Why choose us as your car park lighting design partner?

Car park lighting design | Safe & efficient lighting for new installations and retrofit projects

With our custom lighting plans, your car park can achieve optimal illumination, enhanced security, and compliance with all relevant UK standards. Whether for a new build or retrofitting an existing car park, we bring decades of experience in preparing comprehensive lighting schemes for commercial, residential, and public facilities. Our experts are best placed to help you achieve optimal lux levels and maximize your return on investment.

For both new installations and retrofit projects, we focus on designing cost-effective lighting solutions that ensure high standards of safety and visibility. By recommending fittings with broader beam angles, we reduce the number of fixtures needed, lowering installation costs without compromising on light coverage. Our use of advanced LED technology and solar-powered retrofit options brings significant energy savings and reduces maintenance requirements, making our lighting solutions both eco-friendly and economically sound.

Each car park lighting scheme we develop is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the space, ensuring compliance with UK regulations and enhancing the overall user experience. Our team is committed to delivering lighting systems that offer safety, efficiency, and sustainability, creating a well-lit environment that supports both operational goals and environmental responsibility for new and existing car park facilities alike.

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Advantages of DFL’s Car Park Lighting Designs

DFL’s designs ensure that your car park lighting meets all relevant UK compliance standards while complementing the architectural style of the space. We consider both function and form, delivering lighting solutions that align with industry regulations and add aesthetic value to the car park. The result is a well-lit, visually appealing environment that elevates the user experience.

High-quality LED fixtures and solar-powered lighting options contribute to substantial cost savings over time. These systems require minimal maintenance and offer an extended lifespan, ensuring that your investment in lighting infrastructure is both durable and cost-effective. This translates to lower operational costs and reduced downtime due to maintenance.

LED technology and smart controls, provide significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. LED’s consume less energy than traditional lighting options and, when paired with smart controls, can adjust brightness levels based on usage patterns, further optimising energy consumption.

A well-illuminated car park significantly improves visibility, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safe navigation for drivers and pedestrians. Strategically placed lighting helps eliminate dark areas, boosting the sense of security for all users and enhancing the overall experience within the facility. Effective lighting is a proven deterrent against theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities in car parks. By illuminating high-risk areas, we can discourage unauthorised behaviour and enhance safety, creating a secure environment that benefits both users and property owners.

Car park lighting & controls | Tailored lighting solutions for your car park

What’s included in our car park lighting design services?

Initial Consultation & Site Assessment

We will evaluate the site, understand the car park layout, and identify lighting requirements.

Custom Design & Planning

Custom car park lighting designs based on site-specific requirements, ensuring optimal light placement and appropriate lux levels. This includes initial site assessment, lighting layout, and strategic placement to enhance visibility and safety.

Product Selection

We will choose high-quality, energy-efficient fixtures, including LED and solar options, suited to the specific needs of the project. Depending on your site our lighting design experts can recommend what IP and IK ratings will suit your needs and ensure the longevity of your investment. We will consider the integration of motion sensors, timers, and dimming capabilities to ensure that lighting adjusts based on occupancy, time of day, and ambient light levels, reducing energy usage during off-peak hours. Our team will make recommendations on how to best upgrade existing car park lighting systems to energy-efficient LED and/or solar solutions that reduce energy consumption, maintenance costs, and your carbon footprint.

Installation & Testing

Ensure all lights are installed according to the design plan and test the system to confirm compliance and optimal functionality.

Ongoing Maintenance Support

Offer support and guidance on maintenance schedules to maximise the longevity and performance of the lighting system.

Choosing your ideal car park lighting – Understanding IP (Ingress Protection) and IK (Impact Protection) ratings

IP (Ingress Protection) and IK (Impact Protection) ratings are crucial in car park lighting schemes to ensure durability, safety, and optimal functionality in outdoor and often harsh environments. IP ratings indicate a fixture’s resistance to dust and water, essential for lights exposed to rain, dust, and vehicle emissions, helping to prevent damage and maintain consistent illumination. IK ratings measure impact resistance, protecting lights from potential physical damage due to vandalism or accidental impacts, which is common in high-traffic areas. Choosing lights with appropriate IP and IK ratings enhances longevity, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures reliable lighting for safety and visibility in car parks.

Understanding IK ratings

The IK rating (Impact Protection rating) is a measure of how resistant a lighting fixture (or other electrical enclosure) is to mechanical impacts. This rating, specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), uses the IK code to indicate the level of protection against external impacts in terms of energy measured in joules (J). It’s particularly important in environments where fixtures are exposed to potential impacts, such as outdoor, industrial, or high-traffic indoor spaces.

IK rating scale

The IK rating ranges from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (maximum protection). Here’s a breakdown of common IK ratings and the equivalent impact resistance:

IK Code	Impact Energy (Joules)	Equivalent Impact (approx.)
IK00	No protection	–
IK01	0.15 J	Very light impact
IK02	0.2 J	Light impact
IK03	0.35 J	Moderate impact
IK04	0.5 J	Slightly stronger impact
IK05	0.7 J	Increased impact
IK06	1.0 J	Impact equivalent to 500 g dropped from 20 cm
IK07	2.0 J	Impact equivalent to 500 g dropped from 40 cm
IK08	5.0 J	Impact equivalent to 1.7 kg dropped from 29.5 cm
IK09	10.0 J	Impact equivalent to 5 kg dropped from 20 cm
IK10	20.0 J	Impact equivalent to 5 kg dropped from 40 cm

How it’s used in lighting

In lighting, a higher IK rating is crucial for installations where fixtures may face accidental or deliberate impact, such as in:

Public spaces (e.g., street lighting)
Industrial areas (e.g., factories, warehouses)
Sports facilities (e.g., gymnasiums)
Vandal-prone areas (e.g., urban settings, parks)

IK rating testing

To determine a fixture’s IK rating, the fixture is subjected to impact tests at various levels, using calibrated devices that simulate specific impact forces. The fixture must withstand these impacts without damage to be rated at the desired level.

Importance of IK ratings

Choosing lighting with the appropriate IK rating helps to ensure longevity, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance safety, especially in environments with higher risks of physical damage to lighting fixtures.

Understanding IP ratings

The IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) is a standard that indicates the degree of protection provided by a lighting fixture (or other enclosure) against intrusion from solid objects, dust, and moisture. This rating, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), uses a two-digit code, where each digit represents a different type of protection.

IP rating structure

An IP rating consists of two digits: IPXY, where:

X (the first digit) indicates protection against solid objects and dust.
Y (the second digit) indicates protection against moisture and water.

First digit – Protection against solids and dust

First Digit	Protection Level	Description
0	No protection	No protection against contact or objects
1	> 50 mm	Protection against large objects (e.g., hands)
2	> 12.5 mm	Protection against fingers or similar objects
3	> 2.5 mm	Protection against small tools and wires
4	> 1 mm	Protection against most wires and small tools
5	Dust-protected	Limited ingress of dust, no harm to function
6	Dust-tight	Complete protection against dust

Second digit – Protection against moisture and water

Second Digit	Protection Level	Description
0	No protection	No protection against water
1	Dripping water	Protection against vertical dripping water
2	Dripping water at 15° angle	Protection against dripping when tilted up to 15°
3	Spraying water	Protection against water spray up to 60°
4	Splashing water	Protection against water splashes from any direction
5	Water jets	Protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction
6	Powerful water jets	Protection against high-pressure jets
7	Temporary immersion	Protection against immersion up to 1 meter
8	Continuous immersion	Protection against prolonged immersion under pressure

Common IP ratings for lighting fixtures

IP20: Basic indoor lighting, protected against fingers but no water protection.
IP44: Moderate protection, used for bathroom or covered outdoor lighting, protected against solid objects and water splashes.
IP65: Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets; suitable for outdoor fixtures.
IP66: Dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets; ideal for areas exposed to heavy rain or water cleaning.
IP67: Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion; used for ground lighting and areas prone to flooding.
IP68: Dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion; suitable for underwater applications.

Importance of IP ratings

The IP rating is crucial in lighting to ensure the fixture’s durability and functionality in specific environments. Choosing a light fixture with an appropriate IP rating minimizes the risk of damage due to dust or water ingress, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Minimising obtrusive light

To reduce light pollution such as sky glow, light spillage, and glare, we adhere to the ILP’s best practices for car park lighting. Our designs prioritise minimising the impact of artificial lighting on the surrounding environment and nearby wildlife. This ensures that car parks are safely lit without causing unnecessary disruption.

Energy-efficient car park lighting

Our designs balance performance with sustainability, ensuring well-lit car parks that are also eco-friendly. We incorporate ILP-recommended energy-efficient technologies into all car park lighting solutions. Including the use of LED fixtures and smart lighting controls to optimise energy use and reduce carbon emissions.

Tailored lighting for car parks

We carefully adjust lighting levels to suit the car park’s location. We specialise in tailoring lighting solutions sympathetic to their surroundings. Whether your car park is in an urban or rural location. Get in touch to see how we can help!

Integrated Lighting Design

How does beam angle affect the choice of lighting & number of fittings?

Beam Angle – Maximising Coverage

By choosing the right beam angle, you can ensure even light distribution without over-lighting, minimizing energy waste and creating a safe, well-illuminated environment.

▪ Wider beam angles

cover larger areas, reducing the number of fixtures needed and lowering installation costs.

▪ Narrower beam angles

focus light on specific zones, ideal for entrances, pathways, or high-traffic areas.

Wattage – Balancing energy use and brightness

Wattage defines the energy consumption of a light fixture but should be considered alongside lumen output (brightness).

An optimal mix of wattage and beam angle ensures that you achieve the desired lux levels while keeping energy consumption and costs in check.

▪ High-wattage fixtures with focused beam angles

may be used in critical areas like entry points or key intersections to ensure adequate visibility.

▪ Lower-wattage fixtures with wider beam angles

can illuminate general parking areas efficiently without excessive energy use.

Light spill covers and louvres – Controlling light pollution

Light spill covers and louvres are essential for controlling unwanted light. By incorporating these features into your car park lighting design, you can adhere to environmental regulations, enhance safety, and avoid complaints from neighbouring properties.

▪ Light spill covers

focus the emitted light downward or within a defined area, reducing sky glow and light trespass to surrounding properties.

▪ Louvres

minimise glare and direct light where it’s needed most, improving user comfort and visibility.

Integrated design for efficiency

Combining these factors allows for a smarter, more efficient lighting design.

This integrated approach reduces the total number of fittings required, lowers installation and maintenance costs, and ensures compliance with lighting regulations.

▪ Beam angle

determines the coverage area.

▪ Wattage

ensures sufficient brightness with minimal energy waste.

Why is DFL the Right Partner for Your Car Park Lighting Design?

Whether you need traditional car park lighting or innovative solar-powered solutions, DFL provides designs tailored to your project’s requirements. Our expertise ensures every lighting scheme meets UK regulations while delivering optimal performance and user safety.

From the initial design phase to final installation, we work collaboratively with you to create lighting systems that enhance visibility and security. By utilizing the latest technologies, including energy-efficient LEDs and smart controls, we offer forward-thinking solutions that reduce energy costs and maintenance needs.

With extensive experience, our designers and engineers specialise in creating car park lighting systems that balance functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Looking for professional car park lighting or solar options for your next project? Contact DFL today for expert advice and bespoke solutions that make your car park safer, more efficient, and fully compliant with all regulations. Let us help illuminate your car park with intelligent, sustainable lighting.