Types of Commercial Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is generally the use of light for aesthetic effects or for practical purposes such as street lighting.  When lighting, one has a choice of either artificial or natural illumination. Artificial light sources include lamps, candles and battery-powered lights for example torches. Natural light is basically daylight. Natural lighting is preferred whenever it’s available as it is less expensive or rather free. That is why artificial light sources are avoided during the day in homes and offices. This can be achieved through sky lights and windows. Artificial lighting is mostly provided by candles, oil and pressure lamps, gas lights, candles and torches. Indoor lighting is an important part of interior design. With proper indoor lighting, a room can be made to look bigger, more spacious and generally more appealing to the eye. Outdoor lighting can also be applied cleverly to get a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Where lighting is done for business purposes, this is referred to as commercial lighting. Commercial lighting employs artificial light sources such as lamps. This is evident in street lighting, business signs, outdoor party lighting and airplane runway lighting. It is therefore evident that lighting is essential for safety and not only for aesthetic purposes.

Commercial lighting is implemented using different types of commercial lighting fixtures depending on the size of the area to be illuminated, the use of the lighting and the height of the lighting fixture. One such fixture is the high bay lighting fixture. High bay lighting fixtures are used for ceilings that exceed 15 feet. Such ceilings are common in warehouses, gyms, shops, factories and garages. This type of fixture uses a technology known as High Intensity Discharge (HID). HID lamps achieve the maximum amount of light to cover such large areas.

Another type of fixture is the low bay fixture. Low bay fixtures are used for ceilings that are less than 15 feet high, although they can also be used for ceilings between 15 and 20 feet high. These fixtures are used in warehouses and church aisles. They are made in such a way as to give a high degree of light without too much glare.

Flood lighting is a form of commercial exterior lighting. Flood light fixtures also used High Intensity Discharge (HID) technology. They have to be very bright so that they can cover a large area such as a football field. Flood lights are cheap and are therefore preferred in commercial lighting uses such as rugby and football games that are held at night. They are efficient because they can be mounted on the ground or on a pole. They can also be installed on the side of a tall building.

Another form of commercial outdoor lighting fixtures is the one used for street lights. They are erected to provide surface light during the night. They are usually present on the side of the street, on walkways and in parking lots. They are generally between six and thirteen feet. They also have to be made adaptable to damp and wet weather conditions. Street lights are usually programmed to go on as soon as the daylight is gone as this is when the streets become unsafe. This time varies for different time zones.

Other commercial outdoor lights are lighted advert signs. Lighted advert signs are used to advertise different products. They are also used to publicize restaurants and entertainment spots. They are made in such a way as to attract passersby. This is achieved by use of bright colors and startling lights. Neon colors are preferred and that’s why advert signs are commonly referred to as neon signs. Advert signs are made to blink or change color every so often. This method also catches the eyes of drivers.

Linear fluorescent lighting is another type of commercial lighting. Linear fluorescent fixtures use low wattage and fluorescent T5 and T8 tubes. Fluorescent tubes are energy saving and are therefore used where the costs need to be kept low. Examples of linear fluorescent fixtures are surface mounts, under cabinet lighting, recessed troffers and task lighting.

Emergency lights are light fixtures that are reliable in illuminating exit routes and keeping them safe. Exit lights have independent energy sources and they have to meet a certain safety code or standard. They have LED lamps and battery backup in case of power blackouts.

Vandal-proof lights are made with commercial materials that are resistant to scratches and high impact. They are usually installed on the ceiling and are tamper proof. This way they cannot be easily broken or dislodged. They are used in public areas or inside homes for safety purposes.

Warehouse shade pendants are another form of commercial exterior lighting. They are used in factories and warehouses or in residential areas. They have a more industrial look. They include wire guards, mounting fixtures and protective glass guards.