Why Use LED Canopy Lights for Gas Stations

Gas stations seem to be dangerous due to the great quantity of fuel. To avoid accidents, calling and smoking are not allowed in gas stations. However, gas stations also play an important role in offering bright lighting, fuel, food, and water for drivers and pedestrians at night. Drivers and pedestrians feel safer when catching the sight of lighting in a dark environment. As we all know, there are various regulations in gas stations to prevent danger. It is the same as the lighting of gas stations. Most gas stations use LED canopy lights. LED lights are familiar in our daily life. But what are canopy lights and why are gas stations using LED canopy lights? A gas station is composed of ceiling (canopy), gas pumps, and/or convenience store normally. LED canopy lights are typically designed for gas stations to brighten up the area under a canopy with the capacity to provide proper lighting, long-lasting time, and low energy consumption.

What are LED canopy lights

LED canopy lights are generally attached to the ceiling of the structure through surface, pendant, or recessed mounted ways. They are suitable for both outdoors and indoors, such as gas stations and parking lots. The LEDs are hidden under the canopy of fixtures in this type of light. Since people will not view the LED light source directly, glare and trespass are reduced. The lens is also used to focus or diffuse lighting to minimize glare and trespass. As a result, LED canopy lights illuminate the area below them with sufficient but not excessive lighting. Moreover, LED canopy lights are of low energy consumption, long lifespan, and are easy to maintain.

Reasons for using LED canopy lights for gas stations

The aim of gas station lighting

The reason for using LED canopy lights is not only related to the feature of them but also in connection with the aim of gas station lighting. The key aim of gas station lighting is to attract consumers. Secondly, illuminate the gas station with sufficient lighting. Thirdly, using cost-effective and energy-saving lighting systems. At last, offers comfortable lighting for consumers.

Attract consumers

The major purpose for consumers entering gas stations is to refuel the car. Strengthen the identity and unique character of gas stations, like the signboard, making gas stations stand out from competitors. Highlight the gas pumps, making them recognizable for consumers to attract them to turn in. The illuminated gas pimps deliver the signal that the gas stations have adequate fuel. A safe, bright, and welcoming atmosphere is more likely to improve the tendency of consumers to approach gas stations.

Sufficient lighting

Sufficient lighting is important for the operation of employees in gas stations. Employees need clear visibility to fill the vehicle with gas correctly. They are able to distinguish the actual cost and values of filled gas from gas board. Additionally, employees can recognize the coming vehicles and guide them to the location for refueling. Drivers can drive to the fueling place accurately and avoid hurting employees or hitting the pillars. Sufficient lighting also plus a reliable impression for consumers.

According to the recommendations of CIE, illuminance for gas stations is as follows.

Economic lighting system

Gas stations are operated to earn profit. One of the methods to increase profit is reducing the total cost. Choosing fixtures with long lifespans and low maintenance can save the cost. A simple installation saves labor costs as well. The accessories of fixtures should be easy to purchase and replace. LED canopy lights perfectly meet the requirements. Therefore, an economic lighting system fitted with LED canopy lights is popular in gas stations.

Comfortable lighting

Lighting quality has an effect on the visual amenity and experience of consumers. Comfortable lighting should minimize glare and trespass. Trespass should be avoided as it will trouble the adjacent buildings around the gas stations. Lighting pollution not only does harm to the eyes but also the temper of people. Glare is also annoying for drivers. Drivers are moving from dark environments to bright gas stations in common conditions. The sudden lighting will cause a short time blindness for drivers. The lighting intensity from a dark environment to a bright environment is supposed to be controlled to a certain value.

The following table shows the illuminance recommendations of gas stations entrance of CIE.

Benefits of using LED canopy lights for gas stations

After knowing what are LED canopy lights and the aim of gas station lighting, let’s take a look at the benefits of using LED canopy lights for gas stations. The answers are absolutely related to the benefits of LED canopy lights. Except for the lower energy consumption and longer lasting time than conventional lights, the major benefits of LED canopy lights are the proper lighting distribution and minimized glare and trespass.

Proper lighting distribution

The primary focus of illumination is the fueling area of gas stations. Other parts of gas stations have lower lighting requirements. LED canopy lights are equipped with narrower beam angles from about 60 to 90 degrees to focus the light downward to illuminate fuel pumps, vehicles, and pillars. This type of lighting avoids unnecessary illumination for other areas and the waste of light.  The focused lighting can also highlight the fuel pumps and concentrate the consumer’s attention on the fueling area.

Minimize glare and trespass

With the proper lighting distribution, glare and trespass are minimized. The narrower beam angle prevents consumers from attacking by strong light. As LED canopy lights can be fully recessed, the LED light source will not be viewed either from the common viewing angle or far away, making lower glare and trespass. Furthermore, LED light canopy lights are of full-cutoff lighting classification, light is not likely to flee over the gas station canopy and disturb adjacent neighborhoods. Efficient lighting without glare and trespass is capable of saving energy. Comfortable lighting without glare and trespass ensures the safety and health of consumers. Thus, consumers have better experience in gas stations. They are more likely to become patrons.

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