Commercial Outdoor Lighting: A Guide

Table of Contents: Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Landscape Lighting

• The Importance of Commercial LED Outdoor Lighting
• Types of Commercial Outdoor Lighting
  1. Pathway Lighting
  2. Uplights and Flood Lights
  3. In-Ground Lighting
  4. Wall Wash Lighting
  5. Bollard Lighting
  6. Step and Deck Lighting
  7. Underwater Lighting
• Best Practices for Commercial Landscape Lighting
• Commercial Outdoor Lighting Control Systems
• Compliance and Safety Considerations for Commercial Landscape Lighting
• The Lasting Impact of Commercial LED Outdoor Lighting
• Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Outdoor Lighting

Whether it’s a corporate campus, a shopping center, a hotel, or a residential complex, you can employ various types of commercial outdoor lighting to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. In other words, commercial landscape lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal, safety, and security of large commercial properties

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about commercial LED outdoor lighting—including the key considerations, types of lighting, and best practices for illuminating large commercial landscapes.

The Importance of Commercial LED Outdoor Lighting

In the world of commercial properties, visitors usually make their first impressions before they even step through the door. Landscape lighting is not just about looks; it’s a vital element that enhances some of the most important characteristics of your property, such as:

• Aesthetic Enhancement: Landscape lighting emphasizes the architectural features of buildings and highlights the beauty of natural elements such as trees, shrubs, and water features. By strategically placing commercial outdoor LED lights, you can create stunning visual effects that elevate your property’s curb appeal, making it look and feel more inviting and professional.

• Safety and Security: Well-lit pathways, parking lots, and building entrances help prevent accidents by providing clear visibility. On top of that, a well-illuminated property acts as your first line of defense when it comes to security, acting as a deterrent to potential intruders and reducing the risk of vandalism or theft. Ensuring that all areas are adequately lit can make all the difference in meeting safety regulations and lowering liability risks.

• Operational Efficiency: For commercial properties that operate at night, such as hotels or retail complexes, proper lighting is essential for smooth operations. Effective commercial landscape lighting can guide your visitors, improve their experience, and ensure that the property remains in working order during the evening hours.

Types of Commercial Outdoor Lighting

Choosing the right type of LED lighting is crucial for achieving the desired effect and ensuring durability and energy efficiency. Here are the main types of landscape lighting used in large commercial properties:

Pathway Lighting

Walkway lights are essential for guiding pedestrians along walkways, driveways, and garden paths because they provide safety by illuminating the ground and preventing trips and falls.

And as an added bonus, pathway lights can be installed using low-voltage systems, which are energy-efficient and easy to maintain.

Uplights and Flood Lights

Outdoor uplighting fixtures and floodlights are used to highlight specific features such as statues, fountains, or the building’s façade. 

Spotlights home in on a narrow area, creating dramatic effects, while flood lights cover a broader space with intense illumination. LED spotlights and flood lights are popular due to their long lifespan and lower energy consumption.

Uplights and flood lights are used to highlight specific features such as statues, fountains, signage (such as your address and mailbox), or the building’s façade.

Spotlights home in on a narrow area, creating dramatic effects, while flood lights cover a broader space with intense illumination. LED spotlights and flood lights are popular due to their long lifespan and lower energy consumption.

In-Ground Lighting

Outdoor in-ground lights, also known as well lights, are embedded into the ground to illuminate trees, architectural features, or walls from below. 

These lights are excellent for creating an upward lighting effect, adding depth and dimension to the landscape. Incorporating commercial outdoor lights for these fixtures can easily illuminate structures and features of your landscape without burning a hole in your utility bill.

Wall Wash Lighting

Another aspect of floodlight lights is wall washing, which involves placing lights close to the walls of buildings to create a soft wash of light that enhances the texture and color of the structure. 

Wall wash lighting is perfect for accentuating large surfaces and providing ambient lighting with some outdoor LED lighting options only using 12 volts while still adequately providing the ideal wash lighting on your exterior walls.

Bollard Lighting

Bollard lights are short, sturdy fixtures that provide both aesthetic appeal and functional illumination.

While they are often classified as path lights, bollard lights are actually more versatile, offering a range of applications beyond just pathways, including accentuating landscapes and enhancing security.

You’ll usually find them in parking lots, walkways, and around outdoor seating areas. Bollards can be equipped with directional lighting to minimize glare and light pollution.

Step and Deck Lighting

Deck and outdoor step lights are installed on stairways, decks, and ramps to ensure safety and maximum visibility. 
Step lights are usually recessed into the stair risers or mounted under the edge of step treads, while deck lights are mounted on the sides of steps or railings. For these situations, outdoor LED strip lights are ideal for creating a subtle, unobtrusive lighting effect.

Underwater Lighting

For properties with water features such as fountains, ponds, or pools, underwater lights can create a mystifying effect. 

These lights are specifically designed to be waterproof and can be used to highlight the movement and texture of water, a standout feature underneath the night sky.

Best Practices for Commercial Landscape Lighting

Effective commercial LED outdoor lighting design requires careful planning and consideration of several factors. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Conduct a Site Analysis: Before installing lights, perform a thorough site analysis to understand the property’s layout, existing vegetation, and architectural features. Identify the areas that require illumination for safety, security, and aesthetic purposes. Consider the natural lighting conditions and how they change throughout the day and year.

• Layer Your Lighting: A well-balanced landscape lighting design incorporates multiple layers of light. Combine different types of commercial landscape lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to create depth and visual interest. For example, use ambient lighting to provide general illumination, task lighting for specific functions like illuminating pathways, and accent lighting to highlight focal points.

• Use Energy-Efficient Fixtures: Large commercial properties can incur significant energy costs if not managed properly. The solution? Go with commercial LED lighting fixtures, which are highly energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. You can even integrate smart lighting controls, such as smart timers, to reduce energy consumption during off-peak hours.

• Consider Light Pollution and Glare: Minimizing light pollution is essential for both environmental reasons and to ensure the comfort of visitors and nearby residents. Choose fixtures with shielding options to direct light downward and prevent it from overflowing into unwanted areas. Additionally, you can reduce glare by using lights with lower intensity and by strategically positioning them to avoid direct exposure to the eyes.

• Plan for Maintenance: Outdoor lighting systems require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to work and look their best. When you’re designing your lighting plan, keep in mind the ease of access when it comes to fixtures for cleaning, bulb replacement, and repairs. Always go with durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements and reduce the frequency of maintenance.

Commercial Outdoor Lighting Control Systems

Integrating advanced lighting control systems can add a whole new dimension of efficiency to your landscape lighting. Here are some options to consider:

• Timers: Timers allow you to schedule the operation of your lights, so that they turn on and off at specific times. This is especially useful for large properties where manual control would be impractical—for example, if you had to walk around a large estate to individually switch on each light every evening. Timers can be set to coincide with sunset and sunrise or to follow specific business hours.

• Smart Lighting Systems: Smart lighting systems offer advanced control options through mobile apps or centralized control panels. These neat devices allow for remote monitoring, adjusting light intensity, and customizing lighting scenes. Smart systems can also integrate with other building management systems for seamless operation.

• Dimming Controls: Dimming controls give you the flexibility to adjust the brightness of your lights according to the time of day or your desired ambiance. This is especially useful for creating mood lighting in outdoor seating areas or for conserving energy during low-traffic periods, but still effective enough to deter potential criminal activity.

Compliance and Safety Considerations for Commercial Landscape Lighting

When you’re installing landscape lighting for any large commercial property, it’s imperative that you comply with local regulations and safety standards. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Electrical Codes: Ensure that all electrical installations meet the National Electrical Code and any local codes that apply. Codes may include proper grounding, using weatherproof fixtures, and following guidelines for underground wiring.

• Accessibility:  Commercial outdoor lighting should be designed to accommodate all users, including those with disabilities. Ensure that walkways, ramps, and entrances are well-lit and free of obstructions.

• Emergency Lighting: Incorporate emergency lighting in critical areas such as stairways, exits, and parking lots. Emergency lights should have backup power sources to remain operational during power outages.

• Dark Sky-Friendly: Consider adopting “dark sky” lighting practices to minimize light pollution. This involves using fixtures that shield the light source and direct illumination downward, reducing the impact on the night sky so that everyone can enjoy the natural nighttime ambiance.

The Lasting Impact of Commercial LED Outdoor Lighting

Landscape lighting for large commercial properties is a complex yet rewarding investment that enhances the property’s aesthetic appeal, safety, and functionality. 

By carefully selecting the right types of lighting, following best design practices, and incorporating advanced control systems, you can create a well-lit environment that impresses visitors and meets operational needs. 

Remember to prioritize energy efficiency, comply with regulations, and plan for ongoing maintenance to ensure your lighting system remains effective for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Outdoor Lighting

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