Underground and Multi-Story Car Park Lighting

April 15, 2025

The Best Way to Light a Multi-Story Car Park Using LED Lighting.

Proper lighting in a car park is essential for safety, security, and energy efficiency. LED lighting has emerged as the best solution for car parks in the UK, offering cost savings, durability, and superior illumination.

Benefits of LED Lighting for Multi-Story Car Park

LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than traditional halogen or fluorescent bulbs. This results in significant cost savings on electricity bills. LEDs have a lifespan of 50,000 hours or more, reducing maintenance costs and the frequency of replacements.

Lower Energy Bills

LEDs consume up to 80% less energy than traditional halogen or fluorescent lighting. A multi-storey car park operating 24/7 can see electricity savings of up to 60-70%, significantly reducing operational costs.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

  • Longer Lifespan: LEDs last 50,000–100,000 hours, compared to just 10,000–15,000 hours for fluorescent or halogen lights.
  • Fewer Replacements: Less frequent bulb replacements mean lower maintenance costs and fewer disruptions.
  • Durability: LEDs are more resistant to shocks, vibrations, and weather conditions, making them ideal for car parks.

Smart Controls for Additional Savings

  • Motion Sensors: Lights dim or turn off when no movement is detected, further cutting energy use.
  • Dimming & Timers: Adjust brightness levels based on peak and off-peak hours to optimize energy usage.

Considerations When Choosing Lighting

Light Levels

Car parks require adequate lighting levels to ensure visibility. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) provides guidelines for lighting levels in multi-storey car parks to ensure safety and visibility. According to these guidelines, the recommended average illuminance and minimum illuminance levels are as follows

Area Average Illuminance (Eₘ) Minimum Illuminance (Eₘin)
Parking bays & access areas 75 lux 50 lux
Ramps, corners & intersections 150 lux 75 lux
Entrance/Exit Zones (Vehicular) Day: 300 lux
Night: 75 lux
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Pedestrian areas, stairs & lifts 100 lux 50 lux
Outdoor & roof levels (Rural zones - E1, E2) 15 lux 5 lux
Outdoor & roof levels (Urban zones - E3, E4) 30 lux 10 lux

Colour Temperature

A colour temperature of 4000K-5000K (cool white) is ideal for car parks as it enhances visibility while maintaining a natural look.

Conclusion

LED lighting is the most effective and sustainable solution for car parks in the UK. By selecting the right LED fixtures, incorporating smart controls, and ensuring compliance with UK regulations, you can create a well-lit, safe, and energy-efficient car park.

Investing in LED lighting not only reduces costs but also enhances the overall experience for users while contributing to environmental sustainability.

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