17 Nov 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting
What are things to consider when choosing outdoor lighting?
- Durability and UL Rating
- Size
- The Type of Light and Its Placement
- Style & Color
The exterior of buildings and establishments should make a standout impression and improve safety. Fortunately, these can be done by optimizing your outdoor lighting. There are certain outdoor lights that help create the atmosphere you want to provide and increase visibility to reduce safety risks. Make sure your investment does not go to waste and take note of these 5 things to consider when choosing outdoor lighting for your establishment.
Durability
With outdoor lighting exposed to nature’s elements, it’s crucial that lighting solutions suppliers factor in the durability of a lighting fixture. That’s why reputable lighting solutions providers in the Philippines, like Stealth Ventures Corp., suggest using LED lights for outdoor use.
Not only do LED lights provide optimal illumination outdoors, but they also offer immense durability that is enough to withstand poor weather conditions. Apart from optimal luminosity, LED lighting fixtures also require very little maintenance.
UL Rating
To ensure the light is built for outdoor use, lighting suppliers also check the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) rating of the fixture. This rating guides professionals during the installation process.
- Dry
Light fixtures with a dry rating are easily damaged by any kind of moisture. These should only be installed in covered areas that aren’t affected by wet conditions.
- Damp
Damp-rated lighting fixtures can be installed in areas that don’t receive direct exposure from outdoor elements. These can be installed in outdoor kitchens, garages, and even on windows.
- Wet
Wet-rated lighting fixtures are the only lights that are able to withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy winds and rain. These can be installed in outdoor areas like gazebos and waiting sheds.
When picking between the three UL ratings, lighting solutions providers may suggest having UL wet-rated lights installed in outdoor facilities to avoid damage to property.
Size
Compared to indoor lighting fixtures, outdoor fixtures may come in larger sizes. However, it’s not always advised by professionals to get larger outdoor lights because of the damage they may inculcate on the building.
Even if there is enough space to accommodate larger fixtures, these may actually cause more damage instead of complementing its design. Aside from that, it can also block important entryways.
Always keep in mind the consequences that a lighting feature’s size can cause. Picking a medium-sized luminaire is one of the best options to use. It gives outdoor space enough illumination without damaging the structure.
The Type of Light and Its Placement
When considering light fixtures outside, consider their function and where they are going to be installed. There are different kinds of lights that serve a specific purpose. It’s best to follow these to ensure you maximize the purpose of the fixture.
Types of Light
- Wall Lights
These are lights that can be installed on vertical surfaces such as walls. Various establishments use this to illuminate pathways or corridors outside a building.
- Hanging and Ceiling Lights
These lighting fixtures can be used for areas that receive a lot of dampness outdoors like covered patios. They provide people with overhead lighting and serve as an alternative to wall lights.
- Post Lights
As its name suggests, these lights can be found on top of poles or posts. Since they are exposed, these lights have a UL wet rating to ensure they are durable enough to withstand various weather conditions.
- Security Lights
Outdoor lighting fixtures also include security lights. These can be set up along the perimeter of your establishment and its entryways. These fixtures can also be motion-activated to increase security, especially against burglars.
- Landscape Lights
Landscape lights have low voltage since most fixtures here are used for decorative purposes instead of illumination. Using the different types of lights, solutions providers can easily identify which fixtures to use for different outdoor locations.
Style and Color
Lastly, lighting solutions providers should also consider the style and color of lighting fixtures. Even if installed outdoors, the look of a lighting fixture should still complement the color and design of the entire structure.
Many establishments choose to sport a unified or consistent theme to achieve a more polished and clean look to the structure. It can also make the space more attractive if all fixtures have the same color and design. This makes it easier to get a cohesive look to the outdoor space.
Key Takeaway
There are many things to consider when choosing outdoor lighting. With your lighting solutions supplier, discuss which area needs lights and for what purpose. Once this has been decided, it can be easier to decide what type of lights can be installed.
If you’re looking for a lighting supplier in the Philippines, contact us here at Stealth Ventures Corp. We have over a decade of experience as a lighting solutions provider to various industries from transportation to the hotel industry. Our team can help your business achieve your lighting needs.