How to illuminate a service station
Why use LEDs in a service station? LEDs have several advantages over conventional lighting choices, including their durability and energy savings. Given the presence of flammable substances in a service station, LED luminaires used in these locations must be made from fireproof materials.
In this article we will talk about...
- The benefits of lighting a service station correctly
- Features of service station lighting
- Zoned lighting
- Current regulations governing service station lighting
- SECOM luminaires
The benefits of lighting a service station correctly
LED lighting is a perfect solution for service stations. LED luminaires have a longer useful life and require less maintenance compared with other options. They also consume far less energy and therefore generate significant cost savings.
Other points of note are the flexibility in terms of their design, the ability to adapt them to any type of surface, the ability to adjust them to produce efficient lighting, and the fact they work in extreme hot and cold.
Lower costs
LED technology provides a greater lumen output at lower power, saving vast amounts of energy from the time they’re installed.
Better experience for employees and customers
LEDs emit uniform light that can be focussed on specific areas to enhance visibility, as well as making lit signage more striking and recognisable.
Aesthetics
There are elegant and modern LEDs on the market that create a great aesthetic both at the pump and in the remainder of the service station.
Easier to maintain
LED luminaires are famously robust and strong. They don’t break down as often as conventional choices and require less maintenance, less often.
Lower emissions
There’s a reason LED technology is synonymous with environmental protection: they are free from the chemicals used in conventional lighting products, and they generate lower emissions than halogen or fluorescent lights.
Features of service station lighting
A lighting system for a service station should comprise the following:
Fireproof materials
The luminaires must be manufactured in fireproof materials. LED luminaires do not generate electrical arcs or sparks and help reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
Colour temperature
The colour temperature can be neutral (4000 K) or cold (5000 K) to create a bright, pleasant and safe environment at the pump and indoors, with high colour rendering that varies between 75 and 80 (on a scale from 0 to 100).
Lighting quality
Proper horizontal and vertical lighting that takes into account the effect of light on customers helps keep them safe when driving and refuelling. The idea is to create a comfortable and bright environment free from lighting interference and glare and which renders colours faithfully. Brightness distribution and lighting direction play a role here.
Zoned lighting
The service station should be considered as a whole. A lighting system that ensures optimal visibility throughout the facility will boost customer and employee well-being.
Shop
150 lux is sufficient in the area between the pump and the shop. The lighting indoors should be somewhat stronger to make the products stand out and attract the customer’s attention. Warm light at the shelves and the till creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Pumps
The lighting level under the canopy should be around 400 lux and the vertical lighting at the pumps should ideally be 150 lux. To achieve this, the power rating of the fixtures should vary based on the height and their position. Typical ratings range from 100 W to 200 W. Luminaires should distribute light symmetrically between the rows of pumps.
Entrance/exit and transit areas
The entrance and exit points require at least 10 lux. Innovative LED technology together with the use of secondary optics means light can be distributed asymmetrically and focussed beneath the canopy as the customer approaches. It is important to prevent drivers being blinded when entering or crossing transit areas.
Exterior
A level of 30 lux enhances the sense of safety and comfort around the shop area.
Current regulations governing service station lighting
Though there is no specific legislation on service station lighting, the regulations on lighting in explosive atmospheres are applicable.
Requirements
The lighting requirements apply to lit signage and to zones with specific lighting requirements, including the canopy and pumps – at least 150 lux is legally mandated here.
SECOM luminaires
SECOM’s LED range provides excellent performance in service stations.
Protek Q3
This industrial floodlight can be recessed or installed directly on a surface, and the direction is adjustable.
Ecodut K1 and K2
Exterior lighting systems designed for roads, free from light pollution. They are suitable for vehicle transit areas.
Eslim UGR<19
This recessable panel is suitable for indoor work areas and comes equipped with glare control.
Aliket range
These customisable systems can be adapted to suit any height, width or required lighting level. The luminous flux, colour temperature and aperture angle, among other features, are all adjustable.
Aircom range
This range is geared towards commercial spaces and includes hanging and recessable fixtures.
Our product catalogue showcases the benefits of choosing LED lighting for service stations.
