Parking lot lighting is very important as a space for storing cars, traffic, and people. From residential parking lots and commercial complexes to hotels and entertainment centers, they all require appropriate lighting to provide drivers and passengers with sufficient lighting and a safe and functional space. In this article from EDC, we will examine the principles of parking lot lighting, the types of lighting suitable for different parts of it, and important points to consider in this regard.

Important points in parking lot lighting

Parking lot lighting should be such that:

Provide adequate lighting for all parking areas, especially in parking lots, ramps, and walkways. Be uniform and prevent the creation of annoying shadows and glare.
Be appropriate in terms of color and color temperature of the light to maintain drivers’ vision well while driving and maneuvering in space.
Optimize energy consumption and use energy-efficient light sources such as LED.
Be resistant to moisture and dust, because parking lots are humid and dusty environments.
Aesthetically, it should be appropriate for the parking space and give it a beautiful and modern look.
Types of parking lot lighting in the building

Parking lot lighting can be broadly divided into three general categories:

General lighting: This type of lighting is for general lighting of the parking lot space and usually uses LED ceiling lights with high illumination and appropriate beam angle.

Local lighting: This type of lighting is for lighting specific parking areas such as ramps, entrances, columns and walls and uses interior wall lights, pendants, linear or recessed lights.

Decorative lighting: This type of lighting is for creating a beautiful and modern space in the parking lot and uses colored LED lights, fiber optics or creative lighting elements.
Lighting of different parts of the parking lot

The principles and tips for lighting different parts of the parking lot are given below:

Parking lot entrance lighting

The parking lot entrance should be well lit so that drivers can easily enter it. For this purpose, you can use an exterior wall light with high illumination or a building facade light.

Parking lot floor lighting

The parking lot floor should be evenly lit to prevent annoying shadows and slippery surfaces. For this purpose, you can use a recessed ceiling light or a surface-mounted LED ceiling light with high illumination and a suitable beam angle.

Parking lot ceiling lighting

The parking lot ceiling can be lit using recessed or surface-mounted LED ceiling lights with soft lighting. You can also create a modern atmosphere in the parking lot with decorative lighting.

Parking lot wall lighting

Parking lot walls can be lit using LED wall lights with soft lighting. In addition, LED linear lights can be used to create beautiful and modern light lines on the walls.

Ramp Lighting

Ramps should be well lit so that drivers can easily navigate them. For this purpose, it is recommended to use wall or pendant lights with high illumination and an appropriate beam angle.

Types of parking lots and reasons for their lighting

Due to the variety of uses and locations of parking lots, they can be divided into different categories, each of which requires its own lighting. In this section, we will examine the types of parking lots and the reasons for their lighting:

Building parking lot lighting standards and rules

Complying with parking lot lighting standards and rules is of great importance because this helps to provide sufficient lighting, a safe and functional space, as well as the beauty and modernity of the parking lot. Below, we will mention some of the most important standards and rules in this regard:

Iranian National Standard No. 12111

Proper lighting intensity in parking lots is of great importance for ensuring safety, clear visibility, and ease of movement of people and vehicles. The ideal level of illumination in a parking lot is between 50 and 100 lux. This value can vary depending on the type of parking lot use, the dimensions of the space and the height of the ceiling.
This standard specifically addresses the lighting of interior spaces of buildings, including parking lots, and specifies the minimum lighting required for each part of the parking lot as follows.

Parking areas: 20 lux
Traffic paths: 15 lux
Ramps: 10 lux
Entrances: 20 lux
Stairs: 10 lux
Installation locations for electrical panels and signs: 5 lux
National Building Code for Parking Lot Lighting

The National Building Regulations also have regulations for parking lot lighting, including the following:

Using explosion-proof lights in underground parking lots: Due to the presence of flammable gases in underground parking lots, the use of explosion-proof lights is mandatory.

Using lights with the appropriate IP rating: The IP rating indicates the level of resistance of the light to dust and water penetration. Lights with an IP rating of at least 65 should be used for parking lots. Read all about the IP standard in this article.
Installation location of switches and sockets: Switches and sockets should be installed in a well-lit location.
Light color: The light color of parking lot lights should be white or sunny, and the use of red, blue, and green lights should be avoided.
Light temperature: The light temperature of parking lot lights should be between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin.
Glare: Lights should not be installed in a way that causes glare. If you do not know about glare, you can learn everything you need in the article Lighting Parameters.

Compliance with these standards and rules will help you have a safe, functional and beautiful parking lot.

Note: This section has tried to briefly refer to the standards and rules of parking lot lighting. For more information in this regard, you can refer to reliable sources such as the Iranian National Standard No. 12111 and the National Building Regulations.

General tips for basic parking lot lighting
The amount of lighting in each type of parking lot should be appropriate to its use and capacity.
The type of lights should be selected according to environmental conditions such as humidity, dust, etc.
The location of the lights should be such that all areas of the parking lot are well lit and the creation of annoying shadows is prevented.
Using control systems such as motion sensors and timers can help save energy.
It is mandatory to comply with standards and regulations related to building parking lot lighting.
Using motion sensors: Motion sensors can be used to automatically turn on lights when cars enter and exit. This helps save energy.
Using energy-efficient bulbs: Using energy-efficient bulbs such as LEDs helps reduce energy consumption and electricity costs. To learn about the details and specifications of various lighting products and parking lot lights, with high quality and great variety, you can visit the EDC website.
Lighting design by experts: To ensure that parking lot lighting meets your standards and needs, it is best to seek help from an expert in this field. It should be noted that EDC offers lighting design and calculation services free of charge to its customers. This service helps you easily choose the number and type of lights you need, according to your budget, taste, and the area you want to light.