How bright does a car park have to be?
For multi-storey and underground car parks, DIN EN 12464-1 states typical maintained values:
| Area | Typical maintained value |
|---|---|
| Traffic routes | 75 lx |
| Parking areas | 75 lx |
| Entrances and exits during the day | 300 lx |
| Entrances and exits at night | 75 lx |
| Pay desks and pay machines | 300 lx |
The higher values at entrances and exits during the day help the eyes adjust when moving from bright daylight into the car park. In addition, the garage ordinances of the German states set requirements for lighting and – in larger car parks – for safety lighting. More on this in the guide Emergency lighting.
Garage regulations and emergency lighting
Besides DIN EN 12464-1, the garage regulations of the German states govern garage lighting. The details differ from state to state, but the principles are similar:
- General lighting in stages: It must be switchable so that a base light (often at least 1 lx) and an operating light (often at least 20 lx) are achieved – some states require more on escape routes.
- Safety lighting: Enclosed large garages generally need emergency lighting for escape routes that stays on during a mains failure.
- Safety signs: Exits and escape routes must remain recognisable during a power failure.
Which values apply to your garage depends on the state, size and construction – if in doubt, the fire protection designer or building authority will clarify. We design general and emergency lighting together: our Emergency lighting and our guide to Retrofitting emergency lighting show how.
Presence sensors: the biggest savings potential
A car park is rarely full, least of all at night. Presence or motion detectors dim areas without vehicles and pedestrians to a base level and raise the light as soon as someone arrives. The base light ensures that nobody has to drive or walk into a dark area.
- Sensors along the traffic routes so that the light comes up ahead of the vehicle
- Run-on times set so that pedestrians are accompanied to the exit
- Stairwells and entrances as their own zone
Which luminaires are suitable?
Moisture, condensation, exhaust fumes, road salt and the occasional knock call for rugged luminaires with a high protection rating and good impact resistance. Typical solutions:
- Weatherproof luminaires as complete fittings, for example the Series 98 with up to 179 lm/W
- LED modules for existing batten luminaires, for example the Series 08 T8 LED module – the fitting stays
- Retrofit kits for existing luminaires, for example Series 15
From practice: 2,830 luminaires kept in service
Im Furniture store car park 2,830 relatively new T8 fittings were installed. Instead of scrapping them, they were modernised with Series 08 LED modules and new drivers. The result: 68 % less lighting energy, less maintenance and a payback in 19 months.
ConsultationLet's talk about your project.Lighting calculation and quotation from the manufacturer.Retail car parks and underground garages
Furniture stores, shopping centres, retail parks and supermarkets often run large parking decks and underground garages with hundreds or thousands of luminaires. Cost-effectiveness is decided by three points: whether existing fittings can be reused, how far sensors may dim outside peak times and how much maintenance is eliminated. For tenders we supply data sheets, LDT photometric files and, on request, the lighting calculation.
For the areas in front – customer car park, access road, deliveries – see car park lighting and LED outdoor lighting.
Designing a feeling of safety
Besides illuminance, bright walls and ceilings, well-lit entrances, payment areas and signage all contribute to a feeling of safety. Dark corners and flickering luminaires have the opposite effect – one more reason to replace old fluorescent lamps.
Underground car parks in hotels, clinics and office buildings are also covered in the guides Hotels and hospitality and Commercial property.
Frequently asked questions
How many lux does an underground car park need?
DIN EN 12464-1 typically states 75 lx for traffic routes and parking areas and 300 lx for entrances and exits during the day. The garage ordinances of the German states may add further requirements.
Are motion detectors worthwhile in a car park?
Usually yes, because many areas are empty most of the time. Sensors then dim to a base level and raise the light when movement is detected.
Can I keep the existing car park luminaires?
Often yes. In a furniture store car park, 2,830 T8 fittings were modernised with Series 08 LED modules – with 68 % less lighting energy.
What lighting do garage regulations require?
The German state garage regulations usually require lighting switchable in stages – often at least 1 lx as base light and 20 lx in operation – and, in enclosed large garages, emergency lighting for escape routes. The details differ by state.
Does a car park need emergency lighting?
Under the garage ordinances of the German states, larger car parks generally require safety lighting. The exact requirements depend on size and construction.
