{"id":34474,"date":"2026-06-19T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jelproducts.nl\/?p=34474"},"modified":"2026-07-09T21:12:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T20:12:55","slug":"how-to-choose-lighting-for-24-7-terminal-operations","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/jelproducts.nl\/en\/blog\/hoe-kies-je-verlichting-voor-24-7-terminaloperaties\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose lighting for 24\/7 terminal operations?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lighting for 24\/7 terminal operations must meet stringent requirements for reliability, protection, and lighting performance. Terminals operate continuously, in all weather conditions, and with heavy equipment that is constantly in motion. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about terminal lighting, from technical specifications to maintenance strategy.<\/p>\n

What lighting requirements apply to terminals that operate 24\/7?<\/h2>\n

Lighting for a 24\/7 terminal operation must perform uninterrupted under varying weather conditions, mechanical stress, and intensive use. The core principle is continuity: failure is not an option when cranes, forklifts, and logistical processes run day and night. In addition to reliability, specific standards apply to lighting levels, uniformity, and color rendering.<\/p>\n

For outdoor areas at terminals, minimum lighting levels apply as stipulated in standard EN 12464-2. Work areas where goods are inspected or loaded require higher lux values than driving routes or storage areas. Uniformity is at least as important as the absolute lighting level: large differences in contrast between light and dark zones increase the risk of errors and accidents.<\/p>\n

Besides the light performance itself Terminal locations<\/a> place high demands on the robustness of luminaires. Wind, rain, salt, and dust are daily realities. LED luminaires for terminal lighting must therefore be designed for long-term operation in outdoor environments without a significant decrease in light output.<\/p>\n

What IP and IK classes are needed for terminal lighting?<\/h2>\n

For terminal lighting in outdoor environments, a minimum of IP65 is required, providing protection against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. In environments with high-pressure sprays or intensive cleaning, IP66 or IP67 is recommended. For mechanical protection, IK08 is generally the minimum, but when used near moving equipment or crane runways, IK10 is the standard.<\/p>\n

Of IP and IK classification<\/a> determines how well a luminaire withstands its environment. IP stands for Ingress Protection and describes the sealing against solid particles and moisture. IK describes the resistance to mechanical impact, expressed in joules. On a terminal where forklifts, reach stackers, and other vehicles maneuver near lighting, a high IK rating is not a luxury but a practical necessity.<\/p>\n

Luminaires with a lower protection rating are damaged more quickly, lose light output faster due to moisture penetration, and cause higher maintenance costs. Investing in the correct protection rating pays off in a longer lifespan and fewer unplanned failures.<\/p>\n

How does lighting quality affect safety at a terminal?<\/h2>\n

Good lighting in a terminal directly reduces the risk of accidents. Crane and vehicle operators must be able to recognize obstacles, people, and markings at a great distance. Insufficient light levels, poor uniformity, or glare from misdirected luminaires lead to reduced reaction times and an increased chance of errors.<\/p>\n

Glare is an underestimated safety risk. When a crane operator or forklift driver looks directly into a light source, temporary glare occurs, which can cause dangerous situations. Luminaires with full-cutoff optics or non-glare lens designs prevent this. This is particularly relevant in locations where employees work at heights or where lines of sight intersect with light sources.<\/p>\n

Color rendering also plays a role. A high Color Rendering Index (CRI) ensures that the colors of markings, signals, and hazardous substances are perceived correctly. At terminals where color coding is part of safety protocols, a CRI of at least 80 is recommended.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between floodlights and floodlights for terminal locations?<\/h2>\n

Floodlights are suitable for illuminating large outdoor areas, access roads, and remote storage areas, while wide-area lights are used for uniform illumination in covered work areas, loading docks, and inspection zones. The difference lies in the light beam: floodlights focus light over long distances, while wide-area lights distribute light broadly and uniformly over a smaller area.<\/p>\n

On a terminal, both types of luminaires are needed, each in its proper place:<\/p>\n