A small office in North West London recently contacted Lighthouse Engineering Ltd because they wanted to improve the lighting in their workplace and make sure the emergency lighting was suitable for the building.
Rather than simply replacing the existing lights, we discussed how the office was being used and looked at the different options available. This allowed us to recommend a practical lighting solution that suited the size and layout of the office, while also addressing the emergency lighting requirements.
For a small business, getting office lighting right can make a noticeable difference. Poor lighting can cause glare, shadows and uncomfortable working conditions, while outdated fittings can also mean unnecessary maintenance and energy use.
Choosing the Right Office Lighting
When the customer contacted us, they wanted advice on the best options rather than simply being given a price for replacing the existing fittings.
We talked through the different types of LED office lighting available and considered factors including:
- The size and layout of the office
- Where employees were working
- Existing natural daylight
- Glare and reflections from computer screens
- The position of the existing light fittings
- Energy efficiency
- Maintenance requirements
- Emergency lighting requirements
This is particularly important in a smaller office because the wrong fitting can make a room feel uncomfortable very quickly.
The aim was to provide good, even lighting without simply making the office excessively bright.
Installing Emergency Lighting
As part of the project, we also discussed and installed emergency lighting.
Emergency lighting is separate from normal office lighting. Its purpose is to provide illumination if the normal electrical supply fails, helping people safely find their way around the premises and towards the appropriate exit routes.
For businesses, emergency lighting should not be treated as an afterthought.
When installing or upgrading lighting in an office, it is sensible to consider the emergency lighting at the same time. This can help ensure the lighting installation works as a complete system rather than having different requirements dealt with separately.
The emergency lighting installation was planned around the layout of the office and the areas requiring illumination in the event of a power failure.
Why LED Lighting Can Work Well in a Small Office
Modern LED office lighting can provide a number of advantages over older lighting systems.
Depending on the existing installation, an LED upgrade can provide:
- More consistent lighting
- Improved energy efficiency
- Longer-lasting fittings
- Reduced maintenance
- Better control of glare
- A cleaner, more modern appearance
However, replacing an old fitting with an LED fitting is not simply a matter of choosing the brightest product available.
The fitting needs to be appropriate for the room and the work being carried out.
A small office with computer screens has different requirements from a workshop, warehouse or retail environment.
Looking at the Whole Electrical Installation
Lighting upgrades can also be a good opportunity to look at the condition of the existing electrical installation.
During any lighting project, we look out for obvious issues such as damaged fittings, poor connections, unsuitable accessories or other electrical problems that may need attention.
If something requires further investigation, we explain the issue to the customer rather than carrying out unnecessary work.
This is particularly important in older North West London properties where electrical installations may have been altered several times over the years.
A Practical Lighting Solution for a Small Business
For this particular office, the customer wanted a straightforward solution that improved the working environment without turning the project into an unnecessary refurbishment.
We discussed the options, explained the advantages of the different approaches and helped the customer choose the most appropriate solution.
The project included improving the office lighting and installing emergency lighting to provide a more complete and practical lighting installation.
The result was a better-lit working environment and improved provision for emergency conditions.
Office Lighting and Emergency Lighting in NW London
If you run a small office in Dollis Hill, Cricklewood, Willesden, Wembley, Kilburn, Hendon or elsewhere in North West London, lighting problems don’t always mean that you need a complete electrical refurbishment.
Sometimes the best solution is simply to assess what you already have, identify what isn’t working well and make targeted improvements.
At Lighthouse Engineering Ltd, we can help businesses choose suitable options for office lighting, LED lighting, emergency lighting, lighting repairs and electrical upgrades.
With over 30 years of electrical experience, we provide straightforward advice and practical solutions rather than recommending work that isn’t necessary.
Lighthouse Engineering Ltd is a NICEIC Approved Contractor and Which? Trusted Trader, giving businesses and property managers confidence that their electrical work is being carried out by an experienced professional.
If your office lighting is outdated, uncomfortable, inefficient or you need advice about emergency lighting, contact Lighthouse Engineering Ltd.
