LightingUniverseShop Smart - Save Money® on lighting fixtures
Sat-Sun 5am-8pm PST
Wall Packs Buyer's Guide
A Practical Outdoor Choice
Wall packs are the most commonly used outdoor commercial flood lights on the market today, and are frequently found around the perimeters of commercial centers and industrial buildings. Some models are even suitable for outdoor residential lighting. They are popular for their easy installation and all-in-one design consisting of a cast aluminum housing, ballast compartment, lap, and power cables. They typically include both back and side knockouts for easy mounting to a junction box or other power conduit. Although they are not necessarily the most aesthetically stylish fixtures, wall packs are highly efficient and reliable, and they require far less maintenance than standard commercial spot lighting. Their high light output makes them an ideal choice for both security and safety lighting requirements.
Installation and Regulations
Because wall packs are designed to produce a high output of light, it is important to install them correctly to avoid unwanted uplight and glare.
- Wall packs are typically mounted 12 to 18 feet above the ground.
- It is best to allow 24 to 36 feet between units for maximum consistency of the light field while still keeping glare at a minimum.
- Always consult local building officials to determine any specific lighting guidelines that must be met.
States such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado require by law that wall pack models utilize zero site line specifications. A number of models also comply with Dark Sky regulations, using forward throw optics to ensure that the majority of light is directed downwards. It is best to avoid low quality wall packs, as they can potentially violate local or state ordinance codes for light pollution.
Lamping Choices
Lamping is another important consideration when selecting the right wall pack model. The standard bulb for wall packs is a 175 watt metal halide bulb, although the available lamping spectrum ranges from 30 watt compact fluorescent bulbs to 400 watt high pressure sodium bulbs.
- Wall packs utilizing high pressure sodium bulbs produce high output, gold-white light, best suited for commercial buildings and parking structures.
- Metal halide wall packs produce strong white light which can aid contrast in video cameras and allow more detail to be seen. Wall packs that utilize metal halide lamps are normally the best option for security lighting needs.
- Compact fluorescent models also offer a high light output, but it is usually softer and less overpowering than other lamp types. They may not always be the ideal choice for areas where a great deal of light is desired, but they are well suited for lighting the perimeters of homes and apartment buildings. In addition, they are very energy efficient, and can significantly lower energy costs.
Keep in mind that wall packs usually offer little light control when compared to other forms of lighting, but aside from this limitation, they are an excellent choice for outdoor lighting that combines simplicity with efficiency and economy.
Want to learn more? Click Here to read related articles.