External lighting can be fully exposed to the elements, making high IP rated luminaires essential. It is therefore particularly important that lighting is especially robust and requires little in the way of maintenance.
Staff and visitor car parks, for example, require weatherproof luminaires with good levels of visibility. Ideally, lighting should be positioned over and between parked cars to eliminate potential hiding places.
External building signage must be properly illuminated and clearly visible. The perceived brightness of the approach to a secure health facility should be carefully considered. The illuminance levels should be selected to balance with the ambient illuminance that exists in the vicinity.
As with any exterior lighting installation, it is important to minimise upward and spill light to prevent light pollution and to ensure it does not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
LEDs with specifically designed optics can vastly reduce energy usage as, for example, lighting with discharge lamps in a floodlight can be very inefficient. For longevity and to minimise costs, the paint finishes of luminaires should be highly resistant to degradation.
Technical Support
When it comes to lighting external and perimeter applications glare must be kept to a minimum. We recommend that the peak intensity of the main beam is below 70° from the vertical.
Higher mounting heights also need 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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