Outdoor Lighting Layout & Design
Get Your Custom Lighting Plan With Product Recommendations
Includes up to 8% off the price of our recommended lighting products 
Dedicated Sales Support
Every lighting plan comes with a dedicated product specialist, providing personalized service and expert advice for your project needs.
How long does it take to get a plan?
1-2 for indoor and 2-3 days for outdoor projects
Our Customers
4
5
CBRE needed high quality lighting for their customer, with stock available for ongoing projects.
Customer had an urgent need for high temperature lights. We had them in stock & shipped out next day.
Poor lighting caused parking lot safety issues for spectators. Our lighting plan & new lights resulted in an improved experience.
Customer needed to source large quantities of specialty fixtures for use in their manufactured products.
Tracy Electric was seeking a reliable source for ongoing lighting projects.
Distributors partner with us to provide customers a high quality product at a reasonable price.
Repeat lighting supplier for an electrical contractor working in manufacturing facilities.
Permanent tent lighting for large acrobatics facility. Our lighting plan & recommendations resulted in ideal performer & spectator safety.
Outdoor lighting plans are essential for achieving safe, effective, and energy-efficient illumination in commercial and industrial spaces. A well-designed plan helps you determine the right fixture types, placement, and light levels for your property, ensuring code compliance and optimal visibility. By understanding layout, spacing, and photometric performance, you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes before purchasing fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is LED Outdoor Lighting Design?
An outdoor lighting design is a professional service that creates a detailed visual report of your lighting project. Site layouts from CAD drawings or Google Maps are imported into specialized lighting software, where LED fixtures are strategically placed to achieve optimal performance. The software calculates precise light levels, balance, and distribution patterns using photometric data from the selected LED fixtures. You receive a comprehensive lighting plan that shows exactly how your space will look and perform before installation.
What Is an Outdoor Lighting Layout Calculator?
An outdoor lighting calculator provides basic fixture placement and foot-candle calculations for simple projects. However, these tools typically do not show light balance and uniformity across your space. Professional lighting design software delivers detailed photometric analysis, 3D visualizations, and precise light distribution maps to ensure your project meets all requirements and codes.
What Are the Best Practices for Selecting LED Outdoor Lighting Fixtures?
Selecting fixtures without understanding their performance in your specific space often leads to poor results and incorrect optics or beam angles. A detailed lighting plan identifies the optimal fixture for each application, ensuring proper foot-candle levels and balanced illumination across your entire area. This approach eliminates guesswork and helps ensure your lighting investment performs as expected.
How Does LED Outdoor Lighting Enhance Safety and Security?
LED outdoor lighting delivers instant-on illumination and superior light quality that significantly improves visibility and security. Fixtures can integrate with motion sensors and photocells for automated operation when needed. With 50,000+ hour lifespans, LEDs provide reliable lighting without frequent bulb or ballast replacements that could compromise security.
What Lighting Requirements Apply to Large Areas Like Sports Fields and Parking Lots?
Light level requirements vary by application. Sports fields typically need 30-100+ foot-candles, while parking lots require 1-5 foot-candles. Light uniformity ratios are also important to ensure even illumination without dark spots or glare. Each project should be designed to meet the specific requirements and local codes for your application.
Can LED Outdoor Lighting Integrate with Smart Controls?
Yes, many LED fixtures support motion sensors, photocells, and wireless control systems for automated operation. Advanced options include 0-10V dimming, daylight harvesting, and networked lighting controls that can reduce energy costs compared to always-on systems.
Why Should I Invest in a Professional Lighting Plan?
A professional lighting plan helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures code compliance from day one. You can see exactly how your space will look before purchasing fixtures, avoiding over-lighting or under-lighting issues. Plans also provide precise fixture counts and placement specifications that contractors need for accurate installation and electrical load calculations.
How Much Can I Save with LED Outdoor Lighting Compared to Traditional Options?
LED outdoor lighting typically reduces energy consumption by 60-80 percent compared to metal halide or high-pressure sodium fixtures. With 50,000+ hour lifespans, maintenance costs drop significantly since frequent bulb and ballast replacements are eliminated. Most commercial projects see 3-5 year payback periods through energy and maintenance savings.
What Information Is Needed to Create My Lighting Design?
To create an accurate lighting design, provide site dimensions, mounting height preferences, and intended use for the space. CAD files, site plans, or Google Maps coordinates are ideal for creating precise layouts. Specify your target light levels and any local code requirements to ensure the design meets your needs.
How Long Does the Lighting Design Process Take?
Most outdoor lighting designs are completed within 3-5 business days after receiving your site information. Complex projects with multiple areas or special requirements may take 5-7 days. You will receive detailed photometric reports, 3D renderings, and fixture specifications in formats suitable for contractors, electricians, and procurement teams.
How Many Outdoor Lights Do I Need?
The number of fixtures required depends on your site size, mounting height, target foot-candle levels, and fixture output. A professional lighting plan calculates the optimal quantity and placement to achieve even coverage and meet your specific requirements.
What Foot-Candle Levels Are Recommended for Outdoor Areas?
Recommended foot-candle levels vary by application. Parking lots typically require 1-5 foot-candles, while sports fields and high-activity areas may need 30 foot-candles or more. The right level depends on safety, security, and local code requirements.
How Far Apart Should Outdoor Fixtures Be Spaced?
Fixture spacing is determined by mounting height, fixture optics, and the desired light level. Proper spacing ensures uniform illumination and minimizes shadows or dark spots. A photometric layout provides precise spacing recommendations for your project.
What Factors Affect Outdoor Lighting Layout?
Key factors include site dimensions, mounting height, fixture type, beam angle, target light levels, and obstructions such as trees or structures. Considering these elements ensures effective coverage and compliance with safety standards.
How Do I Reduce Shadows or Dark Spots in Outdoor Lighting?
To minimize shadows and dark spots, use fixtures with appropriate optics and beam angles, and ensure proper spacing and mounting height. A professional lighting plan identifies potential problem areas and provides solutions for even coverage.
Do I Need a Custom Outdoor Lighting Plan?
If your project involves large areas, unique site conditions, or specific performance requirements, a custom lighting plan is highly recommended. Custom plans ensure code compliance, optimal light levels, and efficient fixture placement tailored to your property.
Sample Outdoor Lighting Plan
