Lighting is essential in every commercial or industrial space, not just for aesthetic or operational usage but also for the safety and efficiency of the work environment. Whether it's a warehouse, a factory, or a workshop, the type of space matters a lot when it comes to your lighting decisions, and lighting decisions make an enormous difference. So, let’s look at some simple tips that will help you choose the most suitable lighting for the interior of your industrial space!

Why is light so important in industrial spaces?

Light is a resource to amplify the workspace, yet it's rarely used to its full potential. Let's first analyse the importance of lighting in detail before we begin choosing the lighting. Lighting in an automotive factory does not only brighten an area so the workers can see; the purpose of lighting in the automotive workspace is to brighten the space to enhance safety and improve overall efficiency—bad lighting results in accidents, low spirits, and even low productivity levels. Ensuring you light up your area and keep it clean and bright is essential.

Factors that affect lighting decisions:

The visual factor: industrial spaces need to be bright. Employees who work in challenging environments must be able to see, and good light also makes it easier for workers to carry out operations efficiently.
Monetary Constraints: Energy bills tend to cut into potential profits. Choosing the correct type of energy-efficient lighting can go a long way. You can save a lot of money while also saving the environment.
Operational Needs: Different tasks require different levels of illumination. When considering lighting, consider the functions your workers perform and provide what is suitable for those functions.
Maintenance: Industrial areas can be unsuitable for maintenance. Therefore, a maintenance-free fixture type should be installed.
Aesthetics: An overwhelming majority of people worldwide would agree that the appearance of something should not be secondary to its function. The right industrial light shade can increase the ambience and productivity levels of people working there.

Types of lighting to consider:

Having appreciated the significance of proper lighting, let us examine the lighting options suitable for industrial occupations. Each has particular strengths and weaknesses, so it is essential to make an informed decision.

1. Fluorescent Lighting.

Flood fluorescent lights are standard in industrial settings because they are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They are instrumental because they provide bright white general light.

Pros: Consumes less energy and has longevity.
Cons: It has a chance of flickering. People with sensitivity can be irritated by the brightness.

2. LED lighting.

Recently, there has been an increase in the use of LEDs in factories. They are energy efficient, have an extended life, and are available in various colour temperatures for multiple tasks.

Pros: Highly energy-efficient. Lifespan of 25,000 hours. They can be turned on and off instantly.
Cons: They have an initial high installation cost.

3. Metal Halide.  

Warehouse buildings use metal halide because it emits bright, whitish light, which is ideal for structures with high ceilings. Metal halide also has good colour rendering, which enables detail-oriented work.   

Pros: Excellent colour rendering. They are suitable for large areas.  

Cons: They require a longer time to warm up. They are not as energy-efficient as LEDs.  

4. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS).  

Although commonly installed in outdoor spaces, HPS light can still serve some indoor functions. Yellow in colour, these lights are efficient and functional.  

Pros: They are efficient. They have a long operational lifespan.  

Cons: The yellow light distorts colour in the surrounding areas.  

Assessing Your Space: 

Before you start the buying process, assess your industrial space. Below are essential aspects to look out for:   

1. Ceiling Height.  

The height of your ceilings will dictate the kind of lighting you will choose. High ceilings may need strong fixture power or specific types of lighting, such as high-bay lights.

2. Layout of the space.

Also, consider your space's composition. Do some parts or areas require more light? Anticipating the traffic flow within your space will help you decide the locations of your lights to maximise their impact.

3. Nature of the Work.

What types of work steps are being performed? For instance, detailed work might be performed with brighter, focused lights, while general areas can be illuminated by softer ambient light.

4. Natural light sources.

If your industrial space has windows or skylights, utilise that natural light. It can minimise artificial daytime lighting and enhance the work environment.

Choosing the Right Brightness.

People need to choose the correct brightness. Brightness matters the most when lighting up industrial spaces, as measured in lumens. Here’s a quick rundown of what you might need:

• General Areas: 100-150 lumens per square foot.
• Workstations: 300-500 lumens per square foot.
• Detailed Tasks: 500-1000 lumens per square foot.

It is a common belief that using the correct brightness improves visibility and must be used to reduce the chances of eye strain on your workers.

Colour temperature matters.

Another aspect to consider is colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This specification has an impact on the light that the human eye perceives. A few fundamentals of colour temperature include the following: 

• Warm White (2700K-3000K) is helpful in break rooms or lounges where a warm and comfortable mood is required.
• Cool White (4000K-5000K): A temperate illumination suitable for all-purpose locations.
• Daylight (5000K-6500K): Very helpful for performing intricate jobs as it reproduces sunlight. 

The selection of proper colours enhances concentration and productivity levels.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.

With the rise in energy prices, reducing usage is essential. Besides cutting costs, energy-efficient lighting also has ecological benefits. Below are suggestions on how you can pick energy-saving lighting: 

• Search for Energy Star Ratings: This is a mark for an energy-efficient product. Such products meet the energy-saving requirements. 
• Dimming Options: The dimming feature allows one to reduce the light when required. Therefore, when full brightness may not be needed, it saves energy.
• Utilise Motion Sensors: These systems can automatically turn on or off lights in occupied and empty areas. 

Maintenance considerations.

Industrial spaces can be harsh on various illuminations. The following should be taken into consideration to ease maintenance: 

• Heavy Duty Fixtures: Select lighting fixtures that are dust-resistant, moisture-resistant, and temperature-tolerant.
• Plan for Accessibility: When choosing your design, consider the ease of access to fixtures for maintenance and bulb changing.
• Regular Inspections: Make a schedule for regular checks to discover whether all the lights are functional and to replace the broken ones.

In summary, selecting the most suitable light for industrial spaces is crucial and worth making for security, effectiveness, and increased productivity. By considering all the available types of lighting, examining the area in question, and paying attention to the power cost and upkeep, you can create a conducive work environment for yourself and your employees.

So, consider these guiding principles to maximise lighting, whether updating an old facility or building a brand-new one. Remember that an adequately lit working environment is a contented working environment.