External and perimeter areas of traditional social housing applications are often seen as just a “means to an end”. Yet their importance shouldn’t be underestimated as they ensure a pleasant, welcoming and safe environment.
Good lighting inspires feelings of safety and security for residents and helps discourage criminal behavior. It is essential that lighting in external and perimeter applications is both robust lighting and vandal resistant lighting, requiring little in the way of maintenance.
Installed lighting needs to withstand extreme weather conditions and incorporate emergency and control functions to ensure luminaires can cope with any situation. Robust lighting solutions are particularly important in these areas to maintain consistent performance under challenging conditions.
Energy saving is vitally important, as external lighting often operates for long periods. LED luminaires use less energy than equivalent fluorescent fittings and require much less maintenance. This can result in a reduction of around 50-60% on electricity bills. Lighting controls can further reduce energy and running costs.
Integrated presence detectors can turn off luminaires or reduce light output when a particular area is unoccupied. Utilising lighting controls not only conserves energy but also extends the life of luminaires, as they are not always operating at a high output level. Vandal resistant lighting ensures the durability and reliability of installations, even in high-risk areas.
When it comes to lighting external and perimeter applications glare must be kept to a minimum. We recommend that the main beam angle is not more than 70°.
Higher mounting heights also enable lower main beam angles, which can not only reduce glare but limit light pollution into neighbouring areas. Lighting levels should conform to CIBSE LG9 and BS EN 12464-2:2014.
For further lighting advice speak to our technical sales team on 020 8254 2022 or e-mail technicalsales@designplan.co.uk
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