You have probably heard the word lighting and you usually think of light as the main element. Lighting plays an indispensable part when it comes to interior design or architecture, and light is an element that contributes directly to spaces, helping to make the most of the functionality of each of the areas in any place.

Some types of lighting are as follows:

1. Natural Lighting: We can say that natural light is the most beneficial type of light source that exists and covers 24 hours a day, thus covering both daytime and nighttime lighting.
2. General Lighting: This type of light is usually located in the upper part of a room, and is responsible for lighting the space/room in a general way.
3. Decorative Lighting: The main function of this type of lighting is to highlight different elements or objects. Its functionality is purely aesthetic.
4. Focused/Spot Lighting: This type of lighting is usually useful for carrying out specific activities, as it focuses on a specific space.

| We recommend you read: 5 incredible types of facades.

Now, getting into industrial matters, the work requirements in industrial warehouses present certain demands, which must be taken into account when selecting the luminaires to be installed in their spaces; such as resistance to humidity, dust, temperature changes, vibrations and even the production of gases or fumes that can be generated by the systems or equipment used in the space.

Determining the type and amount of lighting required will provide greater use, while respecting safety, comfort and visual performance requirements.

According to a study conducted by A.T. Kearney, the following is mentioned:

“Industrial productivity increases by 13% with adequate lighting and the number of accidents decreases by 11% compared to conventional systems”

Retrieved April 2023, TRILUX: How to increase industrial productivity and reduce accidents with lighting.

| Source: redaccion.camarazaragoza.com

Therefore, the lack of visibility and glare phenomena pose a high risk, which is why the use of the appropriate methodology when making a lighting proposal is necessary; allowing for effective and ergonomic conditioning in each of the areas and work stations of an industrial warehouse. Consequently, the lighting required for the offices or administrative spaces of industrial warehouses will not be the same as that required in the production areas, which will be affected by the type of space and the activities to be carried out in each of these.

Recommendations for optimal lighting of industrial spaces:

• Make the most of natural light; if you cannot take advantage of this resource, opt for neutral light (4000K).
• LED lighting, these represent greater efficiency, since their amount of lighting is similar or better than that of a traditional luminaire, in addition to representing lower energy expenditure providing up to 80% savings. LED lighting also provides greater performance using fewer luminaires to illuminate each space, as well as a longer useful life, reflected in a durability of up to 6 times more than other types of luminaires.  

Previously, the traditional way of illuminating an industrial warehouse was through general lighting, which was complemented by discharge lamps; another lighting method was through mixed lighting, which consisted of an incandescent lamp; this allowed for greater lighting performance.

Some time later, it was decided to propose mercury vapour luminaires, and as a result of this proposal, metal halide lamps were continued; as the penultimate option and before the type of lighting used today in industrial buildings (LED lighting, beneficial in terms of durability and energy efficiency), fluorescent lighting was used (an alternative used on work tables and production spaces).

Definition of Lux/Luxes: Unit of measurement derived from the international system of units, to measure the level of illumination or illuminance. This unit of measurement allows to calculate the amount of light that is had/needed per m2.

“Lux = Lumen / m2“

LUX recommended for industrial spaces:

• High precision industries: production area: 1000 to 5000 Lux
• Precision industries: production area: 600 to 2000 Lux
• Ordinary industries: production area: 300 to 800 Lux
• Coarse industries: production area: 200 to 600 Lux
• Small parts assembly workshops: from 500 to 1200 Lux
• Workshops for assembling medium-sized parts: from 350 to 1000 Lux
• Very fine work on bench or machine: 1000 to 300 Lux
• Warehouses and storage rooms: between 50 and 400 Lux
• Packaging Area: between 100 and 400 Lux
• Cold rooms: 100 and 250 Lux

At GEG we are responsible for considering and using the necessary lighting methods according to the needs and requirements of our clients, with the aim of providing a highly functional service with high standards of quality and satisfaction.