We’re working on a new electrical installation project for a 90,000 square foot warehouse in Enfield. The site benefits from generous rooflights, providing natural light for part of the day.
We’re installing sensor controlled LED lighting which automatically switches off when there’s enough natural light. The sensors will also detect when there’s no movement on the floor and turn off unnecessary lighting.
We’ll also install power for:
forklift charging
infrared heating for the debrief benches
office spaces
external floodlighting
CCTV, intruder and access controls
IT infrastructure in the building.
Lighting in warehouses
Many modern warehouses have continuous wall cladding, making them dark spaces. However, they often have some clear skylights. This provides some natural lighting, but high-level racking means most need extra lighting for safe working. Good light levels also ensure fast and accurate identification of pallet and product labels at different heights.
Lighting choices depend on the area and height of the warehouse as well as layout and use. In many cases, warehouses include both open areas and racking. Each installation must meet the requirements of the site’s users.
Lighting controls provide opportunities to save energy when there’s enough natural light and when areas aren’t in use. Separate controls for individual walkways ensure full-level lighting only activates where needed. Minimising unnecessary use also helps to extend the operating life of lighting units.
For other areas in continuous use such as vehicle entrances and exits, lighting must help to minimise potential risks. Adjustable lighting at thresholds can help operators adjust to the difference between inside and outside lighting.
Replacing warehouse lighting with energy efficient LEDs helps to meet good practice guidance for workplaces.
Forklift charging in warehouses
Warehouses typically need several dedicated forklift charging stations for AC/DC current conversion to prevent overcharging and battery damage. The type of charging station needed will depend on the current and voltage ratings of the forklift batteries.
Fast or rapid charging helps to improve workflow in the warehouse but can damage lead-acid batteries. A combination of slow and fast charging can help keep everything running efficiently. Many warehouse forklifts have more than one battery to maximise use. This requires space to swap batteries without any obstacles.
Battery charging areas must meet operational and safety requirements and provide easy access without interrupting day-to-day operations. Other considerations include ventilation, spill containment, fire and emergency safety and signage.
Please get in touch to discuss the electrical installation requirements for your logistics operations.
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