The right LED lighting for an industrial space is chosen based on environmental conditions, required lighting levels, and the type of work being performed. Factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, corrosion, and the presence of machinery or hazardous materials determine which fixtures are suitable. The questions below address the most relevant selection aspects step by step.
What technical requirements determine the lighting choice in an industrial space?
The lighting choice in an industrial space is determined by the environmental conditions, the required illuminance, the nature of the work, and the requirements for safety and continuity. Those who want to select the right LED luminaires for industry must start with a thorough analysis of the specific location and its use.
The main technical requirements at a glance:
- Ambient temperature Extreme heat or cold places high demands on the thermal resistance of luminaires.
- Presence of dust, moisture, or chemicals: This determines the required IP class and material selection.
- Mechanical load Vibrations from machines, cranes, or vehicles require robust constructions with a high stiffness value.
- Explosion hazard (ATEX): In zones with flammable gases or dust, certified ATEX fixtures are mandatory.
- Business hours: In 24/7 operations, maintenance intervals and lifespan heavily factor into the total cost calculation.
- Illumination level: The type of task, from rough storage to precise machining, determines how many lux are needed.
By mapping out these requirements in advance, you prevent investing in lighting that fails in the short term or does not meet legal standards for working conditions and safety. For a broad overview, also consult the available lighting expertise over industrial applications.
What does IP class mean for industrial LED luminaires?
The IP class (Ingress Protection) indicates the degree to which a fixture is protected against the ingress of solid particles and moisture. The number consists of two digits: the first represents dust protection (scale 0 to 6), and the second represents water protection (scale 0 to 9K). For industrial LED lighting, a minimum of IP65 is the common lower limit.
In practice, this means the following:
- IP65 Completely dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. Suitable for most indoor industrial applications and covered outdoor locations.
- IP66 and IP67: Higher protection against powerful water jets and temporary immersion. Relevant for car washes, ports, or environments with high-pressure sprays.
- IP68 and IP69K: Intended for prolonged immersion or aggressive high-pressure cleaning, such as in the food industry or offshore.
In addition to the IP class, the IK rating is also relevant: it indicates impact resistance. In environments with moving vehicles, cranes, or heavy machinery, a high IK rating is at least as important as water resistance. More details on the meaning of IP and IK classifications can be found on the page about IP and IK ratings.
How many lux are needed in a production hall or workshop?
The required illuminance in a production hall or workshop depends on the type of work. For general storage, 100 to 200 lux is usually sufficient, while precise assembly or quality control requires 500 lux or more. The European standard EN 12464-1 provides binding guidelines per type of workplace.
A global overview of common standards:
- Storage and shipping 100 to 200 lux for safe movement of people and equipment.
- General production areas: 200 to 300 lux for routine tasks without fine detail.
- Machining and Assembly 300 to 500 lux for precision handwork and machine operation.
- Quality control and precision mechanics: 500 to 1000 lux or more, depending on the detail accuracy.
- Outdoor locations and grounds 20 to 75 lux for safe movement of persons and vehicles.
In addition to average illuminance, uniformity is also important: large contrasts between bright and dark areas fatigue the eyes and increase the risk of errors and accidents. A good lighting calculation takes into account the reflectivity of walls and floors, the mounting height, and the distribution of the luminaires.
Which LED lighting is suitable for extreme temperatures or corrosive environments?
For extreme temperatures or corrosive environments, specialized LED fixtures are required that are designed and certified for those specific conditions. Standard industrial lighting fails in such environments due to overheating, condensation, corrosion of housings, or degradation of optical components.
In high temperatures, such as in steel mills or near smelting furnaces, fixtures are required that can withstand ambient temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius and exposure to intense infrared radiation. Special cooling structures and heat-resistant materials are indispensable for this. For applications in high-temperature environments do other selection criteria then apply than for standard halls.
On the other hand, in climate chambers or cold storage, luminaires must function reliably at temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius. Ordinary LED drivers perform poorly or fail completely in such cold.
In environments with extreme corrosion, such as offshore platforms, chemical plants, or paper production facilities, stainless steel housings and corrosion-resistant coatings are essential. For explosion-hazardous areas, ATEX certification is also an absolute requirement. More on the selection of lighting for extreme corrosion is described in detail for the most demanding environments.
What is the difference between a floodlight, work light, and flat panel light for industrial use?
A floodlight, work light, and area light are three different types of fixtures, each with its own application. A floodlight illuminates large outdoor areas or high spaces with focused light, a work light illuminates a specific work zone on a machine or vehicle, and an area light distributes light evenly across a space without glare.
Floodlight: Powerful bundle for grounds and high spaces
Floodlights are designed to illuminate large areas from a distance, such as storage yards, harbor quays, construction sites, or tall production halls. They deliver a focused, powerful beam of light and are often mounted on poles or high structures. Industrial LED floodlights are available in versions for extreme conditions, including high temperatures and corrosive environments.
Work light: directed light on the machine or workstation
Work lamps are compact fixtures that are mounted directly on machines, cranes, vehicles, or workstations. They illuminate the operator's immediate work environment without causing glare, which is essential for safe and precise work. LED work lamps for machines are resistant to vibrations and must function reliably under heavy mechanical loads.
Flatbed sprayer: uniform distribution in halls and workshops
Linear strip lights provide even, diffuse light distribution in enclosed spaces such as production facilities, workshops, and warehouses. They minimize shadow formation and harsh contrasts, which increases work comfort and reduces fatigue. Special versions with full-cutoff optics prevent light spill and are suitable for environments where glare poses a safety risk.
When is a total solution with engineering and installation advisable?
A total solution with engineering and installation is advisable when the lighting task is complex, involves multiple disciplines, or when errors in design or installation have direct consequences for safety and business continuity. For large sites, critical production environments, or locations with special certification requirements, an integrated approach is almost always the most cost-effective choice in the long term.
Concrete situations where a total solution offers added value:
- Projects involving the construction of light poles, foundations, and cabling, along with the luminaires.
- Environments with ATEX zoning, high temperatures, or extreme corrosion where certification and documentation are mandatory.
- Locations where 24/7 operations do not tolerate downtime and maintenance planning is part of the assignment.
- Areas or halls where lighting calculations and photometric simulations are required to meet standards.
- Situations where subsidies or tax benefits, such as the Energy Investment Allowance, should be optimally utilized.
A specialized provider that handles the entire process, from lighting design to commissioning and aftercare, significantly reduces the risk of errors, delays, and additional costs. View the offering per sector for an impression of the breadth of possible applications.
How JEL Products Helps You Choose the Right Industrial Lighting
JEL Products is a Dutch specialist in high-quality LED lighting solutions for the most demanding industrial environments. The company designs and manufactures lighting fixtures in the Netherlands under its own brands, DCbright and DarkLicht, and offers a full range of services from engineering to installation and maintenance.
What JEL Products specifically offers:
- Specialized lighting fixtures for extreme temperatures, ranging from minus 45 to plus 120 degrees Celsius, including the Orca and Barracuda floodlights for steel mills.
- Stainless steel LED lighting and ATEX-certified solutions for corrosive and explosive environments.
- Non-glare work lamps with full cut-off optics for a safe and comfortable working environment on machines and cranes.
- Complete lighting solutions for terminals and heavy industry, including light poles, foundations, installation, and commissioning.
- ISO9001 and VCA** certification as a guarantee for quality and safety in every project.
Whether it’s a single hall, a large outdoor area, or a complex industrial facility, JEL Products works with you every step of the way—from the initial technical inquiry through to completion. Contact us via the contact page for a no-obligation consultation regarding your organization's lighting needs.