Access Fixtures was recently approached by a client seeking to light the pathway and patio outside of an assisted living facility. The customer wanted to make sure the lighting would be energy-efficient and was interested in our selection of LED bollards. However, the fact that they were lighting an assisted living facility raised a concern: Would the bollards be too tall and cause eye-level glare for the residents in wheelchairs?
LED Bollards for Path and Patio Lighting Outside Assisted Living Facility in CA
The assisted living facility, located in California, was looking for affordable pathway lighting and patio lighting for
A 15w LED Round Dome Bollard offers pathway illumination without eye-level glare
the property. They were interested in LED bollards as the most energy-efficient option. A 15w LED bollard uses 87% less energy than an equivalent 100w PSMH bollard light, which makes for a significant savings on the utility bill. LEDs also have a rated operating life of 100,000 hours, virtually eliminating maintenance costs.
Though they use significantly fewer watts than traditional fixtures, LED bollards make no sacrifices in lumen output. PSMH fixtures have rapid lumen depreciation, meaning they produce less illumination in exchange for much more wattage. In fact, a common criticism of LED lighting in general is that they can be a little too bright.
Concern for Bollard Lights and Eye-Level Glare for Wheelchair Users
The brightness of the LED bollards was certainly a concern. The facility proprietors wanted to provide a safe level of lighting for the pathway and patio without blinding any of their disabled residents. They were worried the light from the bollards would shine horizontally outward, directly into the eyes of anyone low enough to the ground (i.e., someone in a wheelchair).
Access Fixtures’ Merchandising Manager, Jason, goes the extra mile to make sure the 15w Round Dome Bollards will provide safe pathway lighting with no discomfort to residents
Handicap-Friendly LED Bollards Are Dark-Sky Compliant
Our lighting specialist was able to ensure the LED bollards for the path and patio lighting outside the assisted living facility would not be a problem for the residents in wheelchairs. The customer was advised to choose 12w round dome top LED bollards with a specialized aluminum cone that directs the light downward. The cone will not only protect the residents from light shining in their eyes; it will also make the LED bollards dark-sky compliant.
Are you looking for an affordable LED pathway or patio lighting option? Call an Access Fixtures specialist today!