The importance of proper lighting in a workshop can never be underestimated. Whether it is a DIY workshop in your home where you undertake bicycle repair or carpentry work or a commercial workshop where high-end model cars are repaired, proper lighting is crucial.
Proper workshop lighting ensures eye protection and the safety of the people working there. It also provides enough brightness to carry on the work efficiently.
In this article, we will examine the importance of LED workshop lighting and the things to consider when using it.
Why Use LED Lights in Workshops?
There are several benefits of using LED lights for workshops.
Firstly, LED lights consume less energy than traditional fluorescent and halogen lamps. Eighty per cent of the energy consumed by an LED workshop light is converted into viewable light, and only 20 per cent is wasted as heat. This is not the case with traditional lights, which waste a lot of energy as heat.
Secondly, LED workshop lights only require a little maintenance. Once installed, it will last for years. You need not change it quite often or get it repaired frequently. All that the LED lights need is occasional cleaning of dust and dirt.
What are the important features of LED Workshop Lighting?
Brightness and Lumens
Lumens refer to the brightness of the light. How many lumens of light is required depends on the size of the workshop. Typically, a workshop should have 20 lumens per square foot to provide enough brightness.
However, lumens are also influenced by the height of the ceiling and the color of the wall. If the ceiling is too high or the wall color is dark, then more lumens per square foot are required.
Color Temperature
Color temperature refers to how warm or cool the light is. This again depends on the task carried out in the workshop.
If a lot of painting work is carried out, then accurate color rendering is very important. Thus, the color temperature should closely mimic daylight for the desired result. In such a case, light with a color temperature of 5000K is required.
If light closer to daylight is not required, then you can opt for color temperature of 4000k.
Energy Efficiency
LED workshop lighting converts 80% of the energy used into light. Only 20% is wasted as heat. Thus, it is highly energy efficient. This high energy efficiency also converts to cost saving as the energy bill can be reduced.
Durability and Lifespanity
LED workshop lights are highly durable. An average light can last for upto 11 years when used continously at its full capacity. When used for 8 hours per day, the light can last for upto 20 years.
High durability and lifespan do away with the need to change the light quite often.
Waterproof and Dustproof Ratings
LED workshop lights are highly water proof and dustproof and comes with IP65 rating. It does not get damaged when exposed to these elements thus making the waterproof LED lights a good choice for workshop lighting.
What are the different types of LED Workshop Lights?
LED Tube Lights
These are similar to the tube lights that are long and elongated and provides basic lighting to the workshop. This type of lights can be installed on the side to provide basic brightness to the workshop.
LED Panel Lights
These are also basic lighting that are used to provide brightness to the workshop. You can install the panel lights on the ceiling in the center of the room.
LED High Bay Lights
These are highly powerful LED lights with high intensity output. High bay lights are mostly used in spaces with a ceiling height of 20-45 feet. They produce more powerful light and improves the visibility of the workshop.
What are the factors to consider when choosing LED Workshop Lighting?
- Size and Layout of the Workshop
If the workshop has large surface area, then you need multiple lights to brighten the whole space. Similarly, if the workshop is divided into different sections, you should provide lights with different lumens and color temperature depending on the work carried out in each section.
- Specific Tasks and Activities
The purpose for which the workshop is used is another factor to consider. If the workshop is used for doing high precision work like painting, then lights with a high color rendering index should be selected.
On the other hand, if the workshop is used more as a storage unit, then high lumen and CRI are not required.
- Installation and Maintenance
Some LED workshop lights, like the plug-and-play options are very easy to install. However, if you need an elaborate work with additional wiring, you should seek a professional's help.
Installation Tips
To ensure the safety of all, make sure that the power supply is disconnected before installing the LED light.
The lights should be placed at strategic locations so that you get the best possible outcome. There should be proper spacing between the lights, depending on whether it is high bay or low bay light.
Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency
The initial cost of installing LED workshop lights can be on the higher side. But once installed, you save a lot in terms of operating cost. Moreover, since the LED lights are durable, you need not change it quite often. This also contribute towards cost saving.
LED lights have less impact on the environment. It does not emit any harmful substances like mercury as is the case with conventional lighting. Moreover, the lights have a long lifespan, making it even eco-friendly.
Conclusion
When it comes to workshop lighting, LED lights are the best. The energy consumption of LED lights is very low. It converts the maximum energy used towards the light. They are also long-lasting and require less maintenance, thus contributing to sustainability.
Besides, LED lights are available in the right color temperature and can create the right ambience and brightness in the workshop. All this makes durable LED lights the best option for workshop lighting.
