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 to 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 - Well-suited for parking garage ceilings when properly specified, providing bright, uniform overhead light that eliminates dark spots and enhances driver and pedestrian visibility.
• LED low bay lights - Effective for mid-height garage ceilings when properly specified, delivering widespread illumination that improves navigation in drive lanes and parking stalls.
• LED vapor tight lights - Well-suited for damp or enclosed garage areas when properly specified. Their sealed, moisture-resistant housings prevent corrosion and withstand humidity, exhaust fumes, and water exposure.
• LED area lights - Mounted on exterior poles or roof levels to illuminate entrances, ramps, and open-air parking decks with wide, powerful coverage.
• LED post top lights - Effective for pedestrian walkways and open deck perimeters when properly specified, enhancing safety and visibility with 360-degree light distribution.
• LED shoebox lights - Commonly used on parking structure poles to illuminate large exterior areas, ramps, and upper-level parking sections with strong forward-throw optics.
• LED panels - Installed in parking garage office areas, payment stations, or stairwell rooms, providing even, glare-free indoor illumination.

Over 15+ years of garage lighting projects, we've seen these fixtures deliver 75% energy savings while eliminating maintenance headaches (results vary by installation). 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 (model dependent). Surface mounting is standard, though pendant configurations work well in garages with higher structural clearances.

The U.S. Department of Energy has documented that LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by 75% or more compared to traditional lighting technologies, making LED fixtures an effective choice for parking garage applications where lights operate continuously when properly specified. This significant energy reduction helps facility managers achieve substantial cost savings while maintaining optimal illumination levels for safety and security.

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 to provide crisper illumination in security-sensitive areas. Wattage-adjustable models let you fine-tune output between 40 to 120 watts after installation (model dependent).

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 (results vary).

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 when properly specified. 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 to 30 foot poles to cover large areas. These installations typically require 150 to 400 watt shoebox or area lights designed for weather exposure (model dependent). 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 when properly specified.

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

• Extended Operating Life - Fixtures provide 100,000+ hour performance without bulb or ballast replacements (model dependent), eliminating the maintenance downtime and recurring service costs common with HID and fluorescent garage lighting.
• Dramatic Energy Reduction - LED systems reduce energy consumption by 50% to 75% (results vary), immediately lowering electricity expenses in continuously lit parking garage environments.
• Rapid Return on Investment - Lower utility bills and near-zero maintenance generate 2-3 year payback periods (subject to site conditions), often faster in high-usage garages.
• Simple Installation Process - LED fixtures mount directly to existing electrical and structural infrastructure when properly specified, avoiding costly rewiring or complex retrofits.
• Silent, Stable Operation - Flicker-free, noise-free LED drivers eliminate ballast hum and buzzing, improving comfort and safety inside enclosed parking areas.
• Immediate Full Output - LEDs reach full brightness instantly, critical for safety lighting in stairwells, entrances, and emergency conditions.
• Field-Adjustable Performance - Selectable wattage and color temperature let operators fine-tune brightness and appearance after installation without replacing fixtures (model dependent).
• Intelligent Occupancy Control - Built-in sensors reduce energy use by 30-50% (results vary), dimming lights when areas are empty - a major advantage in garages with unpredictable traffic flow.
• Backup Power Integration - EMB-equipped LEDs provide 90-minute emergency illumination during outages when properly specified, maintaining essential visibility throughout critical areas.

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 (results vary by installation).

The Illuminating Engineering Society provides comprehensive guidance on parking structure lighting in IES RP-20, which establishes recommended illuminance levels for different zones within parking facilities. These standards help achieve adequate visibility for pedestrian and vehicle safety while optimizing energy efficiency throughout the facility when properly implemented.

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

Shadow problems stem from several common installation mistakes. 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 (verify on spec sheet)
• 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 help achieve optimal coverage throughout your garage space.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications help provide safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives (verify eligibility with utility provider). DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility when available.

The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) maintains rigorous testing standards for commercial LED lighting products, and DLC Premium qualification means fixtures meet the highest performance criteria for energy efficiency and light quality. This certification is often required for utility rebate programs and helps facility managers maximize their return on investment through available incentive programs.

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 15+ 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 estimated ROI timeline and annual cost reductions (results vary by installation). Our USA-based technical support team provides ongoing assistance throughout your project lifecycle, supporting optimal performance from day one through years of operation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After 15+ years of parking garage retrofits, we see contractors repeat the same errors that create expensive callbacks and safety problems. Most issues come down to using outdoor lighting standards in confined garage environments where different rules apply.

• Using narrow beam angles creates hot spots and shadow zones between fixtures. See foot candle requirements above for proper distribution patterns.
• Specifying high-wattage fixtures because they worked outdoors causes severe glare in low-ceiling installations. Calculate foot candles first, then pick the appropriate wattage (model dependent).
• Ignoring structural beams and columns when laying out fixture positions. Check sight lines and reposition fixtures to prevent shadows from structural elements.
• Installing standard canopy fixtures in underground garages where exhaust fumes corrode internal components. Underground installations require IP65 vapor-tight housings when properly specified.
• Using outdoor spacing ratios that leave coverage gaps in garage environments. Lower mounting heights need closer fixture spacing for uniform light levels.
• Wiring motion sensors to main circuits instead of separate switching creates code violations and safety hazards during maintenance (confirm with local government authority).
• Installing emergency battery packs as an afterthought when codes require integrated EMB fixtures in exit routes and stairwells (verify requirements with local government authority).

LED Lights for Parking Garages Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of LED Fixtures Are Used in Parking Garages?

Parking garage installations use LED canopy lights, canopy low bays, and vapor-tight lights for ceiling-mounted applications at 8-10 foot heights. LED area lights, shoebox lights, and post top fixtures serve exterior poles, ramps, and open-air decks.

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

Fixtures with 120-degree beam angles and 5000K color temperature provide optimal visibility at ceiling heights below 10 feet. Underground garages benefit from IP65-rated vapor-proof designs that resist exhaust fumes.

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

Underground installations benefit from vapor-tight fixtures with IP65 ratings that protect internal components from vehicle exhaust contamination. Above-ground garages often work with standard canopy fixtures since ventilation reduces contamination concerns.

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

Garages require wide beam angles and moderate wattages for low ceiling heights, while outdoor parking lots use 150-400 watt fixtures on 20-30 foot poles (model dependent). Outdoor fixture mounting heights and power requirements make them unsuitable for garage installations.

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

LED fixtures provide 100,000+ hour performance (model dependent), reduce energy consumption by 50% to 75% (results vary), and reach full brightness instantly. Motion sensor integration can reduce energy use by 30-50% in low-traffic zones (results vary).

What are the Ideal Foot Candles for a Parking Garage?

General parking areas require 5-10 fc, entrances and exits need 50 fc daytime and 10-20 fc nighttime, and high-security areas require 20-50 fc. Stairwells and elevator lobbies need 10-20 fc.

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

Choose fixtures with 120-degree beam angles for ceiling heights under 12 feet and position fixtures to minimize obstruction from structural elements. A photometric plan calculates precise fixture placement to achieve optimal coverage.