Lighting Services Blog

Building contractors may grumble about emergency lighting and safety regulations, but in an emergency the name of the game is egress. While local codes may vary somewhat in language, the International Building Code (IBC) states that "means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct components: the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge."

Owning a business is more than just having great products and services. It is also about visibility. You want potential customers to be able to see you from a distance and in the dark of night. Once you get them inside, they need a clear, well-lit view of what you have to offer.

Niagara Falls is by far the largest tourist attraction on the U.S.-Canada border. Every year 12 million visitors flock to the Falls. For decades, many of these visitors have stayed the night to view the crystal waters lit by 21 massive searchlights. Indeed, the lighting of the Falls dates back to 1860 when they were first lit in honor of the Prince of Wales' visit to Canada.

Your business is doing great. It is a good feeling to know you are providing a warm safe place for people even when it is a cold and stormy night. You have a store full of customers. People are waiting at the register. Families with children are browsing in the aisles. Then, it happens! The lights flicker. Your customers turn and look at you for guidance. Suddenly, your store goes as black as the night outside.     

The forward-thinking business owner is always looking for ways to trim expenses, and although lighting very rarely comes to mind, even in the modern, go-green world of today, it is an essential consideration as a long-term investment that can save huge sums of money in the long run.

Many business owners make the mistake of installing their own emergency exit lighting. Some of them hire professional electricians or handymen who may or may not be familiar with the building codes in the area.

Inspecting and maintaining exterior lighting at retail locations and supermarkets is crucial and should be performed regularly. Exterior lighting carries the responsibility of illuminating your retail brand while also providing adequate lighting for outdoor security surveillance and making patrons feel safe in their environment.

If you are starting a new business or remodeling an old property that the public will use, it’s essential that you take the proper safety precautions. Egress signs have to meet different qualifications in every city and state, and sometimes in every county in a particular state. In general, authorities expect your exit signs to be:

If you have been a business owner for a long time, you are probably familiar with the IRS' rules on depreciation for new equipment and building upgrades. In the past, business owners have had to depreciate new equipment such as LED lights over a number of years,  rather than taking a deduction when they spend money. This has discouraged building owners from upgrading their lighting.

All too often, small business owners attempt to cut corners when it comes to building maintenance. However, sometimes this corner cutting can cause more trouble than it’s worth.