CCPIA Articles - Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association

Exterior lighting has various purposes. It can be an accent feature in landscaping and pathways, a safety feature around exit doors, and a security feature at the building’s exterior and parking areas. The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) is not meant to be used for verifying code compliance, and identifying proper lighting locations is outside the scope of the ComSOP. However, an inspection should include an assessment of the condition of permanently installed lighting system components, and items such as burned-out light bulbs, damaged fixtures, and issues with related electrical equipment should be reported.

The ComSOP states that the inspector is not required to inspect accent lighting. This includes lighting that doesn’t aid the general safety or security of a building, such as an element that is not permanently installed, like decorative string lights and other low-voltage systems. In general, commercial property inspectors should use their best judgment to determine which lighting elements should be a part of their inspection based on their client’s needs, and document any exclusions in their report.

Landscape Lighting

A timer or a dusk-to-dawn sensing system can be used to control landscape lighting for walkways, trees, shrubbery, gardens, and other outdoor features. The timer controls may be located anywhere inside a building, but they are typically concealed in an electrical box in a mechanical room or closet. Commercial property inspectors should use the timers to test the exterior lighting system at the beginning of their inspection. Dusk-to-dawn systems are identifiable by their photo sensor. The inspection report should note the type of system present and whether the system was activated, or if any controls were inaccessible during the walk-through survey.

Timer control concealed in electrical box

During a landscape lighting inspection, the inspector should note:

  • broken or missing fixtures;
  • loose electrical connections;
  • bare or exposed wiring;
  • inoperable components; and
  • any other visible damage or unsafe conditions.

Bollard light

Building/landscaping lighting

Building Lighting

Exterior building lighting

The area around exterior doors should have at least one light fixture, such as a side light or a light over the door. Some buildings also feature lighting along their perimeter as fixtures attached to the walls, or uplighting located on the ground. These could be switched lights, part of the exterior lighting controlled by a timer system, or on a dusk-to-dawn system. Lighting for the building’s exterior is meant primarily for security and safety but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal.

During the inspection of an exterior door and building-mounted lighting, the inspector should note:

  • broken or missing fixtures;
  • loose electrical connections;
  • bare or exposed wiring;
  • inoperable components; and
  • any other visible damage or unsafe conditions.

 

Parking Lighting

Rusted light post

The lighting components for parking areas are typically mounted on steel posts with concrete bases, or affixed to adjacent buildings and directed toward the parking area. If the lighting is on a concrete base, the base should be of a height that is higher than a typical vehicle’s bumper to protect the pole if impacted by a vehicle. If the base is lower than a vehicle’s bumper, the inspector may recommend in their inspection report that it be painted yellow for greater visibility.

Additionally, all steel posts should be free of graffiti and rust. Rust could lead to serious safety issues, such as total failure, with the potential for the post to break apart and fall on pedestrians and vehicles.

Missing light post

Each post should have an electrical cover plate. Commercial property inspectors should verify that it is present and sealed. The wires inside the post should never be open and accessible, since they can carry high voltage and be very dangerous if exposed.

During the inspection of parking lot lighting, the inspector should note:

  • broken or missing fixtures;
  • loose electrical connections;
  • bare or exposed wiring;
  • missing electrical cover plates;
  • rusted posts;
  • missing anchor bolts or covers, or fastener issues;
  • damage to the concrete base, or bases of an insufficient height; and
  • any other visible damage or unsafe conditions (i.e., leaning).

 

Conclusion

Exterior lighting should not be overlooked during an inspection. It is an important safety and security feature and could lead to significant damage if improperly maintained. The typical areas inspectors should look for exterior lighting include around walkways, in parking areas, at the building’s perimeter, and at landscaping. The property may be equipped with a timer and dusk-to-dawn system, or wired to manual switches. Commercial property inspectors should test accessible systems and report their findings, including any limitations, accordingly.

Article Written By: Rob Claus, CMI®

 

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