Selecting lights for the exterior is a challenge. It should provide enough brightness and at the same time not get damaged easily by external factors. This is where the LED wall packs come into the picture.
LED wall packs are exterior lighting that provides brightness to the outside space. They are typically mounted onto the wall of the building and illuminate the ground area beneath.
In this article we will discuss more about LED wall packs and the key features to consider before choosing one.
Why Choose LED Wall Pack Lights?
Energy efficiency
LED wall pack lights are highly energy efficient compared to traditional lighting. They use less energy and provide the same or better output than traditional lighting.
Long lifespan
Compared to traditional flights, LED wall pack lighting has a long lifespan. These lights typically last for up to 100,000 hours. Besides, they can also withstand the harsh weather conditions outside.
Traditional lights, on the other hand, lasts only for 10,000 to 20,000 hours.
Customizable
You can get the LED wall packs customized as per your requirements. You can get these lights at different color temperatures, wattage, and features to suit your requirements.
What are the key features to consider while purchasing LED wall packs?
Brightness and Lumens
The primary thing to consider is how bright you want the light to be ie how many lumens are required for the light. This depends on the purpose for which you are installing the light.
A low lumen of 1000-3000 is enough to illuminate small areas like walkways. Medium lumens of 3000-7000 are used for general-purpose lighting on the sides of buildings. High power lumens of 7000 and above are used in areas where very powerful lights are required.
Wattage
Wattage refers to the energy usage by the lighting fixture. A 10-30W power is enough for low intensity light. If you want medium intensity light, then the wattage requirement changes to 50-80. For very powerful lights, a wattage of 120 is required.
Color Temperature
Color temperature refers to how warm or cool the light is. In commercial lighting, the color temperature varies between 3000k and 5000k and depends on the purpose for which the light is used.
The color temperature of LED wall packs is typically around 5000k to closely mimic the bright day light. Lights with this color temperature is mostly used in the exterior of large buildings and warehouses.
Energy Efficiency
The LED wall packs should be energy efficient so that you can save on energy bill. Make sure that the light you have chosen has Energy Star rating that shows how energy efficient the LED light is.
Durability and Lifespan
The durability of the light is another factor to consider. Durable LED lights have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. This is very high when compared to traditional form of lighting.
Waterproof and Dustproof Ratings
Another important thing to consider is whether the LED wall packs are water proof and dust proof. Since the light is exposed to external factors like wind and sunlight, they should not get damaged easily.
Waterproof LED lights will have IP65 rating which shows that the product can withstand low level of water jets and also has the highest level of dust protection.
What are the different types of LED Wall Pack Lights?
Full Cutoff Wall Packs
In this type of wall packs, the light is fully covered except for the bottom part. Thus, the light is emitted downwards and falls on the wall. Since they do not emit any light upwards, they are dark sky compliant. These type of lights are perfect for walkways and doorways.
Semi-Cutoff Wall Packs
The semi-cutoff wall packs are also covered but not fully covered as a full cutoff wall pack. Thus, the light falls down and a little towards the front. These type of lights limit light pollution and are used as outdoor security lighting.
Non-Cutoff Wall Packs
As the name suggests, the non-cutoff wall pack does not have any limitation of light distribution to any side. These type of lights are used in sidewalks and bicycle lanes where proper lighting is required.
What are the factors to consider when choosing LED Wall Packs?
Application and Location
The first thing to consider is where you are installing the LED wall pack. If the wall pack is installed outside a building as security lighting, semi-cutoff wall pack is the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to light only the doorway, then a full cut-off wall pack is the perfect option.
Mounting Options
LED wall packs are mounted on to the wall, but the height at which it is mounted varies depending on your requirements. In case of doorway lighting, the wall pack is mounted just above the door to provide lighting on the doorway.
Sometimes, the lights will be mounted at varying heights to add to the aesthetic appeal of the exterior.
Budget Considerations
LED wall packs are available at different price ranges. The price can range from $30 to $60 depending on the type of light ie whether it is full cut-off, semi cut-off or non cut-off.
Installation Tips
Proper Placement and Spacing
The wall packs should be placed at strategic locations to get the best results. If you are installing the light to illuminate the exterior of a large building, the lights should be spaced such that there is uniform light distribution throughout.
Safety Considerations
You should always switch off the power before you start installing the wall pack. The fixture should be properly grounded to avoid electric shocks.
Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency
Financial Benefits of LED Wall Packs
LED wall packs lasts for upto 100,000 hours. Thus, you need not replace the lights quite often and can have substantial cost savings.
Environmental Impact
Since the LED wall packs do not have any harmful components, it does not cause any harmful impact on the environment.
Conclusion
LED wall packs are the best choice if you want to light the exterior of the building. You can choose from full, semi or non-cut off pack depending on your requirement. But before purchasing one, you should check the lumen, wattage and color temperature to ensure that the pack meets your requirements.
