Food processing operations can be a harsh environment for lighting solutions due to extreme temperatures, presence of grease, oil, and other contaminants, the use of harsh cleaning solvents, and high-pressure hose-downs. Fortunately, energy-efficient industrial LED lighting is especially well suited to such applications. Let’s take a look at how food processors are increasing operational efficiency and safety by installing LED lighting solutions.

Food Processing Operations Create a Number of Challenges for Lighting Fixtures

Food and beverage plants use many of the same types of lighting fixtures found in other industrial settings. However, food-processing facilities combine a variety of environments under one roof. A single facility might incorporate processing, warehousing, staging, distribution, and cold or dry storage – not to mention offices, hallways, lobbies, and restrooms – each with its own unique lighting requirements. In cold storage areas, for example, fixtures must be able to provide adequate lighting while withstanding frigid temperatures, humidity, and vibrations. They must also comply with federal and local safety, fire and materials codes.

LED Lighting Helps Meet These Challenges

One advantage LEDs have over traditional lighting for food processing environments is that they do not contain mercury and use no glass or other breakable materials that could potentially contaminate food products. LED lighting is also low maintenance, offers a longer life than incandescent or fluorescent fixtures, and runs cooler. LEDs offer the convenience of bright, high-quality illumination, instant-on performance, wide-ranging dimmability and control, and operate across a broad range of temperatures, offering improved light output and efficiency even in low-temperature cold storage.

LED Lighting Improves Operational Efficiency

Perhaps best of all, LED lighting directly impacts operational efficiencies. Of course, the increased efficiency of LEDs helps reduce energy costs, but the savings don’t stop there. Since LEDs typically don’t need to be replaced for years, they also reduce maintenance and downtime costs. In addition, the instant-on feature of LEDs enhances visibility by reducing the hazards of shadows and blinding glare, increasing safety and productivity. Finally, the visual merits of LEDs help to reduce worker fatigue, increase alertness, and elevate mood, leading to more consistent production.

AZZ Offers a Full Line of LED Fixtures Ideal for Food Processing Environments

LEDs are a great counterpart to challenging industrial requirements. AZZ offer a wide variety of lighting solutions specifically designed to meet the demanding conditions of food processing applications, including extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and corrosive hose-downs, all backed by a 1- or 5-year warranty. AZZ lighting solutions provide truly unmatched illumination and performance in even the harshest of environments.

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