Warehouse lighting is a critical element of a warehouse for safety, aesthetics, and efficiency. The aisles, stairs, and other high-traffic areas should be well-lit to improve productivity and decrease employee burnout and human error. In addition, it’s important to choose lights from a brand with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) because a high CRI translates to better quality light – especially important for accurate color representation.
CRI
CRI (color rendering index) is an important factor when choosing a lighting system for your warehouse. This metric measures how close a light reproduces the natural colors of objects. A high CRI rating will ensure that your workers can see objects clearly and accurately contrast colors. It is especially important in warehouses, where workers have to read labels.
The color temperature of your warehouse lighting will affect how well you can see objects. It will also affect how easy it is to read. The best lighting mimics natural light. Therefore, its CRI rating should be at least 80 and, ideally at 85. LED lights have a CRI of over 85.
The CRI of the lighting fixtures will play a crucial role in determining the quality of the work environment. A warehouse must be well-lit to ensure worker productivity and safety. In addition, a high CRI fixture is important to ensure that colors are accurate and to avoid eye strain. There are many types of lighting fixtures for warehouses, including wall-mounted lights and mast-mounted fixtures.
Color Temperature
The right color temperature for warehouse lighting is essential for improving safety and productivity. The ideal color temperature is between 4000K and 5000K, which emits a cool white light that is less glaring and reduces eye strain. The color temperature should be chosen according to the type of working area and environmental factors in the warehouse. Too warm a light will make employees sleepy and hard to see the shelves. Furthermore, the spacing between light fixtures should be carefully considered. It should avoid glare and dark areas.
Natural light produces light of different colors. Early morning sunlight is orange, while late afternoon sunlight has a cool blue tint. Because color temperatures vary, the best light for warehouses and other industrial settings is essential for staff productivity and health. However, knowing what to look for when selecting warehouse lighting can be tricky.
If you’re installing the lighting for a warehouse, choose a color temperature that matches the color of your existing lights. Matching color temperature with the existing lighting is important to avoid clashing. Similarly, different rooms are suitable for different colors. Cool white lighting can help you concentrate and see the detail better. Many prefer excellent white lighting in their garages, home offices, and laundries.
Size of Light Fixture
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an efficient warehouse lighting system. First, the light fixture’s size is an important consideration. The right one should complement the size and shape of the building. It should also have several key features, such as the following:
- It should be bright enough to illuminate the entire warehouse.
- It should be glare-free.
- It should have a cool white color temperature.
A warehouse can benefit from more than one type of lighting. For example, it can use fluorescent lights, LED lights, or a combination. Different types of lighting are designed for specific applications. Some are suited to aisle lighting, while others are better suited to entire lighting areas. For example, linear aisle lights are ideal for illuminating aisles between shelves, while panel-high bays provide brighter light over a larger area. LED lights are also a great option for warehouse lighting because they are more energy-efficient and last longer than traditional light bulbs.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of warehouse lighting is very important. It is because lighting systems can account for up to 80% of a warehouse’s total electricity costs. The type and number of fixtures used, how long the warehouse is open, and how much natural light is available can all affect the energy efficiency of the lighting. In addition, older lighting systems that use outdated technology can be expensive to operate and lead to increased energy bills. Fortunately, new lighting technologies and products, like those from LED Lighting Supply, can reduce energy costs while providing the same illumination level.
The energy efficiency of warehouse lighting can be enhanced by using controls and sensors. Additionally, warehouse lighting should be analyzed regularly to see if any changes are necessary. For example, changing home delivery and online retail demands means that warehouse lighting needs to change over time.
Dwayne Kula
Dwayne Kula is the President of LED Lighting Supply. On any given day, Dwayne is writing content for the site and helps manage the ongoing marketing initiatives. He has a Software Engineering degree and still dabbles in writing software for the company as needed. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out, playing the occasional game of golf, and exploring New England.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwaynekula/
