Most of the homes have separate spaces for storage or parking which are known as garages. It is entirely dependent on the inhabitants how they wanna make use of that space which is why it is essential to plan a layout according to the use of the space. Conventionally HID lamps are of use on garages for lighting which facilitate minimal function of the garage.
Nowadays, garages are more than just parking spaces or storage areas and now people are making use of this extra space by renovating it for purpose. These garages are easy to transform into workshops and storage units and it requires better input i.e good quality lighting to facilitate the space.
LED lighting has improved the sense of ambiance with lighting quality and has been quite effective when it comes to installing cost effective alternatives. LED light fixtures for garages are highly convenient and help redefine the outlook of any garage.
Tips to plan the layout
Planning a layout brings about efficiency and saves a lot of inconvenience in the long run. Not all garages are solely parking spaces, most of them are multipurpose and just one or two kinds of fixtures can easily get the job done. It is important to note a few factors such as:
1. Area of the garage
Area of the garage varies, custom built garages can be really big but a standard sized garage is able to accommodate one or two vehicles. The ceiling height varies with variation in the size of the house. So prior to any purchase or installation it is important to calculate the area as it helps with determining the type of fixture, its lumen output and its mounting option.
2. Zones within the garage
If the garage is multi-purpose it helps if the division is done accordingly. For example the extra space can allow installation of workbench or storage shelves. Division helps in determining the kind of fixture which will illuminate the space without causing any distraction.
The three zones are general lighting zone, task lighting zone and accent lighting zone.
General zone requires the most light, the task zone requires focused light while accent light requires soft ambient light which can be redirected.
3. Layering of light
The layering is done after an assortment of zones. The three basic layers are:
General lighting
Task lighting
Accent lighting
These layers essentially divide the lighting requirements to create a uniform lighting layout. The light from LED fixtures easily blend in the surroundings and illuminate the space.
LED light fixtures for garages
LED manufacturers have specially designed a few light fixtures for garages which are specific to the requirements of the area. These fixtures have IP rated housings which also support the fixture and provide different mounting options for effective lighting. There are various subcategories to choose from. Few of the popular garage light fixtures are:
–     LED shop lights
LED shop lights are a transformed version of usual fluorescent lights. These are linear fixtures and are available in a number of sizes which is highly feasible for various spaces. These linear shop lights are installable in a variety of spaces and at different heights due to different mounting options. It can suspend from the ceiling at any height with the help of a chain mount.
–     LED wraparound lights
LED wraparound light fixtures have an integrated LED lamp which is covered by the lens and the light spreads across the cover in all directions. This fixture is usually surface mounted and is the best match for garages with low and damp ceilings. These fixtures are IP rated and are able to function in extreme conditions.
–     LED under cabinet lights
LED under cabinet lights are excellent task lights. They are available in many different sizes and shapes for feasibility and excellent control. The wrap around lights are rectangular, square or super thin. These lights are also mountable through an adhesive which saves up a lot of space over task areas and reduces electricity consumption as they are available in battery operated options.
–     LED round high bay lights
LED round high bay lights are unconventional but rather an option in comparatively higher ceiling garages. For example, any garage space with ceiling height around or above 20 feet requires more and powerful light. To reduce energy consumption and make the space appear less cluttered, LED round high bays are an excellent option. They have a very effective beam spread and can suspend at any desirable height.
Benefits of choosing LED light fixtures
Installation of LED light fixtures brings about many unconventional benefits which people overlook. It could be sheer negligence but a simple survey determines how these options are much more beneficial and sustainable in the long run. Few benefits of converting to LED technology are:
1. Higher and uniform light output
LED light fixtures provide higher lumens and the light is uniform. There are no bright or dark spots and the light blends well with the surroundings. It is highly customisable and allows the user to get experimental for comfort and productivity. LED light fixtures are available in a range of correlated colour temperatures which are for both general lighting and accent lighting. It is measurable on a Kelvin scale ranging from 2500K to 6000K and produces warm yellow to bright white light.
The CRI (colour rendering index) of LED lights is above 80 which also improves the texture and appearance of objects viewed under this light. It enhances focus and creates a soft glowy light pattern.
2. Low energy usage
Despite producing higher lumens the energy evaluation of LED lights is excellent. They consume only a fraction of energy and produce more light. In the long run, it is highly beneficial and reduces electricity costs.
3. Low maintenance
LED light fixtures are quite low maintenance and seldom require any maintenance. They have backup for emergency situations and last as per their warranty periods. They do not interrupt or cause any inconvenience in a working environment.
4. Eco- friendly
All LED light fixtures function on green lighting technology. They also reduce carbon footprint. The light coming from the fixture is uninterrupted, does not produce hum or flickr which causes headache. It improves the ambiance and has a positive impact on the health of people. The fixtures and lamps are safe and easy to recycle as they do noy contain any toxic chemicals.
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