How To Choose The Best Commercial LED Downlights

Commercial lighting, from hotel lighting to office lighting and beyond, is a crucial design element to consider. From warehouses to retail shops, commercial downlights play a huge role in the functionality of a space. In this article, we will explore commercial LED downlights and how to best incorporate them.

 

What Are Commercial LED Downlights?

Commercial LED downlights are ceiling lights for commercial spaces that play a big role in the ambient lighting design of a space. Well-placed commercial electric downlights can make a huge difference in various spaces, such as:

• Exhibition halls
• Hotels
• Offices
• Restaurants
• Retail shops
• Warehouses

Commercial downlights use LED bulbs, which possess many benefits that will be discussed further down. They are versatile fixtures that come in many styles, materials and finishes, so you can easily incorporate them into your space.

Whether you choose commercial LED recessed lighting or surface mounted lighting, their main goal is to provide an ambient layer of light that makes the area highly visible.

 

 

How To Use Commercial Recessed Downlights in a Hotel 

When discussing hotel downlights, lobby lighting is usually the main design element being considered. There are other areas in a hotel you may want to light, though, such as reception areas, restaurants, corridors and conference rooms. Below are some tips for incorporating commercial LED recessed downlights into your hotel:

 

• PICK THE RIGHT LIGHT – Choose downlights that fit in with the rest of your hotel’s decor as well as lights that suit the needs of your space. For instance, select adjustable downlights in a lobby to highlight artwork or fixed downlights in hallways for even lighting.

 

• PLAN OUT DIFFERENT AREAS – Divide the hotel up into different areas such as the ones mentioned above and think about what lights you need for each one.

 

• HOSPITALITY LIGHTING TRENDS – Pay attention to current trends in the industry to ensure you are laying out a stylish and inviting hotel for guests.

 

• LAYER THE LIGHTING – Add accent, task and ambient lighting to create a balanced, well-lit effect.

 

• ACCENT LIGHTS – Recessed hotel downlights can be used as accent lighting for architectural details, art or other decorative aspects of the space.

 

• TASK LIGHTING – Add hotel downlights near work areas, vanities, conference tables, reception desks and other task-heavy areas to ensure adequate lighting to complete these tasks.

 

• AMBIENT LIGHTING – Incorporate recessed lights as the main overhead lighting to provide a wide spread of illumination throughout the room.

 

• OPT FOR THE BEST COLOUR TEMPERATURE – For modern hotels, colour temperatures that are cooler, in the 4,000k to 5,000k range, are best. If you want something more relaxed and cosy, 2700k to 3000k are generally believed to be best.

How To Use Commercial LED Downlighters in an Office

When it comes to office downlights, commercial recessed downlights are also beneficial. Recessed office downlights can be incorporated into any office layout lighting ideas by keeping the following in mind:

 

• CONSIDER THE LAYOUT – Get an idea of where the workstations, corridors, break rooms and meeting rooms are in relation to each other. Plan the types of light that each space will need.

 

• ZONE THE LIGHTS – You can add different lights to different zones depending on the functionality of each space.

 

• FIGURE OUT BRIGHTNESS LEVELS – Figure out how much light you want for each area in the space, as they are likely to differ. For example, workstations will usually require more light than a breakroom.

 

• SPACING AND PLACEMENT – Ensure that the lights are evenly distributed by placing them strategically along the ceiling. Consider things such as furniture placement and ceiling height.

 

• LIGHT UP MEETING ROOMS – Use adjustable downlights in meeting spaces to provide spotlights on whiteboards and presentation areas. Pendant downlights are also good for such conference areas.

 

• HALLWAYS AND CORRIDORS – Fixed downlights in corridors can provide even and uninterrupted illumination to make it easier to navigate these high-traffic areas.

 

• CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOUR TEMPERATURE – To foster a more comfortable and productive environment, it is recommended that you choose cooler temperatures between 3500k and 5000k.

 

How To Use Commercial Recessed Downlights in a Retail Store

Retail downlights follow the same layered lighting rule as other types of lighting. This means incorporating ambient, task and accent lighting in the shop.

 

• AMBIENT – Modular recessed downlights make a great choice for retail lighting. This can allow you to spread the light out over the entire store while maintaining a balanced look.

 

• ACCENT – Accent lighting can draw attention to certain areas of the store, displays or individual products. Using recessed spotlights, you can easily highlight areas that you want customers to be drawn toward. Accent lighting can also be used to set a mood in a shop if you want something more atmospheric.

 

• TASK – Modular LED downlights for customer service areas or checkouts can ensure ample lighting for employees to do their jobs.

 

• EMPLOY THE BEST COLOUR TEMPERATURE – Use cool, bright lights around the 3500k to 4500k spectrum to ensure the shop is well lit and the products are easy to see.

Why is it Important to Buy The Best Quality Commercial Downlight Fittings?

When you’re factoring lighting into your business’ budget, it may be tempting to buy the cheapest option available. Doing so will cause you difficulties in the long run, however. Buying quality downlight fittings is important for many reasons.

 

• Durable, well-made lights will last much longer.
• Quality lights provide a more consistent colour temperature, so you can easily incorporate different lights with one another.

• Fewer maintenance costs and effort goes into replacing defective lights.
• Higher quality lights will have a better heat sink to get rid of any lingering heat from the LED chip.

• Good quality lights are more likely to comply with the latest fire regulations and other codes.

 

What Are The Benefits of LED Downlights For a Commercial Installation?

LED lighting benefits are becoming more well-known, making LED bulbs the preferred option for many. Below are a few of the main draws of LED lighting:

 

• COST EFFECTIVE LIGHTING OPTIONS – LED bulbs can save you big bucks in many ways, from monthly energy bills to upfront costs.

 

• LONG-LASTING LIFE – Since LEDs are designed to outlast a minimum of 20,000 hours, you won’t have to worry about replacing them as often. This can save you a lot of time, money and effort in maintenance and replacements.

 

• LOWER ENERGY CONSUMPTION – LED bulbs turn most of their energy into illumination, leaving very little wasted on heat. With more efficient use of energy, you will see a reduction in the overall costs of running the lights.

 

• ECO-FRIENDLY – Since the lights use less energy, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your facility or establishment just by replacing the existing bulbs with LED bulbs.

 

• VERSATILITY – You can customise the appearance of your lights when you choose LEDs. This is due to the range of colour temperatures and lumen counts that you can choose from to suit your unique lighting plan.

 

• LOW HEAT OUTPUT – Not only does a lower heat output make the bulbs safer to touch, but it can also lower costs. When you aren’t having to run your air conditioning at top speed to make up for the heat output, you may see a reduction in your energy bills.

 

 

What is Colour Temperature And Which LED Colour is Best?

LED colour temperature is a way to discuss a light’s warmth or coolness. Colour temperature exists on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000 and is measured in units Kelvin. Toward the top of the spectrum, you’ll find cooler lights. As you get to the lower numbers, the lights become warmer.

LED colour temperatures all have their place and time. The general rule is that warm lights are preferred for indoor applications such as hotels, and cooler lights are preferred in outdoor areas. Cool lights make a great choice for commercial applications, especially when it comes to security lighting outdoors.

Among the most popular colour temperatures are:

• 2500k extra warm white light
• 2700k warm white light
• 3000k warm white or white light
• 3500k white light
• 4000k cool white light

Ultimately, the colour temperature that you choose will come down to preference. The spectrum is vast, giving you many choices to work with. That said, there are some general recommendations for you to consider.

 

Office Lighting

It is generally believed that the best lighting colour for an office is 4000k-6500k. This light range is fairly neutral and doesn’t cause eye strain. A lack of eye fatigue makes employees feel more awake and therefore more productive.

This neutral white colour is balanced and mimics the hue of natural daylight, which can leave employees feeling invigorated. It also provides enhanced visibility, making it easier to perform tasks, something that is crucial in workspaces where reading, writing and working take place.

 

Warehouse Lighting 

For a warehouse where employees are potentially working around dangerous machinery, quality lighting is crucial. A bright, highly visible colour temperature such as those between 4000k and 5000k is important.

This is an ideal range due to its slightly bluish colour, something that, as mentioned, lessens the strain on the eyes. By reducing eye fatigue and even headaches, employees may feel more productive on the job. This shade of light may also aid concentration.

 

Retail Lighting 

In physical shops where sales depend on what customers see and not product descriptions online, lighting is king. Without proper lighting, customers will have a harder time seeing the finer details of the products they might want to buy.

At the same time, retail lighting that is too bright can be glaring and make customers not want to spend any time in the shop. Finding the right balance comes down to colour temperature.

In retail settings, different locations might require different light colours. For example, neutral white light throughout the store may make for a more pleasant, overall shopping experience. Yet when it comes to jewelry cases and other smaller products, cool, white light that has a high colour rendering index is best.

 

 

What is Lighting Automation And Why is it a Good Idea?

Lighting automation is the process of managing and controlling lighting systems automatically. Oftentimes, this is done through a smart lighting system. There are many ways to automate lights, such as:

 

• OCCUPANCY SENSORS – These will turn on when the sensors indicate that there are people in the room. When they leave, the lights will automatically turn off.

 

• TIMED CONTROLS – Lights can be set to turn on and off according to specific schedules that you can program yourself.

 

• DAWN AND DUSK – Some lights have sensors on them that detect the levels of natural light in a space. They will turn on and off according to the light levels at any given time.

 

Automated lights can make running your shop more efficient and convenient. By leaving it up to automation, you can save precious minutes and put them toward running your store. This not only is more efficient, but can enhance the overall comfort of the space as well, both for staff and customers.

Furthermore, automated lighting can save you money. By having the lights on only when you need them, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary usage. Less usage will translate to lower energy costs as a whole.

 

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Spotlights

Commercial downlights tend to operate more often and for longer than domestic lighting fixtures. The additional strain means that you are more likely to need to perform regular maintenance on the commercial lighting you use. Here, we offer some tips on ensuring your lights are always running at their best:

 

• CLEAN THE LED COMMERCIAL DOWNLIGHTS. In order for lights to shine light clearly, the lenses of the fixtures need to be free from debris. Cleaning downlights is a simple process, requiring only using a soft cloth with mild, warm soapy water when necessary. Sometimes, you may only need to use a brush to dust away the debris.

 

• CHECK THE BULBS. Commercial recessed downlights have LED bulbs in them that will last longer than halogen or incandescent bulbs. Even so, eventually, the lights will burn out. To ensure that your retail downlights or office downlights are shining even illumination, periodically check to ensure the bulbs are still on. If you see any dark bulbs, you can remove them and replace them with new ones.

 

• INSPECT THE WIRING. If the lights are going out but the bulbs seem fine, it may actually be an issue with the wiring of your commercial shop downlights. Inspecting the wiring may reveal this answer to you. First, turn off the electricity and then examine the wiring to find any signs of visible damage. Address it as soon as possible by hiring a qualified electrician to handle it for you.

 

• AVOID OVERHEATING OF YOUR COMMERCIAL DOWNLIGHTS. Too much heat can damage your LED downlight fixtures. To reduce the likelihood of them getting too hot, you can use LED bulbs. LED lights generate next to no heat, especially compared to traditional halogen bulbs. By using LEDs and ensuring there is no insulation around the lights, you can keep them running at a healthy temperature.

 

• ADD SURGE PROTECTORS. LED lights can be susceptible to power surges. Installing surge protectors can stop these damaging spikes of power from harming your commercial LED downlights.

 

Why LEDS Are the Best Option for Commercial Downlight Installations

LED bulbs have become the industry standard for retail lighting solutions, hospitality sector illumination, office buildings and other commercial applications. There are many reasons that companies prefer to use LEDs for everything from hotel downlights to shop downlights.

Perhaps the main draw of LED bulbs is the energy efficient lighting they provide. LEDs are incredibly energy efficient, using up to 80 percent less power than halogen bulbs. Instead of using heat to generate illumination, LED bulbs turn most of their energy directly into light.

LED commercial lighting that is energy efficient is also cost-saving. Since LED lights use far less energy, they put less of a strain on your electrical system. In doing so, you will spend less money on electrical bills in the long term. This is especially important for commercial locations where lights are on more often than not.

With lights that are nearly always running, having a long lifespan may be a concern. LED bulbs are capable of lasting for tens of thousands of hours. The longer lifespan will reduce the need for maintenance and replacements, further saving you money.

Furthermore, LED lights are durable and resistant to shock damage. In locations such as warehouses and other industrial settings, this is especially handy.

 

Do’s and Don’ts When Planning and Installing Commercial Recessed Downlights

In order to get your commercial downlighting right, there are a few dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind.

 

DO:

• DO perform regular maintenance. Commercial recessed spotlights and other downlights are more likely to take on wear and tear. By regularly checking for debris, damage and faulty wiring, you can stay ahead of any potential issues.

 

• DO select the right colour temperature. Cool and warm colour temperatures both have their place and what you install will depend on what you want to accomplish. Cool lights tend to be better for outdoor security lights, while warmer lights work better indoors. Be sure you are choosing the right colour temperatures for the right application.

 

• DO keep the latest trends in mind. Much like any other element of interior and exterior design, LED lighting has its trends. Commercial LED recessed downlights can be used to give your retail shop or hotel a unique personality when installed strategically. Use them to accent certain features of a building, such as its architecture.

 

• DO layer the lighting. LED ceiling lights are just one facet of the lighting in a commercial setting. While they provide ambient light, you should also layer the lights with task and accent lighting where applicable. This ensures even, balanced illumination.

 

• DO hire an electrician. Since working with electricity runs the risk of electrical shock, it is in your best interest to have a professional handle the installation.

 

DON’T:

• DON’T mix light colours. No matter what light colour temperature you end up choosing, it is important to stick with it throughout the indoor or outdoor space. Installing warm and cool colour temperatures together will cause a visual clash that is unattractive and abrasive.

 

• DON’T forget the emergency lighting. Since commercial lighting is in a public space, it is ideal to keep the public in mind. Be sure to install emergency downlights properly and test them periodically to avoid disaster in the event of an emergency.

 

• DON’T choose cheap fixtures. When it comes to light fixtures, you certainly get what you pay for. Opt for quality light fixtures that are durable and resilient with proper IP ratings to ensure they last as long as possible.

 

• DON’T neglect heat dissipation. Be sure you are properly managing heat so as not to damage the light fixtures with prolonged heat exposure.

 

• DON’T forgo energy efficiency. Choosing LED bulbs can save you big on your electrical bills while also lessening the carbon footprint of your company. If you have a green initiative, these are critical.

 

Understanding Lumens in a Commercial Lighting Installation

When it comes to LED lights, lumens are a way to understand how bright a light will shine. They work similarly to wattages in halogen bulbs in this way. LEDs use lumens because they do not adhere to the same standards as traditional bulbs.

Lumens translate to the amount of light that is visible to the human eye, whereas wattage is a way to talk about the energy used by traditional bulbs. With LEDs, you get more light with less energy (watts) consumption, which is why they are so energy efficient.

Much like with traditional wattages, the higher the lumen count, the brighter the light will be. The number of lumens you’ll need for the lights will vary depending on the application. For outdoor commercial lighting, you can expect to need higher lumen counts than you would for spotlights above a hotel check-in desk.

 

Commercial Lighting Ideas

 

Draw attention to displays and products with the LDC322 36 Watt Triple Modular LED Downlight Fitting. This downlight fixture features movable heads that can be extracted from the body. Then, you can turn them any way you choose to provide directional lighting. The product outputs 2700 lumens of light that shines at a 38-degree beam angle. The product is fashioned out of premium aluminium and comes in a sleek white finish and measures 460 millimeters by 153 millimeters by 148 millimeters in size.

 

Perfect for task and ambient lighting, the LDC963 36 Watt Triple Modular LED Downlight Fitting is a versatile recessed light. It comes with three bulbs that combine to output 2700 lumens of either 3000k or 6000k white light. The illumination shines at a 38-degree beam angle for directional lighting. The fixture is manufactured out of aluminium and comes with a white finish complete with a black internal section. It measures 387 millimeters by 153 millimeters by 82 millimeters in size.

 

Light up your shop and displays with the LDC702 10 Watt Twin White Gimbal Tilting Recessed LED Ceiling Spotlight. This spotlight features two movable heads that can be rotated 350 degrees and tilted at 60 degrees to shine a total of 860 lumens of light at a 24-degree beam angle to provide you with directional lighting. The fixture is fashioned out of high quality aluminium finished in a crisp white and measures 175 millimeters by 92 millimeters in size.

 

Create ample, well-balanced lighting with the LDC727 20 Watt 2000 Lumen Recessed Anti Glare LED Downlight. This downlight works well near walls or cabinetry, providing a large wash of illumination over any given area. The 10 bulbs output a combined 2000 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shines at a 24-degree beam angle. The deeply recessed bulbs ensure that they won’t cause a glare if you look right up at them, making the light more comfortable to have in the shop. The product is built from premium aluminium that is finished in white with a black internal reflector.

 

Brighten up your shop with the LDC736 15 Watt Anti Glare Recessed LED Downlight. This downlight recesses into the ceiling and shines 1275 lumens of light down at a 24-degree beam angle. The anti-glare design ensures eye comfort if you look up at the fixture itself. It is built to last out of high quality aluminium finished in white with a black internal reflector ring. Overall, it measures 105 millimeters in diameter with a depth of 63 millimeters.

 

Ensure even, balanced lighting throughout your retail shop with the LDC202 18 Watt 225mm Diameter Ultra Slim LED Downlight Fitting. This fixture is ultra sleek and thin, making it a subtle addition to your shop’s ceiling. It measures 225 millimeters in diameter with a small depth of only 22 millimeters, giving it a slimline look. The light provides 1800 lumens of either 3000k warm white light or 6000k cool white light depending on your preferences. The light is softened by the opal acrylic diffuser that it shines through. Choose either a black or white finish for the durable aluminium exterior.