External and perimeter areas of traditional social housing applications are often seen as just a “means to an end”. Yet their importance shouldn’t be underestimated as they ensure a pleasant, welcoming and safe environment.
Good lighting inspires feelings of safety and security for residents and helps discourage criminal behaviour. It is important that lighting in external and perimeter applications is especially robust and requires little in the way of maintenance.
Installed lighting needs to withstand extreme weather conditions and incorporate emergency and control functions to ensure luminaires can cope with any situation.
Energy saving is vitally important as external lighting is often running for long periods. LED luminaires use less energy than equivalent fluorescent fittings and require much less maintenance. This can result in a reduction of around 50-60% on electricity bills. Lighting controls can reduce energy and running costs still further.
Integrated presence detectors turn off luminaires, or reduce light output when a particular area is not occupied. Using lighting controls can also help to extend the life of a luminaire as it is not always operating at a high output level.
When it comes to lighting external and perimeter applications glare must be kept to a minimum. We recommend that the main beam angle is not more than 70°.
Higher mounting heights also enable lower main beam angles, which can not only reduce glare but limit light pollution into neighbouring areas. Lighting levels should conform to CIBSE LG9 and BS EN 12464-2:2014.
For further lighting advice speak to our technical sales team on 020 8254 2022 or e-mail technicalsales@designplan.co.uk
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