How LED Area Lights Outshine Traditional Metal Halide Lamps

Outdoor lighting technology has evolved over the years. No longer are the days of metal halides and other traditional lighting lamps. LED area lights have become the superior choice for outdoor lighting as they meet the lighting needs for various applications and have accessories to enhance their functionality.

Ditch the Metal Halides and Other Traditional and Older Lighting Lamps

Metal halide lamps were once the go-to for outdoor lighting. They offered high-intensity light that worked for different applications. However, there are four big drawbacks of metal halide lamps.

Energy Inefficiency

Metal halides and other traditional lighting lamps consume A LOT of power. This results in higher energy consumption and bills.

Shorter Lifespan

These lamps last typically 15,000 to 20,000 hours compared to LEDs that normally last 50,000 hours or more. The short longevity of metal halide and other traditional lighting lamps is significantly shorter than LEDs leading to more maintenance.

High Maintenance

With a short lifespan comes more maintenance. Replacements can be costly as well as maintenance costs. These lamps also need to warm up and that just adds more to the operational costs.

Poor Light Quality

Metal halides lose their brightness over time. The quality of the color rendering is lost over time and that affects not only visibility but also safety.

On the other hand, LED lights offer advantages including energy efficiency, a long lifespan, minimal maintenance, and superior light quality. They are the obvious choice over metal halides for outdoor lighting needs.

Applications for LED Area Lights

LED area lights can be used in numerous settings. The five most common applications for area lights are below.

Parking Lots

LED area lights are a crucial part of parking lots. Bright and uniform lighting is required for both safety and security. A well-illuminated parking lot helps to prevent crime because dark spots are well-lit. Improved visibility is also for the safety of both drivers and pedestrians navigating the area. Accidents and injuries are prone to happen anywhere; but a brightly illuminated parking lot helps to deter accidents and injuries because the high-quality lighting making sure that objects, vehicles, and people are recognized by others.

Street Lighting

Street lighting is important for the safety of drivers and pedestrians just as parking lot lighting is. LED area lighting covers roadways effectively because it provides clear and uniform lighting to make sure road signs can be seen along with road obstructions and other vehicles. Pedestrians rely on well-lit streets for safe walking conditions as well.

Sports Fields

Evening games and events require bright, high-intensity lighting. Again, lighting helps visibility for safety and security. Players, officials, and spectators need excellent visibility without flickering or dimming for the overall experience and safety during sporting events. The efficiency and durability of LED area lights also reduce operational costs and require less maintenance.

Industrial Areas

Proper lighting is essential for maintaining productivity and safety in industrial areas. LED area lights offer bright and reliable illumination to help workers see clearly to reduce the risks of accidents. It is no secret that LED lighting improves visibility and enhances productivity, and in industrial settings, this is crucial. In industrial settings, interruptions for maintenance can interfere with productivity if an area is unable to be accessed. With LED having a long lifespan, this means that less maintenance is required. Lastly, LED area lights are constructed of durable materials for even the harshest environments as industrial areas can be.

Public Spaces

Public spaces include parks, plazas, and other community areas. LED area lights are a great way to make these areas safe and inviting for evening events. Well-lit public areas also help to deter criminal activity and increase the sense of security among those in attendance. LED lights are cost-effective for many cities, towns, or organizations that manage different public spaces.

What Types of Area Light (I, II, III, IV, or V) is Best for My Application?

There are five different types of area light distribution patterns for LED area lights. Types III, IV, and V are primarily used for commercial and industrial use. Each type of light distribution is explained in more detail below.

Type I

Type I is best for narrow pathways and walkways. A narrow and elongated path of light is provided by LED area lights with this distribution pattern.

Type II

Type II distribution patterns offer a wider spread of light compared to Type I, making them ideal for broader pathways and walkways. This pattern is particularly effective for illuminating areas that require a greater width of coverage. Additionally, Type II area lights are well-suited for entrance roadways, providing ample light to ensure safe and clear visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

Type III

Type III is the most popular beam distribution that is ideal for roadways and parking areas. It provides a wide, oval pattern to push light forward.

Type IV

Type IV distribution is ideal for perimeter lighting. It excels at illuminating the edges of properties and is most effective when mounted on the sides of buildings and walls. This pattern directs light forward with minimal backlighting, ensuring bright, focused illumination where it's needed most. This light distribution type also reduces light spillage and improves overall lighting efficiency.

Type V

Type V is best for open and large areas like intersections. A circular pattern of light is provided by this light distribution pattern to provide illumination in all directions.

Optional Accessories: Explore Photocells and Mounting Accessories

Don't forget about the accessories! To maximize the functionality and efficiency of LED area lights, photocells and mounting accessories are available.

Photocells are sensors that can turn the fixture into a dusk to dawn fixture. This can reduce energy consumption by ensuring the lights are operating only when needed.

There are also various mounts for flexible installation and to provide the best installation for the application for which the LED area light is being installed. Common brackets include fixed arm mounts, square/round pole mounts, slip fitter mounts, bullhorn mounts, and trunnion mounts. Each mounting bracket is described in more detail below:

Fixed Arm Mounts

These mounts provide a sturdy, stable, and direct solution for mounting LED area lights on poles or walls.

Square/Round Pole Mounts

Secure and versatile installation is offered by square/round mounts. These mounts are designed to install lights to poles of different shapes.

Slip Fitter Mounts

Slip fitter mounts offer flexibility as they can be installed both horizontally and vertically. These mounts can be used for many different lighting angles and applications.

Bullhorn Mounts

Bullhorn mounts support multiple fixtures on a single pole. Bullhorn mounts work well for areas that require broad light coverage like parking lots or other large areas.

Trunnion Mounts

When the light output from LED areas lights needs to be directed exactly where it is needed, a trunnion mount is the best choice. These mounts offer a solution for both wall and ground installations and allow for precise angle adjustments.

When comparing metal halide lamps and other traditional lighting types, LED area lights stand out as the superior choice. Their extended lifespan, energy savings, and reduced maintenance requirements are just a few of the key advantages. Additionally, with the availability of various accessories to customize LED area lights for specific applications further gives them the edge.