As sunlight doesn't usually cut it, lighting has become an important part of industrial operations. Without it, productivity goes out the window. Thus, engineers must always keep them in good shape.
But there's a hiccup around this. Maintenance in an industrial setting isn’t as easy as changing a light bulb in your living room. The high ceilings, usage of uncommon fixtures, and tricky placements make everything more complicated but not impossible.
Depending on the facility, a specific piece of equipment may be needed. Would you need a simple ladder or a reliable boom lift to get the job done? Listed below are the best ones we've found.
Work Platforms and Lifts
Climbing on rickety ladders isn’t the way to go when dealing with high warehouse ceilings. You need stable equipment that lets you reach fixtures safely.
- Use scissor lifts to work on lights in wide-open areas. They go straight up and provide a stable work surface.
- Articulating lifts have extendable arms that move around obstacles. They are perfect when dealing with fixtures in hard-to-reach spots.
- Rolling ladders may look simple, but they offer mobility and stability. They are used to reach lower ceilings.
- Boom lifts are used in extremely high places and areas that are usually positioned over racks. A boom lift gives the extra height and flexibility needed to get the job done.
LED Retrofit Kits
Is your warehouse still using old-school fluorescent lights? It may be time for an upgrade to LED.
LED retrofit kits help swap out outdated bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs without replacing the entire fixture.
Why switch to LED?
- They use less power, cutting down on electricity costs.
- They last longer, meaning fewer replacements.
- They provide better, more consistent lighting.
- LED upgrades can be done fixture by fixture or in bulk if the entire warehouse needs a lighting refresh.
Voltage Testers and Circuit Finders
Engineering officers use voltage testers when working with electrical fixtures. These testers guarantee that the power is off, which is a safety step before swapping out a light.
Non-contact voltage testers let you check for live wires without touching them. On the other hand, circuit finders identify which breaker controls which fixture.
These tools help prevent unnecessary shocks and save time by avoiding guesswork with circuit breakers.
Pole Light Changers
For warehouses with moderate ceiling heights, a pole light changer can make replacing bulbs a lot easier. This extendable tool has a suction cup or clamp at the end to grab and twist out bulbs.
This works best for:
- High bay lights that don’t need a full lift setup.
- Quick replacements without shutting down an area.
- It won’t work for full fixture replacements, but for simple bulb swaps, it saves time.
Industrial-Grade Hand Tools
Even with lifts and specialty tools, basic hand tools are still necessary for fixture maintenance. Keep a set of:
- Adjustable wrenches for tightening bolts and brackets.
- Wire cutters and strippers are used to handle wiring during replacements.
- Cordless drills for mounting and removing fixtures quickly.
- Flashlights or headlamps for working in dim areas.
- Having these on hand makes installation and maintenance much smoother.
Safety Gear
Working on warehouse lighting means dealing with a lot of dangerous elements. Hence, providing employees with safety gear is a must. Some of these items are:
- Hard hats
- Insulated gloves with good grip
- Safety glasses
- Harnesses
Smart Lighting Controls
The next step after installation is management. Modern smart lighting systems have the following functions and benefits:
- Motion sensors automatically switch off lights in unused areas.
- Industrial systems also have dimmable controls that adjust brightness based on the time of day.
- Wireless switches let you control multiple zones without running extra wiring.
Smart lighting isn’t just convenient. It helps cut down on wasted electricity and extends the life of bulbs.
Good lighting introduces a lot of benefits to a workplace. For a warehouse, it keeps everyone productive, safe, and more energy-efficient. Maintenance and upgrades would be easy with the right tools.
