Choosing durable public space luminaires that do not corrode
There is a lot to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the best luminaire for a public space lighting project, but avoiding corrosion is definitely a key consideration in the decision-making process. The lights in public spaces must meet many different criteria. They need to work well but be visually pleasing and, even more importantly, they need to be economically and environmentally sustainable.
In this article we will talk about...
- The importance of choosing the right lights
- The characteristics of street lighting
- Key criteria
- SECOM street lighting
And the list doesn’t end there! Over the last few years, LEDs have been the technology of choice for all types of lighting installations, including the ones in public spaces. There are several advantages to these lights, ranging from lower consumption levels to resistance, performance and ease of installation. So exactly how should we decide which lights are the best ones for our public spaces?
The importance of choosing the right lights
The characteristics of public space lighting can vary but they do need to meet certain criteria. For a start, they quite simply need to be up to the task. Whether we are talking about making a space look more attractive or providing light so that people can find their way around, the process must begin with a specialist study. Some indicators and studies have linked illumination to crime rates in regions, neighbourhoods or areas of cities. Public space lighting can help combat issues such as robberies, vandalism and others crimes that are commonly committed under the protection of darkness.
It is important to choose reliable, durable technology with top-quality features that deliver good results and hardly ever malfunction. Another important reflection is that these installations bring towns and cities to life, helping us to go about our errands when there is no natural light. For example, going to shops, using parks and taking a walk around town.
Public space lighting plays an elemental role in generating confidence and well-being among citizens, irrespective of where they live. It also has an impact on a key matter: economic development. But since there are many different lights on the market, which is the right one for each space?
The characteristics of street lighting
There are many things that have to be taken into account in public lighting infrastructure projects. We must not forget that public spending must be justified, so matters of financial savings and environmental sustainability prevail. Below we will address just a few of the requirements for these types of installations.
Public space lights with LED technology
These are some of the most commonly-used products:
- Industrial flood lights are often used to illuminate sports facilities, façades and open spaces. They are also used for outdoor carparks and other large outdoor facilities.
- Street lights are used along different types of roads such as motorways and A-roads. They can also be installed in parks, gardens, squares and along pavements.
- Linear lights are elongated or strip lights consisting of many LEDs and we can find them on buildings, monuments, woodlands, billboards and more.
Durability
LED luminaires provide around 50,000 hours of light. Some even reach 100,000 hours. In general, with 10 hours of use a day, they can last around 14 years. As such, they are a great all-rounder and particularly suited to public spaces.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of luminaires with LED technology is far greater than luminaires that employ obsolete technology. The energy consumed by the lights in public spaces can translate into savings of up to 75% precisely because of this improved energy efficiency and extended useful life.
Light pollution
LED technology helps to reduce light pollution indexes. The results in recent experiences across several cities around the world have been spectacular. It drastically decreases sky glow, making it far easier to see the stars and, from an environmental point of view, there are a number of advantages for plants and animals.
Luminaire distribution
Devices need to be positioned in such a way that they always provide the right amount of light. Uniformity levels need to be high and there cannot be any glare. This is particularly important on high-speed roads such as motorways.
Secondary optics
Primary and secondary optics help obtain appropriate light quality. It is important to determine which optics are the best for each public lighting project, taking into account that the beam of light can be focused onto specific spots, which vastly improves performance. Secondary optics help to avoid glare and provide visual comfort.
Regulations
With existing LED technology, it is possible to adjust light intensity and, therefore, output. This can be achieved through artificial intelligence and automated machine learning which can be used to programme systems to adjust to the time of day and different needs.
Key criteria
These are some of the key criteria for public space lighting projects:
Materials
Aluminium is the most commonly used metal because it is resistant and durable. The metal surface is painted with a special protective paint that protects luminaires and stops them from deteriorating. Deterioration is an issue because the luminaires are permanently exposed to the elements.
Optics
When it comes to optics, it is essential to adhere to the regulations for each location. Range and aperture are additional aspects that need to be factored in. Most optics are made of optic-grade polycarbonate or acrylic, but some are also made of polystyrene.
Watts
On the whole, wattage ranges from 30 to 200 W. The current trend consists of maximising performance at the lowest cost and with the smallest impact on the environment.
Colour temperature
The current trend suggests that the colour temperatures in parks, gardens or along city roads should be between 2200K and 4000K. The decision depends on what we wish to illuminate. For example, the old quarter of a city or a shopping area in a town centre. Warm colour temperatures are a big advantage because they have a lower environmental impact.
SECOM street lighting
The best strategy for selecting outdoor lighting devices for public spaces is to choose from a catalogue with many different options. At SECOM, we have devices to meet all kinds of public space lighting needs. These are just some of the options:
- Balma Led is a top-quality traffic light and a great performer;
- ECODUT and ECODUT K1 and K2 street lights do not cause light pollution;
- RIPA and RAY BEN decorative luminaires have a superior output and modern design;
- URA and REGAL luminaires are classic in design and perfect for old or historic quarters;
- PROTEK CITY, PROTEK Q2 CITY and KONAK CITY LED flood lights can be fitted onto poles for specific illumination needs;
- AURIS is a round luminaire designed for parks and gardens;
- AMURA is a fisherman-style luminaire suitable for coastal areas and promenades;
- MAGEC eonlight/eralight street system lights are incredibly resistant to corrosion;
- NOOX is a solar-powered lamp that does not need to be connected to the electricity supply;
- ESDIUM TUNNEL is an LED flood light designed especially for tunnels.
With a thorough process of analysis and assessment as our starting point, all these products can help lighten the load and deliver the very best public space lights for our project. Savings, efficiency, sustainability, wellbeing and quality lighting are paramount. As such, it is important to buy the best materials on the market and avoid corrosion on the lights in our public spaces.
