Light poles play a major role when it comes to illuminating outdoor spaces. They enhance safety and add an aesthetic appeal to various projects. Choosing the right poles for your project requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Whether its an urban street, a residential park, or any other project, our guide to buying light poles provides all the necessary information you need.
Before buying, we want you to know the different types of light poles and every little detail youll have to keep in mind before any purchase. This way, youll ensure your selection will be adequate to fit your projects short- and long-term needs. By the end of this light poles buyers guide, youll be able to put together all the information to make the right choice.
The height and size required for the light poles will depend on different factors, such as the size of the area to be illuminated, the intensity of light required for the project, and any other architectural considerations.
Selecting the right light pole materials is crucial for the durability and longevity of such light poles. For example, youll have to consider the environmental factors of the area to select a material that endures them. The most common materials include:
Wooden light poles are mostly used in rural areas and projects such as parks, nature trails or conservation or historical projects because of their traditional aesthetics. The disadvantage of this material is that it might need maintenance regularly.
Steel light poles are a go-to for industrial projects such as loading docks, parking lots and other industrial zones because they are solid, which makes them perfect to withstand heavy loads.
Fiberglass is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant and non-conductive material. As known as composite, fiberglass is weather resistant and non-conductive so there is no risk of lightning strikes.
Aluminum light poles are ideal for humid or coastal areas because of their resistance to corrosion and their durability. They dont require much maintenance, which makes them perfect for long-term projects.
You need to ensure that the light pole you select is compatible with your desired lighting fixtures to ensure efficient functioning and optimal performance.
This factor goes hand-in-hand with the material and its durability since most of the time, environmental factors cause the deterioration of the light poles on your project. Lets review some of the most crucial factors that need to be acknowledged for your selection.
Light poles are located in outdoor areas; therefore, theyll have to withstand weather conditions such as rain, wind, extreme temperatures, electric storms, and more. With aluminum, fiberglass and steel being the most resistant, you can start from there depending on the characteristics of your project. However, if you want a wooden light pole or extra protection, there are also weather-resistant coatings.
The geographical location of your project plays a crucial role in this selection process. Youll have to consider factors such as oil conditions, terrain elevation, proximity to water bodies and others to ensure the stability of the ground and safety.
Of course, the law establishes local regulations and safety standards that are a non-negotiable requirement for your project. Clear that up with your legal team or look into the state laws before your selection process. Knowing the mandatory regulations set by regulatory bodies will ensure the safety of the project, and it will take away future headaches from compliance regulations.
Yes, lights can be installed on utility poles to provide illumination for streets, parking lots, sidewalks or other outdoor areas. It can be done by attaching light fixtures to the pole at a precise and correct height to ensure the perfect coverage of the intended area.
Steel light poles are considered the strongest option. Steel is one of the strongest materials, period. They withstand heavy loads, strong winds and harsher environments better than other materials like fiberglass, aluminum and wood.
Fiberglass light poles tend to be stronger. They have a higher tensile strength and are less prone to deformation or bending. Besides, theyre corrosion-resistant and non-conductive,
Light poles are typically used in street lighting, parking lot illumination, outdoor areas, sports facilities, industrial and commercial settings, highways and freeways These serve to improve visibility, safety, and security during night hours.
If youve made it this far, were confident that our guide to buying light poles taught you the fundamentals of making the ideal choice. Were certain that youll be able to find the light poles you need from LED Lighting Supply. Our experts are ready to assist if youre still unsure or have new questions that have come up in your research process.
When choosing the light poles for your project, there are several factors to take into account. This guide to commercial-grade light poles will help you make an informed choice according to your needs. In it, we will explore the following:
First, consider the kind of pole you need. Why do you need it, and what purpose will the light pole and the light emitting from it serve? What is the size of the space, and how much light will you need? Are you looking for a decorative light pole? Will you need indoor pole lights or outdoor pole lights? Here are some of the most common purposes for light poles and the questions you should be asking:
The location of outdoor pole lights is essential since you must consider the spaces lighting needs, the effects of weather on the pole material, and the poles structural integrity. How strong do the winds in the area get is the biggest question. The figure below (National Wind Velocity Map) shows a typical wind map of the United States with maximum wind estimates. Use the following map when selecting poles suited for your region and how much weight you are putting on top of the pole.
For more information, see our article on EPA ratings.
The outdoor pole lights will be exposed to the elements for their entire lifespan, so the material choice is critical. A dry climate with little moisture will require a different material than poles located in a coastal area where frequent rain contributes to the humidity in the air.
Also, the closer the poles are located to the coast, the more susceptible they will be to saltwater corrosion. This could lead to rusting that can seriously damage the pole, contribute to a negative cosmetic appearance, and even compromise the poles structural integrity. This factor will significantly affect the material you choose for the pole.
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Its essential to consider the material of the light poles. Your choice will determine the poles appearance, durability, and lifespan. Here is a rundown of the available materials and how they match up.
Light poles vary in height by 20-70 feet based on the purpose of the lighting and the area to be lit. Typical heights for street light poles are about 20 feet, while light poles for sports venues may be as high as 70 feet. Consider the size of space you are lighting since it will impact the height of the poles, and lighting efficiency will come into play.
In general, the height of the pole impacts how far the light is dispersed. For smaller areas, like a small parking lot, your light poles could be at the height of 20 feet. However, for bigger spaces that need more light coverage, like a highway, light poles may have to be 30-40 feet in height to adequately cover all areas.
Light source output is another factor to consider in pole height. For larger areas, fixtures emit higher amounts of light, so the pole should be taller. This will give uniform coverage of the area and cut down on glare. Conversely, you will most likely use a fixture that emits lower light for smaller areas, so the pole height will be shorter. Also, if you mount a pole with a low light-emitting fixture too high, it will not light the area effectively.
There are two methods when installing light poles: anchor-based and direct burial. Both are useful and have pros and cons.
The EZ Sectional Light Pole is an innovative, patented square steel light pole with 4-foot segments for quick assembly at a job site. It drastically reduces handling and delivery issues associated with conventional single-shaft light poles without compromising its strength and EPA rating. Shipping is free and delivery can be made within a few days. When you combine shipping charges with pole costs, EZ Sectional Light Poles cost less than standard square steel light poles.
The amount of light you need depends on the size of the area you are illuminating and the brightness required. No matter what area you are trying to illuminate, LED lighting is now the clear lighting choice because of the many advances in LED technology. LED pole lights provide brighter light and are energy efficient with more significant energy savings.
Most people look at wattage to decide how much light they need, but this is misleading. Wattage is not the only number you should consider; you must also consider lumens. Simply put, watts measure energy use while lumens measure brightness, so you need to look at both.
As an example, an old-style metal-halide 400-watt bulb produced about 21,000 lumens. Compare that to a 150-watt LED light which can produce the same number of lumens. If you only look at watts, you might think that the 150-watt LED light is not as bright as the 400-watt metal-halide, while in reality, the LED is just as bright while using far less energy while lasting a lot longer.
Foot candles is a term that the average person may have never heard of. Still, foot candles are the most important number to consider when determining the amount of light, you require to illuminate a given area. The number of foot candles you need depends on the lighting area you are trying to illuminate. Here are some examples of outdoor spaces and the number of foot-candles they typically need:
Recommended Minimum Light Levels Outdoors
Commercial light poles consist of some basic components aside from the pole itself, which can be customized to the needs of your lighting situation.
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There is plenty to know about lighting and light poles. Installation and lighting standards are part of the knowledge base to help you make your lighting decisions.
The two types of installations, anchor-based and direct burial, each has their place. Still, they also depend on your lighting purpose. In all cases, you want to make sure that the light poles are correctly and safely installed following all your town or municipalitys guidelines. Its also important to know the wind rating for the area and the type of soil in which you will be installing the pole. If you are considering a do-it-yourself installation, it is recommended that you still seek professional advice from an engineer for expert guidance.
Although light poles can last a long time, they still require regular maintenance and inspection, just like any other structure. Its important to properly maintain light poles to ensure safety, longevity, and aesthetics. See our Light Pole Maintenance Guide for more information.
Commercial lighting standards are set by various national and international safety groups. Among them is the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Most transportation departments use AASHTOs standards. In addition, the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration sets standards for highway lighting on a national scale.
Lightmart.com has been serving its online retail customers with commercial lighting, light poles, and accessories since . Our goal is to make life easier for lighting professionals by delivering quality products at significant savings. Our lighting engineers and technical experts are here to help you provide lighting solutions for your lighting project. Please contact us today with any questions or get a customized quote on larger projects.
By application:
By installation type:
Steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and concrete. Each of them has pros and cons.
This will be determined by its application. Common heights are as follows:
It will also depend on the type of light fixture used and for what purpose. More information on selecting the proper height for light poles can be found here.
Flood lights, area lights, and shoebox lights are the typical kinds of light fixtures used. LED lights are recommended due to their energy efficiency, long life, and light quality.
There usually are and they are determined at the local level. This means that the location of the installation will have its own particular process for obtaining permits and meeting regulations. You will also need to know what the wiring and electrical requirements are for the location.
This will depend on the material that the light pole is made from. For more information, see our Light Pole Maintenance Guide.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of traffic light pole for sale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.