Tired of dark corners and poor visibility in your parking areas? It’s unsafe, unprofessional, and bad for business. Wall mounted LED parking lot lights fix all of that—fast and affordably.
Wall mounted LED parking lot lights are fixed lighting units installed on the side of buildings or structures to illuminate parking spaces. Unlike pole-mounted lights, they don’t need extra infrastructure and are ideal for perimeter lighting. With high lumen output, low energy use, and long life, these commercial grade LED parking lot lights are the go-to for parking areas, warehouses, and commercial buildings.
Want to find the perfect lighting setup? Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Type of Lights Are Used in Parking Lots?
Parking lots require dependable lighting that stays bright, resists weather, and enhances safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Traditionally, metal halide and high-pressure sodium lights were used. While they worked, they consumed a lot of energy and required frequent maintenance.
Today, LED parking lot lights have taken over as the top choice. They deliver high brightness, use far less power, and can last over 50,000 hours without major upkeep. Plus, they offer better color clarity and instant startup with no warm-up time.
Common Types of Parking Lot Lights
- Pole-Mounted LED Shoebox Lights: These are the most widely used for large parking lots. They provide uniform coverage from elevated poles and come in various wattages and beam angles to suit different layouts.
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Wall Mounted LED Parking Lot Lights: Ideal for lighting the perimeter of a lot or the sides of commercial buildings. They’re compact, efficient, and add an extra layer of security to building entrances and walkways.
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LED Floodlights: Used for broader, more directional lighting. Floodlights are great when you need to cover wide areas or highlight specific zones.
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Area Lights with Adjustable Optics: These are more advanced fixtures that allow you to adjust the beam angle and spread, perfect for irregular lot shapes or areas with specific lighting requirements.
Retrofit Solutions
If you already have old fixtures in place, LED retrofit kits are a smart option. These kits let you upgrade existing poles or wall packs with new LED technology without replacing the whole fixture. This makes the transition faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
From large commercial lots to small business parking areas, LED lighting provides a safe, efficient, and modern solution for outdoor illumination.
Benefits of LED Wall Mounted Lights
Wall mounted LED parking lot lights are a smart and efficient choice, especially when pole installations aren’t practical. Whether you’re lighting up the perimeter of a commercial building, a loading dock, or an alley, these fixtures offer several big advantages.
1. Energy Savings
LED technology uses far less electricity than traditional HID or fluorescent fixtures. You can save up to 70% on your lighting bill, which adds up quickly for large or multi-building properties.
2. Durability
Most LED wall packs come with an IP65 or higher rating, which means they’re sealed against rain, dust, and heat. That makes them a reliable solution for outdoor environments where weather conditions change often.
3. Low Maintenance
With lifespans reaching over 50,000 hours, these lights require very little upkeep. No more frequent bulb changes or maintenance calls—just install and forget for years.
4. Easy Installation
Wall mounted fixtures are simple to install. You don’t need to dig for poles or run underground cables. Just mount them directly onto the wall, power them up, and you’re good to go.
5. Better Visibility
These lights typically offer high CRI (Color Rendering Index) and wide beam angles. That means better visibility and safer spaces for drivers and pedestrians. Plus, the light looks cleaner and more professional than older systems.
For added convenience, choose models with built-in photocells. These automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, so you don’t have to think about it. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution for consistent, efficient outdoor lighting.
What Are the Mount Options for Wall Mounted LED Parking Lot Lights?
Wall mounted LED lights are known for their flexibility—not just in performance, but also in how they can be installed. Choosing the right mounting method ensures the light is placed at the correct angle, height, and distance from the wall for maximum coverage and effectiveness. Here are the most common mount options:
Direct Wall Mount
This is the simplest and most straightforward method. The fixture is installed flush against the wall using mounting screws or bolts. It’s quick, reliable, and perfect for standard building exteriors, loading docks, and doorways.
Swivel Arm Mount
Swivel arm mounts allow you to adjust the direction of the light. You can tilt or pivot the fixture to aim it precisely where it’s needed—great for lighting walkways, signage, or angled parking spaces. This mount is especially helpful when you want more control over beam direction.
J-Box Mount
Designed to attach directly to a junction box, the J-Box mount keeps the setup compact and clean. It’s often used for smaller wall-mounted fixtures or when the wiring is already in place. This is a go-to choice for retrofitting older buildings with minimal structural modification.
Bracket Mount
This setup includes a bracket that extends the fixture outward from the wall. It’s ideal when you need to clear overhangs or direct light away from the building facade. It also works well for applications requiring wider coverage or higher mounting points without pole installations.
Each mounting option has its strengths depending on your layout and lighting goals. Whether you’re illuminating a perimeter path, loading area, or exterior wall, there’s a mount that fits both the fixture and the space.
How Many Lumens Are Needed for a Parking Lot?
The number of lumens needed for a parking lot depends on how the space is used and how secure it needs to be. Different areas require different brightness levels to ensure visibility, safety, and energy efficiency. Here’s a general guide:
Lumens per Square Foot:
- Low-Use Areas (overflow lots, back sections): 10–20 lumens per square foot. These areas don’t need intense lighting but should still offer basic visibility for occasional traffic or maintenance access.
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High-Traffic or Secure Zones (main entrances, commercial lots, security-sensitive areas): 30–50 lumens per square foot. These zones need brighter, more uniform lighting to prevent shadows and improve surveillance.
Fixture Output:
Wall mounted LED parking lot lights vary widely in output:
– Entry-level fixtures: 6,000–10,000 lumens
– Mid-range options: 10,000–18,000 lumens
– High-performance units: 20,000–25,000 lumens
Whether you’re illuminating a small business lot or a large industrial complex, calculating total lumens based on square footage and use case is key to getting the right coverage without over- or under-lighting the space.
What Height Do You Mount LED Wall Mounted Parking Lot Lights?
The mounting height of LED wall mounted parking lot lights plays a major role in how well the area is lit. Mounting too low can create overly bright spots and harsh shadows. Mounting too high may spread the light too thin. The goal is balanced, even coverage that matches the use of the space.
Common Mounting Heights:
- 12 to 15 Feet: Best for smaller spaces like pedestrian walkways, building entrances, or compact parking areas. At this height, the light provides strong localized illumination—ideal for safety and visibility close to the building.
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16 to 20 Feet: Ideal for general parking areas, drive lanes, or mid-sized commercial lots. Higher mounting allows the beam to spread over a larger area, providing more uniform lighting with fewer dark spots.
What to Consider:
- Beam angle of the fixture (narrow beams focus light; wide beams spread it).
- Wattage and lumen output (higher mounts typically need more powerful lights).
- Wall placement and any overhangs or obstructions.
Choosing the right mounting height helps ensure both energy efficiency and effective lighting. Proper placement also reduces glare and improves overall safety for drivers and pedestrians.
What Is the Best Lighting for Car Parking?
The best lighting for car parking should provide clear visibility, enhance safety, and minimize energy use. That’s why LEDs are the top choice today. But not just any LED fixture will do—you’ll want one designed specifically for outdoor and commercial parking applications.
Key Features to Look For:
- High Lumen per Watt (150+):
This ensures you’re getting maximum brightness with minimal energy consumption. A high efficacy rating means fewer fixtures needed and lower utility bills. -
Color Temperature (4000K–5000K):
Neutral white light in this range improves visibility without creating harsh glare. It helps drivers see clearly and accurately judge distances and obstacles. -
Photocell or Motion Sensor Options:
Lights with built-in dusk-to-dawn sensors turn on and off automatically, saving energy. Motion sensors are great for areas with less frequent traffic—lighting up only when needed. -
IP65 or Higher:
Outdoor fixtures should be weather-resistant. An IP65 rating means the light is dust-tight and protected from water jets—ideal for rain, snow, and outdoor grime. -
DLC or CE Certification:
These certifications indicate the light meets high safety and performance standards. They’re often required for utility rebates and ensure long-term reliability.
Choosing lights with these specs ensures your car parking area stays well-lit, energy-efficient, and safe year-round—whether it’s a shopping center, office building, or industrial lot.
How Many Lights Does a Parking Lot Need?
The number of lights needed for a parking lot depends on several factors. It’s not just about throwing up as many fixtures as possible—it’s about creating safe, uniform lighting without overdoing it or wasting energy.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Total Area: Larger lots need more fixtures, but strategic placement can reduce the number required.
- Mounting Height: Higher-mounted fixtures cover more ground but may need higher lumen output for effective brightness.
- Desired Brightness (Lux Level): General areas may only need 10–20 lux, while high-traffic or secure zones need 30–50 lux.
- Layout Design: Whether you’re using single row, double row, or perimeter-only lighting impacts how many fixtures are needed and where they go.
General Guidelines:
- Small Lot (20 cars): Typically 4 to 6 wall-mounted or pole-mounted LED fixtures.
- Mid-Size Lot (50 cars): Around 10 or more fixtures, especially if using only wall-mounted lighting without poles.
The more uniform the light distribution, the fewer shadows and dark spots you’ll get—making the lot safer and easier to navigate. Using high-efficacy LEDs with proper beam angles also reduces the total number of fixtures needed.
For accurate planning, it’s always best to base the design on a photometric study that factors in beam spread, mounting height, and spacing. That way, you get the right balance of light coverage and efficiency.
Summary
Wall mounted LED parking lot lights are a smart, cost-effective way to light up your commercial spaces. They’re durable, bright, energy-efficient, and easy to install—especially for buildings that don’t want the hassle of installing poles.
Need help selecting or customizing your lighting system? Contact us directly and we’ll help you design the perfect parking lot lighting solution!