3 Ways To Upgrade Your Parking Lot Lighting

Parking lots are an often-overlooked part of commercial properties, but they actually play a crucial role for your business. Parking lots provide a first impression to customers and guests of your business, so it’s important that they look good, are well-maintained, and provide safety. One major component of your car parking lot’s appearance and safety is the lights. Parking lot lighting can enhance both the look and security of the space, making it an essential investment. For example, a well-lit parking lot deters criminal activity, enhances visibility for drivers and pedestrians, and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

In this blog from the expert electricians at Iddings Electric Inc., we cover our top three recommended ways to take your car parking lighting to the next level.

1. Maintain Your Light Poles

The light poles in your parking lot do more than hold up bulbs — they provide the structural support to ensure your lighting functions properly and safely. The style of your light poles also contributes to the aesthetics of the parking lot. Over time, however, light poles can become compromised by wear and tear, weather exposure, and even accidental damage.

To make sure your car parking lighting poles continue to look good and function well, regular maintenance is key. By keeping up with parking lot lighting maintenance, you can:

• Prevent rust and corrosion: Light poles are exposed to the elements 24/7. Rain, humidity, and pollution can cause corrosion, particularly if the poles are made of metal.
• Maintain structural integrity: A leaning or damaged pole can be a red flag for deeper issues, like soil erosion or base plate deterioration. Regular inspections by professionals can identify these issues early on, allowing for timely repairs or replacements before they pose a serious risk.
• Ensure electrical safety: Over time, wiring inside light poles can degrade. Inspections can uncover frayed or damaged wiring, which can lead to electrical malfunctions or even fires.

2. Upgrade Old Bulbs

If your parking lot lighting uses outdated bulbs, like high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH), it’s time for an upgrade. Switching to modern LED lighting offers significant advantages, such as:

• Energy efficiency: LED bulbs use a fraction of the energy consumed by traditional bulbs and can lower your energy bills by up to 75%.
• Longer lifespan: LED lights last significantly longer than HPS or MH bulbs — sometimes up to 50,000 hours or more.
• Improved visibility: LED lighting provides enhanced visibility, helping drivers to navigate the parking lot more safely and ensuring pedestrians feel secure.
• Environmental impact: LED lights are more environmentally friendly, as they consume less energy and contain no hazardous materials like mercury.

3. Install Motion Sensors

One of the most effective ways to increase the efficiency and security of your parking lot lighting is by installing motion sensors. These devices detect movement and automatically turn lights on or off based on activity in the area. This offers several benefits, including:

• Energy savings: Motion sensors prevent lights from being on when they aren’t needed, which can drastically reduce energy consumption.
• Enhanced security: Parking lots with lights that turn on when motion is detected can deter criminal activity. The sudden activation of lights can surprise potential intruders and create the impression that the area is monitored.
• Extended lifespan for bulbs: By reducing the amount of time that lights are on, motion sensors can extend the lifespan of your bulbs.

Choose Iddings for Commercial Electrical Services

Upgrading your parking lot lighting with these three key improvements — maintaining your light poles, upgrading outdated bulbs, and installing motion sensors — can drastically enhance safety, reduce energy costs, and improve the overall appearance of your property. At Iddings Electric, we’re here to help you make these important changes seamlessly with our lighting services for parking facilities. Our team has served businesses and commercial properties throughout Lancaster, Berks, York, Lebanon, and Chester County for over 20 years, so we have the skills and experience needed to get the job done right! With bucket trucks and a comprehensive range of commercial electrical services, you can trust that you’re in good hands with our team.

Contact us today for a consultation and let’s brighten your parking lot with innovative, energy-efficient solutions!