Efficiently illuminating a transshipment hall or logistics center is achieved by opting for high-quality LED fixtures with the correct light distribution, tailored to the hall height, the nature of the operations, and the existing machinery. A good lighting plan ensures sufficient lux levels at the workplace floor, minimizes glare for forklifts and cranes, and structurally reduces energy consumption. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about lighting in transshipment halls and logistics centers, from standards and lux values to fixture selection and lighting design.

What are the specific lighting requirements for transshipment halls?

For transshipment halls, lighting requirements apply based on the European standard EN 12464-1, which prescribes minimum illuminance levels depending on the activities performed. In a transshipment hall with intensive logistical activities, a minimum horizontal illuminance of 200 to 300 lux at working plane level generally applies, with higher values for precision work or safety risks.

Besides illuminance, other factors also play a role:

• Uniformity The ratio between the minimum and average illuminance must be sufficiently high to prevent dark spots and dangerous shadows.
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): A CRI of at least 80 is recommended so that the colors of goods, labels, and signage are perceived correctly.
• Glare Limitation (UGR): For workspaces with continuous visual tasks, a UGR value of a maximum of 25 applies, and for more precise work, even 22 or lower.
• IP protection class In halls with dust, moisture, or cleaning activities, a minimum of IP65 is required for luminaires. More about IP and IK ratings Read it on the knowledge page.

In warehouses where work operates 24/7, lighting reliability is also a requirement in itself. Failure or poor lighting directly leads to safety risks and loss of productivity.

Hoeveel lux je nodig hebt in een logistiek centrum hangt af van de specifieke werkzaamheden die worden uitgevoerd. Over het algemeen gelden de volgende richtlijnen: * **Algemene Opslaggebieden:** Over het algemeen is een verlichtingsniveau van 100 tot 150 lux voldoende in gebieden waar voornamelijk goederen worden opgeslagen en minder nauwkeurig werk plaatsvindt. * **Orderpicking en Verpakking:** Voor taken waarbij meer visuele aandacht vereist is, zoals orderpicking, verpakking, inspectie en het lezen van labels, wordt een hoger verlichtingsniveau aanbevolen, meestal tussen 300 en 500 lux. * **Werkstations en Kantoorgedeeltes:** In kantoorruimtes, controlekamers of specifieke werkstations waar gedetailleerd werk wordt gedaan, is vaak 500 lux of zelfs meer nodig, vergelijkbaar met de vereisten voor kantooromgevingen. * **Laad- en Loszones:** In deze gebieden waar voertuigen rangeren en goederen worden geladen of gelost, is voldoende verlichting cruciaal voor de veiligheid. Een algemene richtlijn kan 100 tot 200 lux zijn, maar dit kan hoger zijn afhankelijk van de specifieke risico's en het tijdstip waarop gewerkt wordt. **Factoren die de benodigde hoeveelheid lux beïnvloeden:** * **Type werkzaamheden:** Zoals hierboven genoemd, vereisen taken met fijne details meer licht. * **Kleurweergave (CRI):** Een hoge CRI is belangrijk om kleuren correct te kunnen onderscheiden, wat bijvoorbeeld bij kwaliteitsinspectie essentieel kan zijn. * **Uniformiteit van de verlichting:** Het is belangrijk dat de verlichting gelijkmatig is verdeeld om schaduwen te minimaliseren en vermoeidheid van de ogen te voorkomen. * **Noodverlichting:** Naast algemene verlichting is noodverlichting vereist voor veiligheid bij stroomuitval. * **Regelgeving en normen:** Raadpleeg altijd de lokale regelgeving en relevante normen (zoals NEN-EN 12464-1) voor specifieke vereisten. Het is raadzaam om een verlichtingsadviseur in te schakelen om de optimale verlichtingsoplossing voor jouw specifieke logistieke centrum te bepalen.

In a logistics center, you typically need 200 to 500 lux, depending on the specific zone and type of activities. Forklift aisles require a minimum of 200 lux, while picking locations, loading docks, and sorting areas often require 300 to 500 lux for safe and accurate work.

A practical layout per zone:

1. Aisleways and passageways (forklifts): 200 lux horizontal, with good vertical lighting for visibility of pallet racking and signage.
2. Low-activity storage zones 100 to 200 lux is sufficient when few people are present.
3. Loading and unloading platforms: 300 lux or more, including good vertical illuminance for inspecting trucks and containers.
4. Pick and sort zones: 300 to 500 lux, with an emphasis on shadow-free lighting to minimize errors.
5. Office or administrative spaces within the hall: 500 lux in accordance with office guidelines.

It's not just about the amount of light, but also about its distribution. A high average illuminance with large peaks and valleys is less effective than an even distribution that offers sufficient visibility everywhere.

What type of LED fixture is suitable for high industrial halls?

For high industrial halls, such as transshipment halls with a clear height of 8 meters or more, high-bay LED fixtures or industrial LED floodlights are most suitable. These fixtures are designed to direct light downwards with sufficient luminous flux to achieve the required illuminance even at a great distance.

When choosing the right fixture for a cross-docking facility, the following factors play a role:

• Ceiling height The higher the hall, the higher the required power, and the narrower the beam of light needed to efficiently direct light onto the workspace.
• Mounting point and construction: The luminaires are attached to rafters, beams, or trusses. The mounting possibilities and the weight of the luminaire are decisive.
• Environmental Conditions: Dust, moisture, vibrations from forklifts or cranes, and temperature differences place demands on the fixture's robustness.
• Light distribution A symmetrical floodlight provides good uniformity on the floor; an asymmetrical optic is useful along facades or at specific workstations.

Look at it full product range for an overview of luminaires suitable for industrial halls of varying heights and applications.

How do you prevent glare and shadow formation during forklift and crane operations?

Glare and shadowing in forklift and crane operations can be prevented by choosing luminaires with a low UGR value, carefully planning the suspension position, and working with a lighting design that takes into account travel routes, work directions, and machine heights.

Glare is a serious safety hazard. A forklift operator looking directly into a light source will temporarily lose their sight. This also applies to crane operators working from a cabin. Measures to prevent this:

• Choose fixtures with a UGR value of maximum 25, preferably 22 or lower in heavily used areas.
• Use full-cutoff optics block direct, sideways, and upward radiating light.
• Position fixtures perpendicular to the direction of travel from forklifts, so that the light source does not fall into the driver's direct field of vision.
• Avoid large contrast differences between brightly lit areas and dark areas immediately next to them.

Shadowing is a distinct problem, especially with high racks or large machinery. By spreading luminaires across multiple rows instead of concentrating them in one line, shadowing is greatly reduced. A good lighting design calculates the light fall from multiple angles to eliminate blind spots.

What are the benefits of good lighting design in a transshipment hall?

A professional lighting design for a transhipment hall demonstrably results in improved safety, higher productivity, and lower operating costs. By pre-calculating light points, power, and distribution, luminaires are placed precisely where they have the most impact, without unnecessary excess capacity.

Concrete benefits of thoughtful design:

• Fewer workplace accidents so that employees and machine operators always have sufficient visibility.
• Higher accuracy when sorting, labeling, and loading, which reduces errors and returns.
• Low energy consumption because only the necessary light is generated, in the right places.
• Longer lifespan of fixtures because the thermal load has been correctly estimated and fixtures are not overloaded.
• Better compliance with standards, which is relevant for audits, insurance, and certifications.

An lighting design also clarifies whether smart controls, such as presence detection or daylight control, are profitable. In logistics centers with varying occupancy rates, this can further reduce energy consumption. You can find more about this on the page about lighting expertise.

Wanneer is a professional lighting plan required or necessary?

A professional lighting plan is legally required when Dutch occupational health and safety legislation (Arbowet) applies to the workplace, which is the case in virtually all commercial and industrial environments. The Arbowet obliges employers to ensure adequate and safe lighting. In practice, a lighting plan is always necessary for new construction, renovation, or a change in the use of a hall.

Beyond legal requirements, a lighting plan is also necessary in the following situations:

• In halls with a free height of more than 6 meters, where standard solutions are insufficient.
• For complex layouts with racks, machines, crane runways, or multiple work levels.
• In sensitive operations where visibility directly affects safety or quality.
• When applying for subsidies or tax schemes such as the Energy investment allowance (EIA)., for which technical substantiation is required.
• During certification processes or audits where lighting standards are tested.

An lighting plan also prevents costly mistakes down the line, such as adding fixtures later or replacing fixtures that don't meet environmental requirements.

How JEL Products Helps Provide Lighting in Transshipment Halls and Logistics Centers

JEL Products offers a comprehensive approach to lighting for transshipment warehouses, logistics centers, and related industrial environments. We don’t provide off-the-shelf solutions, but rather a complete process that begins with an analysis of your specific situation and ends with a fully operational, certified installation.

What JEL Products actually delivers:

• Professional lighting design based on room dimensions, activities, standards, and wishes, including lighting calculations and simulations.
• Robust LED fixtures with the correct IP class, UGR value, and light distribution for your hall height and environmental conditions.
• Guidance on subsidies and tax regulations, so that you make optimal use of available financing opportunities.
• Complete care From engineering and installation to commissioning and maintenance.
• Specialist knowledge for Ports and terminals and other sectors where lighting directly impacts safety and business continuity.

Do you want to know which lighting solution best suits your transshipment hall or logistics center? Get in touch Contact JEL Products for a no-obligation consultation.

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