Commercial
Kitchen
Lighting

Commercial Kitchen Lighting FAQ

• What are common requirements for commercial lighting?

  Lighting requirements for commercial and industrial kitchens will vary based on local building codes, but here are some common ones:

  • Adequate lighting: Requirements typically range between 50-100 footcandles (fc) for general kitchen areas, 75-150 fc for food preparation surfaces, and 100-200 fc for stove and cooking areas. You can learn more in our PDF Guide to Determining Lumens
  • Heat resistance and vapor tightness: High temperatures, steam and grease in commercial kitchens necessitate that fixtures should be heat-resistant and vapor-tight
  • Shatterproof and impact resistance: Impact-resistant fixtures minimize the risk of contamination, preventing broken glass or other materials from entering food or work areas in case of breakage
  • Waterproof and easy to clean: Fixtures should be waterproof or water-resistant to prevent electrical hazards and fully washable for easy cleaning and maintenance
  • High CRI (Color Rendering Index): A CRI of 80 or higher is often recommended to ensure accurate color perception, particularly for food inspection, quality control and presentation
  • Lighting controls and zoning: Some building codes require smart controls, such as dimmers, occupancy sensors and timers, as well as zoning to reduce energy waste
  What types of light fixtures are used in commercial kitchens?

  Commercial kitchens need a variety of light fixtures to meet the lighting requirements of different areas and tasks. Here are some common ones:

  • Troffers: Troffers provide broad, even illumination and are often used for general lighting of commercial kitchens
  • High bay lights: High bay fixtures provide powerful lighting and can be ideal in kitchens with high ceilings, such as warehouse-style kitchens, or areas that require intense illumination
  • Strip lights: Strip lights are common for task lighting, as they can be installed under cabinets, shelving units or hoods to provide focused lighting on countertops, food preparation areas and cooking surfaces
  • Pendant lights: Pendant lights are often used for decorative or accent lighting in dining areas or open kitchen spaces, adding a touch of style and ambiance while providing localized illumination
  • Track lighting: Track lights offer flexibility to direct light precisely where it's needed and are frequently used for accent lighting or highlighting specific areas or kitchen objects
  • Emergency lights: Safety is crucial in commercial kitchens, and emergency exit lights help employees evacuate the premises safely during power outages or emergencies
  • Wall sconces: Wall sconces can add a decorative element to kitchen spaces while offering localized lighting for walkways or dining areas adjacent to the kitchen
  What ratings should commercial kitchen lights have?

  Commercial kitchen lights have ratings that ensure they can withstand challenging conditions and meet the safety requirements of the environment. Here are some important ratings to consider:

  • NSF certification: NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) certifies lights that are safe for use in areas where food is handled or processed. NSF-certified lights meet the hygiene and sanitation standards set by the NSF/li>
  • IP (Ingress Protection) rating: An IP rating indicates the level of protection against solid particles and water ingress. Commercial kitchen lights should typically have a high IP rating, such as IP65 or higher. This ensures they are dust-tight and resistant to water splashes, steam and cleaning agents
  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing: UL listing ensures that the lighting fixtures have been tested and certified by a reputable organization for safety and performance. This ensures fixtures meet the necessary standards and compliance requirements for commercial kitchen lighting.
  • Wet or damp location rating: Since commercial kitchens involve liquids and moisture, lights should have a wet or damp location rating. This ensures the fixtures can safely operate in wet or damp environments without compromising performance or safety
  What does an NSF rating mean for lighting?

  The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) rating refers to certification provided by NSF International, an independent organization that sets and verifies public health and safety standards. The NSF rating certifies that light fixtures are safe for environments where food is handled or processed.

  Products with an NSF rating have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation, meeting specific hygiene and sanitation standards set by the NSF.

  The NSF rating takes into account the following:

  • Material safety, ensuring products do not introduce harmful substances or chemicals that could contaminate food or compromise hygiene
  • Cleanability, affirming products can be easily cleaned and maintained, reducing the risk of bacterial growth or food debris accumulation
  • Protection against contamination, meaning the product design prevents the entry of dust, water or other contaminants
  • Impact resistance, which prevents breakage or damage that could result in glass or other components entering the food or work area.
• What is an IP rating in lighting?

  An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standard classification indicating the degree of protection a light fixture offers against the intrusion of solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water)

  The IP rating consists of two digits:

  • The first digit represents the level of protection against solid objects.
  • The second digit represents the level of protection against liquids.

  The higher the number, the greater the level of protection offered by the product. Six is the maximum for the first digit, indicating complete protection against dust, which is required for most commercial and industrial kitchen spaces.

  The second digit goes from 0-9 with ratings based on whether a product can withstand water jets from any direction (6 and 7), as well as temporary or continuous submersion (7 or 8).

  Commercial kitchen lighting should generally be IP66 or higher.

  What does an IP69K rating mean for a light fixture?

  An IP69 rating indicates the highest level of water resistance available in the IP rating system, providing superior protection compared to lower IP ratings, such as IP67 or IP68.

  In addition to full protection against water ingress, an IP69K rating indicates resistance to high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns. The fixture is designed to withstand cleaning processes using water jets at high pressures (up to 100 bar) and high temperatures (up to 80℃ or 176℉).

  What is the difference between a wet location rating and a damp location rating?

  The difference between lighting with a wet location rating and a fixture with a damp location rating lies in the level of moisture exposure they can safely withstand.

  A wet location rating indicates you can install a light fixture in areas that experience direct contact with water or significant moisture exposure because the product is fully waterproof. They have additional sealing mechanisms and gaskets to prevent water penetration, ensuring their functionality and safety in wet conditions and locations that use hose-down cleaning methods.

  A damp location rating means a product is intended for use in areas with high humidity or occasional moisture exposure but not direct contact with water. These fixtures can withstand dampness, condensation or minor water splashes but cannot handle continuous water exposure or heavy moisture.