Fixture Type
Area Lighting
Broad, even illumination engineered for expansive industrial and outdoor spaces.
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What to Look For in Area Lighting
Area lighting is defined by broad, uniform coverage rather than a single high-intensity beam. The right fixture depends on a few key factors: coverage radius relative to pole or mounting height, lumen output matched to the size of the space being illuminated, and — for hazardous or outdoor locations — ingress protection and corrosion resistance rated for continuous exposure to the elements.
Facilities operating in classified hazardous locations have an added requirement: the area light itself must carry the appropriate hazard rating (such as Class I Division 1 or Class I Division 2) for the specific gases, vapors, or dust present on site. A fixture that performs well in a standard outdoor lot won't necessarily meet code in a petrochemical or LNG facility.
Area Lighting vs. Floodlighting
Area lighting and floodlighting are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they serve different purposes:
- Area lighting spreads light broadly and evenly across a wide zone — ideal for yards, parking lots, storage areas, and open facilities where consistent overall visibility matters more than highlighting a specific point.
- Floodlighting concentrates light in a directional beam toward a specific target — better suited for building exteriors, equipment, signage, or security-focused zones.
Many facilities use both in combination: area lighting for general site coverage, floodlighting for specific high-priority zones like entrances, loading docks, or perimeter security points.
Where Area Lighting Is Used
- Facility yards and open storage areas — consistent coverage across large outdoor footprints
- Parking lots and perimeter zones — visibility and safety for vehicle and foot traffic
- LNG, petrochemical, and industrial site grounds — general site lighting where hazardous-rated fixtures may be required
- Large indoor facilities — warehouses and processing floors needing broad, even coverage across open floor plans
Choosing the Right Fixture
The right area light comes down to three questions: How large is the area you need to cover? What's the mounting height available (pole-mounted, wall-mounted, or structure-mounted)? And does the site require a hazardous-location rating? Facilities in classified areas need fixtures rated for their specific hazard classification — general outdoor durability alone isn't sufficient in those environments.