Parking Lot & Area Lighting

LED Parking Lot & Area Lighting

Parking lot lighting sits at the intersection of two competing priorities: enough light for safety and after-dark visibility, without spilling glare into neighbouring properties or the street. This collection covers LED shoebox and area lights from 100W to 500W, engineered specifically to control where the light goes.

How to Choose: T3 vs T4 Optics

Optic type matters more than wattage for parking lot lighting. T3 (Type III) distribution throws light forward and to the sides — the standard choice for perimeter poles along the edge of a lot. T4 (Type IV) throws a wider, more forward-focused beam better suited to poles positioned toward the centre of a large lot. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of dark spots or excessive light trespass onto neighbouring property.

Certifications & Code Compliance

All fixtures are DLC listed, rated 120-347V universal voltage, and IP65-rated for outdoor exposure. Many municipalities in Alberta reference IES recommended footcandle levels for parking facilities in their site development permits — we can help you cross-reference wattage and pole spacing against local requirements.

Common Applications

• Retail and shopping centre parking lots
• Multi-family and apartment complex parking
• Drive-through lanes and commercial site perimeters
• Auto dealership lots (higher footcandle targets typically apply)

FAQ

How far apart should parking lot light poles be spaced? A common rule of thumb is 3-4x the mounting height, though this varies with wattage and optic — a 25ft pole with a 150W T3 fixture is typically spaced 75-100ft apart for even coverage.

Do I need dark-sky compliant fixtures? Some Alberta municipalities have light-pollution bylaws requiring full-cutoff optics. Check our Security & Exterior Building Lighting collection for dark-sky wall pack options, or ask us about full-cutoff area lights.

For pole-mounted lighting on roadways rather than private lots, see our Roadway & Street Lighting collection. Pole-mount hardware (U-brackets, slip fitters, trunnions) is available separately for retrofit projects.