Wall Packs & Lights

Wall packs and wall lights are outdoor lighting fixtures that mount flush on exterior walls to uniformly illuminate building features, increase visibility for pedestrians, and help deter crime. Some wall pack lights have photocells or motion sensors that automatically turn on the lights at night or .....Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

What are wall pack lights used for?

Wall pack lights are outdoor lighting fixtures typically mounted on the exterior walls of buildings. They are primarily used for security, safety, and general illumination purposes. These lights are commonly found in commercial, industrial, and institutional settings, such as warehouses, factories, schools, and office buildings. 1. **Security**: Wall pack lights provide bright illumination that helps deter criminal activities by eliminating dark areas where intruders might hide. They enhance the visibility of security cameras and make it easier for security personnel to monitor premises. 2. **Safety**: By illuminating pathways, parking lots, and building perimeters, wall pack lights help prevent accidents and injuries. They ensure that employees, customers, and visitors can safely navigate around the property after dark. 3. **General Illumination**: These lights enhance the overall visibility of a building's exterior, making it more inviting and accessible. They can highlight architectural features and improve the aesthetic appeal of a property. 4. **Energy Efficiency**: Modern wall pack lights often use LED technology, which is energy-efficient and has a long lifespan. This reduces maintenance costs and energy consumption compared to traditional lighting options. 5. **Durability**: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, wall pack lights are typically made from robust materials like aluminum or polycarbonate. They are resistant to vandalism and environmental factors, ensuring reliable performance over time. 6. **Versatility**: Available in various styles, sizes, and wattages, wall pack lights can be tailored to meet specific lighting needs. They can be equipped with features like motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn sensors, and adjustable heads for customized lighting solutions. Overall, wall pack lights are essential for enhancing the security, safety, and functionality of outdoor spaces, making them a vital component of exterior lighting systems.

How do wall pack lights with photocells or motion sensors work?

Wall pack lights with photocells or motion sensors are designed to enhance energy efficiency and convenience by automating lighting based on environmental conditions or movement. Photocells are light-sensitive sensors that detect ambient light levels. They are typically used to turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn. The photocell contains a semiconductor that changes its electrical resistance based on the amount of light it receives. When it gets dark, the resistance decreases, allowing current to flow and the light to turn on. Conversely, when it becomes light, the resistance increases, cutting off the current and turning the light off. Motion sensors, on the other hand, detect movement within a specific range. They use technologies such as passive infrared (PIR), microwave, or ultrasonic sensors. PIR sensors detect the infrared radiation emitted by moving objects, such as humans or animals. When motion is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the light to turn on. After a preset period of no motion detection, the light automatically turns off, conserving energy. Some wall pack lights combine both photocells and motion sensors for optimal performance. In such systems, the photocell ensures the light only operates during low-light conditions, while the motion sensor activates the light when movement is detected. This dual functionality maximizes energy savings by ensuring the light is only on when necessary. These systems are particularly useful for outdoor lighting applications, such as in parking lots, building perimeters, and pathways, providing security and visibility while minimizing energy consumption.

What are the benefits of LED wall pack lights compared to other types?

LED wall pack lights offer several benefits over other types of lighting: 1. **Energy Efficiency**: LED wall packs consume significantly less energy than traditional lighting options like metal halide or high-pressure sodium lights, leading to reduced electricity bills. 2. **Long Lifespan**: LEDs have a longer operational life, often exceeding 50,000 hours, which reduces the frequency and cost of replacements. 3. **Durability**: LED lights are more robust and resistant to shock, vibrations, and external impacts, making them suitable for outdoor environments. 4. **Low Maintenance**: Due to their long lifespan and durability, LED wall packs require less maintenance, saving time and costs associated with frequent bulb replacements. 5. **Better Light Quality**: LEDs provide bright, clear, and consistent lighting with high color rendering index (CRI), improving visibility and safety. 6. **Instant On/Off**: Unlike some traditional lights, LEDs turn on instantly without any warm-up time, providing immediate illumination. 7. **Environmentally Friendly**: LEDs contain no hazardous materials like mercury and are fully recyclable, reducing environmental impact. 8. **Design Flexibility**: LED wall packs come in various designs and sizes, offering flexibility in aesthetics and functionality to suit different architectural styles. 9. **Directional Lighting**: LEDs emit light in specific directions, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers and minimizing light pollution. 10. **Cost-Effectiveness**: Although the initial cost may be higher, the energy savings, reduced maintenance, and longer lifespan make LEDs more cost-effective in the long run. 11. **Temperature Tolerance**: LEDs perform well in a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for both hot and cold climates. 12. **Dimming Capabilities**: Many LED wall packs offer dimming options, allowing for customizable lighting levels and further energy savings.

How do you choose the right wall pack light for a specific location?

To choose the right wall pack light for a specific location, consider the following factors: 1. **Purpose and Functionality**: Determine the primary purpose, such as security, accent lighting, or general illumination. This will guide the brightness and type of light needed. 2. **Brightness and Lumens**: Assess the area size and required brightness. Lumens measure light output; larger areas need higher lumens. For example, small areas might need 1,000-2,000 lumens, while larger spaces may require 3,000-10,000 lumens. 3. **Color Temperature**: Choose the appropriate color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). Warmer tones (2,700K-3,000K) are suitable for residential areas, while cooler tones (4,000K-5,000K) are ideal for commercial or security purposes. 4. **Energy Efficiency**: Opt for LED wall packs for energy efficiency and longevity. They consume less power and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting. 5. **Mounting Height and Angle**: Consider the mounting height and angle to ensure optimal light distribution. Higher mounting requires more powerful lights to cover the area effectively. 6. **Durability and Weather Resistance**: Ensure the wall pack is weather-resistant, especially for outdoor use. Look for IP ratings indicating protection against dust and water. 7. **Design and Aesthetics**: Choose a design that complements the building’s architecture. Options range from traditional to modern styles. 8. **Compliance and Regulations**: Ensure the lighting complies with local regulations and standards, such as dark sky compliance to minimize light pollution. 9. **Budget**: Balance cost with quality and features. While initial costs may be higher for LEDs, they offer savings in energy and maintenance over time. 10. **Installation and Maintenance**: Consider ease of installation and maintenance. Some models offer features like dusk-to-dawn sensors or motion detectors for added convenience.

What is the difference between full-size and compact wall packs?

Full-size and compact wall packs are both types of outdoor lighting fixtures used to illuminate building exteriors, but they differ in several key aspects: 1. **Size and Design**: Full-size wall packs are larger and more robust, designed to provide widespread illumination over large areas. They often have a traditional, boxy design. Compact wall packs, on the other hand, are smaller and more streamlined, making them suitable for areas where space is limited or where a less obtrusive fixture is desired. 2. **Light Output**: Full-size wall packs typically offer higher light output, making them ideal for illuminating large spaces such as parking lots, building perimeters, and loading docks. Compact wall packs provide lower light output, suitable for smaller areas like walkways, entrances, or residential settings. 3. **Installation and Placement**: Due to their size, full-size wall packs may require more substantial mounting surfaces and are often installed higher up on walls to maximize their coverage. Compact wall packs are easier to install in tighter spaces and can be placed at lower heights without being intrusive. 4. **Energy Consumption**: Full-size wall packs generally consume more energy due to their higher light output. However, advancements in LED technology have made both types more energy-efficient. Compact wall packs, with their lower output, naturally consume less energy. 5. **Applications**: Full-size wall packs are suited for commercial and industrial applications where high-intensity lighting is necessary. Compact wall packs are more versatile, fitting both commercial and residential applications where moderate lighting is sufficient. 6. **Cost**: Full-size wall packs are usually more expensive due to their size and higher output capabilities. Compact wall packs are often more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for smaller projects or residential use.

How do anti-glare wall pack fixtures reduce light pollution?

Anti-glare wall pack fixtures reduce light pollution by incorporating design elements that minimize the amount of light that escapes into the sky or spills into unwanted areas. These fixtures typically use shields, reflectors, and precise optics to direct light downward and focus it on specific areas, such as walkways or building perimeters. By controlling the direction and spread of light, they prevent excessive brightness and glare, which can contribute to skyglow—a key component of light pollution. The use of full-cutoff or fully shielded designs ensures that light is emitted only below the horizontal plane, reducing the amount of light that escapes upwards and sideways. This targeted illumination not only enhances visibility and safety but also minimizes the impact on nocturnal wildlife and preserves the natural night environment. Additionally, anti-glare wall pack fixtures often incorporate energy-efficient LED technology, which allows for better control over light intensity and color temperature. LEDs can be dimmed or adjusted to emit warmer light, further reducing the potential for light pollution and its adverse effects on human circadian rhythms and ecosystems. By focusing light where it is needed and eliminating unnecessary spillover, anti-glare wall pack fixtures contribute to a reduction in overall light pollution, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to outdoor lighting.

What are the installation requirements for wall pack lights?

To install wall pack lights, you need to consider several requirements: 1. **Electrical Supply**: Ensure the availability of an appropriate electrical supply, typically 120V to 277V, depending on the light specifications. Verify that the circuit can handle the additional load. 2. **Mounting Surface**: The wall or surface where the light will be mounted should be sturdy enough to support the fixture's weight. It should be flat and stable to ensure proper alignment and secure installation. 3. **Weatherproofing**: If installing outdoors, ensure the fixture is rated for outdoor use and has adequate weatherproofing to withstand environmental conditions. Use weatherproof junction boxes and sealants to prevent water ingress. 4. **Height and Positioning**: Determine the optimal height and positioning for effective illumination. Typically, wall pack lights are installed 6 to 12 feet above the ground, depending on the area to be illuminated. 5. **Wiring and Conduit**: Use appropriate gauge wiring and conduit for the electrical connections. Ensure all wiring complies with local electrical codes and standards. Use wire nuts and connectors rated for outdoor use if applicable. 6. **Mounting Hardware**: Use the correct mounting hardware provided with the fixture or recommended by the manufacturer. This may include brackets, screws, and anchors suitable for the wall material. 7. **Tools and Safety Equipment**: Have the necessary tools such as a drill, screwdriver, wire stripper, and voltage tester. Use safety equipment like gloves and goggles to protect against electrical hazards and debris. 8. **Compliance and Permits**: Check local building codes and regulations. Obtain any necessary permits and ensure the installation complies with local electrical and safety standards. 9. **Testing and Adjustment**: After installation, test the light to ensure it functions correctly. Adjust the angle and direction as needed for optimal coverage. 10. **Professional Installation**: Consider hiring a licensed electrician if you are not experienced with electrical installations to ensure safety and compliance.