Container Lighting: A Guide to Safe and Effective Solutions

Jane on August 9, 2024

Introduction

Container lighting is a must when using your shipping container. As an owner of a shipping container, you need to be sure that your staff/employees are able to use the container safely. 

Lighting affects not only functionality but also safety and security.

Here we will guide you through important considerations when it comes to container lighting.

Understanding your Container lighting needs

There are reasons why lighting is needed with your container. 

  1. Storage facilities: You and your staff need to have good visibility. Perhaps you are looking for a specific item and it is too dark to find it in your shipping container. Chemical storage containers certainly need to be well-lit in order to pick up the correct chemical for the job. Shipping container interiors are often painted in white or light grey, so when you have the doors open you get the natural daylight. The trouble is the doors are often only 1 end of the container, which means the other end can be darker.
  2. Workspace: You may use your shipping container as an office space, snack shack or another facility. Good lighting for your staff is a health and safety requirement.

Container lighting is paramount to anything we use today.

Accidents can occur if your container is not lit properly, whether it be a storage container, chemical store, office unit, snack shack, etc.

We have the solutions to your container lighting problems.

Types of container lighting

  1. Storage: You can use a torch, but if you or your staff are carrying goods in and out, carrying a torch at the same time can be cumbersome and difficult. Fixed container lighting is probably the best way forward. We recommend a magnetic battery-powered motion sensor light. Perfect for the job.
  2. Office units: Good light again is part of the health and safety requirements. Fixed lighting would be your best option. When we convert a shipping container into an office or canteen unit we ensure that overhead strip lights are fitted, to give the maximum spread of light.
  3. Snack shack/Mobile food service unit: The same rules apply as for the office units above.
  4. Chemical storage containers: The same rules apply as for the storage units above.

Installation considerations

Our magnetic motion sensor battery-operated lights are so easy to fit. All you do is place it against the container walls and activate accordingly. SUPER EASY! No cables required.

They come in 2 sizes: 12 inches or 24 inches long.

For a 20ft container, it is recommended you have 2-3 x 12-inch lights spread out evenly.

For a 40ft container, it is recommended you have 2-4 x 12-inch lights spread out evenly.

For the lighting fitted in the offices, canteens, snack shacks, etc. our electricians fit them as part of the conversion work. These lights are hooked up to a consumer unit which runs on a 240v 32amp socket. This socket can, with the right cable, be connected to your electrical supply. All this is handled by our qualified engineers. Again, SUPER EASY!

Benefits of Professional container advice

We have over 60 years of combined container knowledge. We have encountered many container problems, which we often have the solution to. 

All our electricians are industry-qualified.

So for peace of mind, call us at Billie Box for our container lighting advice.

Conclusion

In summary here are a few things to consider when thinking about container lighting:

  1. What are you going to use your container for?
  2. Who is going to use your container?
  3. Who is responsible for the container?
  4. Is natural light enough?
  5. Do you need extra lighting?
  6. Do you meet the health and safety guidelines?

This list is not exhaustive, it is a rough guide to your container lighting solutions.

We offer:

🔵 20ft & 40ft Shipping Container for storage for hire

🔵 20ft & 40ft Shipping Container for storage for sale

🔵 10ft & 20ft Chemical storage Containers for sale

🔵 20ft Portable Container Offices for sale

🔵 Bespoke Container Conversions

🔵 All with delivery to your door

📞 Call us on 0800 121 7388 or visit our websites:

👉 Billie Box

👉 Chemical Storage 4 Farmers

Renting vs Buying Container Storage

Jane on January 3, 2020

If you require extra storage space, you can easily solve this problem by renting or buying a shipping container. The processes of renting and buying container storage offer different benefits depending on your requirements. If you’re wondering whether you should rent or buy your container, read on to find out which option is best suited to you.

Reasons for renting a shipping container

Shipping container hire for both personal and commercial use is ideal for a temporary storage solution. You may wish to rent a container if you are:

  • Hosting a short-term event such as a festival, sporting event, market, etc.
  • Managing a construction site and want to store equipment and materials
  • Renovating your home and want to keep personal belongings safe and accessible
  • A retailer requiring seasonal storage
  • A farmer requiring a grain store during harvesting

There are, of course, many other reasons why you might need to hire a shipping container for storage, but these are just a few common scenarios.

Reasons for buying a shipping container

If you require longer term or permanent use, buying a shipping container will likely be the best option for you. You might choose to buy a container if you are:

  • A farmer in need of chemical storage
  • A private individual or business looking to set up an office in your garden or a commercial site
  • A school in need of an extra classroom, PE changing rooms or outdoor equipment storage
  • A hospital requiring a staff room, canteen or storage for medical equipment
  • Shipping goods overseas

Again, there are many more reasons for purchasing a shipping container.

The price of renting or buying a shipping container

Price might be the most important factor for you to consider when deciding whether you should rent or buy a shipping container. 

Buying a shipping container will have a high initial cost, but the benefits will be that you own the container outright, can use it for as long as you need, and can possibly sell it when you no longer need it. Containers are very sturdy structures made with high quality material, so they can last years without any considerable decrease in resale value. Take a look at our guides for what you need to look for when buying a second hand or a new container. 

Renting a shipping container may be more cost effective if you only need it for a short amount of time. Container suppliers usually have a weekly hire cost, and you will likely need to pay for delivery and removal. Read our guide to renting a container, which includes our pricing information.

Shipping container modifications

All of our rented containers come fitted with a lock box for security purposes; this houses a padlock (which can be purchased through us if needed) and is specially designed to deter bolt croppers. Each container is also watertight and this is checked prior to release to ensure that you receive a high quality container for your rental period. Accessories – such as Absorpoles to absorb moisture – are available with your rental and the price for these items is available on request.

If you require further modifications, however, this may mean buying a container. We can convert containers for use as chemical stores, complete with bunded floors, drainage sumps and warning signs; mobile offices with insulation and heating, lockable window shutters, and lighting; and canteens with counters and a sink. All of these options are available with container purchases.

Should I rent or buy a shipping container?

If you’re still struggling to decide whether you should rent or buy a container, just give us a call on 0800 121 7388 and we can help you make an informed decision!

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