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WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT EXTERIOR LED ILLUMINATION!

Important features:

  • Dust Protection. Dust particles block light so we recommend the IP6x rating, which is the maximum classification for Ingress Protection against solid objects

  • Water Resistance. Since LED, and electronic components in general, are quite sensitive to moisture we recommend a minimum Ingress Protection against liquids of IPx4. If the luminaire is to be constantly subjected to heavy rain then increase the protection level. The standard IP67 is usually available without excessive extra cost.

  • Operating Temperature. Most exterior luminaires don’t need to withstand operating temperatures lower then -10°C or higher than +50°C, but always check this parameter since LED life expectancy degrades substantially with temperature rise.

  • Service Time. Exterior luminaires are sometimes hard to reach after installation, so servicing may be quite costly. Choose lens type, over reflector type luminaires, since reflectors degrade faster if not regularly cleaned.

  • Lumen Output. There will be degradation with time. Make sure your selection will have enough light until replacement or servicing.

  • Corrosion Resistance. Most metal finishes wont last long when installed at the coast line. Check if you need extra corrosion resistance.

  • Light Distribution and Directionality. Light the area you need, not the tree canopy, and avoid spherical light distribution. LED without lens project light in a spherical pattern, resulting in poor light distribution with a bright spot in the center. An even light distribution at floor level means that the luminaire must project less light at the center. The best suited light pattern to achieve uniformity is called “batwing”.
Other useful features:

  • Motion Detection. A simple motion detection sensor turns the light on at detection, and switches the light off after a predetermined time. This does work well in reducing power consumption but might not be suited if you have the need for surveillance, or minimal illumination requirements. Some luminaires are equipped with the power reduction option. This allows you to keep a percentage of the light on at all times, and increase to full power only when motion detection is activated.

  • Auto On/Off. By using an ambient light sensor, you’ll be assured that the lights turn on when night falls, and off when day breaks, all year round.

  • DMX512/DALI Interface. Useful for central management of complex or larger illumination areas, like public office building areas and facade, theaters, etc.

  • Solar Power Unit. Using sun light to charge batteries for illumination purposes may be a good solution in areas where mains power is hard to get, or if you want to “go green”. Nevertheless, care should be taken since solar panels will only provide good charging power with direct solar exposure. A few tree branches in the way will cause premature turn off and render the total system useless. For this reason it’s usually better to place all solar power units at the best exposed location, rather then having one panel and battery on top of each luminaire. It also helps maintenance since solar power units need regular cleaning and battery replacement.