Metal halide bulbs are the perfect type of bulb for parking facility lighting applications. The average 250-watt metal halide bulb last for up to around 15,000 hours and produces around 58 lumens per watt. These bulbs emit soft white, whitish-blue light. Metal halide lighting systems can be heavy because metal halide bulbs require a ballast to maintain proper electric flow and provide starting voltages.
High-pressure sodium bulbs are also widely used HID bulbs for parking facility lighting applications. A 250-watt HPS bulb can last for up to 24,000 hours and emit approximately 87 lumens per watt of power used. This type of bulb burns with a yellow-orange glow. HPS bulbs are designed to operate under a ballast system, such as metal halide bulbs and all other HID bulbs.
Fluorescent light bulbs are some of the most efficient and longest-lasting types of light bulbs available to consumers. When grouped together, fluorescent tubes can provide adequate lighting for even the largest parking facility. The average fluorescent tube can last for well over 10,000 hours and offers around 45 lumens per watt. This type of bulb produces a white to whitish-blue light. Fluorescent lighting systems are relatively light compared to HID systems, despite the fact that fluorescent bulbs also require a ballast.
Incandescent bulbs, the first type of bulb to hit the market over 100 years ago, are some of the most inefficient types of light bulbs available. Traditional incandescent bulbs, however, can still be used to provide lighting for parking facilities. However, because of the lack of light output offered by this type of bulb, it is not recommended for use in larger parking facilities. These bulbs can last for around 1,000 hours and offer approximately 17 lumens per watt. Incandescent bulbs do not need a ballast to control the flow of electricity through the bulb or provide a starting voltage.