Industrial Lighting Systems: Best Design Practices

Industrial lighting, both indoor and outdoor, is an essential component to ensure safety, productivity and energy efficiency in daily operations. A well-executed design not only ensures a functional and safe environment, but also reduces operating costs and complies with strict international regulations. However, errors in planning or implementation can lead to problems such as glare, excessive energy consumption and deficiencies in the illumination of critical areas.

In this note, we will explore the regulations, best practices, relevant aspects and common mistakes in the design of industrial lighting systems for interiors and exteriors, providing a comprehensive guide to optimize your projects.

Key Regulations for Industrial Lighting

The design of industrial lighting systems must comply with specific regulations that ensure safety, performance and sustainability. The most relevant regulations include:

1. International Regulations

• IEC 60598: Regulates the safety specifications and requirements for luminaires in industrial applications.

• ISO 8995-1: Establishes appropriate lighting levels for different types of work spaces.

• EN 12464: Provides guidelines for indoor (part 1) and outdoor (part 2) lighting.

2. Local Regulations (Chile)

• NCh Elec 4/2003: Specifies the technical requirements for low voltage electrical installations, including lighting systems.

• Municipal Ordinances: In outdoor lighting, it is essential to comply with regulations on light pollution and aesthetics in urban environments.

3. Energy Efficiency Regulations

• ISO 50001: Promotes the design and operation of lighting systems that optimize energy consumption.

• Energy Efficiency Law in Chile: Requires the use of energy-efficient technologies in industrial projects.

Best Practices for Industrial Lighting Systems

Interior Lighting

1. Functional Analysis of Space:

   • Identify the specific tasks performed in each area to define the necessary lighting levels.

   • For example, assembly areas require between 500 and 1000 lux, while storage areas may require between 200 and 300 lux.

2. Selection of Luminaires:

   • Use high-efficiency LED lighting to reduce energy costs.

   • Incorporate optics that minimize glare and improve light uniformity.

3. Lighting Control:

   • Implement automatic systems with motion sensors and natural light regulation to optimize energy consumption.

   • Connect luminaires to centralized management systems for efficient control.

4. Industrial Strength:

   • Use luminaires resistant to dust, humidity and vibrations (IP54 grade or higher and IK10 in critical areas).

   
   

Outdoor Lighting

1. Design for Safety:

   • Ensure adequate lighting at entrances, parking lots and loading areas to prevent accidents and improve surveillance.

   • Maintain lighting levels above 20 lux in vehicular and pedestrian traffic areas.

2. Minimizing Light Pollution:

   • Use luminaires with specific optics that direct light only where it is needed.

   • Implement warm color temperatures (3000-4000 K) to reduce glare in urban environments.

3. Sustainable Technology:

   • Install LED luminaires with dimming systems to maximize energy efficiency.

   • Incorporate renewable energy, such as solar panels, in remote areas or areas with low access to the electrical grid.

   
   

Relevant Aspects in Industrial Lighting Design

1. Illuminance Levels:

   • Define lux levels according to the use of space, ensuring visual comfort and productivity.

   • Low levels can cause eye fatigue and errors, while high levels create unnecessary glare.

2. Uniformity:

   • Avoid shadows and dark areas by distributing lighting evenly.

3. Color Temperature and Color Rendering:

   • Use neutral color temperatures (4000 K) for bright lighting indoors and warm (3000 K) outdoors.

   • Ensure a color rendering index (CRI) greater than 80 for color-critical tasks.

4. Durability and Maintenance:

   • Choose luminaires with long life and easy maintenance to minimize operational interruptions.

   • Include modular systems that allow for rapid replacement of components.

5. Integration with Security Standards:

   • In areas with risk of explosion, use luminaires certified for hazardous atmospheres (ATEX).

   
   

Common Mistakes in Industrial Lighting Design

1. Lighting Undersizing:

   • Using luminaires with insufficient luminous flux levels, causing dark areas or operational inefficiency.

2. Lack of Prior Analysis:

   • Failure to perform photometric studies can lead to light distribution problems.

3. Glare:

   • Installing luminaires without diffusers or at inappropriate angles that affect the visual comfort of workers.

4. Energy Efficiency Disconnect:

   • Failure to implement automatic controls or energy-efficient lighting increases operating costs.

5. Choosing Unsuitable Materials:

   • Use luminaires not suitable for industrial environments exposed to dust, humidity or chemicals.

   
   

Conclusion

Designing industrial lighting systems, both indoor and outdoor, requires a technical and strategic approach that considers regulations, best practices, and the unique aspects of each project. A well-designed system not only improves safety and productivity, but also optimizes energy consumption and reduces long-term operating costs.

At Acciomate Engineering & Projects , we have a team of experts dedicated to designing efficient, safe and sustainable industrial lighting solutions, adapted to the specific needs of your project.