Food Preparation / Commercial Kitchens
The visual tasks involved with proper food handling and preparation influence personal safety, food safety and cleanliness. The lighting in commercial kitchens must be able to withstand rigorous washdowns to prevent the harboring or growth of bacteria; NSF and IP ratings help ensure this capability. Fixture placement is also important, providing even illumination and preventing shadowed surfaces in critical work areas. Adequate lighting enables workers to see surfaces clearly, including those tasked with washing them down. Lensing materials must also be shatterproof to prevent accidental contamination from unintentional impact. Finally, fixtures with high CRI enhance visibility through superior color rendering, which aids inspection of food for freshness, readiness, and cleanliness.
Commercial Kitchen Overview
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International is an independent testing organization with established guidelines specific to the products used within the food service industry. Choosing NSF-rated fixtures confirms to inspectors and administrators that sanitation and cleanability is a design priority. Luminaires must be also sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture or insects, thereby avoiding contamination. Polycarbonate lensing is heat stable, enabling it to withstand the heat and rigorous cleaning required in commercial kitchens that acrylic lensing cannot.
Lighting Best Practices
- Luminaires and ceiling tiles should be sealed to prevent the entrance of moisture or insects, avoiding contamination and issues with local inspections.
- Knife work should be well lit, without harsh shadows.
- Consider NSF2 splash zone undercabinet lighting to increase safety in areas with stainless steel surfaces.
- Look for fixtures that use the NSF mark to showcase sanitation, which is a priority to building inspectors and administrators.
Fixture Construction
Select polycarbonate lenses for unmatched fixture durability and temperature stability.
Kenall will repair or replace qualifying luminaires rendered inoperable due to intentional abuse by vandals or accidental impact for the normal service life of the fixture.
Recommended Illuminance
| Foot Candles (fc) | @ surface / object | Activity / Use |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Appliance Surfaces | Meat Cooking |
| 50 | Counter Tops | Food Prep |
| 20 | Floor | Walk-in Coolers |
| 50 | Sink Tops | Dishwashing |
CSEDO Series
The CSEDO family is constructed to seal out moisture and facilitate many types of cleaning methods from wipe-down to hose-down. It comes standard with the National Sanitation Foundation NSF-2 splash-zone certification and IP66 ingress protection, providing assurance that this luminaire is ready for any institutional kitchen.
