Lighting in industrial and workshop environments is very important, because proper lighting can have a significant impact on the quality of work, safety, and productivity of employees. It is important that lighting in industrial and workshop environments is done in a way that, in addition to illuminating the space and increasing employee safety, also reduces energy costs. Therefore, it is better to use LED lamps and automatic lighting systems for this purpose. In this article from EDC, we discuss the benefits of lighting in industrial and workshop environments and provide guidance for choosing the best lighting products.
What are the benefits of lighting in industrial and workshop environments?
Increase safety and reduce accidents: Proper lighting improves employee visibility and prevents accidents caused by poor visibility. In work environments such as sheds and industrial workshops, there are risks such as collisions with objects or improper use of heavy tools. Proper lighting minimizes these risks.
Increase employee productivity with proper lighting: Employees who work in well-lit environments experience less fatigue and are able to perform their tasks more accurately. Proper lighting, especially in workshops that require high precision (such as sewing or electronics workshops), can help increase employee productivity and reduce errors.
Increase employee satisfaction: A work environment with proper lighting can create a feeling of comfort and satisfaction in employees.
Increase the beauty of the work environment: Proper lighting can make the appearance of the work environment more beautiful and create a more attractive and professional atmosphere. This has a positive effect not only for employees but also for visitors and customers.
Factors affecting the lighting of workshops and industrial environments
The lighting of workshops and industrial environments requires attention to various issues, all of which have a great impact on the quality, efficiency and safety of the work environment. Below are the most important factors affecting the lighting of these spaces:
Consider the type of activity
The type of work that is done in a workshop or industrial environment is the first and most important factor in determining the type and intensity of lighting. Activities that require high precision, such as sewing workshops, require more intense and focused light. In contrast, in storage environments or warehouses, widespread lighting is needed but with less intensity.
Ceiling height plays an important role in the type of lights
Ceiling height in workshops and sheds plays an important role in choosing the type of lights and light intensity. Higher ceilings require lights with high lighting power so that the light reaches the work surface. In these cases, the use of LED lights or high-power industrial fluorescent lights is appropriate.
Uniform distribution of light throughout the environment is important
Lighting should be such that no point in the environment is dark or dim; Because this can lead to unwanted shadows and reduced accuracy. Using multiple lights and installing them at appropriate distances can help distribute the light evenly.
The color of light has a great impact on employee morale
Light with a higher color temperature (white and cool lights) is usually suitable for work environments, as it induces a feeling of alertness and greater concentration. In contrast, warmer lights are more suitable for rest areas or areas that require less concentration.
The ability to control and adjust the intensity of light is important
One of the important features in industrial lighting is the ability to adjust the intensity of light. In some spaces, the intensity of light needs to change depending on the type of activity. For example, more light may be needed when performing more precise tasks, while less light is sufficient for normal activities. Using lighting systems with adjustable light intensity can help optimize lighting conditions.
Don’t ignore energy savings
One of the important factors in lighting industrial environments is energy consumption. Using LED lights or other energy-efficient systems can reduce electricity costs and increase energy efficiency. Also, using motion sensors or timers can help reduce energy consumption when light is not needed.
Consider the durability and lifespan of lights
Lights used in industrial and workshop environments must be durable and have a long lifespan. These environments usually have harsher conditions, and lights must be able to withstand dust, humidity, and high temperatures. Choosing high-quality and durable lights helps reduce maintenance and replacement costs.
Compliance with safety and lighting standards is important
Lighting in industrial environments must comply with safety and lighting standards. These standards include the minimum light intensity necessary to perform tasks, uniform light distribution, and prevention of glare and reflection. Compliance with these standards can prevent work accidents and create a safer environment.
How to light industrial and workshop environments?
In addition to precision and expertise, you need to pay attention to several other factors when lighting industrial and workshop environments. The following are the steps for lighting these environments in detail:
Analysis of the lighting needs of the work environment
Analysis of the lighting needs of the environment is one of the most important steps that must be carried out according to the activities performed and industrial lighting standards. Color rendering index (CRI) and color temperature (CCT) are two key factors that must be considered.
For example, in environments that require accurate color recognition, such as painting workshops or electronic component production, color rendering index with
La (CRI over 80) is recommended. In environments with a greater focus on mechanical activities, a color temperature of around 4000 to 5000 Kelvin, which provides cool white light, is suitable.
Selecting lights based on industrial standards
Shelter lights suitable for industrial environments must comply with safety standards such as IP and IK. Lights with a protection rating of IP65 or higher are suitable for environments with dust or moisture. For environments where there is a risk of physical impact or mechanical shock, lights with a protection rating of IK08 or higher are recommended.
Design and layout of lights using specialized software
For correct lighting, lighting engineering software such as DIALux or Relux can be used. These software programs allow you to simulate the layout of the lights and calculate the light distribution accurately. In this design, you should pay attention to the lumen output of the lights, the optical gain (LOR), and the light distribution (an indicator of how the light is spread). You should also consider horizontal and vertical lighting to avoid shadows and dark spots in the work environment.
Pay attention to glare and reflection problems
Glare and reflection of light in industrial environments can reduce accuracy and increase eye fatigue. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to use lights with a Unified Glare Rating lower than 19.
You should also adjust the angle of the installation of the lights so that the light does not shine directly into the eyes of workers. The use of diffuser coatings and anti-glare reflectors can also be effective in reducing glare.
Review and comply with lighting standards
Each industry or work activity has its own standards. For example, the EN 12464-1 standard for indoor lighting sets out detailed guidelines for industrial lighting.
These standards include minimum illuminance levels (lux) for different environments, such as assembly workshops, warehouses or production lines. It is essential to review these standards and adapt your lighting design to them.
Use smart sensors and controls
Installing smart sensors and controls can help reduce energy consumption and extend the life of your lighting system.
Daylight sensors can adjust the brightness of your lights based on the amount of natural light available in the environment. Occupancy sensors can also automatically turn lights on and off in areas where people are temporarily present.
Maintenance and periodic inspections
After installing your lighting system, have a schedule for inspecting your lights. This schedule should include periodic inspections, cleaning the lights and replacing any defective parts. Especially in environments with high pollution or extreme temperature changes, regular maintenance can help prevent sudden breakdowns.
Light required for lighting different parts of the shed
Proper lighting for different parts of workshop and industrial environments requires attention to the specific needs of each section. The following explains the amount and type of light required for different parts of these environments:
Production and assembly areas
For production and assembly areas that require high precision, the use of cool white lights with a color temperature between 4000 and 5000 Kelvin and high light intensity (lumen) is recommended. Usually 300 to 500 lux is sufficient for these areas.
Suitable lights:
High-power industrial LED lights
Linear lights
Ceiling lights with appropriate light distribution
Warehouses and storage
Warehouses and storage areas require uniform lighting so that goods can be easily searched and managed. Usually 150 to 300 lux is sufficient for these areas.
Suitable lights:
LED lights with adjustable light intensity
Industrial/bulb lights with wide light distribution
Sewing workshops and textile production
In sewing workshops, the light should be precisely and directly directed onto the work tables. 500 to 750 lux is recommended for these areas.
Suitable lights:
LED lights with focused light and adjustable mode
Desk lights with adjustable beam angle
Maintenance areas
For maintenance areas that require high precision and concentration, 300 to 500 lux with cool, uniform light is required.
Suitable lights:
LED lights with high light intensity
Portable lights and adjustable spotlights
Office and service areas
In office and service areas, the light should be comfortable for the eyes. 300 to 500 lux with a color temperature between 3000 and 4000 Kelvin is suitable.
Suitable lights:
Warm LED lights
Recessed ceiling lights and ambient lighting
Entrance and exit areas
Sufficient lighting for the entrance and exit areas of the shed is also important, as it ensures the safety of employees entering and exiting. 200 to 400 lux is sufficient.
Suitable lights:
LED lights with weather-resistant coating
Adjustable entrance and exit lights
Testing and research areas
In laboratories and research areas that require high accuracy and precise analysis, 750 to 1000 lux is recommended.
Suitable lights:
LED lights with high light intensity and uniform distribution
Lights with adjustable light intensity and angle
Outdoor industrial environments
For outdoor industrial environments such as factory premises or outdoor warehouses, 150 to 300 lux is sufficient depending on the weather conditions.
Suitable lights:
Moisture-proof, dust-proof and impact-resistant lights
High-intensity LED lights for outdoor environments
For more information, you can refer to the article How to Calculate the Required Light Amount.
The Importance of Emergency Lighting in Workshop Environments
Emergency lighting systems in workshop environments and sheds, especially in times of crisis or power outages, play an important role in maintaining safety and efficiency.
These systems usually include emergency lights with built-in batteries, lighting systems with separate power supplies, and emergency exit signs, each of which is specially designed to provide lighting in emergency situations.
EDC Lighting Products A Smart Choice for Lighting
With three decades of experience and collaboration with prominent architects and clients, EDC is a smart choice for purchasing lighting products for workshop and industrial environments. Relying on world-class technologies and a team of experts and experienced professionals, EDC offers its products with high quality and professional designs.
30 + 30-month warranty, free project design services, and product health assurance are among the features that make EDC a reliable and superior option in the lighting industry. With EDC products, you can easily meet the professional and specific lighting needs of your shed and create a unique lighting experience.
