Cold storage warehousing plays an important role in transporting food, pharmaceuticals, and other products from manufacturing to retail stores. In general, there are two types of cold storage: refrigeration, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10°C, and freezing, with temperatures ranging from -40 to 0°C. Subzero temperatures pose significant challenges for lighting systems and may jeopardize the normal operation of electronics.Traditional lighting fixtures are being phased out due to poor lighting performance and high energy consumption. LED lighting fixtures, on the other hand, are widely used because they are both energy-efficient and cost-effective. Light sources, however, are not the only considerations in cold storage lighting.
In this post, we’ll look at two major aspects of cold storage lighting: the reasons for the need for proper cold storage lighting and the cold storage lighting requirements. I hope it has increased your understanding of cold storage lighting.
Why is proper cold storage lighting required?
Because of the low ambient temperature, cold storage differs from other applications. Cold storage is used to keep products fresh and extend their shelf life. Workers in cold storage should wear thick, warm clothing and gloves to avoid cold injury or frostbite. Lighting, like clothing, is closely linked to worker safety.
Lighting issues such as glare, flicker, and poor lighting will reduce visibility and cause an accident. Long-term exposure to glare can cause visual fatigue and eye damage. Furthermore, glare is very annoying because it frequently causes anxiety, lack of concentration, and other psychological discomfort. It would result in severe insomnia and exacerbated headaches. Poor lighting is dangerous and makes it difficult to identify objects in cold storage.
It is critical to have adequate lighting. Employees have a better understanding of product labels and their location with proper lighting. Furthermore, employees feel safe in a bright and high visibility environment, which allows them to avoid dangerous or accidental situations while working or walking. As a result, workers’ productivity can increase.
What are the standard requirements for cold storage lighting?
The majority of cold storage warehouses are completely dark due to a lack of sunlight. Because they are in close quarters, there are no windows to provide a cooling effect. As a result, lighting is critical for clod storage. The cold ambient temperature necessitates more stringent lighting requirements.
Illumination
The level of illumination is strongly related to the visual experience. Workers require adequate lighting to identify the product and the environment. For cold storage, the IESNA (Illumination Engineering Society of North America) recommends the following lighting:
Building Area | Average Maintained Footcandles (Horizontal) (FC) | Range of Maintained Footcandles (Horizontal) (FC) | Average Maintained Footcandles (Vertical) (FC) | Range of Maintained Footcandles (Vertical) (FC) |
Cold Storage | 20 | 10-30 | 10 | 5-15 |
Please keep in mind that the recommendations above are only guidelines; lighting levels should be adjusted based on specific tasks, environments, and the type of objects in cold storage.
Reduce the heat output
Refrigerated storage To avoid increasing the load on the cooling system, lighting fixtures should emit less heat. Furthermore, less heat generation protects products in cold storage from damage or spoilage caused by higher temperatures. Lighting fixtures that emit less heat help to save energy. Electric energy is converted into light and heat by lighting fixtures. More lights are converted when there is less heat generation. In other words, lighting fixtures that emit less heat are more efficient, allowing them to illuminate with less energy waste.
Easy to clean
Because cold storage warehouses are commonly used to store food and pharmaceuticals, cleanliness is an important consideration for cold storage. To reduce the risk of polluting the stored products, lighting fixtures should be easy to clean. A smooth surface prevents dust or water from collecting on the lamp, resulting in less dust accumulation. Easy-to-clean lighting fixtures reduce cleaning labor costs while keeping workers safe from falling from great heights.
Resistance to water, impact, and low temperatures
Clod storage lighting can withstand harsh environments due to its resistance to water, impact, and low temperature. Lighting fixtures must be waterproof to prevent electricity leakage and are cleaned with water and cleanser in general. Having an IP65 or higher waterproof rating is ideal for ingress protection. Electronics can be protected inside enclosures with IK08 or higher IK codes. Lighting fixtures function normally in clod conditions due to their low temperature resistance. The temperature in most cold storage facilities is below 0°C, with some even below -40°C. Conventional lighting fixtures may not start in a clod environment, so you should replace them with LEDs. LED lighting fixtures perform admirably in cold temperatures. They can be turned on and off instantly.
Reduced energy consumption
Energy consumption is directly proportional to light source and operation time. As we all know, LED is the most energy-efficient light source, saving up to 80% more energy than traditional light sources. One of the simplest ways to reduce energy consumption is to install a sensor. The movement of vehicles and people activates motion sensors. The dynamic response allows for more energy savings without being constrained by time or daylight. Occupancy sensors can be used to save energy in low-activity areas. Individual aisle lighting can be turned on or off using occupancy sensors. Other sensors, such as photo sensors, can also help to reduce energy consumption.
Lighting solutions for cold storage
There are numerous lighting challenges in a cold storage environment. Traditional lighting fixtures not only waste more energy but also perform poorly in cold storage. Retrofit traditional lighting fixtures to Yibai LED lighting fixtures to reduce operating costs and maintenance.
The Diamond series high bay light and Halo canopy light are ideal cold storage lighting options because they meet all of the requirements for cold storage lighting. Our diamond LED high bay light has an innovative design with an appealing appearance. The smooth surface of the housing prevents dust and water accumulation. The stored product is safe because there are no exposed stainless steel screws and no toxic materials. The sleek design and glass-free optic lens make it simple to clean. IP66 and IK10 ratings, combined with an NSF certificate, make this product ideal for food cold storage.
Halo LED Low bay lighting is also ideal for cold storage aisles. The asymmetric optic lens adapts to the narrow aisle between high shelves without sacrificing light. Lighting fixtures are protected from damage by IP65 and IK10 ratings. Intelligent control reduces energy consumption by incorporating DALI, Zigbee, PIR sensors, motion sensors, and daylight harvesting sensors.
Need us to work out a solution for your cold storage lighting projects? Please feel free to contact us directly.
