Commercial lighting, industrial lighting and residential lighting are all designed with specific purposes in mind. Residential lighting typically has the least stringent requirements, as they only need to illuminate relatively small spaces. By contrast, industrial lighting is the most intense and hardest working of the three, as it is responsible for illuminating often massive spaces in challenging environments, both indoors and outdoors.
Still, when it comes to putting one type of lighting above another, the question remains of whether commercial lighting is better than residential. The short answer is yes, but the reasons for this are not as apparent as they may seem. Continue reading down below to learn more about why commercial lighting often outperforms residential.
Quality of Materials
The biggest and most obvious reason for the disparity between residential and commercial lighting is the quality of the materials. The drivers, heat sinks, LED chips and lenses used in commercial lighting are of a superior quality. This is so that they can handle more complex functions and greater energy, as they often have to be more powerful than their residential counterparts.
A good example of this is a restaurant setting. Starting outside the building, restaurants have to have some amount of exterior lighting to illuminate their restaurant and attract customers. In the kitchen portion of the building, commercial lighting helps ensure cooks, dishwashers, delivery personnel and front-of-house staff can see clearly and perform their duties with little issue. The coolers and freezers used in these businesses must also have explosion-proof lighting that can withstand colder temperatures, in spite of often being on timers to conserve power.
The differences between residential and commercial lighting become even more pronounced in the dining area of this restaurant. The bar must have mood lighting that conveys a certain tone but also casts enough light to see those around you. Emergency lighting, table lighting and general lighting also all play their own role in creating a sensory lighting experience. All of this lighting must be managed and controlled through a more robust lighting and electrical system as well.
Length and Type of Warranty
The warranty for commercial lighting products is also often superior to residential lighting. As they are more durable and have a longer lifespan, most commercial products will specify a total length of time in their warranty. By contrast, residential products will specify a certain number of hours per day for a length of time, significantly reducing the warranty period.
The Difference Between Products from the Same Manufacturer
You will often see commercial and residential lighting products that look the same or bear the same name. Don’t be fooled into thinking that these are identical products, however. Usually, they abide by the same differences described above, with the commercial version having a more durable and longer-lasting construction than the residential equivalent.
These differences are substantial, and it is always in your best interest to use the right product for the right application. This will help you reduce costs and ensure the optimal outcome of your installation. Choosing the right lighting can make all the difference!
