External downlights for car park

[Brandon Piles]

Hi,

In the car park of the block of flats that I live in we've got lights on all night for security, currently these are 2x square 2D bulkheads attached vertically to the wall about 8 foot up.

The problem is people living opposite (about 15m/40ft away) have complained that they glare too much into their bedroom, so we want to change them.

I assume we need to keep with CFL lamps of some sort? Halogen would be too expensive to run all night and would blow too often, LED presumably would fade really quickly after being on 8+ hours every night?

Does anyone know of a solution which would be economical to run, not require frequent lamp changes, and not cast glare horizontally? Can a shroud be bought for the existing lamps? Or is there some sort of design with a louvre maybe?

Thanks,

Brandon

 

[flameport]

The problem is people living opposite (about 15m/40ft away) have complained that they glare too much into their bedroom, so we want to change them.

Have they not heard of curtains?

I assume we need to keep with CFL lamps of some sort? Halogen would be too expensive to run all night and would blow too often, LED presumably would fade really quickly after being on 8+ hours every night?

LEDs do not 'fade' after being on for an extended period. Fluorescent lamps do to a certain extent, but generally of little consequence for outside lighting.

Does anyone know of a solution which would be economical to run, not require frequent lamp changes, and not cast glare horizontally? Can a shroud be bought for the existing lamps? Or is there some sort of design with a louvre maybe?

To avoid horizontal glare, to answer is to relocate the light fittings. Directional lighting located at roof level would be the most obvious solution. LEDs or metal halide lamps being the most likely options.
You should also consider whether they really do need to be on all night - lighting does not improve security. However it may alter some people's perception of security.

If the light is just for pathways around the building, 3ft high post lights are another option. They can be fitted with louvres to direct the light downwards.

 

[Lectrician]

Google eyelid lights.
LED a would be great.

Down lights are a good search term.
http://www.lightingstyles.co.uk/ext...rior-wall-lights-low-glare/scorpious_maxi.htm

 

[Brandon Piles]

Thanks both.

Relocation or not having any lights is a non-starter unfortunately, nor would roof level lighting as it is a 3 storey building with a pitched gable end on that side.

Simple LED downlights are probably the best option. I like the look of the Eyelid style that Lectrician gave a link for, I'll go and see if I can talk other people into spending the money.

What sort of IP rating would be necessary? Is IP23 (as per the link that Lectrician gave) sufficient? The light would be mounted about 10 foot up, so not readily accessible.