Over the past decade, canopy lighting has significantly improved and transitioned from HID, pulse-start, and fluorescent lighting to more economical, energy-efficient, and popular LED lighting. Before we start digging deeper, let’s first check out what exactly canopy lighting means.
What is canopy lighting?
Canopy lighting is the outdoor lighting that is typically pendant, recessed, or surface-mounted to a structure’s overhang, ceiling, or soffit. This type of lighting is particularly used for illuminating a myriad of areas that are frequented by pedestrians and vehicles. As such, they are most often used in hotel canopies, parking canopies, gas stations, and similar places.
In this post, we will discuss gas station canopy lighting in brief.
Canopy Lighting in Gas Stations
All of us are well-aware of the fact that petroleum is a highly combustible hydrocarbon that is also carcinogenic. Thus, one of the major concerns when it comes to handling hazardous compounds like petrol or diesel is the possibility of ignition by electric devices and machines. Lighting fixtures installed close to petroleum storage tanks must be equipped with the necessary safety features; otherwise, they can become the source of explosion if they create sparks during operation.
Most commercial lighting fixtures, including canopy lights, utilize high-intensity discharge lamps like metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and mercury vapor lamps. These are still found where the gas station buildings are really old. Some industrial and commercial applications use fluorescent lamps. However, traditional canopy lights have drawbacks that make them very inefficient and less safe for places like gas stations. Traditional canopy lighting fixtures are still in use today at some places and as a result, gas stations have to pay heavy bills of electricity and maintenance.
LED Canopy Lighting – The Solution to Drawbacks of Traditional Canopy Lighting
The LED versions of canopy lighting are designed to replace their fragile and energy-consuming counterparts. Plus, they also eliminate the need for high-maintenance and electrical requirements of traditional lighting fixtures. Besides, retrofit LED canopy lights utilize existing mounting hardware and easily align with the existing bolt holes for easy and quick installation. The best part is that lighting fixture upgrades can be done one step at a time and the lighting format and style will still be consistent throughout the gas station facility. Modern LED canopy lighting solutions can withstand the demanding conditions of an outdoor environment and a place with hazardous elements like gas stations. They have efficient IP rating and consume lower energy, and prevent expensive maintenance costs.
Why Shift from Traditional Canopy Lighting to LED Canopy Lighting?
- LED canopy lights have a longer life span as they can last up to 100,000 hours (11 years) on continuous operation.
- LED lights don’t contain toxic chemicals which are typically found in conventional bulbs. As such, they are environment-friendly.
- They are made of sturdy components, and therefore, they can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- They offer sufficient distribution of light, frequent switching, and instant illumination.
- Low-voltage power supply makes them easy to use in outdoor settings.
Thus, making a transition from traditional to LED canopy lighting will benefit your gas station more and also save you from the hassle of high-maintenance. If you are also planning for this beneficial transition, seek reliable gas station canopy light services only from a contractor that has rich experience and knowledge in commercial and industrial lighting projects.
