CPA ACS

TECHNICAL BULLETIN NO. 8

PARKING LIGHTING

Canadian Parking Association

November 1994
REVISED 2006

c a n a d i a n p a r k i n g . c a

PARKING LIGHTING

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author of this bulletin is Mr. Gerry Stebnicki, P.Eng. of Stebnicki, Robertson & Assoc. Ltd., whose offices are located in Calgary,
Alberta. Stebnicki, Robertson & Assoc. Ltd. is an Electrical Consulting Engineering Firm specializing in design of Electrical Building
Systems, including lighting design, life safety, distribution, energy consumption studies, Harmonic analyses, equipment retrofit,
security, and data communications. The personnel of Stebnicki, Robertson & Assoc. Ltd. have been involved in the design of
numerous parking facilities in the Calgary area, such as the Civic Plaza Parkade, James Short Parkade, U of C Art Building Parkade,
the new Downtown Centennial Parkade, and numerous other parking facilities in the area.
The firm has been involved in construction projects through its history totaling over 5 billion dollars in value.
Gerry is a long standing member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and has received several lighting design
awards of merit and excellence in recognition of his work over the years.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................4

2.0

SELECTION CRITERIA............................................................................................4
2.1

Outdoor Parking Lot......................................................................................4

2.2

Outdoor Parking Structure (Unheated) ..........................................................4

2.3

Indoor Parking Structure (Heated) .................................................................5

3.0

IMPORTANCE OF PERCEPTION ............................................................................5

4.0

CONTROL TO SAVE ENERGY AND LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS ...................6

4.1

Exterior Lighting ............................................................................................7

5.0

IMPORTANCE OF PAINT .......................................................................................7

6.0

ON A LIGHTER NOTE............................................................................................7

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This paper is intended to provide a general guideline for consideration when selecting lighting systems to be used for parking
projects. It will identify advantages and disadvantages of each source and where they should be applied. It is not intended to be
a detailed design guideline but it will provide a basic understanding of what should work best under a given set of circumstances.
It will also touch on the importance of a well thought out lighting control system.

2.0 SELECTION CRITERIA

2.1 OUTDOOR PARKING LOT
When designing a lighting system for an outdoor parking lot, numerous factors should be considered. The first consideration
should be the intended use and level of activity, which will determine appropriate lighting levels. Secondly, the style and height
of fixtures, considering such factors as durability, wind loading, etc.
The designer should keep in mind that if a low level, decorative style of lighting system is to be selected, as in the case of a
shopping centre for example, these light sources can form a visual barrier between the street and shopping centre buildings,
creating an undesirable visual barrier between potential shoppers and signage on the building. When using sources at low level,
care should be taken in fixture selection to keep glare to a minimum, but this usually translates to a higher number of fixtures
and increased cost.
Another approach is to use fewer poles and mount fixtures up higher, which usually results in a more economical solution than
is generally mounted up out of normal viewing angles. This approach provides reasonable degrees of visual comfort and
generally assists in meeting uniformity levels.
Light pollution consideration from outdoor parking lots can influence fixture selection if it is to be located adjacent to residential
areas. Take care in this area; it can be a costly problem to resolve after the fact.
Sources normally considered for exterior parking lots are high pressure sodium and metal halide. These offer relatively long lamp
life and high efficiency. Metal halide is the most common choice because of superior colour rendition, improved efficiency, and
longer lamp life that now rivals High Pressure Sodium, which was once the clear leader in this area. Low pressure sodium is
sometimes considered; however, very poor selection of fixtures and problems with lamp disposal, combined with the
monochromatic properties of low pressure sodium, usually render this option undesirable. In some cases, low pressure sodium
is used successfully in industrial areas or to define critical areas such as intersections, etc.
2.2 OUTDOOR PARKING STRUCTURE (UNHEATED)
Typically this type of structure consists of a multilevel arrangement usually utilizing concrete with open walls on the perimeter
to provide ventilation. For economic reasons, structure and/or ceiling heights are limited to 6 6 or 7 to provide only the
clearance required for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Often higher clearances are encountered at grade or below grade as a
result of structure configuration dealing with ramps, entries, etc.
Generally the designer will consider a number of criteria when selecting light source and fixture type.
Light distribution and optical control are important due to the restrictive mounting heights and structural obstructions normally
encountered. It is desirable to use a wide distribution with some light above horizontal plane to reflect light from the ceiling
while at the same time keeping visual comfort levels high by keeping objectionable glare to a minimum.
Ambient temperature is important factor. Some sources are designed to work extremely well under adverse temperature
conditions while others do not.
Durability of the fixture design is also usually a key consideration where vandalism or malicious damage is a high probability.
Even contact with automobile antennas should be considered, as poor quality lenses or exposed lamps can be easily damaged.
Resistance to moisture/corrosion: Climate and cleaning procedures utilized in the parkade should also be considered when
selecting fixtures. Even in dry climates, hoses are often used to wash down parkades, which can test the water tightness and
corrosion resistance of many fixtures.

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PARKING LIGHTING

When selecting light sources, the anticipated method of control should be carefully considered, as some light sources are more
suitable to frequent switching and turn on quickly, while some of the high intensity discharge sources require a warm up time
and will not restrike until cooled down, which can cause some operating difficulties.
Light sources normally considered for this type of application would be as follows:
High Pressure Sodium is a very efficient, high intensity discharge source and frequently used because of its high efficiency and
long lamp life. There are many fixture styles and designs which will accept this lamp. Originally designed for outdoor
application, HPS works well in cold climates.
Metal Halide is currently the most popular high intensity discharge choice. It is almost as efficient as high pressure sodium and
lamp life is comparable, and it does offer the advantage of good colour rendition. It is important to use a source with good
colour rendition where colour cameras are to be used for security purposes.
When using either high pressure sodium or metal halide, it is important to select a fixture design which will effectively control
the source brightness. As a result of the high intensity of these sources, improper control can result in low visual comfort, glare,
and a generally unacceptable installation.
Fluorescent sources should also be considered and will work very well in moderate to warm climates. Fluorescent has also been
used successfully in cold climates but it is important to use an enclosed fixture to maintain a higher skin temperature on the lamp
to achieve reasonable light output. In most cases, when doing a life cycle cost analysis, fluorescent will calculate to be more
economical than either HPS or Metal Halide. There is also considerable research and development being done with fluorescent
sources and many new lamps are offered; as well, electronic ballasts are available which operate very efficiently. The industry
has not placed the same importance on building efficient ballast for HID sources to date.
Incandescent, although still available, is not seriously considered in a major application as a result of its high operating cost and
short lamp life. Incandescent is quickly disappearing from the commercial scene and is being replaced by fluorescent and high
intensity discharge (HID) sources.
2.3 INDOOR PARKING STRUCTURE (HEATED)
Generally, this type of parking structure is a multi-level building. It can be above or below grade or partially above/below grade.
Because of the controlled environment, the selection opportunity for fixtures is broadened as ambient temperature is no longer
considered a limiting factor.
In this case, high pressure sodium, metal halide, and fluorescent will typically be considered. Each should be considered on the
basis of intended operation and life cycle cost. For example, a parking structure above grade which can take advantage of
natural light during the day could use any of the three sources effectively. Perimeter rows of lights adjacent to glazing could be
turned off during periods when natural light is present each day. High intensity discharge (HID) sources would be suitable for
this application.
If occupancy sensors triggered by pedestrian traffic or vehicular movement are to be used, then fluorescent would be a more
logical choice as it is more easily switched on and off and does not have the disadvantage of a warm up period or cool down
required before restriking.

3.0 IMPORTANCE OF PERCEPTION

The perception of how well a lighting system works is perhaps the most difficult thing to quantify. Generally it can be described
as providing an environment with high levels of visual comfort and a general feeling of security when entering a space. This usually
means a relatively uniform level of illumination with good horizontal levels at the floor and acceptable vertical illumination on walls.
Good illumination at the perimeter of spaces, which casts high levels of light on perimeter walls, gives the impression of higher
lighting levels than a space that may be well illuminated in the central areas but drops off dramatically at its perimeter.
Dark corners and dark walls should be avoided. When properly illuminating a space, care should be given to fixture placement.
Often a feeling of comfort and security can be achieved by a lighting system that looks good.
The aesthetics and general appearance of a lighting system are as important as the calculated foot candle levels recommended by
the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Manuals. Good design will result in an effective lighting job while, at the
same time, keeping watts per square metre to a minimum and maintenance costs low.

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Recommended levels as suggested by the current copy of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America are as follows:

RECOMMENDED MAINTAINED HORIZONTAL ILLUMINANCES FOR PARKING FACILITIES

(a) Open Parking Facilities (no ceiling)
General Parking and Pedestrian Area
Level of
Activity

Vehicle Use Area (only)

Lux
(Min. on
Pavement)

Footcandles
(Min. on
Pavement)

Uniformity
Ratio
Avg.: Min.

Lux
(Min. on
Pavement)

Footcandles
(Min. on
Pavement)

Uniformity
Ratio
Avg.: Min.

10
6
2

0.9
0.6
0.2

4:1
4:1
4:1

22
11
5

2
1
0.5

3:1
3:1
4:1

High
Medium
Low*

(b) Covered Parking Facilities

Day

Areas
General Parking and
Pedestrian Areas
Ramps & Corners
Entrance Areas
Stairways

Night

Lux
(Min. on
Pavement)+

Footcandles
(Min. on
Pavement)+

Lux
(Avg. on
Pavement)

Footcandles
Avg.: Min.

54
110
540

5**
10
50

54
54
54

5**
5
5

Uniformity
Ratio
4:1
4:1
4:1

* This recommendation is based on the requirement to maintain security at any time in areas where there is a low level of nighttime activity.
+ Sum of electric lighting and daylight.
** Recent practice suggests that 8 to 10 footcandles is a more suitable level for a well designed facility.

4.0 CONTROL TO SAVE ENERGY AND LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS.

Flexibility is usually the key to a successful lighting control system. It appears no matter how carefully the designer thinks through
the control process, building operators, combined with the users, often have different ideas regarding the most effective lighting
system, or in some cases operating conditions of the building will change from design parameters originally conceived.
The following items should be considered when selecting a lighting control system.
Day Lighting: Is natural light available and can unnecessary lighting fixtures be turned off during the day. Do not rely on the human
factor; control this lighting with photocells or time clock. Often an interface with building management systems is available to
provide effective control.
Occupancy sensors: These devices can be used to reduce operating costs and turn lights off on parkade levels when activity is at a
minimum. Design the control system to give operators a variety of level selections so that lighting levels can be kept to a minimum
e.g. 25% of full output, which is quite acceptable for idle times. Use of occupancy sensors can turn lighting on when somebody
enters a level or a vehicle arrives at a specific point within the parking structure. The reliability of this technology has improved
significantly over the last few years.
It is important to remember that some HID sources cannot be turned on and off quickly and may not be suitable choices for an
occupancy sensor control system.

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We have found from experience that a low voltage based control system offers many advantages and is usually the best choice for
this type of application. Most systems are easily interfaced with other control systems and can provide the flexibility desirable in
the type of building.
Effective control systems can reduce energy costs and extend lamp and ballast life when properly applied. Frequent switching of
light sources can sometimes reduce lamp life; therefore, a balance must be struck between acceptable switch cycle durations and
lamp life. In each case, this should be researched carefully with manufacturers to ensure that optimum performance is achieved.
In most cases, switch cycle durations are easily adjustable with motion sensors.
4.1 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior lighting is extremely important for identification of entry and exit points and general visibility and identification of the
building from a distance. An attractive, well illuminated structure is attractive and an important key to marketing the services
provided.
Light sources and fixture styles are extensive for exterior applications; however, generally HID sources are selected due to their
superior performance in an outdoor environment. In warmer climates, fluorescent could be considered as a suitable exterior
source.
Careful design of exterior lighting will enhance the night time appearance and will compliment the architectural features of the
building and provide a sense of security to approaching patrons.
It is important to consider control and maintenance when selecting and designing fixture locations remember, somebody has
to change lamps and maintain ballasts. Fixture lenses also need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

5.0 IMPORTANCE OF PAINT

The importance of painting the interior surfaces of a parkade with a light colour cannot be over emphasized. In addition to
providing a more easily maintained surface, light colours do an excellent job of reflecting light within the space. This can improve
the overall performance of the lighting system and will result in direct operating benefits. As much as 10% can be saved in direct
energy costs as a result of a good paint job. It is important for the lighting designer to know up front if the structure is to be
painted or not. This will affect fixture selection, layout, and lamp wattage. It is a relatively easy task to calculate potential energy
savings as a result of painting the structure.

6.0 ON A LIGHTER NOTE

A friend of mine related a story to me a few years ago. He was passing through a parking structure and observed a middle aged
gentleman standing on the trunk of his Mercedes in order to remove a fluorescent tube from a fixture located directly above his
car. He assumed it was his Mercedes because he had removed his shoes in order to protect the paint job. It is difficult to predict
what people will do.

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