Common Mistakes People Make When Buying LED Lighting For Commercial Buildings

LED lighting is a popular choice for commercial buildings because of its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low maintenance costs. However, not all products are created equal, and choosing the wrong products can lead to wasted money, poor performance, and unhappy users of your building. Here are some common mistakes people make when buying LED lighting for commercial buildings:

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying LED lighting is focusing too much on the price and not enough on the quality. Cheaper products may seem like a good deal at first, but they may not last as long or perform as well as more expensive ones. In the long run, investing in higher-quality products can save money and provide better performance.

Look for models that have high lumens per watt (that’s the amount of light you get for each watt the unit consumes)  typically more than 100 l/w for downlights and as high as 160 Lumens per watt for high bays, strip lights etc. 10 years ago we were proud of 60 and 70 Lumens per watt whereas today, 140 to 160 is common place. Ask to see similar products to compare them, as well as asking about the factory that makes them. Be sure to look at the products certifications such as CE, UL, ETL etc. These certifications ensure that the products meet certain standards for energy efficiency, safety, and quality.

Another common mistake is choosing products that are not suitable for the intended use or environment. For example, if you are planning to use them outdoors, they need to be rated for outdoor use and be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Indoor models may not be suitable for outdoor use and vice-versa.

Consider the intended use and environment extremes such as heat or acidic atmospheres, as a classroom, petrol station, or hotel lobby require very different solutions. You should ensure that lighting designs are produced for your project be it, outside, indoor or underground, and then ask for an explanation of the designs presented. You should compare the light provided in your project to the CIBSE recommended light for those areas.

Light is Light right? and White is White right? – er… Wrong!

White light comes in many different shades of white. The “colour” of artificial light is measured in Kelvins or “K”. 6500K is extremely blue/grey white and very ‘cool’ and the extreme to this might be sodium light at 1,700K which as we all know is very yellow indeed.  The colour temperature of LED products will affect the mood and atmosphere of a commercial building. Choosing the wrong colour temperature can make a space feel cold, sterile, or uninviting. It’s important to choose the right colour temperature for the space and its intended use and the desired effect on the users of the built environment.

These days models typically range from 2700K (warm white) to 5,000K (cool white). Warmer colour temperatures are better suited for spaces where a cosy and inviting atmosphere is desired – hotel rooms, lounges etc,, while cooler colour temperatures are better for spaces where clarity and focus are important – production lines for example and where people do not spend a lot of time under the lighting but need to see detail clearly. Increasingly research is proving we are right to sell Circadian rhythm fixtures where the colour subtly changes throughout the day to mimic natural daylight. A process not available to commercial lighting 10 years ago. This is a deep subject but you can also get depleted blue chip sets to enhance mood and ambiance, which aid learning, healing and mood but that’s for another article.

LED products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and not all products are compatible with existing fixtures. If they are not compatible with the existing fixtures in a building, it may be necessary to replace the fixtures as well. This makes sense when the existing products are 20 years old and reaching the end of life cycle so it can make economic sense. However, it can be very effective just to replace the light source and keep the original chassis in place, this removes any requirement for re-decorating or disguising the tide lines left by removed fittings. Look for models that are modular in build, so that should a unit fail you can replace the parts, not the whole fitting.

Finally, it’s important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that offer a good warranty and support. Even good quality products can occasionally fail, so ensure that your supplier has the backing of a robust corporate group who will be around in 5 years time to honour any warranty promises.

If you are worried about your choice, we offer free advice and guidance around what might seem a complex industry. Look for testimonials too, as the case studies can provide a good starting point, but not always the best solution for your project. Read reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure that the manufacturer has a good track record.

In conclusion, buying LED products for a commercial building can be a complex process. Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that the LED products provide the desired performance, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Consider the quality, suitability, colour temperature, compatibility, warranty and support when choosing LED products for your commercial building.

We are here to help, just ask us.