Many night activities are going on in a construction site which makes
safety to be among the most important considerations. Therefore, lighting plays a very crucial role when it comes to the provision of safety especially on the workers who are working at night or dusk. This is because lighting fixtures enhance their visibility to prevent occupational hazards.
Therefore, before you settle on a lighting fixture for the construction site there are few things that you need to know. All lights have different specifications and Performance index and I will help you to understand more about the lighting fixtures for construction sites. So, let’s get into it.
What is Floodlight?
Floodlights are often used in illuminating outdoors because of their high-intensity broad-beam lights. They can be used in concert performances, stage lighting, sports events and other areas that require broad illumination. The most common type is a metal halide lamp which emits approximately 75 – 100 lumens. Besides, sodium vapor lamp is also common in sports events because they have a lumen with a wattage of 120 – 140 lumens which makes them more cost-effective.
Additionally, LED floodlights are also bright enough to provide sufficient illumination in the large field. The main advantage of LED floodlights is that they have an instant startup, longer life and lower power consumption which makes it an appropriate choice for construction site or other industrial areas.
Components of Construction Floodlight Fixtures
Floodlights are known for their durability because of the metallic casing that protects them from high temperatures, storms, rain, wind, and extreme weather conditions. Floodlight fixtures use LED bulbs, halogen or CFL. However, the CFL bulbs are not popular because they are brittle which makes most people prefer LED bulbs. On the other hand, halogen bulbs are brightest but they have a shorter lifespan than the LED.
Construction Lighting Requirements
It is important to understand the lighting requirements that are specified to regulate the use of night construction lighting fixtures. Every construction site should be well lit using artificial or natural lighting. This is to ensure that there are effective working environments and elimination of safety hazards. If the work will be carried beyond the working hours then artificial lighting must be used to guarantee the safety of the workers.
Additionally, construction sites need to illuminate shadow areas such as machinery to avoid injuries due to poor lighting systems.
There is also a need to provide emergency lighting so that when the light goes off immediately. There should be automatic lighting that can complement the main lighting source when there is an emergency in a construction site.
There should be an emergency light rules where the lighting is installed to illuminate the escape routes in cases of emergency. The general night working area should also be illuminated to ensure the safety of workers. Some construction sites can be close to residential properties and busy roads.
Therefore, light spillage must be avoided because it can lead to the distraction of other road users or residents. So, there should be a proper design on the lighting fixtures to ensure other’s safety is not compromised. This can be done by considering the following factors.
- Maintenance should be carried out frequently.
- There should be no glares, flickers or strobes which are caused by the Lighting systems.
- Lighting must be suitable for the work undertaken.
- Lights should be easily noticeable so that hazards can be evaluated and monitored.
- The light should not pose a health and safety risk.
- Different light colors can be used to make it distinguishable which enhances safety.
Importance of Lighting in the Construction Site at Night
LED is one of the most popular lighting technologies which has been used in floodlights because of the safety measures, low electricity consumption, and longer life. They have been scientifically proven to be among the competent industrial lighting solutions. Here are some of the benefits of LED lighting in the construction site.
1. Safe work environment
Construction sites are among the vulnerable and sensitive areas to work in. Therefore, it is important to take security measures which will ensure the workers’ safety is being taken care of. Installing LED lights is one of the ways to minimize potential hazards and injuries at the construction sites. This is because they increase the visibility of the area which ensures workers don’t get injured due to insufficient or improper lighting at night.
2. Security
Security is important in every construction site because every machinery and many tools are being stored. Therefore, lights will provide sufficient security because the security personnel can easily identify any malicious practices that involve theft or vandalism.
3. It promotes longer working hours
When there is sufficient lighting in construction sites workers can even work till late night because the visibility has been enhanced with the use of floodlights
In some cases, some workers might choose to work till dusk because they want to accomplish the assigned work as soon as possible.
Types of Construction Floodlight
The following are types of construction site floodlights
1. Portable light towers
This is lighting fixture which can be mounted on a mast and it is adjustable to various position and heights. It is an energy-efficient fixture, weather-resistant and has a compact design that can illuminate large construction sites. Besides, some of these portable lights up to five times more using the same amount of energy.
The good thing about these lights is that that it is easy to set up and transport because of their portability which enables it to be moved around depending on their capacity because they have wheels. They also have high light capacity because some of the portable light towers can have up to 500W which ensures the all construction area is illuminated efficiently.
Another interesting benefit of portable light towers is that they can provide power so there is no need to use a generator. It can use 4 liters of fuel for every 2 hours.
2. Balloon lighting
Balloon lighting is similar to light plant towers that illuminate a wider area. It also offers low glare but its illumination is evenly distributed. So, it can be attached as part of portable light towers or piece of equipment.
3. Roadway luminaires
They normally have a hardwired electrical system and they can be mounted temporarily on poles. It requires a professional to do so because the process is complicated.
4. Security lighting fitted with motion sensors
Security lights that are fitted with motion sensors are also common in a construction site. These lights have infrared energy which emits a beam of light with the photosensor on the control room. Therefore, when the beam is broken the photo sensor detects movement and it sends signals that there is somebody who is breaching the security wall.
5. LED crane floodlights
This is yet another common lighting fixture that is used in construction sites because they have instant startups and lower power consumption. They can illuminate large areas effectively. Due to its light-weight, they are widely used as the tower crane lighting to give bright illumination in the construction site.
Advantages of using LED in Construction Sites
LED lights have been given higher preference when it comes to lighting up a construction site. LED lights are eco-friendly which unlike the fluorescent lights, halogen, mercury vapor lights, high-pressure sodium and metal halide which can be considered as traditional lighting methods. Therefore, here are some of the reasons why LED lights are appropriate for construction sites.
1. They don’t Break as often
Construction sites are among the most demanding environments with things constantly dropping and running into each other hence it requires durable Jobsite tools. Therefore, LED is made of a durable epoxy resin instead of glass which they don’t break easily even if they’re knocked over or tossed by a truck. This also save on maintenance and repairs costs.
2. They are more sensible
LED reduces the amount of energy used significantly and they provide sufficient brightness and illumination on the construction site. Therefore, it is a more sensible option than the other conventional bulbs methods which might consume more energy yet they can’t provide the required illumination. Additionally, it is possible to install up to 25 strings of LED lights without causing an overload to the wall socket.
3. They are safer
The top priority in a construction site is to ensure it is a safe work environment. This is as per the OSHA recommendation which stipulates the required lighting standards which should consider improving visibility to lower occupational risks. Therefore, LED lamps are up to the task because they are safer particularly by providing the required illumination in the construction site which improves visibility. Additionally, they don’t contain hazardous chemicals that can be found in metal halides and its installation reduces reliability and creates a safer work environment.
4. It is a cost-effective method
LED is a better lighting solution that is cost-effective because of low energy consumption in compliance with lighting standards which will not attract penalties because of not meeting the required specifications. Therefore, it is a reliable lighting fixture that should be installed on every construction site.
Switching to LED lights is among the most important reasons because they bring a return on investment. This is because they can last up to 25 times longer than other light bulbs and at the same time, they use the least energy possible implying that you will pay for less on your energy bills.
5. They Perform Better
LED lights have registered good performance over the years by providing ample and conducive working environment for the workers. They are available in various lumens and color temperatures to ensure the quality of light meets the specific needs of the construction site. Additionally, they also provide illumination across the working environment which makes it a better choice than the other conventional light bulbs.
6. They comply with the lighting standards and regulations
Most other lighting options don’t comply with the restriction of hazardous substances (ROHS) directive because they are made using dangerous and toxic materials like Mercury. However, LEDs on the other and are compliant to the ROHS hence they maintain a safe work environment.
When choosing the best light for a construction site, portable light seems to be an appropriate choice. Additionally, LED lights are also the best choice compared to other methods that is why it is important to ensure you buy best the quality Lighting solution to ensure the construction site is well illuminated. This makes it more visible for the workers hence preventing occupational hazards.
Light can be available in various forms it is rechargeable LED construction flood light or wall lamp for outdoors you still need good Lighting fixture. Therefore, sometimes you might require LED floodlights for your outdoor arena particularly to be installed during the construction. Therefore, if you want to have the best-LED floodlight you require to consider the stability of the floodlight, the brightness as per recommended lumen and the IP protection type to allows smooth operation of the floodlight. Read on to learn more.
Why you Should Choose LED for Lighting up Construction Site at Night?
1. It is a Sensible choice
LED provides better illumination than the other conventional light bulbs. This is because they can light the whole construction site but they consume less electricity irrespective of the number of lights being installed. This makes it a more sensible option than the other traditional lighting fixtures.
2. Performance
LED floodlights are better in terms of performance because they can illuminate whole construction sites perfectly.
3. Durability
Construction sites are more demanding places to work in because there are lots of banging, hammering and even the use of cranes. Therefore, LED floodlights are the best option because of durability.
Where Floodlights are Used?
Floodlights are usually used outdoors because they can light a larger area. They provide light for security or to scare animals away. Motion sensors can also be used alongside floodlights to backup the security in construction areas or search for outdoor spaces. Here are some of the areas where flood lights can be used.
- Construction sites
- Warehouses
- Streets
- Outdoor arenas
- Driveways
- Sport Fields
- Stadiums
Conclusion
Floodlights play an important role in construction sites that is why LED construct floodlights are recommended because they are efficient. Before you chose LED floodlight you need to find the reliable and trusted sellers so that you can have the best floodlights.