---
title: "What Is HID lighting? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "HID lighting uses high intensity discharge lamps, such as metal halide and high pressure sodium, common in parking lots and large spaces."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hid-lighting
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# HID lighting

HID lighting uses high intensity discharge lamps, such as metal halide and high pressure sodium, common in parking lots and large spaces.

HID lamps make light with an electric arc through gas in a sealed tube, and they need a [ballast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ballast) to run. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory notes that much exterior lighting was provided by HID lamps that are difficult to dim or to turn on and off because of long restart times.

That slow restart is one reason sites move to [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led), which can dim and respond to sensors. A retrofit plan covers poles, fixtures and controls. See [parking lot lighting repair](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/parking-lot-lighting-repair) and [retrofit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/retrofit).

[Daniel Electric can helpParking lot lighting repair](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/parking-lot-lighting-repair)

## Related terms

-   [Ballast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ballast)
-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)
-   [Retrofit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/retrofit)
-   [Light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/light-pole)

## Sources

1.  [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Exterior Lighting Scoping Study](https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/pnnl-20579.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)