Food Processing Factory Omfattande belysningsguide

• 1. Food processing plants lighting background
• 2. Food processing plants functional areas
• 3. Every area lighting requirements and design
• 4. Food processing plants lighting features
• 5. Lighting fixture selection and recommendations
• 6. Lighting design and energy management

jag. Why Lighting is a Big Deal in Food Processing Plants

Food processing factories are the unsung heroes of the food supply chain. From getting raw materials in the door to washing, processing, förpackning, and storing it all, every step counts big time when it comes to making sure food is both safe to eat and up to scratch in quality. Lighting plays a critical role throughout this process.

A top-notch food processing factory lighting system does more than just light the place up – it serves as a co-pilot for factory staff, helping them spot contaminants or defects, do a better job of handling and inspecting products, and meet all the super-tight hygiene and safety standards.

High-quality LED lighting lets operators see what they’re doing a lot more clearly, reduces eye strain and makes the whole operation a lot more efficient. And with sealed fixtures that aren’t a breeding ground for dust, moisture or broken bits, food products dont get contaminated. Thats great because it also means you’re gonna have fewer maintenance freak-outs and lower long-term operating costs, thanks to the long lifespan and energy efficiency.

In a nutshell, lighting is one of the fundamental prerequisites for safe, kompatibel, and efficient food processing operations.

Ii. The Different Functional Areas of a Food Processing Factory

Food processing plants are made up of loads of different zones – each with its own environment and lighting needs. Working out what makes each one tick is key when it comes to designing a reliable lighting system.Youve got:

1. Raw material receiving and storage areas – these are usually hot and dusty, so the lighting needs to be able to withstand the elements

2. Washing and pre-processing rooms – these spaces are a wash (literally) and the lighting has to be able to hold its own in the face of high humidity and water spray

3. Cooking and thermal processing zones – think hot, steamy and watery – and the lighting needs to be heat-resistant and not corrode

4. Cold storage and freezer rooms – this is where the temperature drops and the lighting has to be able to handle the cold too

5. Packaging and sorting lines – here you really need to be able to see what youre doing, so the lighting needs to be bright and clear

6. Quality control labs – accurate colour and reliable lighting are crucial to making sure the products up to snuff

7. Office and auxiliary areas – these are the everyday areas of the factory where people just get on with their jobs, so you want lighting that is comfortable and not a drain on the budget.

Iii. Lighting Requirements and Design Considerations by Area

Raw Material Receiving and Storage Areas

This is the first checkpoint in the food production process, where materials are unloaded, identified, and stored. Insufficient lighting can lead to labeling errors, handling mistakes, and increased safety risks during forklift or pallet movement.

Maintaining an illuminance level of 150–200 lux provides enough clarity for reading labels and monitoring inventory without excessive energy consumption. Lighting layouts should prioritize even coverage across loading zones and storage aisles to minimize shadows and blind spots.

Washing and Pre-Processing Areas

These zones operate under constant exposure to water, ånga, and cleaning chemicals. Lighting fixtures must withstand high humidity and direct washdown without allowing moisture ingress.

Sluten LED vapor tight or tri-proof fixtures with IP65 or higher protection are commonly used here. Smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces help prevent dirt accumulation and support sanitation procedures, while stable light output ensures consistent visibility during preparation tasks.

Cooking and Thermal Processing Areas

Cooking and heat-treatment zones expose lighting fixtures to elevated temperatures, oljedimma, and airborne residues. Standard fixtures may degrade quickly under these conditions.

Heat-resistant LED tri-proof lights or specialized high-temperature waterproof fixtures are recommended. Durable housings and corrosion-resistant materials help maintain performance and extend service life, even in demanding environments.

Cold Storage and Freezer Rooms

Cold rooms typically operate at temperatures as low as –18°C or below. In such environments, standard drivers may struggle to start or fail prematurely.

Lighting fixtures in these areas must feature cold-rated LED drivers capable of instant start at low temperatures. An illuminance level of at least 200 lux is recommended to ensure safe movement, accurate identification of goods, and efficient handling.

Anti-condensation design and shatter-resistant diffusers—such as thickened polycarbonate covers—are critical to prevent contamination risks caused by breakage.

Packaging and Sorting Areas

Packaging and sorting operations require the highest lighting quality in a food processing plant. Workers must clearly see product appearance, labels, barcodes, and fine details during inspection and sorting.

Enhetlig, high-brightness lighting combined with effective glare control reduces visual fatigue during long shifts. LED -wraparound -lampor or vapor tight fixtures with anti-glare optics are commonly used to maintain comfort while delivering precise illumination.

Iv. Special Lighting Requirements for Food Processing Facilities

Lighting in food processing plants is not simply about brightness. It directly affects food safety, fixture durability, daily cleaning efficiency, and employee productivity. Compared with general industrial lighting, luminaires used in food factories must comply with much stricter requirements. The following factors are particularly critical.

IP65 & IP66 Ingress Protection

Food processing areas are routinely exposed to high-pressure washdowns and disinfection procedures. If a lighting fixture is not properly sealed, fukt, ånga, or cleaning chemicals can easily penetrate the housing, leading to corrosion, electrical failure, or short circuits.

For this reason, luminaires used in food factories are typically required to meet IP65 or the higher IP66 protection rating. This level of sealing ensures reliable dust and water resistance, allowing the fixture to operate safely even under direct water spray and intensive cleaning conditions. Adequate ingress protection is a fundamental requirement for maintaining both hygiene standards and uninterrupted production.

IK08–IK10 Impact Resistance

During daily production and material handling, lighting fixtures may be exposed to unexpected mechanical impact. Forklift movement, handling equipment collisions, or even direct impact from high-pressure water jets during cleaning can all pose risks.

If a fixture housing is fragile, it may crack or shatter, resulting in frequent replacements and, more importantly, potential food contamination. To prevent this, food processing luminaires should achieve IK08 to IK10 impact resistance, using reinforced polycarbonate diffusers or toughened protective covers. This ensures safe and reliable operation even in the event of accidental impact.

Smooth, Easy-to-Clean Fixture Surfaces

One of the core hygiene principles in food processing environments is eliminating cleaning blind spots. Fixtures with uneven surfaces, sharp edges, or exposed gaps can easily trap dust, grease, and bacteria.

For this reason, lighting fixtures should feature a clean, streamlined design with smooth surfaces and minimal seams. They must also withstand regular disinfection using approved chemical cleaners. This allows cleaning staff to quickly and effectively sanitize fixture surfaces, helping facilities maintain compliance with HACCP and other food safety requirements.

Food-Grade Materials for Luminaries that Can Take a Beating

In the heat of food processing, allowing broken glass or rusty metal to contaminate the production line is a nightmare. As such, the luminaries in question have got to be made from materials that are up to scratch when it comes to food safety – materials that can withstand the stresses and strains of a busy food processing environment without posing a risk.

You often see people turn to thickened, shatterproof polycarbonate diffusers and metal housings that are resistant to corrosion, like stainless steel. These kinds of materials will help keep fragments under control even under heavy mechanical stress.

And don’t forget, food factories have a habit of throwing some pretty tough chemicals at anything that gets in the way – acidic or alkaline cleaners can be particularly nasty. If your fixture materials aren’t rated well for corrosion resistance, you can expect them to fall apart pretty quickly. Så, when it comes to lighting in food-processing facilities, you need to be able to tick off both shatter resistance and chemical durability as ‘must-haves’.

V. Food Processing Factory Lighting Solutions and Recommended Fixtures

In food processing facilities, lighting is more than a source of illumination—it is a critical safeguard for production safety, hygiene control, and product quality. Because working conditions vary significantly from one area to another, lighting solutions must be carefully matched to each environment. Below are the most commonly recommended LED fixtures and their ideal applications.

1. LED Vapor Tight Lights

LED vapor tight lights are considered a standard fixture in food processing plants. With IP65 or IP66 protection, they effectively resist dust and water ingress. Housings are typically made from thickened polycarbonate or stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and easy cleaning.

Recommended applications:Washing areas, primary processing zones, cold rooms, and other high-humidity environments.

Key advantages:Effektivt effektivitet (up to 130–150 lm/W), long service life (≥50 000 timmar), and quick daisy-chain installation. These features make vapor tight lights especially suitable for production lines and large, continuous lighting layouts.

2. LED-tri-bevisade lampor(Vattentät,Dammtät,Korrosionsbeständig)

Compared with standard vapor tight fixtures, LED tri-proof lights provide enhanced protection—particularly in terms of corrosion resistance and impact strength. They are designed to withstand acidic and alkaline cleaning agents, grease, oljedimma, and salt-laden air, while maintaining a robust structure with IK08–IK10 impact resistance.

Recommended applications:Thermal processing areas with heavy oil fumes and zones exposed to frequent chemical cleaning.

Key advantages:Exceptional stability in harsh environments, reducing fixture failure, unplanned downtime, and maintenance-related production interruptions.

3. LED -vattentäta lampor

Waterproof LED fixtures are engineered for environments with persistent moisture or condensation. Their reinforced sealing allows reliable operation even under extreme conditions.

Recommended applications:Cold storage rooms, freezer warehouses, and areas near washing or cleaning equipment.

Key advantages:Low-temperature–resistant drivers capable of stable startup below –30°C, combined with housings that resist frosting and condensation. This ensures dependable illumination in cold and high-humidity environments.

4. LED -wraparound -lampor

LED wraparound lights are known for their uniform light distribution and soft, glare-controlled output, making them ideal for visually demanding workspaces.

Recommended applications:Packaging and sorting areas, quality inspection laboratories, och kontorsutrymmen.

Key advantages:High illuminance levels (300–500 lux) and excellent color rendering (Ra ≥90), helping workers accurately identify food appearance, labels, and minor defects. Anti-glare designs also reduce visual fatigue during long working hours.

Food Processing Areas Recommended Lighting Fixtures

Vi. Lighting Design and Energy-Saving Strategies for Food Processing Plants

Effective lighting in food factories is not just about making spaces brighter—it’s about lighting intelligently. Well-planned lighting improves productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Proper Layout to Eliminate Shadows and Dark Zones

Many food processing tasks rely on visual inspection of color, surface condition, and integrity. Poor lighting design can create shadows along production lines, workstations, or shelving, increasing the risk of inspection errors.

Design approach:In raw material intake and processing lines, use linked LED vapor tight or tri-proof lights to achieve uniform illumination.

In high-rack warehouses or cold storage areas, supplement general lighting with high-bay or auxiliary lights to ensure lower shelves remain clearly visible.

Area-Specific Lighting Strategies

Food processing facilities consist of functionally diverse spaces, and a one-size-fits-all lighting approach is inefficient.

• Washing and pre-processing areas:High humidity requires IP65+ vapor tight fixtures with smooth, easy-to-rinse housings.
• Cooking and thermal processing zones:High temperatures and oil fumes demand heat- and corrosion-resistant LED tri-proof lights for long-term reliability.
• Packaging and inspection areas:High color rendering (Ra ≥90) LED wraparound lights improve visual accuracy for appearance checks and labeling tasks.

By tailoring lighting to each area, facilities enhance visual performance while avoiding unnecessary energy waste.

Smart Controls and Zoning Management

Not all areas in a food factory operate at full capacity around the clock. Lager, korridorer, and auxiliary rooms often experience intermittent use.

Recommended solutions:

• Install microwave motion sensors in low-traffic areas to activate lighting only when needed.
• Use zoned lighting control in large production halls to match illumination levels with active work zones.
• Apply dimming systems in offices to automatically adjust brightness based on natural daylight.

These strategies typically reduce lighting energy consumption by 15%–30%.

Energy Savings and Maintenance Cost Comparison

Although LED lighting requires a higher initial investment, long-term savings quickly offset the upfront cost.

1. Energieffektivitet:LED fixtures deliver 120–150 lm/W, improving efficiency by approximately 50%–70% compared with traditional fluorescent lamps.
2. Service life:LED vapor tight lights commonly last up to 50,000 timmar, equivalent to 5–8 years of operation with minimal replacement.
3. Reduced maintenance:Corrosion-resistant, washdown-ready designs minimize failures caused by moisture or chemicals, reducing downtime and labor costs.

For a mid-sized food factory of around 2,000 square meters, upgrading to LED vapor tight and tri-proof lighting typically achieves a full return on investment within 2–3 years, after which energy and maintenance savings become ongoing benefits.

Compliance with Food Safety Standards

Energy efficiency must never compromise food safety. All lighting fixtures must still meet requirements for food-grade materials, shatter resistance, glansskontroll, and disinfectant compatibility.

Smart lighting designs should also align with HACCP and other food safety certifications to ensure controlled, traceable, and compliant production environments.

VII. Lighting Solution Recommendations and Actions

The Core Value of Lighting in Food Processing Facilities

In food processing environments, lighting directly influences food safety, operational efficiency, and employee comfort. From raw material receiving and washing to thermal processing, kylförvaring, förpackning, and quality control, each stage demands a specific lighting solution.

Professional LED Lighting Solutions from COMLED

COMLED offers a full range of professional lighting products, including LED vapor tight lights, LED tri-proof lights, LED -vattentäta fixturer, and LED wraparound lights. As a leading vapor tight lighting supplier, COMLED provides targeted solutions for diverse food processing environments.

These fixtures combine waterproofing, dust resistance, corrosion protection, and impact resistance with high color rendering, enhetlig belysning, and low maintenance performance. When integrated with smart sensing, zoning, and dimming strategies, businesses can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining safe, stable lighting conditions.

Contact COMLED for a Customized Lighting Solution

For food processing facility managers, selecting the right lighting solution means lower operational risk, higher efficiency, and improved workplace safety. Whether you are upgrading a washdown area, a cold storage facility, or a precision inspection laboratory, professional LED lighting provides reliable, long-term support.

Contact us today to receive a customized food processing factory lighting solution. Our team will assess your facility layout, production workflow, and safety requirements to recommend the most suitable LED vapor tight lights, tri-proof fixtures, and intelligent lighting controls—helping you build a safer, effektivare, and energy-saving production environment.

Relaterade frågor

1. What makes lighting in food processing factories different from general industrial lighting?

Food processing facilities operate under strict hygiene and safety requirements. Lighting must withstand frequent washdowns, fukt, temperature fluctuations, and chemical cleaning agents, while also preventing contamination risks. Unlike general industrial lighting, food processing lighting must prioritize sealed construction, shatter resistance, and easy-to-clean surfaces.

2. What IP rating is required for food processing factory lighting?

Most food processing environments require lighting fixtures with IP65 or IP66 protection. This ensures reliable resistance to dust and water, even during high-pressure washdown and sanitation procedures. Areas exposed to direct water spray or heavy moisture typically demand the higher IP66 rating.

3. What type of lighting is best for washdown and high-humidity areas?

LED vapor tight lights are commonly used in washdown zones, washing rooms, and cold storage areas. Their sealed housings, corrosion-resistant materials, and smooth surfaces make them suitable for environments with constant moisture and frequent cleaning.

4. How can food processing plants reduce lighting energy consumption?

Energy savings can be achieved by combining high-efficiency LED fixtures with smart lighting controls, such as motion sensors, zoned switching, and daylight-responsive dimming. I praktiken, these strategies often reduce lighting energy use by 15–30% without compromising safety or visibility.

5. Is LED lighting suitable for cold storage and freezer rooms?

Ja. LED fixtures designed for cold environments use low-temperature–rated drivers that start reliably in sub-zero conditions. Properly sealed housings also prevent condensation and frost buildup, ensuring stable operation in cold storage and freezer areas.