Parking area lighting is extremely important as far as security and visibility are concerned at night. It helps prevent accidents, gives an anti-crime atmosphere, and makes the area, in most cases, welcoming for customers, employees, and visitors. Any parking lot, even with good lighting, will probably have several wear and tear problems associated with it, and one of the most common problems it encounters is flickering lights. Though the flickering of parking lot lights might look simple in the beginning, it may lead to a bigger picture in terms of creating safety hazards or increasing maintenance spending if left unattended.
If you notice flickering lights in your parking lot, take the time to read this article. Knowing what causes flickering lights will help save time and even money in the long run. It tells the reader the reasons for flickering and common causes. It also lists some simple remedies for avoiding flickering lights in a parking lot and what commercial lighting contractors in Denver can do to alleviate the problem effectively.
Common Causes of Flickering Parking Lot Lights
Loose or Damaged Wiring
This common reason for flickering lights in parking lots is loose or damaged wiring. Over time, the wiring that drives your lights may fray or break or even become corroded by exposure to different types of elements. When the wires lose connection with one another, they surely disrupt the flow of electricity or complete supply and cause intermittent flickering or complete failure of the lights.
Such damaged wiring is also known to pose safety hazards, including the possibility of electrical shocks or fires. Frequent flickering accompanied by a buzzing sound or irregular flick dry spots can be signs indicating a requirement for emergency attention for the wiring.
Faulty or Aging Ballasts
The most important ballast part in parking lot lighting is the critical component that controls the electrical current to the bulbs, especially for fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lights. Ballasts can become faulty or degrade over time and can cause flickering lights, dimming, or even failure.
A faulty ballast may go unnoticed until it starts to cause some problems with your lighting. If your lights aren’t turning on properly or flickering at irregular intervals, then it is probably time to have the ballasts replaced. An experienced commercial lighting contractor in Denver can determine this problem and recommend how it should be repaired.
Incompatible or Deteriorating Light Bulbs
Light bulbs, especially traditional incandescent or fluorescent, can start to deteriorate over time. Bulbs naturally wear out as they age, and their filaments can weaken to cause inconsistent illumination. If flickering is limited to a particular light or group of lights, the bulbs may be at fault.
If your car park is using ancient lighting technologies, such as incandescent or fluorescent, it makes a compelling case to transition to even more modern lighting. Commercial LED parking lot lighting for your car park comes with some performance improvements and greater longevity, besides reliability. LEDs flicker less. They also tend to consume lower amounts of power, which can significantly affect your overall operating cost.
Voltage Fluctuations
At times, the flickering of lights can be attributed to voltage fluctuations, which can give rise to inconsistency in the power supply fed to the lighting fixtures. Such voltage fluctuations can result from several factors, such as electrical surges, high-demand loads, or problems within the power grid.
These fluctuations may result in flickering, dimming, or awkward lighting behaviour of your parking lot lights. In addition, if more than one light in the parking lot flickers, this may signify something broader in terms of electrical issues. Installing a voltage regulator or renewing your surge protector would help stabilize power flow and tremendously reduce flickering.
Environmental Factors and Extreme Weather Conditions
A park light is directly exposed to the elements around the clock. They are exposed to rain, snow, humidity, extreme temperatures, and all other environmental factors. Resultantly, that might cause damage to lighting fixtures or electrical components, which may lead to flickering.
Moisture accumulation inside the light fixtures is usually one of the most popular causes of short-circuiting and flickering. Likewise, exposure to extreme cold or extreme heat can allow its components to be expanded or contracted, causing improper electrical connections. Thus, all of your lighting systems must be well sealed and installed with weather-resistant fixtures to avoid things like that happening.
Simple Fixes for Flickering Parking Lot Lights
Inspect and Repair Wiring
If the source of your parking lot lights flickering is due to some damaged or loose wiring, it is essential to rectify this as soon as possible. Flickering wiring causes a light to flicker and poses a serious threat to safety. A commercial lighting contractor in Denver can inspect the wiring for signs of damage and make any necessary repairs.
It is also wise to inspect the electrical connections within your parking lot periodically to ascertain that they are tight and free from corrosion. Regular maintenance prevents minor issues from becoming big problems later on.
Replace Faulty Ballasts
If your parking lot lights operate on fluorescent or HID bulbs, the culprit in the flickering may well be the ballast. Ballasts can usually be regarded as having a 5-10 year lifespan, depending on type and usage. After some time, they may start malfunctioning and can cause lights to flicker or flicker dangerously.
If this is indeed the problem, a new ballast will restore it quickly. Just make sure, though, that a trained person does this, as improper installation of the ballast can result in more damage to the entire lighting system.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
Probably one of the best ways to eliminate flickering is by changing your lighting system in the commercial parking lot lighting. LEDs tend to last for a much longer time than light bulbs, meaning less flicker due to wearing and tearing on the light source. LEDs consume less energy, which allows them to offer greater light coverage with a decreased total maintenance cost for the lighting system of your parking lot.
If you haven’t yet made the transition to LED lighting, consider consulting a commercial lighting contractor in Denver to talk about the benefits and options available. They can assist you in choosing the right LED fixtures and provide installation services for the best performance.
Install Surge Protectors and Voltage Regulators
Installing surge protectors and voltage regulators for your parking lot lighting system can be a very wise investment against the effects of voltage fluctuations and electrical surges. During a power surge, surplus electrical energy is absorbed by surge protectors, which prevents damage to your lighting fixtures. The surge regulators ensure that the electrical current remains flowing, thereby preventing flickering, which is caused by interruptions in the power supply.
These protective measures give them a longer life expectancy and help to keep them working well. Further, this will minimize their frequent repair needs.
Seal Light Fixtures and Use Weather-Resistant Products
Environmental variables, such as moisture, dust, and temperature, feel havoc on your parking lot lights. Ensure that your light fixtures are properly sealed and installed with the weather-resistant component to prevent flickering, which is mostly caused by weather-related issues.
Consider replacing most older light houses with modern technologies that are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Maintenance should also be performed periodically, which is essential in cleaning the lighting system.
FAQs about Flickering Parking Lot Lights
Why do my parking lot lights flicker even when the bulbs are new?
This could be due to faulty wiring, issues with the ballast, or fluctuations in voltage. A professional should inspect the system to identify and fix the underlying cause.
Can I repair flickering parking lot lights myself?
While minor issues like replacing light bulbs may be handled by property owners, electrical problems like wiring or ballast issues should always be addressed by a qualified professional to avoid safety risks.
How can I reduce flickering from extreme weather conditions?
Ensure that your lighting system is installed with weather-resistant fixtures, and inspect the components regularly for any damage caused by moisture or temperature extremes.
Are LED lights less likely to flicker than traditional bulbs?
Yes, LED lights are much more reliable than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. They are less prone to flickering, last longer, and are more energy-efficient.
How can a commercial lighting contractor in Denver help with flickering lights?
A commercial lighting contractor in Denver can inspect your entire lighting system, identify the cause of the flickering, and recommend solutions, such as replacing ballasts, upgrading to LEDs, or repairing faulty wiring.
Conclusion
Parking lot lights flickering is a bit more than just a nuisance- it could lead to safety risks and cost you a lot of overall maintenance. Understanding what may be causing the flicker, taking the proper action, and fixing the causes of flickering helps ensure your parking lot lights will remain in good working order for as long as possible, reducing costly repairs later.
One of the best ways to ensure reliable and energy-efficient lighting is to upgrade to commercial LED parking lot lighting. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and proactive measures such as installing surge protection and proper sealing of light fixtures ensure that your lighting system extends its lifespan and does not flicker.
Continuously flickering lights cause many problems; they also need to be upgraded at one point for your parking lot. Then, perhaps you should consider consulting a well-experienced commercial lighting contractor in Denver for a solution. In diagnosing the problem, a contractor will invariably provide solutions that have low short-term costs and address long-term lamp replacement.
