Overhead Cranes: How They Can Increase Your Warehouse’s Efficiency

Posted on: 27 January 2016

If you have a large warehouse to store all of your manufactured products, then you likely have a system to both store and organize items in the building. However, if you do not have enough light in the facility, then it may be extremely difficult to find what you need in a timely manner. If this is the case, then it is time to invest in a proper lighting system for the warehouse. An electrical construction contractor can work with you to plan, wire, and install the system. If you decide that lighting is needed, then keep reading to learn about some important things to add to your lighting plan.

Choose Efficient And Bright Lighting

Most of your warehouse lights will likely need to be installed on the top ceiling of the building. This may mean that the light needs to travel downward 30 or 40 feet to illuminate the entire building. To light the area properly, you will need to choose the brightest lights possible. However, you do not want to spend a fortune on electricity, so the lights also need to be efficient. There are two types of lights that are both bright and efficient. High-intensity discharge (HID) lighting and LED lights. HID lights work by allowing light to move across two electrodes that sit on either end of the light. In between the electrodes, there is a small enclosed chamber where mercury, sodium, or halide gas sits in order to conduct the electricity and produce light. The lights work in a similar manner as fluorescent lights and they are best used if you intend on keeping lights on in the warehouse for an extended period of time.

If you want bright lights that will come on immediately, then LED varieties are best. LED lights use diodes to conduct electricity and they produce directional light. This means that a light bulb or a lighting fixture with LEDs should contain many different diodes to produce light in a variety of directions. Look for light fixtures that have three or more LED bulbs or a series of grouped diodes across a central fixture. Also, it may be best to invest in metal fixtures that help to reflect light in many directions.

Pick Out A Motion-Sensing or Remote Monitoring System

If workers move in and out of your warehouse all day and you decide to add HID lights to the area, then it is probably in your best interest to have your electrical construction professional set up a timer so the lights turn on in the morning and go off in the evening. The best system is one that is digital and contains a keypad and code so only you can access the timer and the lighting system. Also, speak with your contractor about smart systems that can alert you through your smartphone or tablet if lights are activated outside of business hours. The remote monitoring system can also allow you to activate lights or turn them off from home if you desire. 

If you are adding LEDs or other types of lights that turn on quickly in the warehouse or if workers do not enter the warehouse much throughout the day, then a motion sensing system will work best. For the best results, opt for a sensor near the front of the warehouse door that activates lights for a set period of time. A sound activated system with a microphone that detects footsteps and turns on lights is a good choice too. This system can be set to keep lights on for a set period, or sensors can continuously monitor sound and turn off the lights when it detects a quiet warehouse environment for several minutes. 

For more information and advice, consider contacting a professional like those at Albarell Electric Inc.