LED Lights for Parking Garages

What Types of LED Fixtures Are Used in Parking Garages?

Parking garage installations require specific fixture characteristics due to typical 8-10 foot ceiling heights. We recommend low-wattage fixtures with 120-degree beam angles to achieve uniform coverage without harsh shadows. The most common commercial lighting fixtures for parking garages are

• LED canopy lights
• Canopy low bays
• Vapor-tight lights
• LED Area lights
• Post top fixtures
• Shoebox lights
• Flat panels

Over 17 years of garage lighting projects, we've seen these fixtures deliver 75% energy savings while eliminating maintenance headaches. Universal 120-277V drivers automatically adjust to your building's electrical system. Most clients choose 40-150 watt fixtures to meet the 5-10 foot candle requirements for general parking areas. Surface mounting is standard, though pendant configurations work well in garages with higher structural clearances.

Parking Garage Before Conversion to our LED Fixtures

Parking Garage After Conversion to our LED Parking Garage Fixtures

What are the Best LED Lighting Fixtures for Use in a Parking Garage?

Wide optics become critical when ceiling heights drop below 10 feet. Fixture selection depends on your specific layout and safety requirements. We recommend 5000K color temperature for optimal visibility and provides crisper illumination in security-sensitive areas. Wattage-adjustable models let you fine-tune output between 40-120 watts after installation.

Beyond illumination levels, practical considerations matter. Underground garages benefit from IP65-rated vapor-proof designs that resist exhaust fumes. High-vandalism locations need impact-resistant housings. Motion sensor integration can reduce energy consumption by 40% in low-traffic zones.

Contact us today, and the lighting experts at LED Lighting Supply can help you with that.

Are Vapor Tight Fixtures the Best Lighting Option for a Parking Garage?

Vapor-tight fixtures aren't always necessary, but underground installations create special conditions. Vehicle exhaust contains corrosive elements that can penetrate standard housings over time. Sealed vapor-tight construction with IP65 ratings protects internal components from contamination. This protection extends fixture life and maintains light output consistency.

Above-ground garages often work fine with standard canopy fixtures since ventilation reduces contamination concerns. Many canopy models already include IP65 sealing without the premium cost of full vapor-tight construction.

What's the Difference between Parking Garage Lighting and Parking Lot Lights?

Garage environments create unique challenges that outdoor parking lots don't face. Enclosed structures limit natural light and create confined spaces where glare becomes problematic. Low ceiling heights require wide beam angles and moderate wattages to prevent hot spots.

Outdoor parking lots use high-wattage fixtures on 20-30 foot poles to cover large areas. These installations typically require 150-400 watt shoebox or area lights designed for weather exposure. The mounting heights and power requirements make outdoor fixtures unsuitable for garage installations.

Garages need fixtures optimized for close-proximity mounting with controlled distribution patterns. Wide optics spread light evenly across parking spaces without creating uncomfortable glare for drivers and pedestrians.

What are the Benefits of Using LED Lights in a Parking Garage?

Extended Operating Life: Our fixtures deliver 100,000+ hour lifespans without bulb or ballast replacements. You eliminate the maintenance headaches and costs common with HID and fluorescent systems.

Dramatic Energy Reduction: LED technology cuts energy consumption by 50% to 75% compared to traditional lighting. Your electricity bills drop immediately after installation.

Rapid Return on Investment: The upfront LED investment pays for itself through reduced energy and maintenance costs. Most customers see ROI within 2-3 years.

Simple Installation Process: Modern LED fixtures mount easily to existing infrastructure. No special wiring or complex retrofitting required in most applications.

Silent, Stable Operation: LED drivers eliminate the annoying flicker and ballast buzz that plague fluorescent systems. Drivers operate silently and provide steady illumination.

Immediate Full Output: LEDs reach full brightness immediately when switched on. No warm-up time means instant safety lighting when needed.

Field-Adjustable Performance: Wattage and color temperature adjustability lets you fine-tune output and appearance after installation. Adapt lighting to changing needs without fixture replacement.

Intelligent Occupancy Control: Integrated occupancy sensors reduce energy use by 30-50% by dimming lights in unoccupied areas. Perfect for large garages with irregular traffic patterns.

Backup Power Integration: EMB-equipped fixtures maintain illumination during power outages. Battery backup ensures safety lighting stays on when you need it most.

What are the Ideal Foot Candles for a Parking Garage?

• General Parking Areas: 5-10 fc
• Parking Garage Entrances / Exits: 50 fc (daytime), 10-20 fc (nighttime)
• Ramp Areas and Drive Lanes: 5-10 fc (ensure uniform illumination of drive lanes to enhance safety)
• Stairwells & Elevator Lobbies: 10-20 fc
• High-Security Areas: 20-50 fc

Proper lighting in these areas helps to deter criminals by reducing dark spots and increasing visibility.

What's the Best Way to Get Rid of Shadows in a Parking Garage?

Shadow problems stem from several common installation mistakes we encounter regularly. Narrow beam angles create bright spots with dark areas between fixtures. Inadequate fixture spacing leaves gaps in coverage that structural elements like columns and beams can worsen.

Successful shadow elimination starts with proper fixture selection:

• Choose fixtures with 120-degree beam angles for ceiling heights under 12 feet
• Calculate proper spacing ratios based on mounting height and fixture distribution
• Position fixtures to minimize obstruction from structural elements
• Verify adequate fixture count for your square footage

A professional lighting plan eliminates guesswork by calculating precise fixture placement and wattage requirements. We create these plans at no cost to ensure optimal coverage throughout your garage space.

Energy Savings and Return on Investment

60W LED vs 250W Metal Halide Replacement (with ballast)

Based on 20 hours/day, 265 days/year at $0.14/kWh

Metal Halide (288W)

Annual: $213.33 | 5-Year Cost: $1066.63 | 5-Year Savings: -

LED UFO Fixture (60W)

Annual: $44.52 | 5-Year Cost: $222.60 | 5-Year Savings: $16880.50

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $168.81 | 20 Fixture Annual Savings: $3376 | ROI Timeline: Under 8 months

Energy Reduction: 79% | 5-Year ROI: 16781% | Lamp Life: 50,000+ (LED) vs 15,000 (MH)

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications ensure safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

5 Year Warranty and Warranty Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us. Our experienced support team understands the importance of keeping your lighting operational and will work quickly to resolve any warranty issues.

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Your Parking Garage Project

Our team combines 17 years of commercial lighting experience with deep technical knowledge of parking garage applications. We provide complimentary custom lighting plans that calculate precise fixture placement and energy savings specific to your facility's dimensions and usage patterns. Our product specialists understand the critical differences between underground and above-ground installations, helping you select the right IP ratings and beam angles for your environment. Unlike generic lighting suppliers, we stock only fixtures that have proven successful in real-world garage installations. Every recommendation comes with detailed energy savings calculations showing your exact ROI timeline and annual cost reductions. Our USA-based technical support team provides ongoing assistance throughout your project lifecycle, ensuring optimal performance from day one through years of operation.

LED Lights for Parking Garages Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of LED Fixtures Are Best for Parking Garage Applications?

Parking garages with 8-10 foot ceiling heights require specific fixtures designed for low-mounting applications. LED canopy lights, canopy low bays, and vapor-tight fixtures deliver optimal performance with 120-degree beam angles for uniform coverage. Most installations use 40-150 watt fixtures with universal 120-277V drivers that automatically adjust to your building's electrical system, achieving the required 5-10 foot candles for general parking areas.

How Much Energy Can LED Parking Garage Lighting Save Compared to Metal Halide?

LED parking garage fixtures deliver 75-79% energy savings versus traditional metal halide systems. A 60W LED fixture replaces a 250W metal halide (288W with ballast), saving $168.81 annually per fixture at standard commercial rates. For a 20-fixture installation, this translates to $3,376 in annual energy savings with ROI achieved in under 8 months.

What Foot Candle Levels Are Required for Parking Garage Lighting?

General parking areas require 5-10 foot candles, while entrance and exit zones need 50 fc during daytime and 10-20 fc at night. Stairwells and elevator lobbies should maintain 10-20 fc, with high-security areas requiring 20-50 fc. Ramp areas and drive lanes need consistent 5-10 fc illumination to ensure safe vehicle movement throughout the facility.

Are Vapor-Tight Fixtures Necessary for Underground Parking Garages?

Underground installations benefit from IP65-rated vapor-tight fixtures that resist vehicle exhaust and corrosive elements. These sealed housings protect internal components from contamination, extending fixture life and maintaining consistent light output. Above-ground garages often work well with standard canopy fixtures since better ventilation reduces contamination concerns, though many canopy models include IP65 sealing without premium vapor-tight pricing.

How Do You Eliminate Shadows in Parking Garage Lighting?

Shadow elimination requires fixtures with 120-degree beam angles for ceiling heights under 12 feet, combined with proper spacing calculations based on mounting height. Position fixtures to minimize obstruction from structural columns and beams while ensuring adequate fixture count for your square footage. We calculate precise fixture placement through professional lighting plans to guarantee uniform coverage throughout your garage space.

What Color Temperature Works Best for Parking Garage Security?

5000K color temperature provides optimal visibility and crisp illumination in security-sensitive areas. This daylight white output enhances color recognition and visual acuity compared to warmer temperatures, improving safety for pedestrians and vehicle operators. The cooler temperature also works well with security cameras, providing better image quality for surveillance systems.

Can Motion Sensors Reduce Parking Garage Lighting Energy Costs?

Occupancy sensors reduce energy consumption by 30-50% in parking garages with irregular traffic patterns. Motion sensor integration dims lights in unoccupied zones while maintaining safety lighting levels in active areas. This technology works particularly well in large garages where sections remain empty for extended periods, maximizing energy savings without compromising security requirements.

How Long Do LED Parking Garage Fixtures Last Compared to Fluorescent?

LED fixtures deliver 100,000+ hour lifespans versus 15,000-20,000 hours for fluorescent systems. This extended life eliminates frequent bulb and ballast replacements that create ongoing maintenance costs and safety concerns in parking environments. Most installations operate 15-20 years before requiring fixture replacement, dramatically reducing long-term operational expenses.

What Installation Requirements Apply to Parking Garage LED Lighting?

Modern LED fixtures mount to existing infrastructure without special wiring in most applications. Universal 120-277V drivers work with standard electrical systems, while surface mounting is typical for low-ceiling installations. Wattage-adjustable models allow output tuning between 40-120 watts after installation to meet specific illumination requirements without fixture changes.

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Parking Garage Projects?

We combine 15+ years of commercial lighting expertise with proven success across 25,000+ installations to deliver optimal parking garage solutions. Our team provides complimentary custom lighting plans calculating precise fixture placement and energy savings specific to your facility's dimensions. We understand the critical differences between underground and above-ground installations, helping you select appropriate IP ratings and beam angles while providing detailed ROI calculations and ongoing USA-based technical support.

What Certifications Should Parking Garage LED Fixtures Have?

Essential certifications include DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals ensuring safety, performance, and maximum energy efficiency. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and qualifies installations for utility rebates and tax incentives. IP65 ratings provide dust and water resistance, while IK08 impact ratings ensure durability in high-traffic parking environments.

How Do Parking Garage Lighting Requirements Differ from Parking Lot Applications?

Garage environments require wide beam angles and moderate wattages due to low ceiling heights, while outdoor lots use high-wattage fixtures on 20-30 foot poles. Enclosed structures limit natural light and create confined spaces where glare control becomes critical, requiring fixtures optimized for close-proximity mounting. Garage installations typically use 40-150 watt fixtures versus 150-400 watt outdoor units designed for weather exposure and large area coverage.