Ever get that uneasy feeling walking to your car late at night in a dark parking lot? That uneasy feeling is more often than not caused by poor lighting. Appropriate parking lot lighting is essential—it avoids accidents, keeps crime at bay, and simply makes individuals feel safer. But proper lighting requires choosing the right fixtures, properly installing them, and servicing them. This guide will walk you through step by step on how to figure out what you need, have a safe installation, and keep your parking area well lit and secure for years to come.
How to Choose the Right Parking Lot Lights?
Even before you start considering actual fixtures, you need to determine what you want them to do.
Clarify Your Needs Properly
First, what kind of parking lot is it? A well-visible commercial parking lot for a retail store needs to be inviting and highly secure. A residential complex might prefer lower glare and a warmer tone, and an industrial building probably only cares about security and function, maybe needing more robust fixtures.
Then look at the area itself. How wide is it? Is it an open, expansive one, or a thin and elongated rectangle with strange corners? Are there buildings, trees, or other barriers cutting light inside the area? These factors determine how many lights you will need, where to put them, and how much power they must have.
Finally, your top priority—what is your most important choice? Is incredible safety a no-holds-barred necessity, even if it means a bit higher cost upfront or in energy efficiency? Are you determined to pinch pennies from your electricity charge with super-energy-saving LEDs? Or is aesthetics—how something looks and feels—the look and feel, possibly for a fancy company? You'll be more likely to decide if you understand your top choice.
Pick the Right Type of Light
Once you know what your goals are, you can consider comparing the different types of LED lights available. LED is what everybody now uses because it saves energy, is durable, and provides quality light. Listed below is an overview of common types of parking lot lighting:
| Light Type | Primary Use / Location | Typical Mounting | Key Specs / Considerations |
| LED Pole Lights | Large, open parking areas | High poles (15-30ft+) | - Lumen output (brightness) - Distribution pattern (aim for even coverage) - CCT (4000K-5000K common) |
| LED Area Lights | General area illumination (versatile) | Shorter poles, various mounts | - Lumens, distribution, CCT - IP rating (IP65+ for weather resistance) |
| LED Wall Packs | Areas next to buildings (walkways, entries) | Directly onto building walls | - Full cutoff design (reduces light pollution) - IP rating |
| LED Flood Lights | Targeted lighting (signs, dark spots) | Aimable surface mounts | - Lumens - Beam angle (narrow vs. wide) - Durability, IP rating |
| LED Canopy Lights | Under overhangs (gas stations, garages) | Flush to ceiling/overhang | - Low-profile design - IP rating |
CCT (Correlated Color Temperature): Measures how warm (yellowish) or cool (white/bluish) the light appears, in Kelvin (K). Cooler 4000 K-5000 K are often used in parking lots for improved visibility.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Specifies the level to which a fixture is sealed from water and dust (e.g., IP65). The first number represents dust protection (6 is dust-tight), and the second represents water protection (5 means it can resist water jets). An IP65 rating is sufficient for outdoor lights subject to rain/sprinklers.
Get Your Parking Lot Lights Installed Right (Pro vs. DIY)
Parking lot light installation, especially lights on high poles, involves working with electricity and often at heights. Safety and proper installation are key to performance and longevity.
Professional Installation (Recommended Method)
For most parking lot lighting projects, especially new installs or pole-top installs, it is strongly recommended to employ competent professionals (i.e., licensed electricians or experienced installers). This is what a professional installation typically consists of:
Thorough Preparation: Professionals will verify the shipment matches the order, inspect for damage, gather specialized tools (torque wrenches, lifts) and safety equipment, confirm site readiness (e.g., sound pole foundations), and most importantly, ensure power circuits are safely de-energized and locked out before work starts. They will also refer to the installation guide of the particular fixture.
Secure Mounting: They install fixtures securely with proper hardware (slip-fitters, arm mounts) according to manufacturer specifications and local building code, testing foundation and anchor bolts.
Code-Compliant Wiring: Professionals splice electric connections properly, using correct weatherproof connectors, with proper grounding, and in full accord with all electric codes. The wire is neatly run and covered.
Ideal Aiming: They place and position the fixtures in relation to the lighting design and distribution pattern of the fixture to receive light where it needs to be (on the floor) and minimize glare or light trespass.
Safety Inspections & Testing: They conduct final inspections for mechanical security and electrical safety prior to switching the power on.
Why hire pros? Working at heights requires specialized safety training and gear (fall protection). Handling high-voltage electricity is risky in itself and requires specialized expertise. Pros have knowledge of local codes and ensure it is properly installed so that no future problems or safety concerns will arise.
DIY Tips & Safety Precautions (Know Your Limits!)
While a severe installation job should be left to the professionals, if you're considering a very slight repair or just want to know, bear these in mind:
Safety First is Non-Negotiable: NEVER attempt to work on live electrical circuits. Always turn off the power at the breaker panel and verify it's off before touching any fixture or wiring. Use lockout/tagout procedures if available.
Avoid Heights: Unless specifically trained and with proper safety equipment (e.g., a harness and a lift), never attempt any activity involving the use of a ladder or a lift. Falls are a serious risk.
Only Simple Tasks (Perhaps): Cleaning the lens of an accessible, ground-level fixture (power OFF) might be within reason. Ensuring a cover is loose on a low-level fixture (power OFF) might also be reasonable.
Leave Wiring to Experts: Don't try to replace drivers, ballasts, or fixtures, or perform any electrical wiring if you are not a skilled electrician. Faulty electrical wiring is a major fire risk.
Read the Manual: Even on mundane tasks, being aware of the fixture matters.
In Doubt, Call a Pro: If it seems damaged, too complicated, or makes you apprehensive, quit immediately and contact a professional who has training. A couple of dollars aren't worth injuring yourself, having a fire, or voiding guarantees.
Maintain Your Parking Lot Lights Day-to-Day
Following installation, a little bit of periodic maintenance works miracles in keeping your lights in fine condition and prolonging their life.
Check Regularly
Schedule periodic visual inspections. Maybe quarterly, walk the lot (day and night) and inspect for lights that are out, flickering, physically damaged (cracked lenses, dents), or dimmer than others. Check for insect nests or bird droppings blocking light. Check poles for leaning or instability.
Clean When Necessary
Dirt, pollen, and grime accumulate on lenses and greatly reduce light output greatly. Clean fixtures every so often—perhaps every year or twice a year, depending on your location. De-energize first. Soft cloth or brush, possibly mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemicals. Allow them to dry before restoring power.
Handle Basic Troubleshooting
Lights out?
Check Breaker: Try resetting the tripped breaker once. If it trips again, call a pro right away.
Visual Inspection (Power OFF!): Check for obvious damage or loose wires at a safe distance.
Call an Electrician: For repeated tripping of breakers, visible damage, or internal issues (like a dead LED driver). Never attempt electrical repairs yourself.
Conclusion
Choosing, installing, and maintaining parking lot lighting need not be overly complicated, but must be planned and attended to. Understanding your own specific needs, selecting appropriate LED luminaires, having a safe and professional installation performed, and performing periodic simple maintenance are all the ingredients to a properly lit, safe, and functional parking area. This is an investment that pays dividends in safety, performance, and peace of mind for all who use space.