Proper lighting is crucial in every work environment. Most work environments, especially warehouses and factories, require optimal lighting to enable employees to work efficiently and make the space safe to work in. Considering logistics and warehousing may operate 24 hours a day, you need to invest in proper lighting and ensure they are well protected.
A well-lit warehouse, for example, eliminates several risks, such as misjudging steps, tripping, or even knocking items unknowingly. Slip, and fall accidents will be significantly reduced, too. Employers and facility managers need to ensure all lighting fixtures are working correctly and the entire space is well-illuminated.
With the market flooded with many different types of lighting fittings to choose from, finding a suitable fitting should be a breeze. If you’re looking for an excellent choice then try CDM2 Lightworks – they have a broad range.
You only need to identify the most practical, strong, and durable fitting to use for industrial applications. Although most light fittings are designed to be strong and durable, they, too, are vulnerable to various external and internal factors, including corrosion, harsh environment, and power surges, to name but a few.
In addition to investing in the best light fixtures, you must ensure they are protected from most of these elements. Below are a few tips and tricks on how to safeguard industrial light fitting from such.
1. Install Surge Protectors
LED lighting is one of the most preferred options for industrial and residential lighting today. This is because LED lighting is durable and uses a fraction of the energy, translating to immense cost savings. Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LED light fittings are more than just a light source but a device. They, thus, are more susceptible to common issues, including electrical surges.
Although most of these devices come with built-in surge protection, there are times when they will fail, causing the LEDs to burn out. Additional surge protection may thus be required to help safeguard your LED lights from damage.
One way to protect your LED drivers is by installing a surge protector. While installing a surge protector in front of every LED driver might seem fast and effective, it might not be economical, especially if there are dozens of such to be protected.
Consider investing in a system-wide surge protector to cover everything under it. You can choose to have a surge protector installed for each floor or warehouse, depending on how many LED drivers it holds.
2. Consider Recessed Fittings
Choosing the right/appropriate light fitting can be enough to protect your fixtures from specific risks as well as extend their lifespan with minimal maintenance. Low-profile or recessed light fittings can contribute to increased lifespan and cost savings in the long run.
Their compact design reduces the risk of such getting knocked over and minimizes exposure to external weather elements. Unbeknownst to many, recessed light fixtures provide excellent illumination while taking up less space and reducing energy wastage.
The best thing with recessed emergency light fittings is that they can be installed into the ceiling, giving it additional structural protection. The reduced exposure to the surrounding environment also means the fixtures won’t be exposed to dust, debris, and moisture as much as non-recessed ones are.
Recessed fixtures thus have a longer lifespan and are more dependable, especially in emergencies. Most managers add recessed emergency lighting to help keep the warehouse or building illuminated during a power interruption or other emergencies.
Recessed light fittings are readily available, with a wide range of options to choose from. You can thus choose between halogen walkover lights, downlights, or LED tubes to serve the purpose quite beautifully. A low-profile cavity is all you need to have these installed.
Recessed lighting would be an excellent option for warehouse settings or low ceilings, with the fixture sitting flush with the ceiling. Their minimal footprint reduces the risk of getting knocked off, especially when machines are equipment are in operation within the warehouse.
This is unlike hanging fixtures that will often get in the way of high-running machines and equipment. The reduced risk of damage means a longer service life and improved safety.
3. Invest in Protective Products
Keeping your light fittings clean protects them from external elements, including dust, grime, and moisture. While wiping them off with a soft, damp microfiber cloth may help, some of the fixtures will still rust or be corroded. Rust stains can be tricky to clean, if not impossible, to remove.
You can however protect your light fixtures/fittings from rusting (or excess moisture, dirt, etc.) by applying a protecting film around it. The film helps keep water and other elements out, limiting the rate of decay and corrosion on the fixture.
Protective films are quite affordable, will go a long way in keeping industrial light fittings protected, and will save you lots of money in the long run.
Extreme humidity levels can also be a major issue for your light fittings and other equipment in the warehouse. Keeping moisture levels to the minimum can however save you lots of money in replacement and repair.
Investing in a capable dehumidifier can help eliminate this problem, safeguarding your equipment and fittings from excess moisture.
A dehumidifier works by extracting moisture from the air, with the collected water stored in a tank. One will thus need to empty these tanks when full to enable the device to continue functioning properly.
A dehumidifier is essential in most industrial applications, primarily industrial laundries, food production settings, and office workspaces.
4. Keep Outdoor Industrial Lighting Protected
Industrial outdoor lighting is as important as indoor lighting. It helps keep the workplace safe for workers inside and drivers and loaders outside. That said, it would be advisable to ensure all floodlights and security lights are working correctly through regular maintenance.
Outdoor lighting fittings are exposed to all manner of harsh elements, including dust, dirt, moisture, and direct sunlight. It would thus be advisable to look for a way to keep them protected from these elements. Applying a protective film around the fixtures can help keep moisture out.
You will also need to ensure they are adjusted to beam light in the desired direction. Fixtures that aren’t working will also need to be replaced immediately to prevent dark spots at night.
Read more:
