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• Customer safety: Good lighting is vital<br />
to a self-serve car wash because it not only<br />
attracts business by serving as a beacon to draw<br />
customers in, but it also provides a sense of safety<br />
and productivity when a site is properly illuminated.<br />
While most owners do take safety and liability<br />
very seriously, they often undervalue the ability of<br />
the LED systems to create bright, clearly-visible<br />
environments that foster a sense of security and<br />
attract customers during evening or even early<br />
morning hours. These LED products are also ideal<br />
for cost-efficient lighting areas that are often prey<br />
to theft and vandalism as well as reducing potential<br />
hazards such as fire and shock risks.<br />
Furthermore, a well-lit wash is often viewed as<br />
“inviting” and “always open for business.” Some<br />
owners have even stated that customers actually<br />
thought their bays looked new after the facility<br />
was retrofitted with the latest LED technologies.<br />
Consequently, many others have noted that<br />
dimly-lit locations that appear dark or unsafe from<br />
the street can result in customers that fail to visit<br />
any time, whether it be day or night, such circumstances<br />
that are never good for increasing car<br />
counts and profits.<br />
• Be on the lookout for imposters:<br />
While LED technology as a whole is touted as an<br />
excellent lighting solution, not all LED products<br />
are created equal. When choosing the right lighting<br />
for your self serve, it is important to take into<br />
consideration the ability to withstand the car wash<br />
environment, the light quality, ease of installation,<br />
safety certifications and the warranty offered. At a<br />
minimum, an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of IP66<br />
is important to have, stating that the product is<br />
protected against moisture intrusion and will not<br />
be affected by the constant water and humidity.<br />
Look for a fixture that can withstand exposure to<br />
the chemicals and soaps of the car wash. A UL<br />
Wet Location rating is important as it will show<br />
that the product has been tested and third-party<br />
certified for safety within the car washing environment.<br />
Lastly, look for a product that is rated for a<br />
long lifetime and backed by at least a 3-year warranty<br />
to ensure quality and customer service that<br />
stands behind their products so that you won’t be<br />
paying out of pocket in the case of failures.<br />
DID YOU KNOW?<br />
State and Local Energy<br />
Efficiency Programs<br />
The Small Business Administration<br />
offers state, local and regional<br />
programs that help small<br />
businesses become energy<br />
efficient. These programs offer<br />
financial assistance in the form<br />
of grants and loans for making<br />
energy efficient upgrades. These<br />
programs also offer free or low-<br />
cost technical assistance to help<br />
small business owners conduct<br />
energy audits and implement<br />
energy efficient technology.<br />
Visit: www.sba.gov/content/<br />
state-and-local-energy-efficiencyprograms<br />
for more information.<br />
BRIGHT BAY. HAPPY CUSTOMER.<br />
Waterproof LED Lighting | Available at Kleen-Rite<br />
800-285-6780 | www.ggled.net | sales@ggled.net<br />
<strong>SSCWN</strong>2019.indd 1<br />
SPRING 2021 • 59<br />
4/15/19 9:05 AM
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