What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting
When operating a data center, the lighting system is often overlooked. Yet lighting performance directly influences overall electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour, non-stop environment. Let’s delve into the key factors you should weigh when selecting data center lighting. Whether your enterprise is building a new facility or upgrading existing infrastructure, the insights below will help you make informed decisions.
5 Things to Consider for Data Center Lighting
Data center lighting requirements differ from those of typical office spaces. Because the primary function of a data center is to house and operate server equipment, the area for personnel activity is limited, and most floor space is filled with cabinets and supporting infrastructure. Strengthen and improve your data-center environment with lighting solutions designed around these crucial features.
1. Energy Efficiency
Data centers consume large amounts of energy, making energy efficiency a top concern. Although lighting accounts for a smaller share of total load, the cumulative consumption over time is still significant. Selecting a high-efficiency lighting solution is therefore essential.
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient choice. Compared with traditional fluorescent or halogen lamps, LEDs can reduce energy consumption by more than 80 percent. Lower wattage also means less heat, contributing to a better PUE and allowing more power to be dedicated to computing. Long LED lifespans and fewer replacements drive down operational costs. Even modest lighting savings become meaningful at the scale of facilities that run 24 ⁄ 7.
Using an energy-efficient light source is crucial for lowering power usage effectiveness (PUE). While lighting is a relatively small component, optimizing it moves data centers closer to their PUE targets.
2. Visibility
A data center is a mission-critical, high-density technical environment. Technicians rely on clear, bright illumination to work accurately. Poor visibility increases the risk of misreading equipment status or plugging into the wrong port. While server aisles do not require high-intensity lighting, office areas, access passages, and monitoring rooms still need an appropriate light level.
Data centers also feature raised floors and extensive cable trays. Adequate lighting ensures safety in this complex space. In an emergency, clear visibility enables staff to navigate quickly and safely.
3. Automated Controls
Many zones inside a data center see minimal foot traffic. With automated controls such as motion sensors and remote access, lights can dim or switch off in unoccupied areas. Because cooling is one of the largest energy drivers in data centers, reducing heat generated by lighting through automation supports a lower PUE.
Automated lighting systems also ensure instant emergency illumination during power events. With remote access, security personnel can manage lighting across different areas.
4. Stability
Data centers are packed with precision instruments that are sensitive to electrical fluctuations. If lighting fixtures regularly malfunction—through flicker, voltage swings, or frequent outages—they can compromise overall power quality and uptime.
Unreliable fixtures place extra strain on wiring and distribution panels, increasing the risk of overheating and fire while wasting electricity. Frequent failures demand repeated maintenance, which is labor-intensive in large facilities and may require power shutdowns that disrupt operations.
5. Lighting Placement
Incorrectly placed or underpowered fixtures can leave technicians struggling to see cable interfaces and indicator lights.
Conversely, lights mounted too close to servers add unwanted heat. Proper placement ensures uniform illumination along aisles without creating hot spots. Position fixtures so that staff can clearly inspect equipment while keeping thermal impact on servers to a minimum.
Upgrade Your Data Center Lighting with LEDVANCE
If you're looking for a reliable lighting solution for your data center, LEDVANCE is your top choice. We offer advanced and energy-efficient systems designed for mission-critical environments and understand that data centers require more than just illumination.
With smart controls, our LED lighting fixtures are dimmable and have customizable lighting levels. Backed by mature technology and a professional team, we're here to support your data center's performance from the ground up.
