Auto Dealership Shoebox Lighting
The traditional shoebox arm-mount — the dealership standard. DIP-selectable CCT and wattage, 75W–300W, three color finishes. One fixture spec for every lot zone.
The PLB Series is a traditional shoebox LED area light designed for pole arm-mount applications — the standard fixture form factor specified by architects and lighting designers for auto dealership lots. Unlike flood-type fixtures (which require yoke brackets and aim adjustment), the PLB mounts directly to standard 2-3/8" tenons on square or round pole arms — the same infrastructure already installed at most dealership lots. Built-in DIP switches select 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K CCT and wattage from 75W to 300W in the field, eliminating wrong-CCT returns and split-SKU orders. All six wattage settings deliver U0 zero uplight (IES verified). Available in Bronze, Black, and White finishes — White matches the clean, modern aesthetics of contemporary dealership architecture. IP65/IK08 rated, 10kV/5kA surge protection, UL 1598 listed, DLC qualified, LM-79-19 tested.
Comparison
PLB vs Typical Shoebox — What's Different
| Feature | Typical Shoebox | PLB Series | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCT Selection | Fixed at order time | DIP switch: 3000K/4000K/5000K | No CCT returns; brand changes handled in-field |
| Wattage Selection | Fixed per SKU | DIP switch: 3 levels per tier | One SKU covers display + inventory zones |
| Optics Available | Type III or Type IV (order-time) | Type III, Type IV, Type V | Match any lot geometry without multiple specs |
| Color Finishes | Bronze or Black | Bronze, Black, White | White matches modern dealership aesthetics |
| Surge Protection | 6kV standard | 10kV/5kA | Survives lightning-prone lot environments |
| Impact Rating | IK05 typical | IK08 | Withstands hail, debris, and vandalism |
| Peak Efficacy @4000K | 130–150 lm/W | 180 lm/W (PLB 75W @4000K) | 20–35% more efficient than typical competitors |
| Uplight | U1–U2 typical | U0 across all 6 IES files | Zero light waste, dark-sky compliant |
What We Hear
Real Dealership Lighting Problems — PLB Solves Them
“We ordered 5000K shoeboxes and the Lexus brand manager rejected them on sight — too cold, didn't match the premium ambiance they're going for. Had to reorder 35 fixtures in 4000K. Six-week delay and the GM was furious.”
— General Manager, luxury auto group, Southern California → PLB DIP CCT: switch 5000K → 4000K in 2 min per fixture, no reorder
“Front rows need 300W for the ‘wall of cars’ effect from the street. Back lot only needs 150W. We ordered two different part numbers, the distributor shipped the wrong ratio, and our install crew had to sort 60 fixtures on-site. Never again.”
— Operations Director, 5-location dealer group, Texas → PLB DIP wattage: one SKU, set 300W front / 150W rear at install
“The architect specified white fixtures to match our new showroom facade. Our usual shoebox supplier only makes bronze and black. We had to custom-order white fixtures at a 40% premium with a 12-week lead time.”
— Architect, dealership redesign project, Arizona → PLB available in White, Black, Bronze — standard stock, no custom premium
“We're bidding a 50-pole dealership relight. Need to hit DLC for utility rebates, UL for code, and a tight budget. The big brands want $700+ per fixture. We need something spec-competitive at a price that wins the bid.”
— Procurement Manager, national electrical contractor → PLB: DLC + UL 1598 + LM-79-19 at a fraction of major brand pricing
IES Verified Performance
PLB Series — All 6 DIP Wattage Settings
Data from IES files and LM-79-19 test reports. All models: U0 uplight (zero lumens in 90–180° zone). DIP switch tiers: 150W (75/100/150W), 300W (200/250/300W).
@5000K — Volume Brands (Toyota, Honda, Chevy)
| Wattage | Lumens | Efficacy | Tier | Uplight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75W🏆 Peak efficacy @5000K | 12,594 lm | 172 lm/W | 150W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 100W | 16,068 lm | 164 lm/W | 150W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 150W★ Best Seller | 22,190 lm | 150 lm/W | 150W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 200W | 32,806 lm | 163 lm/W | 300W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 250W | 38,830 lm | 155 lm/W | 300W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 300W | 44,429 lm | 147 lm/W | 300W tier | U0 ✓ |
@4000K — Luxury Brands (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Audi)
| Wattage | Lumens | Efficacy | Tier | Uplight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75W🏆 Peak efficacy @4000K | 12,762 lm | 180 lm/W | 150W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 100W | 16,473 lm | 175 lm/W | 150W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 150W | 23,505 lm | 167 lm/W | 150W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 200W | 33,645 lm | 175 lm/W | 300W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 250W | 40,463 lm | 170 lm/W | 300W tier | U0 ✓ |
| 300W | 46,950 lm | 165 lm/W | 300W tier | U0 ✓ |
Source: IES photometric files and LM-79-19 test reports. All files confirm U0 uplight. @4000K data shows higher efficacy than @5000K due to phosphor conversion characteristics.
📊 Why @4000K Outperforms @5000K in Efficacy
The PLB Series achieves higher lm/W at 4000K than at 5000K across all wattage settings (e.g., 180 vs 172 lm/W at 75W). This is a well-understood phenomenon in LED phosphor technology: the 4000K phosphor blend converts more radiant flux into visible lumens in the eye's peak sensitivity range. For luxury dealerships specifying 4000K, this means you get both the warm-premium ambiance and better energy efficiency — a rare win-win in lighting design.
Design Standards
IES RP-33 / DG-19 — Auto Dealership Illuminance Requirements
| Zone | Horizontal (fc) | Vertical (fc) | Uniformity Max:Min | CRI Min | PLB Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front display lot ★ | 50 fc | 30 fc | 3:1 | 70+ (80 rec.) | PLB 300W @ 25 ft |
| Side / rear inventory lot | 20–30 fc | 10–15 fc | 4:1 | 70 | PLB 100–150W @ 25 ft |
| Service drive-through | 30 fc | 15 fc | 3:1 | 80+ | PLB 150W @ 20 ft |
| Customer parking | 5–10 fc | 2.5–5 fc | 4:1 | 50 | PLB 75W @ 20 ft |
Source: IES RP-33 “Lighting for Exterior Environments” and IES DG-19 “Lighting for Automobile Dealerships”. Values represent recommended maintained illuminance.
⚡ Vertical Illuminance — The Metric That Sells Cars
Auto dealerships need high vertical illuminance because vehicles are vertical surfaces — hood, doors, and front fascia face customers at eye level. IES DG-19 recommends vertical illuminance ≥ 50% of horizontal at 3.5 ft height. The PLB's shoebox form factor with Type IV optics is specifically optimized for 25 ft arm-mount height — maximizing both coverage and vertical surface illumination. Unlike flood lights that require precise aiming, the PLB's fixed optical assembly delivers consistent distribution from every pole position.
Field Configuration
DIP Switch Configuration Guide
PLB has two DIP switch banks — one for wattage (output level), one for CCT. Both are accessible without special tools after opening the driver compartment cover.
⚡ Wattage DIP Switch
75W / 100W / 150W
Rear inventory, service drive, customer parking
200W / 250W / 300W
Front display rows, main aisles ★
DIP switches must be set before energizing. Power off before changing wattage setting.
🌡️ CCT DIP Switch
Industry standard for volume brand dealerships. Crisp white light maximizes visual acuity, makes white/silver vehicles appear sharp, enhances metallic paint sparkle.
Domestic / volume brands
Preferred by luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Audi). Warm-neutral ambiance that signals premium positioning. Higher efficacy than 5000K — a win-win for luxury lots.
Luxury brands ★
Warm white. Not recommended for vehicle display lots — imparts a yellow cast that misrepresents paint colors. Use for accent, entrance, or service areas only.
Accent/entrance only
CCT can be changed after installation. Power fixture off before switching. Setting takes effect on next power-on cycle.
💡 Dealership Tip: 5000K for Domestic, 4000K for Luxury
For multi-brand auto groups: specify PLB with 5000K default for Toyota, Honda, Chevy, and Ford lots. Switch to 4000K for BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and Audi locations. When a franchise changes brands (increasingly common), your electrician can retune the entire lot in a single afternoon — no fixture replacement, no reorder, no downtime.
Optical Distribution
Type III / Type IV / Type V — Which Optic for Which Zone
Type III
Best for: Perimeter rows, roadside front display
Forward-throw distribution. Pushes light outward from the pole toward the lot perimeter. Best for poles along the edge of the lot where you need maximum throw toward the center without spilling light off-property.
Type IV
Best for: Front display rows, main aisles ★
Wide asymmetric forward throw. The most common choice for dealership display lots — covers a wide rectangle in front of the pole, providing the even, high-intensity coverage that IES DG-19 requires for vehicle display zones.
Type V
Best for: Center poles, symmetric coverage areas
Symmetric circular distribution. Use for poles in the center of a lot where you need even coverage in all directions. Good for customer parking areas and interior aisle poles.
🔧 Practical Tip: Type IV for 80% of Poles
For most auto dealership lots, Type IV covers 80% of pole positions. Use Type III for poles along the street-facing edge (to throw light inward without spill), and Type V for isolated center poles in large lots. When in doubt, specify Type IV — it's the most forgiving distribution for dealership geometries.
ROI
Energy Savings — PLB 300W vs 1000W Metal Halide
| Metric | 1000W Metal Halide | PLB 300W LED | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| System wattage | 1,080W (incl. ballast) | 300W | 72% reduction |
| Delivered lumens | ~30,000 lm maintained | 44,429 lm @5000K / 46,950 lm @4000K | +48–57% more light |
| Effective efficacy | ~28 lm/W (maintained) | 147–165 lm/W (IES) | 5–6× more efficient |
| Annual kWh/fixture (12 hr/day) | 4,730 kWh | 1,314 kWh | 3,416 kWh saved |
| Annual electricity @$0.15/kWh | $710/fixture | $197/fixture | $513/fixture |
| MH lamp replacement (every 2 yrs) | $75/fixture/year | $0 | $75 saved |
| Total annual savings/fixture | — | — | $588/fixture/year |
PLB lumens from IES files. MH maintained lumens estimated at 75% of initial 40,000 lm after 5,000 hrs. Electricity at US commercial average $0.15/kWh, 12 hrs/day operation.
📊 40-Fixture Dealership — Full ROI Scenario
Annual Operating Savings
- ⚡ Electricity savings: $20,520/year
- 🔧 MH lamp replacement: $3,000/year
- Total annual savings: $23,520/year
Based on 40 fixtures, $0.15/kWh, 12 hr/day. Actual savings depend on local utility rate and operating hours.
Additional Value
- 🏗️ Shoebox form factor: drop-in MH replacement
- 🎨 White finish: no custom-order premium
- 🔄 DIP CCT + wattage: future-proof for brand changes
- 🎯 DLC rebate (estimated): $4,000–$8,000
Typical payback period: < 2 years including DLC rebates
Recommendation
Recommended Configurations by Dealership Type
| Dealership Type | Front Display | Back Lot | CCT | Optic | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume brand (Toyota, Honda, Chevy) ★ | PLB 300W | PLB 150W | 5000K | Type IV | White or Bronze |
| Luxury brand (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus) | PLB 250W | PLB 100W | 4000K | Type IV | Black or White |
| Multi-brand auto group | PLB 300W | PLB 150W | 5000K (DIP to 4000K for luxury lots) | Type IV | White |
| Used car lot | PLB 200W | PLB 100W | 5000K | Type IV or V | Bronze |
| Small lot (< 20 poles) | PLB 200W | PLB 75W | 5000K | Type V | Any |
Why 300W Front / 150W Back Is the Standard Split
The front display row facing the street is your primary after-hours marketing channel — bright, even illumination creates the “wall of cars” effect visible from 500+ ft that pulls passing traffic. Specify PLB 300W with Type IV optics for maximum street-facing impact. The rear inventory lot requires only enough light for security cameras and occasional browsing — PLB 150W delivers 20–30 fc at 25 ft mounting height, meeting IES RP-33 requirements at a fraction of the energy cost. With PLB's two DIP tiers, you order one product for both zones.
Compliance
Certifications & Standards Compliance
UL 1598
UL Listed luminaire safety standard — required for code compliance in all US jurisdictions.
DLC Qualified
DesignLights Consortium qualification — required for utility rebate eligibility ($100–$200/fixture typical).
LM-79-19
IES photometric testing standard — verified lumen, efficacy, and distribution data for every wattage setting.
IP65
Ingress protection: dust-tight + water jet resistant. Exceeds outdoor parking lot requirements.
IK08
Impact resistance: withstands 5-joule impacts (equivalent to 1.7 kg dropped from 300mm). Hail and vandalism rated.
10kV/5kA Surge
Integrated surge protection device rated to 10kV line-to-line, 5kA — critical for exposed pole-mount installations.
FCC Part 15
Electromagnetic compatibility — no interference with dealership communication systems, security cameras, or Wi-Fi.
Title 24
California Energy Code compliant — required for all new construction and retrofits in California.
ISTMT Tested
In-situ temperature measurement test — verified thermal performance under real operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLB Auto Dealership Lighting FAQ
Q: Why choose a shoebox form factor over a flood light for auto dealership lighting?
The shoebox (area light) form factor is the standard for auto dealership pole-mount applications. It mounts directly to a 2-3/8" tenon on a square or round pole arm — the same infrastructure already present at most dealership lots. Shoebox fixtures like the PLB Series provide controlled forward-throw distribution (Type III/IV) that minimizes backlight and glare, which is critical for lots bordering residential areas. Flood lights (like the OT02) require separate mounting brackets, yoke adjustments, and are better suited for high-mast or building-mount applications. For pole-mount dealership lots, shoebox is the architect-specified standard.
Q: Can I change the PLB color temperature after installation if the brand standard changes?
Yes. The PLB Series features a DIP switch that selects 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K CCT in the field — no rewiring, no replacement. If you install 5000K for a Chevrolet lot and the dealership later acquires a BMW franchise, your electrician can switch all fixtures to 4000K in a single afternoon. The switch is accessible after removing the driver compartment cover, and the change takes under 2 minutes per fixture. This eliminates the most common dealership lighting return: wrong CCT after install.
Q: What is the difference between the PLB 150W tier and the PLB 300W tier?
The PLB comes in two DIP-selectable tiers: the 150W tier (75W/100W/150W selectable) and the 300W tier (200W/250W/300W selectable). For dealership use, the 300W tier at full 300W is ideal for front display rows where maximum brightness draws street traffic. The 150W tier at 100–150W is perfect for rear inventory lots and service areas where moderate illuminance is sufficient. Both tiers share the same housing, mounting, and arm compatibility — just different driver modules.
Q: What color finish should I specify for a modern auto dealership?
White is the preferred choice for modern dealership aesthetics — it matches contemporary architecture, appears clean and professional during daytime, and visually disappears against light-colored pole finishes. Bronze is traditional and blends with older dealership infrastructure and earth-tone buildings. Black provides maximum contrast and is preferred by some luxury brands for a bold, architectural look. The PLB is available in all three finishes at no price premium, so you can match the brand identity of each dealership location.
Q: How does the PLB Series compare to the OT02 Series for dealership use?
The PLB is a traditional shoebox arm-mount fixture — the dealership pole-mount standard. It mounts to standard 2-3/8" tenons, offers Type III/IV/V optics, and comes in Bronze/Black/White finishes. The OT02 is a flood-type fixture with higher peak efficacy (191 lm/W vs PLB's 180 lm/W at 4000K) but requires yoke mounting and is better suited for high-mast or building-mount applications. For standard dealership pole infrastructure, specify PLB. For high-mast retrofits or building-mount scenarios, consider OT02. Both offer DIP-selectable CCT and wattage.
Design Your PLB Dealership Lighting
Get a free photometric layout showing exact pole placement, illuminance levels, and uniformity — or request a quote for your specific dealership size and zone requirements.