When designing the lighting arrangements and fixture selections for a place of worship, those in charge of the project need to keep in mind that a church is not an office building. With many factors to consider other than just adequate lighting at an affordable price within budget, only experts with a proven track record in the unique requirements of church lighting solutions will do.
Experts You Can Trust
- Preserving the integrity of worship
- Retrofit, upgrade or complete renovation
- Energy-efficiency: three basic kinds
- Maintenance required
- Multipurpose interior areas
Preserving The Integrity Of Worship
In providing lighting for ecclesiastical spaces, sensitivity is required that defers to the building architecture, denomination, and the preferences of a congregation. Many congregations today meet in converted warehouses, or modern buildings without the traditional design styles specific to a place of worship. A proper lighting solution can help to differentiate this as a sacred space. Or, in a facility with more traditional architecture, sanctuary settings frequently require special knowledge and skills to install suitable lighting.
Retrofit, Upgrade Or Completely Renovate
Is the church or synagogue thinking of replacing their historic antique fixtures with modern fixture technology? How much re-wiring will be needed? Are the workers all qualified and certified? The unique considerations involved in lighting a sacred space require expertise beyond what would normally be needed in a residential or office lighting project.
Energy-Efficiency: Three Basic Kinds
Today, church lighting can be both effective and energy-efficient with proper selections from three types of lighting fixtures:
- Incandescent lamps are still inexpensive, and are good for applications that require dimming
- Fluorescent lamps are energy efficient, have a long life of up to 20,000 hours, and come in a variety of color temperatures.
- LED lights offer even better efficiency, longer life, and provide better illumination.
Lower energy consumption and maintenance may make this a top choice. With new technology available, new LED retrofits enable churches to keep beautiful old lanterns, cut their energy in half and still increase light output by 50% or more.
Maintenance Required
Some church lighting fixtures require maintenance beyond just screwing in a new light bulb. However, few places of worship look forward to high maintenance requirements and associated costs.
Multifaceted Purpose Areas
Today, many church facilities serve multiple purposes for their congregation beyond just worship. The building will have different areas dedicated to different purposes. The lighting needs may include a sanctuary, foyers, restrooms, church offices, library, preschool, audio/video presentation studios, and even a kitchen or fellowship hall.
The altar, indoor baptistery, and other areas dedicated to the worship experience also require knowledge of placing each fixture and electrical box just right to ensure effective illumination which helps to define the sacred space.
Because the altar is the primary focal point for most places of worship, light levels should be two to three times greater than the congregation seating. Avoiding distractions is another prime concern, so the concealment of lights is vitally important as well. One special feature that is frequently requested with church lighting is the ability to dim lights to lower levels when needed.
As you can see, only experienced, project-sensitive contractors should be hired to provide the church lighting solutions needed for your place of worship. For more information, please contact Wholesale Lighting today or call us now at 419-531-1687.
