Car Park Lighting: Lux, IP and Sensors in Indoor and Outdoor Car Parks
Short answer
In indoor car parks about 75 lx is targeted for parking areas and driving lanes, and 300 lx by day at entry and exit ramps. Luminaires of at least IP65 because of dust, humidity and washing, robust housings against vehicle impact, light dimmed to 10–30% by motion sensors when empty, and IP67 pole-mounted luminaires in open car parks are recommended.
The car park is one of the least considered areas of a building, yet one of those with the longest lighting hours. A well-lit car park lets drivers see lanes, columns and pedestrians easily and makes users feel safe. A poorly lit car park means both a risk of accidents and unnecessary energy consumption.
Typical illuminance values in indoor car parks
| Area | Illuminance (lx) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Parking areas | 75 | No dark corners at the foot of columns |
| Driving lanes | 75 | Even distribution along the lane |
| Entry/exit ramp (day) | 300 | For the eye to adapt from daylight |
| Entry/exit ramp (night) | 75 | Balanced with the outside |
| Ticket and payment points | 300 | Text and screens must be readable |
The values in the table are typical targets from EN 12464-1; in a project, the table in the current edition of the standard and the specific conditions of the space should be used.
Adaptation at entrances and exits
A driver entering a dark car park from a sunny street in daytime is almost blind for a few seconds. That is why the ramp and entrance are lit much more brightly than the interior, and the light is reduced gradually inwards. At night, conversely, the entrance is dimmed to balance with the darkness outside.
Choosing luminaires
- Protection rating: at least IP65 in indoor car parks because of dust, exhaust dirt, humidity and floor washing.
- Robust housing: impact-resistant (high IK rating) housings under low ceilings where tall vehicles may hit them.
- Optics: a wide, asymmetric distribution along the lane; luminaires are planned in the direction of the lanes together with the parking bays.
- Colour temperature: 4000K–5000K; colour rendering of Ra 80 is sufficient.
You can find the meaning of IP ratings in detail in our IP rating guide.
Savings with sensors
Most car parks are empty for most of the day. Instead of switching off completely when nobody is there, motion-sensor or DALI-controlled luminaires dim the light to a standby level such as 10–30% and go to full power when a vehicle is detected. This keeps the sense of safety and clearly reduces energy consumption. You can see the gain when replacing old fluorescent luminaires with our LED savings calculator.
Open car parks
Pole-mounted street luminaires are used in open car parks and on-site parking areas. Luminaires should be IP66–IP67 against rain and dust and direct their light onto the ground, not into the sky. Our ZAPATA street luminaires are rated IP67 and designed for such areas, with wattages from 25 W to 140 W.
Conclusion
Good car park lighting combines illuminance that meets the standard, a transition zone at the entrance that lets the eye adapt, robust luminaires with a high IP rating and smart control with sensors. If you would like a calculation of the number of luminaires and the layout for your car park, you can reach us through our lighting design and consultancy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lux should an indoor car park have?
According to EN 12464-1, the typical target for parking areas and driving lanes is 75 lx. At entry and exit ramps, 300 lx by day (so the eye can adapt from daylight) and 75 lx at night are recommended; 300 lx is targeted at ticket and payment points.
What IP rating should car park luminaires have?
In indoor car parks at least IP65 is recommended because of dust, humidity and floor washing. In open car parks, pole-mounted luminaires should be IP66–IP67 against rain and dust.
How much do sensors save in car park lighting?
Most car parks are empty for most of the day. When motion-sensor luminaires dim to 10–30% while nobody is there and go to full power when a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, energy consumption falls clearly compared with a system running at full power all the time; the ratio depends on usage.
Which colour temperature should a car park use?
Indoor car parks usually use neutral to cool white of 4000K–5000K for alertness and visibility; Ra 80 luminaires are sufficient for distinguishing colours.