Lighting sports facilities in schools
When the sports halls and sports fields in schools are equipped with lighting systems, this encourages pupils to do physical exercise. When lighting projects are suitably designed, this helps pupils to feel at ease and safe when they use the sports facilities which, in turn, helps improve their performance in the gym and during sporting activities such as football, basketball and volleyball.
In this article we will talk about...
- What impact does lighting have on the sports facilities in schools?
- Important aspects of illumination systems
- The right kind of light for each need
- Specialist SECOM products
What impact does lighting have on the sports facilities in schools?
Nowadays, thanks to the latest technology and LED luminaires, when it comes to lighting systems, schools, high schools and universities can choose between a huge variety options. Furthermore, the products of this kind that are available on the market can translate into big savings. Plus, they have a longer useful life than conventional options.
In addition, illuminated sports fields in education centres enhance use of these facilities and fulfil other valuable functions.
An improved user experience
When the lighting is just right, pupils can do physical exercise in optimum conditions. It has also been proven that correct lighting can have a beneficial impact on the natural circadian rhythm of the body. Specifically, LED technology can boost the blue end of the colour spectrum and this gives people a feeling of increased energy and vitality.
Avoiding accidents
Eliminating shine or glare and increasing the luminous uniformity of lighting helps to prevent accidents during sports matches and training sessions. Sports facilities tend to be multi-purpose and some of the largest spaces in schools. They are not only used for classes; they can also be used to host competitions, institutional acts and even social events. This means that the lighting needs to be able to adapt to different needs.
For example, the lights in a gym might need to be on when users are doing trials or circuits. Therefore, there must be an option of increasing or decreasing the amount of light whenever and wherever necessary to avoid the risks and dangers associated with having too much or too little light.
Energy efficiency and savings
The energy that school lighting systems consume generally decreases by over 50% when LED luminaires are installed. These means that investments in LED lights can be recouped in just a few years. In addition, appropriate vertical illumination is a specific requirement for certain sports activities and this can be achieved using modern LED lights.
Smart lighting control system add-ons can also supplement LED technology. These include motion sensors and dimmed lighting in the day, as well as a wide range of scenarios that adapt to specific activities, which helps to guarantee that all areas always get the right kind of light. Last of all, we must not forget that, nowadays, we can choose from many different simple and easy-to-use centralised control systems.
Important aspects of illumination systems
Average illuminance, light uniformity, glare control and light pollution are all areas of lighting that need to be addressed when setting up lighting systems.
Regulations
Lighting in designated areas for sporting activities are subject to the provisions of standard UNE-EN 12193. It includes a number of technical requirements that apply to new facilities and refurbishment projects. They address visual comfort, safety and glare, as well as prevention, integration and energy efficiency.
Indoor and outdoor courts
One of the main advantages of the huge increase in the range and quality of LED devices on the market over the last few decades is that there is always a solution, no matter what the setting. In other words, for absolutely any kind of indoor or outdoor sports facility in schools.
When it comes to outdoor courts, we need to take two main aspects into account: night-time visibility and glare. Creating an inviting environment in indoor facilities is usually a priority and neutral white (4,000 Kelvin) is generally the best option.
Types of sports activities
When it comes to sports facilities, it is important to keep in mind that they are used for a wide range of activities and each activity has its own lighting needs. For example, standard UNE-EN 12193 states that 200 lux should be used for most ball games, while illumination levels of between 500 and 750 lux are more appropriate for competitions and tournaments.
The luminaires in gyms need to have a protective grille cover if there is no netting on the ceiling. Swimming pools tend to have lots of glass windows in order to make the most of natural light, but it is important to avoid shine and reflections off the water. In addition, any devices that are installed need to be watertight and have safety systems to protect against breakages.
The right kind of light for each need
Pupils often have to look up during matches, classes and training sessions, so appropriate sports facility lighting in schools is key to minimising any negative impact this could have. Optimisation of energy savings and lighting levels can be achieved by implementing systems that use LED technology with integrated control devices. Mobile or supplementary luminaires can be useful in certain special cases.
Specialist SECOM products
At Secom, we have a wide range of specialist products that can be used in sports facilities. In particular:
- Protek. This high-efficiency LED spotlight is suitable for installation in many different places, such as around sports courts, in gyms, at swimming pools and even around athletics tracks.
- Konak. The excellent efficiency and performance levels of this high bay LED luminaire make it ideal for sports facilities.
In short, sports hall lighting projects have to be carefully designed and account for all the places where lights are installed and all the activities that will take place there. This maximises energy efficiency and can take performance to the next level while adhering to regulations.
