Guidelines for Outdoor Lighting – Recommended Lux Levels

When lighting outdoor spaces, it’s important to use the appropriate light intensity. According to the EN 12464-2 standard, the following guidelines apply:

Roads and Traffic

• Footpaths & cycle paths: 5–15 lux
• Residential streets: 10–20 lux
• Main roads with mixed traffic: 20–50 lux

Parking Areas

• Light use (e.g., residential buildings): 5 lux
• Medium use (e.g., shopping centers): 10 lux
• Heavy use (e.g., industrial sites): 20 lux

Outdoor Workspaces

• Loading & unloading zones: 50 lux
• Outdoor storage areas: 20 lux
• Construction sites: 50–100 lux

Important Note

The EN 12464-2 standard provides guidelines for lighting levels (lux) in outdoor workspaces, including parking lots and roads, and applies in the Netherlands and Belgium. However, required lighting levels may vary based on specific situations and local regulations. It’s recommended to conduct further research and consult a lighting specialist to ensure compliance with applicable standards and safety requirements. Also, check national and municipal regulations for the most accurate information.

For more details, visit the BEGA website.

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A light tower with two lamps illuminates one side of the area and provides directional light distribution. This is suitable for situations where only a part of the area needs to be illuminated, such as along a path or driveway.

A light tower with four lamps spreads light in all directions, offering broader coverage. This ensures a larger area is evenly lit, making it ideal for open spaces such as parking lots or construction sites. The number of towers required depends on the desired light intensity (lux) and the size of the area.

The height of the light tower influences light distribution and shadow formation. Taller towers provide a wider spread of light and reduce the number of dark spots on the area. However, if the towers are too tall, the light intensity per square meter may decrease, meaning additional lamps might be required to achieve the desired lux level.

With a lower mounting height, shadows and uneven lighting can occur, especially if there are obstacles on the site. Therefore, it’s important to find a balance between height, light intensity, and the number of towers needed for efficient lighting.