Choosing the right LED sports lighting is key to transforming your athletic facilities. It's not just about brightening the area; it's about enhancing performance, safety, and savings. 

Wisely selected LED lighting can bring the best out of athletes, allowing spectators to enjoy every thrilling minute. Whether you're replacing an old system or outfitting a new facility, it's vital to understand what makes the prime LED sports lighting.

Let's guide you to get started on the path to a well-lit sports facility from planning to installation.

1) What is LED Sports Lighting

LED lighting has revolutionized the way we light up our sports facilities. But what exactly is LED lighting and why is it the perfect choice for sports facilities? Well, LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. These lighting fixtures use semiconductor technology to produce light more efficiently than traditional lighting options.

LED sports lighting comes with a host of benefits. They are energy-efficient, save you money on your electric bill, and provide improved illumination. This means your players can perform at their best, and your spectators can enjoy every moment of the game with optimum brightness and reduced glare. And here's a bonus: LED lights last longer than traditional lighting, so you won't have to worry about constantly replacing your fixtures.

2) Know the requirements for your sports facility

Before shopping for LED sports lighting, it's essential to assess your sports facility's lighting needs. Consider the following factors:

• Light Levels: Determine how much light you need for your specific sports facility. Different sports may have different light level requirements, so it's important to get it right.

• Uniformity: Ensure that the lighting is evenly distributed across the playing surface to avoid any dark spots or shadows that could affect the game.

• Beam Angles: Consider the angle at which the light is projected. This affects how well the game is illuminated and can impact player performance.

Take a look at your current lighting system, if you have one. Are there any limitations or maintenance issues that need to be addressed? Knowing your requirements will help you make an informed decision when choosing LED sports lighting.

3) Factors to Consider When Buying LED Sports Lighting

When buying LED sports lighting, there are a few key factors you need to keep in mind:

Lighting Standards

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) are key organizations that have developed comprehensive guidelines for sports lighting to ensure players' safety, audience comfort and broadcast quality.

The IES publishes detailed standards that dictate the amounts of horizontal and vertical illuminance required for various sports. These standards take into account factors such as the size of the playing area, the speed of the game, and the level of competition—from amateur leagues to professional sports—and adjust the necessary lux levels accordingly.

Likewise, the NFHS provides lighting standards specifically for high school sports facilities. They focus on issues such as glare control, spill light, and light trespass to minimize negative impacts on players and nearby residences.

Light Levels and Uniformity

When assessing fixtures, buyers should understand the quantitative measures of lighting, typically expressed in foot candles or lux, which correspond to the amount of light that covers a specific area.

Different sports have different recommended light intensity levels that are required for optimal visibility and safety.

For example, sports like football and soccer need a more uniform light distribution due to the large playing areas, whereas sports like basketball may focus more on intensity due to the relatively smaller court sizes.

Uniformity ratio is a term often used to describe the evenness of light across the playing surface. A high uniformity ratio ensures that all areas are well-lit, minimizing shadows and glare that can interfere with an athlete's vision and performance. Buyers should aim for fixtures that offer uniform light spread with minimal hotspots or dark patches.

Evaluating the photometric data of the fixtures, which includes diagrams and charts showing how light is distributed from the fixture, can aid in gauging uniformity. 

Additionally, considering the mounting height and the ability to fine-tune the fixture's aiming can also greatly affect uniformity.

Certifications

Here are some certifications to look for a buyer,

DesignLights Consortium (DLC): DLC certification indicates that the lighting product meets high-quality, efficiency, and lifespan standards. For large sports facilities, using DLC-certified lights can also mean eligibility for rebates and incentives from utility companies.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL): UL is one of the most recognized certifications for product safety. A UL mark means that the product has been tested and meets specific, defined requirements for risk of fire, electric shock, and related hazards.

Intertek’s ETL Listed Mark: Like UL, Intertek's ETL mark means that the product has been tested and complies with North American safety standards. It's an alternative to the UL mark and is equally recognized.

Energy Star: An Energy Star certification signifies that the product not only saves energy but also meets strict performance criteria. For LED sports lighting, this means efficient operation and substantial energy savings over time.

Warranty

When purchasing LED sports lighting, it's essential to consider the warranty that comes with your investment.

Types of Warranties provided by Lighting Manufacturers

1. Product Warranty: This is the most common type of warranty. It essentially covers any defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period, generally ranging from 5 to 10 years for LED lights.

2. System Performance Warranty: Some manufacturers offer a guarantee that the lighting systems will meet specific performance criteria over a set period, such as maintaining a certain level of light output or luminous efficacy.

3. Labor Warranty: Some warranties cover not only the replacement of defective product parts but also the labor costs involved in the process of replacing the components.
   
   

System Controls

System controls allow users to easily adjust fixtures according to specific needs, while often saving energy and extending the lifespan of the lighting system.

Here are different types of system controls you should be aware of,

• Remote Control: This lets users operate lighting systems from a distance, eliminating the need for manual switch operation. Some manufacturers provide smartphone applications for ease of use.

• Dimming Capability: Adjustable brightness is a key feature to look for. Sports facilities often host different types of events requiring varying illumination levels. Dimming also reduces power consumption when full brightness is not required.

• Programmable Scenarios: Some advanced control systems allow users to pre-program different lighting levels and patterns for different events. For example, you could have one setting for a concert and another for a night football game.

In addition to the above major criteria, there are many other factors to consider when choosing LED sports lighting, such as:

• Energy Efficiency: Look for lighting fixtures with high energy efficiency ratings. This will not only save you money on your energy bills but also contribute to a greener environment.

• Energy Efficiency Rebates: Investigate if your selection of certified lights qualifies you for rebates or credits from energy companies or can contribute to green building certifications such as LEED.

• Lighting Quality: Pay attention to the color rendering index (CRI), which measures the accuracy of colors under the light. A high CRI ensures vibrant and true-to-life colors. Also, consider the lighting uniformity and glare control to enhance visibility.

• Durability and Longevity: Your lighting fixtures need to withstand the outdoor elements and the demands of sports activities. Look for fixtures made with durable materials and superior construction.

• Customization Options: Every sports facility is unique, and your lighting should be too. Check for customization options to ensure the lighting system is tailored to your specific needs.

4) Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI)

Investing in LED sports lighting is a commitment, but it can also bring tremendous benefits to your facility. To assess the financial impact, consider the initial investment cost, ongoing operating costs, maintenance expenses, and potential energy savings. 

Calculate the payback period to determine when your investment will start to pay off. LED lighting not only improves the quality of your sports facility but can also save you money in the long run.

5) Installation and Maintenance Considerations

To ensure a smooth transition to LED sports lighting, it's essential to work with lighting professionals who specialize in sports facility lighting design and installation. They can help you find the right solution and ensure that it is installed correctly.

Additionally, consider the maintenance requirements of the lighting fixtures. LED lights have long lifespans, but it's still important to perform periodic maintenance checks. 

How can Shinetoo assist you in your LED Sports Lighting Buying decision?

Choosing LED sports lighting can be confusing with so many options available. However, Shinetoo simplifies this journey for you. 

As a BAA (Buy American Act) compliant LED sports lighting manufacturer based in Chicago, USA, Shinetoo stands at the forefront of offering top-tier, locally manufactured lighting solutions that cater specifically to the strict standards and requirements of American sports facilities.

How does Shinetoo differ from its competitors?

1. Innovative Technology - Energy-efficient LED technology and options to integrate smart lighting controls. 

2. Broad Portfolio - A wide array of lighting fixtures and control systems, ensuring a comprehensive solution for various competition levels and sports types.

3. Certifications - ISO 9001, CE, Intertek, UL Listing, DLC

4. Warranty - 5-7 of warranty depends on the products

Conclusion

Wrapping up, while choosing the best LED sports lighting you need to think about light levels, check certifications, understand warranties, and learn how the controls work. Even if these details might seem a bit overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out all on your own, we’re here to help find the right lights for you. Just get in touch with us and let's make sure your sports facility gets the best lighting ever.