Hiring construction lighting: requirements, setup and costs
Work areas, access routes and storage areas have different lighting needs. The solution depends on activity, location, operating times and supply. A bright tower alone does not establish suitable lighting throughout the site.
What needs lighting?
Describe areas and work. An open space differs from indoor rooms, narrow routes or a changing site. Existing lights can help but can also cause shadows or glare. Known area and operating times help; you need not prepare a lighting calculation yourself.
Choose lights and supply together
Hire includes portable lights, towers and systems with their own supply. An electric tower needs a suitable connection. Generator systems also need fuel and operating arrangements. Solar-and-battery systems must suit the location, season and operating hours; they do not automatically guarantee identical supply every night.
| Solution | Clarify before hire |
|---|---|
| Electric lights | Supply, cable routes and connections. |
| Generator tower | Position, fuel and support. |
| Solar and battery | Sunlight, operating hours and reserve. |
Compare lighting, not just watts
Watts describe power, lumens light output and lux illuminance on a surface. They are not interchangeable. Position, height, aiming and obstructions also affect lighting. A device’s advertised coverage is not a guarantee of adequate light for every task.
Prepare siting and access
Mobile towers need suitable ground and room for setup. Weight, vehicle access, surfaces and routes affect delivery and positioning. Fixing and weather limits depend on the equipment and site. Let the contractor plan setup and instruction; a model reference does not replace site assessment.
Limit glare and unnecessary light
Aim light at the required work and access areas. Direction, shielding and operating times help limit glare and unwanted light on neighbouring areas. Consider nearby homes, roads and sensitive surroundings. The contractor clarifies appropriate requirements; one fixed lux value or shut-off time does not suit every site.
Understand hire prices and extras
One published Swiss offer lists CHF 115 per day excluding VAT for a tower with external power supply. This is specific equipment, not an average. Duration and billable days can change the rate. Delivery, collection, operation, power, fuel and insurance should be identifiable separately. Compare equipment and the complete job scope together.
| Cost item | Check in the quote |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Quantity, specification, term and minimum hire. |
| Logistics | Transport, setup, instruction and return. |
| Operation | Energy, support, operating hours and tax. |
Prepare suitable lighting hire
Describe the work area, hours and known supply. Suitable lighting is assessed professionally.
- Area. Describe work areas, routes and known dimensions.
- Operation. Give operating hours and available power supply.
- Surroundings. Account for access, neighbouring uses and restricted setup space.
- Scope. Agree unit count, rental period, transport and desired support.
Agree operation and return
Before starting, agree operation, charging or fuel supply and fault support. Document condition and accessories. Site changes may require relocation and re-aiming. The end of hire, dismantling, cleaning and collection should have clear responsibilities.
- Assess. Agree the work area and suitable lighting with the contractor.
- Set up. Organise position, aiming and power supply professionally.
- Support. Agree responsibility for operation, faults and relocation.
- Complete. Coordinate the end of hire, dismantling, cleaning and collection.
Frequently asked questions
Does every tower need mains power?
No. External supply, generator, battery and solar systems exist. Sizing must suit the job.
Must I know the required lux level?
No. Describe activities and areas; the contractor plans suitable lighting.
Is a high lumen rating enough?
No. Distribution, distance, shadows and glare affect useful light at work.
Is delivery always included?
No. Delivery, setup and collection should be specified.
Can I enquire without knowing the area?
Yes. Describe areas and work; assessment can then be refined with the contractor.
What should be clarified for faults or a new position?
Agree a contact and the support scope. Relocation may require different setup, aiming or supply and cause additional charges. Coordinate changes with the contractor; replacement equipment or immediate help is included only where confirmed.
