External Security Lighting
Data Centres need to be very secure for two reasons:
- The information stored within them needs to be protected, and nothing should be allowed to disrupt the service – uninterrupted access to data is needed at all times.
- Data Centres house very expensive computer equipment.
Light pollution is a common issue for industrial premises, so the external luminaires must be carefully selected to limit spill lighting and upward light.
Good external lighting is a deterrent against break-in and is an essential tool for security personnel when they undertake patrol duties. However, an overly lit building can be counterproductive as it advertises its presence to all passers-by.
Many Thorlux external luminaires use lenses fitted to individual LEDs to maximise efficiency and optimise light distribution, which often reduces the number of luminaires needed.
Illumination Levels
Extract from CIBSE: SLL Lighting Handbook 2018
| Application | Maintained illuminance (lux) |
|---|---|
| Building Facades | 5 lux minimum maintained illuminance, uniformity 0.1 (min/average), measured on the building facade. |
| Fences | 5 lux minimum maintained illuminance, uniformity 0.1 (min/average), measured on the ground either side of the fence. |
| Entrances/Gatehouses | 100 lux, measured at ground level. Vertical Illuminance of 25 lux is recommended at the level of the vehicle driver |
| * Many users have their own specifications | |
CCTV
Guidance from the CCTV supplier should be taken to ensure adequate vertical illumination for facial recognition, especially near to entrance doors.
Modern cameras with on-board infra-red can cope with very low light levels, but often struggle with large variations in luminance. Careful luminaire placement is needed to provide even uniformity whilst ensuring luminaires are not installed close to or within the camera’s field of view.
External Lighting Management
SmartScan External can be used to provide a solution to difficult locations. The system offers:
- Automatic control based on presence detection.
- Time control to turn luminaires on, off or to enable/disable presence detector control.
- Adjustable light sensor switching to ensure luminaires are only on after dark.
- Status monitoring to alert maintenance managers when issues arise.
Finally, it is based on wireless technology so signal cables are not needed, reducing the installation complexity and saving time and money. This makes it ideal for retrofit and refurbishment projects as well as new build.
Find out moreEmergency Lighting
BS 5266-1 recommends emergency lighting be provided outside a building from the emergency exits to a place of safety. As Data Centres are usually manned during the night, a Risk Assessment should determine where external emergency lighting is required.
Emergency lighting may be needed at external muster points. The route to these locations is classified as an external escape route, so 1 lux at ground level is the recommended illumination level.
