No matter what type of light you plan to install outdoors, it's important to first understand the intensity of the light's brightness. This is crucial for achieving the desired lighting effect. Lights that are too bright can cause discomfort, affect neighbors, and even lead to unnecessary waste of resources. However, if the lights are too dim, they might not provide sufficient lighting, which can be a safety concern at night.
So, how many lumens are needed for outdoor lighting? The answer depends on where the light is placed and the lumens brightness of the light. This article will help you determine how many lumens are needed for outdoor lighting.
Understanding Lumens
What are lumens? Lumens measure the brightness of lights. Modern LED fixtures can output more lumens using less energy compared to traditional lights, offering greater lighting efficiency. Previously, brightness was measured in watts, but now lumens provide a more accurate description of brightness.
Generally, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light output, which makes considering the lumens rating important when choosing lighting fixtures.
How many lumens do I need?
Lumen requirements vary depending on the placement and primary use of the lighting. More lumens may be needed in darker areas. If you prefer less intense light, opt for fixtures with fewer lumens.
Residential Lighting:
For pathways, porches, and small patios, it's recommended to have 200-500 lumens; for outdoor living spaces and larger patios, 500-1,000 lumens are suggested.
Small parking lots or driveways might need 2,000-4,000 lumens; larger parking lots or public spaces may require 4,000-10,000 lumens.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and you may need to adjust the lumen levels based on your specific needs.
Types of JC-LGL Outdoor Lighting
This wall pack led lights typically provide around 7,800 lumens of brightness, making them ideal for installation on warehouse exteriors, garage walls, and building entrances. Their high brightness ensures safety and visibility for nighttime activities, making them a perfect choice for commercial real estate and industrial areas.
The mini led wall pack offers about 3,600 lumens of brightness. Designed for small entryways, stairwells, or narrow passageways, this fixture provides enough light for safety and convenience while avoiding discomfort or energy wastage from overly intense lighting.
Full Cutoff Outdoor Wall Light
Designed as a fully shielded fixture, the Full Cutoff Outdoor Wall Light typically offers about 5,600 lumens of directed light, specifically to reduce light pollution. It is particularly suitable for installation around residential areas, hospitals, or schools, effectively controlling light spread upwards and sideways to protect the night sky and minimize impact on the surrounding environment.
The lumens range for the LED Parking Lot Light typically falls between 21,000 to 42,000 lumens, providing broad and even lighting for large parking lots, shopping center peripheries, and sports fields. Outdoor parking lot lights ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians while enhancing nighttime visibility, making them ideal for large outdoor spaces.
You should now have a deeper understanding of the lumen requirements for outdoor lighting. If you have further questions, feel free to contact JC-LGL's sales team; we are happy to assist you.