Construction Light Plants
When you think of working at a construction job site, think about the versatility and efficiency that is needed to correctly illuminate job sites. Once again, light plants deliver that flexibility to provide the illumination necessary for safety and productivity while working in very poorly lit situations or during the night time hours. This writing will explain the different types of light plants, their qualifications and also some points to consider when deciding on a light plant to use for your job site.
What is a Light Plant?
Light plants are mobile lighting devices, or generators that provide light to a construction job site. They consist of one or more high-intensity lights typically mounted on a vertical tower that extends above ground and provides the best possible coverage of the job site. By providing your employees with well-lit working conditions, your employees will be able to work more efficiently regardless of what time they are working, reducing the overall project completion time. A standard light plant generator provides electric power for a number of uses in the form of a low-noise diesel engine that powers the light and may even serve as an auxiliary / backup electric source for other tools and equipment on site. This dual purpose creates an attractive advantage for a construction manager who is looking for ways to maximize resource utilization on a job site.
Light Plant Types
There are several types of light plants available to consider for your construction projects. These types differ between the method of generating the power for the light tower and how easily the tower can be moved and how much light it generates:
- Diesel Powered Light Plant – This type of light plant is suitable for the most demanding applications. Diesel powered light plants can provide a tremendous amount of light output (lumens) and can be operated continuously for long periods of time without needing to be refueled frequently.
- Electric Light Towers – Electric light towers, which are suitable for locations that have access to grid power, typically produce much less noise compared with diesel models and are more economical to operate. On the other hand, if your source of electricity is located far away from where the lighting is needed, the electric light may not be as portable as a generator.
- Solar-Powered Light Towers – If your company needs lighting for an environmentally-friendly project, look into the use of solar-powered light towers. These units rely on solar energy for their power, making them a sustainable option with little to no operating costs after being charged.
- Portable Light Tower Generators – Portable light tower generators are ideal for use at job sites that are constantly changing, providing versatility and flexibility. They can be easily moved around job sites, allowing you to adjust how much light you require to perform tasks as necessary.
Advantages of Using Construction Light Plants
There are numerous advantages to investing in a construction light plant, including:
- Safety: The use of the proper amount of light on a construction site will decrease the risk of injury or accident by providing adequate visibility, thereby limiting the possibility of accidents occurring.
- Increased productivity: Providing workers with a well-lit working environment will help them increase their level of productivity since clear visibility allows for easier and more efficient completion of tasks. As a result, installing sufficient lighting can eliminate delays and improve the overall speed of project completion.
- Versatility: Portable light tower generators can easily be moved to meet the changing needs of construction sites by providing uniform, consistent illumination.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Utilizing light plant generators allows companies to significantly reduce their expenses associated with traditional lighting systems while meeting any applicable industry requirements for safety on a construction site.
Common Questions & Answers
What Should Be Considered When Choosing A Construction Lighting Plant?
The brightness of the plant as measured in lumens (luminous flux), fuel source, portability, versatility and runtime, plus the specific site requirements for the plant to function will impact efficiency and safety. Lighting plants need to meet operational requirements for successful operation.
Can Light Towers Be Used During Adverse Weather Conditions?
Most construction lighting plants are made to endure harsh environmental conditions (high winds, rain, severe temperatures). Review the manufacturer’s specifications for suitability to your location.
How Long Can A Lighting Tower Generator Run On A Single Tank Of Fuel?
The run time of light plant generators is dependent on the size of the tank and the fuel type; most diesel light towers can run for 40 – 100 hours depending on load and model of light tower.
Does A Construction Lighting Plant Require Professional Installation?
Most construction lighting plants have been designed for easy setup and operation, consulting the operating manual or hiring a qualified electrician is recommended for correct installation, especially for complex projects.
What Environmental Concerns Should Be Considered When Using Construction Lighting Plants?
Solar lighting towers have zero emissions or noise, and provide the most environmentally friendly method of illuminating an area. Diesel powered lighting towers are now manufactured to be more fuel-efficient and create fewer emissions; using low emissions models reduces the overall environmental impact when using diesel-powered lighting towers.
How High Can Light Towers Extend?
Most portable light towers extend between 12 and 30 feet allowing for a high level of light coverage over large areas. The height range used will depend on the size of the construction site and how the site has been laid out.
Can I Use Multiple Light Towers At A Construction Site?
Yes, using multiple light towers is frequently necessary on larger construction jobsites. Multiple light towers allows for several job (light) locations to be illuminated, creating a complete lighting coverage area for all jobs.
Are Light Towers Adjustable For Lighting Options?
Many light plants produced today have adjustable lighting heads, which allow the user to angle and rotate to the desired position, making them suitable for many types of jobs and site layout configurations.
Construction lighting plants provide valuable assets to construction sites for creating a safer and more productive job site. There are many different models of light towers which can create a significant impact on operational efficiency. By using quality lighting solutions, construction managers can improve safety and improve overall job production, resulting in successful completing a construction project on time and within budget.
