Industrial lighting design is an essential part of building efficient and safe workspaces. Well planned lighting improves productivity, increases safety and reduces energy costs. In this article, we will look at the key factors to consider when designing lighting for industrial premises.
1. Illuminance and uniformity
One of the key factors in lighting design is ensuring sufficient illuminance (measured in lux) in accordance with regulatory requirements. Different types of work areas require different levels of illuminance. For example:
General production areas - 300-500 lx
Precision assembly work - 750-1000 lx
Storage areas - 100-300 lx
In addition to light intensity, it is also important to ensure an even distribution of illumination to avoid shadows and contrast areas that can strain workers' vision.
2. Type of luminaires
The choice of appropriate luminaires depends on the specific conditions in the production environment. Commonly used industrial lighting technologies include:
LED lighting - the most energy efficient solution that offers long life, high illuminance and low maintenance.
Metal halide lamps - used in large rooms but with higher energy consumption.
Fluorescent lamps - still used in some industrial sectors but increasingly being replaced by LED solutions.
3. Energy efficiency
Optimisation of energy consumption is key for any enterprise. LED luminaires offer significant advantages in terms of energy savings, being able to reduce costs by up to 60% compared to traditional lighting solutions. The use of intelligent control systems, such as motion and daylight sensors, can further reduce energy costs.
4. Durability and protection
Industrial environments often involve extreme conditions such as high humidity, dust and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, luminaires must meet appropriate protection standards (IP rating). For example:
IP65 - suitable for dusty and humid environments
IP67 - resistant to immersion in water
IK10 - protection against mechanical shock
5. Colour temperature and colour rendering index (CRI)
The colour temperature of lighting affects the perception of space and the performance of employees. The usual ranges are:
4000K - 5000K - neutral white light, suitable for production areas
5000K - 6500K - cold white light, improving concentration and detailed work
CRI (Color Rendering Index) should be a minimum of 80 to ensure good detail and color recognition in the work environment.
6. Standards and regulations
The design of industrial lighting must comply with national and international safety and efficiency standards. In Bulgaria, the European standards EN 12464-1 apply, which define the minimum requirements for illuminance and light quality.
Good industrial lighting design requires careful planning and consideration of multiple factors, from energy efficiency to ergonomics and worker safety. With the right choice of luminaires and intelligent solutions, businesses can optimise their working environment and reduce operating costs. If you are looking for professional industrial lighting design and construction, Inter Power is your trusted partner!
