Commercial LED Lighting: Benefits & Types
Commercial LED lighting refers to lighting systems installed in spaces such as retail stores, restaurants, offices, and even government buildings. Basically, any space in which people are working, eating, or shopping requires a dedicated system that offers proper illumination. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right LED system that fits perfectly to the needs of your commercial space. A lighting system installed in an office is very different from one meant to light up a store and properly introduce customers to the products you are selling, as well as from one that’s meant to create an ambiance for dinner in a restaurant.
Commercial lighting has come a long way from what it used to be. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems are an excellent substitute for metal halide, incandescent bulbs, or traditional commercial lights. Plus, this lighting option has a variety of indoor/outdoor applications because of its energy-saving capabilities and its capacity to significantly reduce utility costs. Not to mention that commercial LED lighting is also known for its long lifespan, high maintenance, and durability.
If you are thinking of installing commercial LED lighting in your facility, you might want to first consider the different types of LED options available on the market before making any decision or purchase. Since there is a wide variety of commercial lights and fixtures, this kind of research can turn out to be quite overwhelming. So in this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the types of commercial lighting to help you decide which option works best for you.
Why Choose Commercial LED Lighting?
LED commercial lighting is more expensive indeed, but the return on investment also makes up for the initial cost. LEDs consume significantly less energy than traditional lighting options and on top of this, they do not waste energy emitted as heat, which saves on utility bills over time.
Additionally, these lights have a longer lifespan, which means fewer replacements are needed. This is particularly important considering maintenance costs and comfort, when thinking about those fixtures mounted high, requiring lifts or ladders to reach them. In terms of color rendering, temperature, and lumen output, LED lights are considerably better than traditional options.
Furthermore, studies have shown that proper lighting is connected to good work performance. When deciding on the lighting for your office, you must consider the purpose of the lighting and invest in the right option. With the help of professional electricians, you can choose the right system for whatever commercial space you own, from small business municipal buildings to large gymnasiums and manufacturing facilities.
For instance, LED high bay fixtures are perfect for warehouses and garages, offering superior lumen output and 200,000 hours of life. For offices and retail spaces, LED flat panels are the perfect fit. They offer smooth, even light distribution due to their edge-lit, while their slim profile makes it easy to install flush with grid ceilings. Vaporproof and vapor-tight fixtures are an excellent choice for places where there may be heat, moisture, or other debris that could affect the lighting fixtures. These fixtures are designed to be extra durable, having built-in protection. Plus, you can even add occupancy sensors.
4 Types of Commercial LED Lighting
There are plenty of commercial LED lighting options available out there. There is something out there to fit every budget and every space and with the proper guidance, making the right decision is easy.
1. Recessed Troffer Light
The recessed troffer light is considered one of the best options out there because of its low heat emission, high efficiency, and low maintenance. These lights are a replacement for CFL tubes and their housing is hidden from view. They are actually installed in an opening in the ceiling, allowing the light to shine down directly.
Recessed troffer lights come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it is simple to find the right option for your needs. You can choose the color temperature, dimmable or non-dimmable. Plus, these fixtures have a slim design and they are an ideal option for offices, schools, workplaces, and even commercial and retail buildings.
2. Track Lighting
Track lighting is usually mounted on walls or ceilings in either workplaces or even galleries due to their advantage of enabling adjustments as required. A track is also used to mount different light fixtures and it comes with electrical wiring, thus taking away the need to wire individual fixtures.
3. Outdoor Commercial Lights
For security purposes or to highlight certain areas of the business, LED lights are used outdoors. Outdoor commercial LED lighting includes LED shoebox lights, wall packs, or floodlights.
- LED Shoebox Lights
These are installed on a pole, serving as a street light or parking light lot. Usually, there is a single mounting option. However, there are LED shoebox lights that have a slip-fitter mount to quickly install the lights on the end of the pole. Photosensors, timers, motion sensors, lighting controllers can be installed.
- LED-wall Pack Light
These are typically installed on one side of the building, helping to light the building’s exterior or the parking area.
- LED Outdoor Flood Lights
These LED lights provide high-intensity lighting, drawing attention to pathways, monuments, or beautiful landscapes. They are usually used in commercial spaces and sports venues in case of nighttime sports. There are two types of floodlights, directional and area floodlights. Directional lights are highly appreciated in architectural wall washing and façade lighting, while in warehouses, parking lots, and outdoor stadiums, area floodlights are used.
4. Lay-in Fixtures
If you are looking to replace recessed fluorescent lights, then lay-in fixtures are a good option. Lay-in fixtures are more efficient and they are installed along with the ceiling’s supportive flanges or hardware. They are designed to illuminate applications with high ceilings. LED high bays are powerful enough to brighten very large areas which is why they make a perfect choice for commercial and industrial areas.
This option will not only accommodate your lighting needs, but it will also save you money due to their low energy usage, as opposed to metal halide and fluorescent alternatives.
For barns or harsher environments, wet location-rated LED high bay lights are a suitable option, as these come equipped with waterproof housing and impact-resistant lenses. These fixtures are highly popular when it comes to lighting gas station canopies or indoor horse riding arenas.
If you need lighting that is long-lasting, reliable, and maintenance-free, then this is exactly what you need. Plus, there is no UV or mercury being emitted, being a safer option for you and your employees.