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High-Intensity Discharge (HID) vs. Fluorescent Lamps
Best Practices for Automotive Dealership Lighting

Best Practices for Automotive Dealership Lighting

Create the right balance between aesthetics and regulations

Before lighting is selected for an automotive dealership lot and surrounding areas, two main factors should be considered; attracting new customers for increased sales and complying with local regulations.

First, creating a positive initial impression of the dealership is crucial. Demand the attention of potential customers. The 1000-watt metal halide (MH) AeroDome™ automotive frontline luminaire is an excellent recommendation. The MH lamp’s whiter light, excellent color rendering, and energy efficiency yield true colors with high light levels while saving energy. The AeroDome’s stylish dayform provides very high frontline light levels while meeting IESNA Full Cutoff.

For additional attention to the frontline, 400-watt MH fixtures can be added mid-pole at 12 to 15 feet above the finished grade. This same effect can be achieved by using two 1000-watt frontline AeroDome fixtures per pole for improved brightness and uniformity. Additional recommendations include 1000-watt MH for general sales areas and 400-watt MH fixtures for lower traffic areas such as vehicle storage.

Many communities have recently adopted regulations that limit levels of light trespass from commercial properties. Glare from locations using continuous 24-hour lighting can be annoying to other businesses and to residents. A full cutoff fixture reduces the chance of light exiting the fixture above the horizontal and creating unecessary spill into the night sky or “urban glow.” Many exterior fixtures are available with an optional backlight cutoff shield that significantly reduces light behind the pole. Thus meeting the standards of local regulations and those of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). The combination of IESNA Full Cutoff luminaires and backlight shields can ensure your layout is community friendly and is as efficient as possible.

For more information on our complete line of automotive lighting and how Ruud Lighting can help with your next automotive project, take a look at our One-Stop Automotive Lighting Brochure.