You have probably seen canopy lighting in front of a store or outside a gas station in the past. These are the outdoor lights that are connected to a structure's soffit, overhang, or ceiling, and plenty of businesses have them. You might have wondered why this is and whether your own business would benefit from some. In fact, there are solid reasons to get them.
Canopy lighting generally goes over entrances or gas pumps because both these areas are hazardous in the dark. Gas stations that are open before sunrise or after sunset will experience gasoline leaks and customers having other types of mishaps if there isn't sufficient light. For store entrances, many people will be in a hurry as they run into the store, and they can trip in their haste if they can't see where they are going.
Your employees will also be able to do their jobs safely with canopy lighting. They will be able to see where they are going when helping a customer or servicing a pump. This helps them avoid tripping, losing things, or knocking into a customer's car. This is why OSHA has minimum illumination requirements for refueling areas and exit areas.
People with bad intent would prefer to not have their faces recognized when committing crimes. They will avoid places that are covered by canopy lights because they know it will be easier for employees to spot them from inside the store and customers will see them approaching. Security cameras will be able to pick out troublemakers. Bright, well-maintained canopy lights also send a message to anyone thinking about doing something nefarious on your property: people care about this place. Others are more likely to protect it, and potential intruders won't want to risk it.
In some ways, the most powerful effect that lighting has is psychological. People associate deep shadows, flickering lights, and dimness with danger because they know they are at a disadvantage in the dark. Often, people will drive an extra block or two in the night to park somewhere that they feel safe. They will avoid businesses whose lights are dim, especially if they are dim in the areas that a canopy light traditionally covers.
Few things say "refined and luxurious" like brightly lit entrances. Even gas stations take on an air of modernity and efficient luxury when their canopy lights are in top form. You can also fiddle with where canopy lights go and what type of lights are used. Canopy lighting can come in recessed lighting fixtures, pendant lights, or surface mounted lights, and each has its own aesthetic appeal. This gives you the chance to make decorative choices that will express your brand.
The other part of the aesthetic appeal is how well the canopy lighting is maintained. If it is checked on a regular schedule for trouble with the lamps, fixtures, and ballasts, it will always look pretty. This makes your business look professional and well-equipped.
Lighting Services, Inc. has a lot of experience repairing and upgrading canopy lighting for all sorts of businesses. If your lighting could use some attention, contact us. We can help.