11 Best Practices for an Electrical Contractor to Buy and Install LED Lights in a Warehouse
It's critical for electrical contractors to be up to date on the latest lighting innovations. LED lighting is at the top of the list. The majority of new lighting projects and lighting improvements now use LED lights as the industry standard. When purchased properly, they are potent, high-quality light sources that can last a very long period without requiring bulb and ballast replacements.
However, purchasing and installing LED lighting for warehouses calls for careful thought. To guarantee the finest results, adhere to these 11 procedures.
1. Recognize the advantages of LED lighting
It's crucial to comprehend the advantages LED lights give before you get started. Compared to conventional lighting technologies like fluorescent, metal halide, and high pressure sodium, LED lights are much more energy-efficient.
This will result in much cheaper lighting costs for your customer over the course of the next 10+ years of use. When these lights are combined with motion sensors and dimmed or turned off when the area is empty, costs are further decreased.
They also endure for a lot longer. If the lights are left on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, you should anticipate using them for 10 to 15 years.
2. Knowledge of Light Quality
Additionally, compared to earlier light sources, LED lights perform better. The color rendering index indicates substantially higher light quality. This makes colors good for assembly and product processing since they appear as they should. A CRI of 70 or higher is ideal.
3. Motion and Dimming Sensors
For warehouse applications, some (but not all) LED fixtures can be dimmed; this relies on the driver that is used to install the fixture. If they become dim, a motion sensor can usually be used with them. You can dim or switch off the fixture when the space is empty depending on the dimmer and the driver. With fluorescent lighting, it's challenging but not impossible to do it; but, with metal halide and high-pressure sodium HID lighting, it's not an option. Find out if your customer wants to install motion sensors or dim the lights. And if they do, be sure the fixture you're looking at is capable of doing them.
4. Pick the appropriate color temperature
In the case of applications for warehouses, we advise 5000K or 4000K. Anything below 4000K will often have a warmer (yellow) hue.
Everything will be blue and harsh above 5000K. The color temperature at 5000K has by far been the most popular one we've offered for warehouse applications.
5. Recognition
Verify whether the lights have UL or ETL certification. They will be secure as a result. Additionally, confirm that they are DLC Qualified because the customer's utility company might be willing to offer a discount. Anything with simply a CE certification should be avoided. For installations in the USA, that is not safe.
6. Voltage
Make sure you are aware of the voltage used by your clients' lighting systems. We primarily offer two LED driver voltage ranges: 100-277V or 277-480V. The latter is an upgrade in price. The drivers will be harmed if the lights are installed without the correct drivers, and the guarantee will not apply.
7. Surge Defense
This one is less evident, but many people are unaware that when powerful machines are turned on and off, they can generate surges. To safeguard the lights from the on/off cycles of these equipment, we advise upgrading the fixture of the panel surge protector.
8. Backup batteries for emergencies
You may need to install a fixture with an Emergency Backup Power Supply, or EMB for short, in large buildings like warehouses. At least 90 minutes should pass with the lights on, albeit at a lesser brightness. Once the power is restored, they should be able to recharge in less than 24 hours. So have that in mind. Anything less could indicate that you are purchasing a subpar item.
9. Warranty coverage and customer service
When purchasing lighting from any of the major internet vendors, use caution. The return period for the lights may only be 30 days, to start. Who are you going to call if they fail in two years? We're not saying anything to terrify you. Electrical contractors have called us frequently to complain that lights they purchased from these websites are malfunctioning in large numbers and that their warranty claims are being ignored. This is why the lights are so inexpensive.You have a partner with us. Call us if something goes wrong.
10. Lighting Plans Are Important
How do lighting plans work? They are computer-generated reports created by specialist software tools that can graphically represent a warehouse.
Therefore, you can ensure that the lights you purchase will satisfy your clients before making a purchase.
We provide those services without charge to our business and industrial clients. and partners with electrical contractors.
Just an advisory note. Lighting plans that are completed and then the light is replaced with a different one frequently fail. No two lights are alike, and optics and lumens both significantly contribute to successful illumination.
11. Installation
These lights are simple to install, and they ought to be properly documented. When motion and EMBs are used, it becomes a little more challenging. Make sure the seller can assist you with installation problems after the sale. (By the way, we have engineers on staff who are here specifically to assist you.)
