100W Solar Street Lights – either by remote, forcing the switch, adjusting the brightness and timing or allowing it to automatically detect the light or darkness. 

Its large solar panels and high-powered LED energy-saving chip provides enough light for up to 12 hours. The solar lights are not dependent on the solar panel. 

There is one thing to be mindful of. Unlike other LED street lights, this one is made from plastic, making heat dissipation problematic. On the upside, it has an IP65 rain-resistant rating. 

The post 8 LED Street Lights That Offer Outstanding Illumination Even In Harsh Weather appeared first on Lepro Blog.

LED pole light manufacturers are working toward the replacement of conventional HPS lighting (metal halide lights). As such, these light heads offer fantastic coverage of the area installed, boosting both visibility and security even when it’s super dark outside. 

Types of outdoor LED pole lights

There are several kinds of commercial outdoor LED pole lights that can be considered, including but not limited to:

• Cobra Head LED Street Light
• LED Barn Lights
• LED Post Top Light
• LED Shoebox Light
• Solar Street Lights

What would make any of these lights ideal for your home or area? Consider the seven manufactured LED pole lights available and think about how they can meet your lighting needs. 

Best 7 LED Pole Lights Reviews 2024

1. Lepro 150W LED Shoebox Light with Photocell 
2. LEDMO 200W LED Street Parking Lot Lights
3. Superior Lighting 65W LED Dusk to Dawn Light
4. LEONLITE LED Barn Light, Daylight 5000K-75W
5. Solar Light Mart ALPHA 1080X Street Light
6. TENKOO 150W LED Solar Street Light 
7. WARELIGHT COBRA HEAD ROADWAY LIGHT,

Lepro 150W LED Shoebox Light with Photocell 

When it comes to the best lighting output, you can’t get much better than the Lepro 150W LED parking lot light, with its 19,500 white light lumens that equate to 50,000 hours of lifespan. It’s nearly identical to the 400W of metal halide lamps. It’s been outfitted with a photocell sensor, so it detects when it’s dusk and dawn, turning on or off the light. 

There is so much installed in the shoebox casing, and its function remains one of the best. It offers dust protection ranking UL security standard and meets the DLC rebate qualification certification. On top of that, Lepro offers a five-year warranty on its product.

Lepro also offers other lighting models besides the 150W. Options include 100W, 200W and 300W LED lights, which are primarily used for commercial purposes like streets, parking lots, stadiums, roads, sidewalks, etc.

Pros:

• Dust to Dawn & Dimmable
• Super Energy Saving
• DLC rebate qualification certification
• 50,000 hours lifespan & 5 year warranty

LEDMO 200W LED Street Parking Lot Lights 

LEDMO is another LED light company that makes top-of-the-line LED street lights. For this one, it’s installed a dusk-to-dawn photocell sensor that will perceive ambient light and turn the light on or off. The manufacturer created a hollow-out heat sink design to dissipate heat better and make the product lighter. 

Being 200W, it’s really bright, giving off 26,000 lumens. Its high-quality lamp does not project any UV or IR radiation, protecting the environment. The manufacturer included a five-year warranty if there were any unforeseen issues, but you don’t get the typical flickering or buzzing seen with other pole lights on the market. 

Pros:

• No buzzing or flickering
• 50,000h lifespan
• Energy saving
• Easy Installation

Cons:

• The quality is not that great.

Superior Lighting 65W LED Dusk to Dawn Light 

The 65 Watt LED dusk-to-dawn security light gives off 85,000 lumens, making it one of the brightest offered on the market. It’s extremely durable, but it’s got a short mounting arm, and it’s not easy to install. 

The barn light LED is equivalent to what you’d see with a 250-watt high-pressure sodium flood light or 250-watt mercury vapor, and you’ll save on energy consumption. Whether installed on a LED pole light or a 20-foot high wall, it can brighten any barn or building. Due to its brightness, it offers a security element to it. 

Pros:

• Extended active life
• Well illuminated
• Impressive area coverage
• Ensures you save on energy consumption

Cons:

• Installation is not easy
• The mounting arm is short

LEONLITE LED Barn Light, Daylight 5000K-75W

Give your home’s lighting a little uniqueness with barn lights from LEONLITE. The manufacturer designed its LED barn light to accentuate any home décor. It’s got a 75-watt and 5000K daylight rating. The company also designed it so that it’s got an IP65 waterproof and dustproof rating thanks to its robust aluminum casing, making it useful for both interior and exterior uses. 

It’s designed to recognize when it needs to come on and go off (evening hours and morning hours), making it a resourceful option for people who want to save energy (and money). It’s got a mounting height between 19 and 57 feet and can cover more than 90 feet of area.

One key drawback is that you must be careful when installing it. 

Pros:

• Rugged aluminum casing
• Excellent waterproof design
• Auto on/off
• Great energy efficiency

Cons:

• Needs a careful installation

Solar Light Mart ALPHA 1080X Street Light

When money is a concern, and you’re looking to lower your electric bill, the Alpha 1080 X Street Light is the answer. It’s an affordable, weatherproof, reliable, adjustable, and high-performing street light with tons of features to it. What makes this such a money-saving and power-saving option is its PIR technology, with ultra-sensitive sensors that will detect all motion within the area that turns it on.  

It’s designed with three modes that you set based on what your preferences are. However, the PIR function can be disabled so that the light stays on throughout the night until it detects light at dawn.

On the downside, the lights are a bit bulky, and installing them is a bit tricky. Plus, the battery life isn’t as great as other models and takes nearly eight hours to be fully charged. Simply put, this means the overall cost for the light is relatively high. 

Pros:

• Adjustable mounting bracket
• Three different modes of operation
• Weatherproof design
• Smart PIR Motion and Light Sensor

Cons:

• A bit bulky and difficult to install
• Comparatively more expensive than other models
• Shorter battery life

TENKOO 150W LED Solar Street Light 

There are many reasons to mention the TENKOO LED Solar Street Light. First, it combines LED technology with outstanding solar power to be highly efficient in its brightness and energy consumption. It’s got a powerful 4,200mAh battery that can be charged within 10 hours, ensuring five days of full illumination even when the day is cloudy. There are 28 pieces of energy-efficiency bright LEDs that generate nearly 2,000 lumens, lighting up practically any street corner. 

It’s got a compact design that is weather and water-proof, allowing it to withstand elements of all types. 

The drawback to the TENKOO model is its installation; a person needs special skills and tools to make sure it’s correctly installed. You also need a specific light post, and getting spare parts isn’t very easy to do if something needs repairing. 

Pros:

• Equipped with a powerful battery
• 28 Ultra-bright LEDs
• Integrated design: Compact and Elegant
• Waterproof and weatherproof
• Powerful Motion and Light Sensors

Cons:

• Difficult to install
• Requires special light post
• Unavailability of spare parts

Warelight Cobra Head Roadway Light 

This product offers the best optical performance and flexibility wherever they are installed. It’s best for use along roadways, walkways and in parking lots. The manufacturer has focused on an economical design that includes features such as leading industry surge protection options, outstanding lumen maintenance and a single latch tool-less entry. It can last up to 100,000 hours but does cost a lot. 

Pros:

• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
• Listings: cULus, IP66, Wet Location listed

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

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Patterns projected onto an object or a surface define how light is dispersed from an illumination apparatus. It is determined by the point at which 50% of the fixture’s luminous intensity is met. Indeed, these distributions are an optimal choice for area lighting, roadway lighting, parking lot lighting, etc. Therefore, the industry has created a classification system and recognized five distinct LED distribution types – Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V light distribution. Interested in learning more and knowing how to choose the most suitable and correct distribution pattern from among Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, or Type V? Read on to understand in-depth each distribution type and how it applies to the outdoor Area & Site Lighting.

Comparison of Different Light Distribution Types

Application for Different Light Distribution

Application of Parking Lot Light with Type I Light Pattern

The Type I light distribution is an excellent choice for illuminating walkways, footpaths, and sidewalks. This type of lighting is typically placed adjacent to the center of the pathway, hence providing adequate lighting for narrow pavements.

Type I is a two-way lateral distribution with a preferred lateral width of 15 degrees in the cone of maximum candlepower. The two principal light concentrations are in opposite directions along a roadway. Consequently, this type is generally applicable to a luminaire location near the center of a road where the mounting height is approximately equal to the roadway width.

Additionally, the longitudinal and symmetrical lighting for streets is observed, and the bi-directional illuminance is uniformly distributed across the two sides of the light pole. Therefore, we need relatively lower power to brighten this area and employ LEDs ranging from 30W to 60W.

Application of Parking Lot Light with Type II Light Distribution

Type II light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 25 degrees. They are generally applicable in the case of luminaires located at or near the side of relatively narrow roadways, where the width of the street does not exceed 1.75 times the designed mounting height.

The type II distribution is planted on and near wide walkways, ramps, entrance roadways, and other long, narrow lighting areas thus, illuminating huge and wide spaces. This specific form of lighting is usually set up on constrained side streets, alleyways, and jogging paths.

Application of Parking Lot Light with Type III Light Distribution

The type III distribution designed for illuminating roadways, general parking areas, and other areas require a more extensive lighting area. Type III lighting should be positioned to the side of the road, which allows the light to be projected outward and cover and fills the space, emitting a filling light flow.

Type III light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 40 degrees. This distribution is geared towards luminaires mounted on or adjacent to the side of medium width roadways or areas where the width of the roadway or site does not exceed 2.75 times the mounting height. Lepro parking lot light series with Type III light distribution is apt for installing on one side of a medium-width road or parking lot area.

· Application of Parking Lot Light with Type IV

The Type IV distribution commonly mounted on the sides of buildings and walls generates a semicircular light. It is the perfect choice for illuminating the perimeter of parking areas and businesses, where the magnitude of the Type IV lighting has the same intensity at angles from 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

Type IV light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 60 degrees. This distribution is employed for side-of-road mounting and is frequently utilized on wide roadways, provided its width does not exceed 3.7 times the mounting height.

Furthermore, the power consumption for the Type IV LED pattern is increasingly discerning and demanding. Regardless of the energy requirement, to light up bridges and façades, we have the option of selecting among 100 watts, 200 watts, 300 watts, or up to 400 watts LED lights. Of course, the Lepro LED parking lot lights are a wise choice in this situation.

· Application of Parking Lot Light with Type V Distribution

The Type V light distribution radiates a circular pattern with equal intensity at all angles. This distribution has a circular symmetry of candlepower that is substantially identical and relatively constant at all lateral angles. Supplementarily, Type V distributions deliver the most extensive, even light pattern. Therefore, it is particularly designed for luminaire mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of the parkway, and four-way intersections.

Certainly, you may adopt the Lepro LED area Lighting fixtures for large outoor area lighting like parking lots, roadways, playgrounds, stadiums, parks, outside basketball courts, tennis courts and etc..

The post How to Choose the Right Light Distribution Type for Parking Lot Lights? appeared first on Lepro Blog.

HID shoebox lights with low conversion rates are highly efficient when measured at the source. However, it does not take into account the amount of light that hits the target area (system efficiency). System efficiency is affected by a myriad of factors, including losses due to trapped light, protective covers or lenses, non-standard operating temperatures, and power conversion losses. The system efficiency for HID shoebox lights is generally only 70% of the source efficiency compared to the LED shoebox lights (whose system efficiency is closer to 90%). Hence, it is obvious that the more practical lighting solution is the LED.  

The significant advantage of HID shoebox light is that their initial purchase price will be much lower in some cases, particularly with low and high-pressure sodium bulbs. Typically, LED shoebox lights make up for their higher purchase price with reduced maintenance and energy costs across a specific payback period. Similarly, another explicit tradeoff with the HPS (High-pressure sodium-vapor) lamp, in particular, is its monochromatic yellow with an abysmal Color Rendering Index.

Furthermore, HID shoebox lights carry with them a myriad of inherent potential problems. Amongst them, the major issues include repetitive maintenance and replacement costs in both parts and labor (HID shoebox lights have a much shorter lifespan than LEDs), potentially hazardous waste (internal mercury), and dangerous emissions (UV). Such situations occur if the bulb breaks, the casing experiences some form of failure, or other similar concerns like longer warm-up times, inability to dim effectively, or shorter warranty coverage.

Therefore, though the trend nowadays is to go with LED shoebox lights, one needs to be cautious. Choosing products with a guaranteed lifespan is of utmost importance to avoid tensions, frequent maintenance work, and high costs associated with it.

How to Choose the Parameter of the Commercial LED Shoebox Fixture?

A sound and reliable lighting system that can improve night-time visibility will provide efficient, high-quality light with minimal glare.

The average road surface illuminance is a vital evaluation index for roadway lighting. The luminous flux may be calculated using the formula jotted below, which helps ascertain the total perceived power emitted by a light source.

E = Ø / A

E_av = F * U * K * N / (W_eff * S)

W _eff = W_s – X_L

Where:

“Ø” = luminous flux, “E” = illuminance, “A” = irradiated area （m²）

“E_av” = average road surface illuminance, “F”= rated luminous flux （Lm）

“S” = luminaire mounting spacing （m）

“W_eff” = effective road width,  W_s = actual road width，X_L = overhang

Due to the varying installation heights, elevation angles, layout methods, road widths, etc., of the street lights, we should also consider the rated luminous flux of the street light source, the “utilization factor (U).”

For the purpose of maintaining the average illuminance of the road surface, it is necessary to consider the lumen maintenance, the protection level, the cleaning cycle, and the “maintenance factor (K)” to calculate the rated luminous flux.

Since the street lights are arranged in different ways, such as a single row, double row symmetrical, double row staggered, etc., which affects the average illuminance, the “arrangement factor (N)” needs to be considered as well.

Table 1 Recommended Values for High Pedestrian Activity Areas

To explain the calculation method, we have illustrated an example below.

On the main road, with high pedestrian activity, the road width is 20m, luminaire mounting spacing 25m, installation height 10m, overhang length 1.5m, elevation angle 15°, and the luminaires are arranged on only one side of the road. What power should be selected?

Select the LED shoebox light with an IP65 protection level that suits the project environment.

Refer to table 1, and choose Eav = 20Lx.

W_eff / H is 18.5 / 10 = 1.85, elevation angle 15°, certainty U is 0.69, K is 0.7.

20 = F * 0.69 * 0.7 * 1 / (20 – 1.5) / 25

F = [ (W_s – X_L) * S] * E_av / U * K * N

  = [ (20 – 1.5) * 25] * 20 / (0.69 * 0.7 * 1)

  = 9250 / 0.483

  = 19151 Lm

Generally, the lumen efficiency of LED Shoebox lights is 100-130Lm/W, but the corresponding power should be 150W-200W. Lepro provides LED shoebox luminaires with a lumen efficiency of up to 130Lm/W.  Hence, only 150W power is enough.

Through the design software DIALUX, the LEPRO LED shoebox illuminants helps meet or exceed the maintained average horizontal luminance and average-to-minimum uniformity ratios.

How to Choose the Mounting Accessories of Commercial Shoebox Fixtures?

There are generally three installation methods for shoebox lights：

1. Slip Fitter: Round Pole 

2. Direct Bracket: Square Pole

3. Trunnion Bracket: Wall Mounting

When positioned in parking lots and roads, we generally recommend choosing the first or second category depending on the actual installation situation.

For optical design or any questions, please contact Lepro. We provide various types of parking lot lights 100w to 300w for your choosing.

The post How Do You Choose Shoebox Fixtures for Commercial Areas? appeared first on Lepro Blog.

Lighting Analysis of a Parking Lot

The chart below exhibits that the illuminance requirement of a parking lot is appropriately 50lx, and its uniformity ratio is around 0.6.

      Uo means uniformity ratio of illuminance

Based on the information presented in the table above, if you plan on using the 150w parking lot light, we strongly advocate our customers to utilize 2 LED parking lot lights with 19500lm (150w) each, mounted 20-25 feet high above the ground. Likewise, the distance between the poles should range anywhere between 50 and 80 feet.

It is evident from the chart outlined below that we also offer different wattages ranging from 100w to 300w with various lumen outputs. However, if you want to learn more about the different types of lights we offer along with the ideal lighting solution that suits your parking lot, please get in touch with us via our website.

Lighting Requirements of Parking Lot Lights

Besides the basic illumination requirements of the parking lot lights, we also need to take into consideration the uniformity of illumination (Uo), color rendering (Ra), and the correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light source. Additionally, glare is also an important indicator used to measure the quality of the luminaire. High-quality venue lighting creates a relaxed and visual environment for drivers. The following chart explained hereunder shows the requirements.

How to choose lumen and wattage for a parking lot?

If you are looking at replacing your existing metal halide parking lot light, here is a list of our top recommendations.

If you have a new project with no existing parking lot lights, please do not hesitate to contact Lepro with your layout design. Once we get all the necessary information, a list of our premium quality recommended LED fixtures and lighting solutions that meet your demands will immediately reach you for use in your parking lot! This is a basic service we offer all our customers to help them review how many poles and illuminants will be required along with a detailed cost estimate.

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