Let There Be Light in Your Office
Typically taken for granted, office lighting has a considerable influence on the concentration, efficiency, and output of employees. It also contributes to the safety of staff, clients, and visitors. In addition, improper lighting equipment may lead to violations of local or federal regulations and codes. The following article will discuss several key aspects of office lighting. Contact an experienced and licensed electrical contractor to get the best results for your project.
Importance of Office Lighting
An office that has poor lighting may reduce employee productivity. Businesses typically spend more than 80% percent of its operating budget on labor. In contrast, expenditure on lighting amounts to only 1%. The quality of office lighting can improve the bottom line as discussed below.
Brightness: Dim office lighting can reduce employee performance. Offices that are lit poorly can cause eye fatigue, decreasing productivity.
Color Temperature: White light has been found to raise employee output. In addition to greater productivity, workers feel more energy and their stress levels are lower as opposed to lighting with a warmer color temperature, such as yellow.
Natural Light: Research has found that using natural light can help increase employee performance. However, if it is not available, the desk areas should be made brighter than the surrounding areas to provide contrast and improve focus.
Occupancy / Vacancy Sensors
Promoting energy conservation, occupancy / vacancy sensors, also known as motion sensors, are light switching devices that provide the three functions below.
- Turn on lighting automatically when someone enters a space.
- Maintain lighting without interruption while a space remains occupied
- Turn off lighting automatically within a preset period of time after a space is vacated.
Occupancy / vacancy sensors feature a motion detector, electronic control unit, a switch, and power supply. Utilizing passive infrared, ultrasonic, or dual technology sensors, motion detectors sense the entrance and exit of people within a space, transmitting the data to the control unit that controls the activation and deactivation of lighting.
Spaces such as restrooms and conference rooms that have intermittent occupancy are good candidates for occupancy / vacancy sensors. In such areas, savings in energy costs for lighting of up to 90% can be realized if the motion sensors are properly wired, positioned, calibrated, and preset.
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.