Data Center Lighting Guide 2025: Essential Factors to Consider

Data center lighting plays a crucial role in not only ensuring effective operation but also promoting energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. By considering modern lighting technology, we can expect major improvements in crucial areas like energy costs, lighting lifespan, and light quality. In this guide, we will discuss key elements that shape the data center lighting landscape, including the rise of LED lighting and an increased focus on energy efficiency.

Embracing LED Lighting for More Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant developments in lighting for data centers is the rise of LED lighting. As a testament to its energy savings potential, the U.S. Department of Energy predicts the majority of lighting installations will utilize LED technology by 2035. LED lights generate considerably less heat and are highly energy efficient compared to traditional lighting systems. By implementing efficient lighting like LEDs, data center energy usage can be decreased significantly, up to 70% in some cases, resulting in lower energy expenses and a smaller carbon footprint.

To assess the energy efficiency of lighting, data center providers should examine the lumen output per watt of the fixture, consider the fixture’s lifespan, and take the heat generation of the lighting into account to potentially reduce cooling requirements.

Balancing Longevity and Performance

Another notable advantage of LED lighting over traditional lighting solutions is its significantly longer lifespan. For instance, a high-quality LED bulb can outlast a CFL by three to five times and an incandescent bulb by a whopping 30 times. The longevity of lighting, including LEDs, leads to less frequent lighting swaps, which in terms of data center operations, translates to substantial cost savings.

It should be noted that light fixtures can fail in high-temperature environments, emphasizing the need for fixtures that have been certified for elevated temperatures and long-life durability. Our Quattro Triproof Batten is an excellent example of a fixture designed for these challenging settings.

Prioritizing Safety in Lighting Installations

Compared to traditional lighting arrangements, LED lighting introduces new safety standards. LEDs generate less heat, diminishing the chances of combustion and burn injuries. These lights also have a robust design, often made from epoxy lenses rather than glass, making them more resistant to breakage. When selecting lighting for your data center, it’s essential to consider potential safety hazards associated with placement and power types. Distributed low-voltage LEDs provide remote control options, allowing workers to manage the lighting from a safe distance and reduce the risk of electrical shocks.

Optimizing Color Quality for Better Productivity

Two important parameters for established visual comfort in your data center are Color Rendering Index (CRI) and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). CRI measures the light’s ability to reveal the accurate colors of objects compared to natural light. High CRI values (commonly above 80 for most LED lights) ensure vivid and accurate color representation.

On the other hand, CCT indicates the light’s color appearance, ranging between warm to cool tones. A CCT of a minimum of 4000K with a CRI of 97 closely mimics natural daylight, which can help regulate circadian rhythms, enhance mood, increase alertness, and improve productivity.

Budgeting for Quality Lighting

Despite the higher initial costs of LED lights compared to traditional light fixtures, they offer long-term savings in energy consumption and lighting maintenance. These factors make LED lighting a better overall investment for your data center. LED bulbs are more durable, last longer, and provide similar or better quality of light at lower operating costs.

In conclusion, updating your data center’s lighting technology to include LED fixtures can result in substantial energy savings, enhanced light quality, and improved operational efficiency, making it an investment worth considering.