Advancements in technology have drastically increased the number of options property owners have for lighting. Low draw and high intensity LED bulbs, long life batteries, solar powered fixtures and programmable systems all provide much more flexibility to direct exterior light where, when and how you want it.
Safety
Keeping areas full of light will help deter unwanted activity and give legitimate users a greater sense of security while on your property.
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Parking Lot Illumination Rule: height of the light pole multiplied by 4 will give the distance the light poles should be apart
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Building Illumination Rule: height of the wall packs (lights on side of building) multiplied by 6 will give the distance the wall packs should be apart
Learn more about improving property safety through environmental design here.
Ambiance
Have you ever pulled up to your home or walked up the stairs to your apartment at night only to find the front door light hadn’t been turned on or was burnt out? You probably found yourself scrambling to get the key in the lock and had your head on a swivel the whole time. What about seeing a business with no lights at the entrance or a dark parking lot – most customers wouldn’t even get out of their car. Lighting has great effect on space and the absence of it can be even more impactful.
While the majority of lights are installed high on buildings or poles, the use of other light directions can add great ambiance as well as function. Accent lights at ground level directed upwards at ornamental trees create picturesque landscapes at night. Path lights running alongside walkways or those atop posts can help users easily find their way and add an elegant charm.
Holidays
Snow may be synonymous with Christmas but much of the country (and world), will never enjoy (or suffer) that cold blanket of white. Outdoor lighting is the perfect way to spread the holiday spirit and each year there are more and more options to do so. Traditional ridgeline colored bulbs, hanging icicle lights, trees and shrubs wrapped in white lights, you can even animate your entire property with programmed lights set to music – the only constraint is your imagination. In the past, the power required for elaborate light displays could be witnessed on the dials of your meter but most new light sets use much less energy.
Whether hanging Christmas lights on your home or installing wall packs on the side of your business, do your research on the best lighting options for your needs. There are many types of bulbs and fixtures, some of which require tapping directly into your electricity. Be extremely cautious when working with electricity (turn off the breaker!) or on ladders. Consult a landscape professional in your area for ideas on how outdoor lighting can improve the look, function and safety of your property.
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