What is ADA Compliant?
In 1991, The United States Government enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law requires the owners of publicly accessible areas to properly accommodate disabled persons. ADA is not specific to lighting, but it does impact fixture design by creating standards for wall sconce projection space and hanging light clearance.
Section 4.4 of the ADA states that "objects projecting from walls with their leading edges between 27" and 80" above finished floor shall protrude no more than 4" into walks, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles."
What is Dark Sky Regulated Lights?
Have you looked up at the night sky lately? if it looks different than when you were a kid or you think the stars have lost their intensity, the problem is most likely urban sky glow or "light pollution."
Poor or ineffective lighting sources are the source of urban sky glow and the problem is no longer relegated to areas in and around major cities. It is the cumulative result of over-lighting at malls, gas stations, parks and residential neighborhoods around the country.
Also known as Cut Off Lighting, Friendly Lighting or Good Neighbor Lighting, Dark Sky Regulated. Dark Sky Regulated refers to lighting fixtures that cut glare, prevent light trespass, reduce sky glow to eliminate wasted energy. Communities are now passing legislation to enforce environmentally sound outdoor lighting practices.
Glare: Glare is often felt by motorists at night when your pupils adjust to the darkness. A passing car with high beams will cause momentary blindness because of your eyes night time state. Home and business lighting can have the same effect on motorist's eyes. By aiming lights downward or using a visor, glare can be prevented.
Light Trespass: A neighbor's spot lights or flood light shining through your window can be an annoyance. Dark Sky Regulated lights reduce light trespass by aiming lights down, choosing fixtures with hoods or visors and using motion sensors to turn off lights when they are not needed. These lights can also prevent excess light shining onto a street and blinding passing motorists. Artificial light has been shown to affect many species and the ecological community.
Sky Glow: Urban residents often forget what the night sky looks like because of the city's sky glow. This can also happen in suburban and rural areas when exterior lighting is installed incorrectly. To prevent sky glow, properly installed exterior lighting will light areas for security and accent purposes.
By causing glare, light trespass or sky glow, energy is being wasted that could be used for families enjoyment and security. The simple steps of properly mounting spot and flood lights or purchasing Dark Sky Regulated fixtures will prevent a neighbor's annoyance and allow the night sky to shine.
There is no safety, aesthetic or visible benefit in lighting up the sky. There is a way to get back a star filled night with lighting designed to contain the wasted light that goes up and out well beyond the need.
