Light Poles and Pole Lights To Go With Them - How to Figure it all out
Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of any business, as it can affect the safety, security, and appearance of your premises. However, choosing the right light poles for your project can be challenging, as there are various factors that must be considered, such as the type and size of the pole, the number and type of fixtures and the area to illuminate. For the pole light you have to consider the type of light distribution, the amount of lumens, the type of material, the type of mounting, the type of control, and the cost of installation and maintenance. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting and installing light poles and pole lights that meet your needs and expectations. By following our tips and advice, you can achieve a functional and attractive outdoor lighting solution that enhances the visibility and professionalism of your business.
What is a light Pole?
A light pole is a structure that supports one or more lights, usually for outdoor illumination. Light poles can be made of different materials, such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or wood. They can also have different shapes, such as round, square, tapered, or decorative. Light poles can be used for various purposes, such as lighting up roads, parking lots, parks, stadiums, signs, or buildings. Light poles have different strength and ratings for wind speed.
What tests do light poles have to pass?
A:First they should appropriate gauge or thickness to hold up to storms or earthquakes. They have to meet an EPA rating for wind based on their strength.
Make sure fixtures are tested for outdoor and corrosive environments. They should have passed the ASTM B117 salt fog or salt spray testing. The purpose of this test is to prevent corrosion of metal and reduction of light.
The fixtures and lights should meet the electrical service standards. Your light poles and lights also need to pass the relevant vibration standards of the American National Standards Institute.
The final area is the outdoor lighting standards, which establish the standards for properly designed and installed outdoor lighting. Standards may vary by state or city.
Make sure fixtures are tested for outdoor and corrosive environments. They should have passed the ASTM B117 salt fog or salt spray testing. The purpose of this test is to prevent corrosion of metal and reduction of light.
The fixtures and lights should meet the electrical service standards. Your light poles and lights also need to pass the relevant vibration standards of the American National Standards Institute.
The final area is the outdoor lighting standards, which establish the standards for properly designed and installed outdoor lighting. Standards may vary by state or city.
Factors to Consider When Selecting New Light Poles
A light pole is more than a piece of wood holding a light. It is an essential component of outdoor lighting that can enhance the safety, visibility, and aesthetics of your space. However, choosing the right light pole for your project can be challenging, as there are various factors that must be considered, such as:
• Height of poles: The height of the light pole will affect how far and wide the light will spread, as well as how it will interact with its surroundings. You should select a pole height that matches the size and purpose of your area to illuminate. For example, if you are lighting a small parking lot, you may need poles that are 15 to 20 feet high, while if you are lighting a large commercial lot, you may need poles that are 25 to 35 feet high. If you are lighting a sports field, you may need poles that are 40 to 70 feet high. You should also consider the location of the pole with respect to the sign, building, field, lot or landscape that it is lighting up. You do not want the pole to obstruct the view or create glare for the users or visitors.
• Number and type of fixtures: The number and type of fixtures that you mount on each light pole will determine how much light output and coverage you will get. You should select fixtures that are compatible with the pole and have the appropriate wattage, lumen, color temperature, and beam angle for your application. You should also consider whether you want to use arm mounts or slip fit mounts to attach the fixtures to the pole. Arm mounts extend the fixture away from the pole, while slip fit mounts insert the fixture into the pole. Both types have advantages and disadvantages depending on the design and layout of your space. Some poles and accessories allow you to mount more than one fixture on each pole. For example, a common configuration in parking lots is two fixtures per pole. This helps provide more coverage with fewer poles. However, you should also consider the effective projected area (EPA) rating of your pole and fixtures, which measures how much wind load they can withstand. You do not want to overload your pole with too many or too large fixtures that may cause it to bend or break in strong winds.
Some poles and accessories allow you to mount more than one light on each pole. A 2 lights per outdoor light pole setup is common in parking lots. 4 lights if the pole is high enough, usually 25ft plus. This helps provide more coverage with fewer poles and reduce overall cost..
• Area to illuminate and compatibility: When planning to install light poles and pole lights, you must determine how much area you want to illuminate and how bright you want it to be. This will help you calculate how many poles and fixtures you need and where to place them for optimal lighting. You should also check the local codes and regulations on pole height, size, spacing, and lighting levels to ensure compliance. Moreover, you should make sure that the pole and fixture are compatible with each other in terms of voltage, wattage, mounting method, and wiring. This is especially important if you are purchasing new pole lights to put on old poles or vice versa.
These are some of the main factors that you should consider when selecting light poles for your project. By choosing the right light pole and fixture combination, you can achieve a functional and attractive outdoor lighting solution that meets your needs and expectations.
How Much Concrete do i need for the light pole footing?
A: The standard rule of thumb is 3ft down x 2ft wide + add 1 foot down and 1 foot wide for every 5 feet above 18 feet up. Rebar and commercial grade concrete required. Always check local codes and concrete recommendations.
What size light poles do i need?
A: This depends on the use. The most common light poles are 20ft to 25 ft. You can use a 15ft pole for a small area, driveways and home sport courts. The ISTA and other Tennis bodies specify the light at 22.8ft, which is a 20ft pole plus an adapter on top. This is probably the most common height for poles and 2 of the 20K lumen fixtures do well here. 25ft poles are used for larger lots to cover more space and typically have brighter lights with more lumens on them. Use 2-4 of the 40K lumen fixtures. Baseball and other ball field lighting usually starts at 40ft and goes up and you'll need LED Stadium lights with narrower beam angles at these heights.
What are the Types of Materials for Light Poles?
Outdoor light poles are structures that support one or more lights, usually for outdoor illumination. They can be made of different materials, such as wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or steel. The best pole for your lighting needs will depend on its purpose, location, durability, and cost. Here are some of the main types of outdoor light poles and their advantages and disadvantages:
• Wood: Wood is the cheapest option but also the least attractive. It is solid and heavy, which means it requires more labor and equipment to install. It also requires external wiring, which must be weatherproofed according to the electrical code. Wood is susceptible to rotting, cracking, warping, and insect damage, which can affect its stability and safety.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is versatile and lightweight. It can be molded into various shapes and colors to suit different preferences and applications. It is more water-resistant than wood or steel, but not as strong or durable. It can also be more expensive than other options.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. It has a hollow structure that allows internal wiring, which is more aesthetically pleasing and protective. It can also be painted or coated with different finishes to enhance its appearance and resistance to corrosion. However, aluminum is usually more expensive than steel and can be less stable in windy conditions.
• Steel: Steel is the most popular choice for outdoor light poles. It is strong, sturdy, and economical. It also has a hollow structure that allows internal wiring. It can withstand high winds and harsh weather without bending or breaking. However, steel is prone to rusting if not properly coated or maintained. Metal coatings are available that will improve the resistance of steel and aluminum poles to corrosion.
When choosing an outdoor light pole, you should also consider other factors, such as the height, size, shape, and number of fixtures that you need for your project. You should also check the local codes and regulations on pole installation and lighting levels to ensure compliance. Moreover, you should add surge protectors at the pole and breaker to prevent damage from power surges or lightning strikes. By selecting the right outdoor light pole for your project, you can achieve a functional and attractive outdoor lighting solution that meets your needs and expectations.
How to Secure Light Poles to the Ground?
When it comes to installing poles for lighting, the most common methods are flush mounting for metal poles and direct burial for wooden poles. Flush mounting requires excavating a hole, positioning anchor bolts and a base plate, and then pouring concrete to secure the structure. The bottom of the pole has pre-drilled holes to align with the anchor bolts. Once placed over the bolts, the pole is fastened with nuts and washers, making this method ideal for metal poles and in areas with hard or rocky soil. Direct burial, on the other hand, involves embedding a portion of the pole (typically over 5 feet) directly into the ground and reinforcing it with concrete. Read about flush mounted vs direct burial here.
For a flush mount, one should consider whether to mount it directly on the ground or on a concrete cylindrical form, commonly referred to as a Sonotube, named after a well-known manufacturer. The flat surface mount is standard; however, if there is a risk of impact from vehicles, as with parking lot lights, or potential issues with water and snow accumulation, then using a Sonotube is preferable for additional protection and stability. Refer to this visual aid for a clearer understanding of the differences between these methods. In this image you can see an example of both of these flush mounts;
How to Attach Lights to Light Poles
There are different ways to attach lights to light poles, depending on the type and size of the pole and the light. Here are some common methods:
| • Arm Mount: This method involves attaching the light directly to the side of the light poles with one or two bolts. The light has a metal arm that extends from the back of the fixture and fits into a hole or bracket on the pole. This method is suitable for round or square poles and single or multiple lights. |  |
| • Slip Fit Mount: This method involves sliding the light over a round adapter that is attached to the top of the pole. The adapter has a diameter of 2.38 inches and is called a tenon. The light has a hole in the back that matches the size of the tenon. This method is suitable for round or square poles and single or multiple lights. If you want to attach more than one light to a pole, you will need a bullhorn, which is a metal piece that splits the tenon into two or more branches. |  |
| • Lag Bolt: This method involves drilling a hole into the side of a wood pole and inserting a lag bolt, which is a large screw with a hexagonal head. The light has a metal plate with a hole that matches the size of the lag bolt. The plate is secured to the pole with a washer and a nut. This method is suitable for wood poles and single or multiple lights. If you want to attach more than one light to a pole, you will need a cross beam, which is a wood piece that spans across the pole and provides more surface area for the lights. |
These are some of the ways to attach lights to light poles. Read more on this article on pole light mounting and on street light mounting here.
Why LED Lights with Your Light Poles?
Outdoor lighting is an important aspect of any business, as it can affect the safety, security, and appearance of your premises. Traditional bulbs, such as halogen and incandescent, can produce a yellowish tint that distorts the natural colors of your landscape and creates a dull and uninviting atmosphere. High-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs can also create uneven and patchy lighting that leaves dark spots or shadows in your area. These types of lighting can also consume more energy and require more frequent maintenance than modern alternatives.
LED lights are a better option for light poles as they provide a clean, bright, and uniform light that enhances the visibility and attractiveness of your space. LED lights have several advantages over traditional bulbs, such as:
• LED lights measure their brightness in lumens (lm), not watts. This means they can produce more light with less energy consumption. For example, a 100-watt incandescent bulb can produce about 1,600 lumens, while a 15-watt LED bulb can produce the same amount of lumens. Changing from 400-watt metal halides to a 150 watt outdoor LED pole light saves 250 watts on the bulb, plus an additional 50 watts on the ballast. The result is a savings of 300 watts per light pole, the equivalent of a 70% energy savings.
• LED lights have a color temperature rating that determines the hue of the light. The higher the color temperature, the cooler and whiter the light. The lower the color temperature, the warmer and yellower the light. LED lights can range from 2,700K to 6,500K, while traditional bulbs are usually around 2,700K to 3,000K. LED lights with higher color temperatures can create a more natural and vibrant look for your landscape and signage.
• LED lights have a beam angle that determines how wide the light spreads. The wider the beam angle, the more area the light covers. The narrower the beam angle, the more focused the light is. LED lights can have beam angles from 10 degrees to 120 degrees, while traditional bulbs usually have beam angles of 360 degrees. LED lights with wider beam angles can provide more even and consistent lighting for your area without creating dark spots or glare.
• LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. They can last up to 100,000 hours or more, while traditional bulbs usually last up to 2,000 hours or less. This means you can save on replacement and maintenance costs and reduce waste and environmental impact.
By choosing LED lights for your outdoor lighting project, you can achieve a quality light coverage that meets your needs and expectations. You can also improve the safety and security of your customers and employees, as well as the appearance and professionalism of your business.
Lighting Controls Conserve Energy
There are five types of lighting controls that will provide more energy savings:
- Dusk to dawn sensor (known as a photocell) turn the lights on at sundown and off at sunrise. The photocell is a popular choice for outdoor lighting. Having lights that automatically come on at dusk and turn off at sunrise reduces electrical costs. Bypass caps are used in place of the photocell if you want to use other controls
- Motion sensors turn the lights on only when motion is detected. Many are Tri-level, Full, low, off. This reduce light output until people are in the area
- Smart timers, connected to Alexa or Siri or classic mechanic timer clocks turn lights off and on depending on the season or schedule.
Changing to LED lighting in Outside pole lights provides a 40% to 60% reduction in energy bills for each pole light, adding motion sensors can increase that to 80-90%. This is equal to a $300.00-$500 savings in the cost of electricity per light pole per year.
Types of Light Distribution for Pole Lights
The optimal light distribution for your light fixtures mounted to the light poloes hinges on the specific characteristics of the area it's intended to illuminate. There are six primary types of light distribution patterns to consider:
- Type I Distribution is designed for pathways, narrow roadways, and sidewalks where the light pattern is elongated to cover a narrow strip of land.
- Type II Distribution is best suited for broader walkways, longer stretches such as jogging paths, and smaller side streets, providing a slightly wider illumination than Type I.
- Type III Distribution is ideal for illuminating general parking areas and any expansive open space where a broader coverage is required.
- Type IV Distribution casts light in a forward-throwing semi-circular pattern, which is perfect when mounted on the side of buildings to light up the adjacent ground.
- Type V Distribution offers a circular pattern with uniform intensity, which is excellent for large commercial parking areas, ensuring even coverage throughout.
- Type VI Distribution delivers a square-shaped light pattern, maintaining consistent intensity from all angles. This distribution is especially effective in parks, extensive open spaces, and sizeable parking areas.
Selecting the Appropriate Lumens for Your Pole Lights
When it comes to outfitting your parking lot or other area with LED lights, there's a spectrum of lumens available. It's often wise to opt for lighting that's slightly brighter than what you might initially consider. As a rule of thumb, aim for approximately 20,000 lumens for every 1,000 square feet you plan to illuminate.
Distributing 2 to 4 fixtures across each 1,000 square feet will provide more comprehensive coverage. If the poles are between 15 to 20 feet tall, you can increase the lumens up to 40,000, as the light will disperse more widely at these heights. For this range, a Type 3 Lens is usually the most effective.
Here’s a quick guide to the recommended wattage based on pole height:
- For poles 10-13 feet high, a 100 watt LED light for parking or streets is recommended.
- For poles 14-18 feet high, a 150 watt LED light will be suitable.
- For poles 17-24 feet high, opt for a 300 watt LED light.
- Poles ranging from 24-30 feet high should be equipped with a 500 watt LED light.
For installations above 30 feet, a 500-watt output is still recommended, but with a narrower beam angle to focus the light more precisely.
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Light Pole Installation Considerations and Budgeting
Installing light poles is an essential part of your lighting project that should be factored into your overall budget. The cost isn't just about purchasing the poles and LED pole lights; it also encompasses a range of associated expenses. Here's what to consider (not all items apply to all pole types or jobs):
- Material Costs: Ensure you account for all the necessary materials, including the light poles, LED lights, concrete, bolts, wiring, and any protective coatings or paints.
- Delivery Charges: The logistics of getting your poles and lights delivered to the site can add a significant amount to your budget, especially for heavy or oversized items.
- Labor Costs: Skilled labor is required to install light poles correctly. The cost will depend on the complexity of the installation and the rate charged by contractors or electricians.
- Equipment Rental: Special equipment, like cranes or augers, may be needed to dig holes and lift the poles into place, which will incur rental fees.
- Electrical Infrastructure: If electrical lines need to be run to your pole locations, this can be a substantial additional expense. This might include trenching, cabling, and possibly even transformers or other electrical components.
- Permits and Inspections: Local regulations may require permits for installation, and inspections may be necessary upon completion, adding to the cost and timeline.
- Concrete Base and Manifold Plate: Most poles have a base plate designed for anchoring to a concrete base. Check the specifications of your outdoor pole lights to ensure that you have a base plate of the appropriate dimensions and strength. The concrete base should be robust to securely anchor the poles; the failure of poles is often not due to the pole itself but due to the base giving way.
- Contingencies: It's also wise to have a contingency budget for unexpected costs such as weather delays, ground issues, or additional safety measures.
When planning the installation, you should thoroughly review the base manifold diagram provided by the manufacturer to ensure the concrete footing is sufficiently wide and deep to accommodate the pole's base. Keep in mind that while a street light pole bending or breaking is rare, ensuring a secure installation is critical to prevent the pole from being uprooted during extreme weather or impact events. Therefore, investing in a sturdy foundation is just as important as selecting the right pole and lighting fixtures.
Light Poles Conclusion
Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of any business, as it can affect the safety, security, and appearance of your premises. However, choosing the right light poles and pole lights for your project can be challenging, as there are various factors that must be considered, such as the type and size of the pole, the number and type of fixtures, the area to illuminate, the type of light distribution, the amount of lumens, the type of material, the type of mounting, the type of control, and the cost of installation and maintenance. By following our tips and advice, you can achieve a functional and attractive outdoor lighting solution that enhances the visibility and professionalism of your business.
About the Author: Dara Greaney is founder and CEO of LED Light Expert with deep expertise in LED fixtures and Light design. To find out more about Dara, visit LinkedIn, Wikipedia or Twitter. Editing by David Peguero.
About our Company: See our About us page to discover additional details about LED Light Expert.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_light
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_pole
https://www.ledlightexpert.com/pole-mount-lighting
https://www.ledlightexpert.com/Light-Poles-Mounting-Reviewed--Direct-Burial-vs-Surface-Mount-Light-Pole-and-Which-is-Right-for-You_b_148.html
