LED Floodlights for Businesses: How to Illuminate Your Premises According to the Standard

When a company wants to illuminate its outdoor premises, LED floodlights are often the go-to choice. But proper area lighting isn’t just about providing enough light — you must also comply with the correct standards for safety and visibility.

This article explains how to illuminate your site according to NEN-EN 12464-2, the European standard for outdoor workplace lighting.

What is NEN-EN 12464-2?

For outdoor lighting on commercial premises, the European standard NEN-EN 12464-2 applies. This standard describes the lighting values required to ensure safety, visibility and efficient operations. Key requirements include:

● Average illuminance (Em): 10–20 lux for general areas, 20–50 lux for logistics zones or loading docks.

● Uniformity (Uo): A ratio of 0.25–0.4 prevents dark spots and increases safety.

● Limitation of glare (TI): A floodlight must not blind staff or visitors, especially along driving routes.

● Colour rendering (CRI ≥ 70): Sufficient colour recognition for outdoor use, suitable for security and surveillance.

A light measurement makes it easy to check whether your installation meets these values. Many companies perform annual measurements to comply with health and safety requirements.

Optimise the light output

LED floodlights often produce more light than the halogen fixtures they replace. As a result, outdoor areas are frequently over-lit. Here’s how to get more out of your installation:

● Choose the right beam angle (30°–120°) to direct the light precisely.

● Use dimmable settings — in many cases, 60–70% light level is sufficient.

● Mount at a height of 4–6 metres to minimise glare and achieve even distribution.

A correctly adjusted LED floodlight illuminates a larger area with less energy while still meeting the NEN standard.

With the right settings, sensors and periodic checks, you get the most out of your LED floodlights. This ensures compliance with NEN-EN 12464-2, increases safety and saves up to an additional 50% in energy. Consider a light measurement or advice on replacement floodlights to future-proof your premises.