Parking garage lights burn 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in one of the harshest environments in any building. That makes garages one of the fastest paybacks in commercial LED, as long as you pick fixtures that survive the space.
What kills garage fixtures
- Water. Rain blown in, snow melt off cars, and washdowns.
- Salt and exhaust. Corrosive and hard on unsealed drivers.
- Temperature swings. Open garages see the full outdoor range.
- Impact. Low ceilings and tall vehicles.
Any fixture in a garage should be wet location rated and sealed. See wet location and IP ratings explained.
The two fixtures that work
| Fixture | Where it fits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Vapor tight | Drive aisles, ramps, stair cores, low ceilings | Gasketed linear housing, even light along long aisles |
| Garage canopy light | Parking bays, open decks, ceilings of any height | Low profile square fixture, wide spread, mounts flush to concrete |
Controls are where the savings double
Most garages sit nearly empty for hours at a time. A fixture with an occupancy sensor that drops to a low level when a level is empty, and jumps to full output when a car or person moves through, can cut energy use far beyond the LED swap alone. Many energy codes now require this kind of control in garages, and many utilities pay more for fixtures that have it. Browse LED fixtures with occupancy sensors.
Light levels
Garages are usually designed for a few foot candles on the parking surface, with more at entrances so drivers' eyes can adjust coming in from daylight. Check the foot candle guide and run a layout with the layout calculator.
Do not forget the exits. Stairs and egress paths in garages need emergency lighting. A vapor tight with a built in battery covers both. See fixtures with battery backup.
Shop parking garage LED lights
Vapor tights and garage canopy lights, wet location rated, at contractor pricing with freight quoted at real cost.
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