Pole lights are an important part of outdoor lighting systems. Be it a private outdoor area or a public space, adequate and quality lighting is a necessity. It ensures the safety and gives a sense of protection, especially during the evening hours.

Pole lighting ensures that the road is safe and minimizes the risks of accidents and other dangerous situations. Designing outdoor pole lights for parking, roadways and sidewalks is not an easy task. If not done rightly, there are chances of people even relocating to a different neighborhood.

Many commercial lighting manufacturers design outdoor pole lights in such a way that it provides optimal illumination. Pole lights have additional functionalities, which include improving the aesthetics of private and public properties. 

Landscape architecture, garden areas, walkways, parking lots, and building grounds are some of the major spaces where outdoor pole lighting can make a difference. Pole lights should be durable, strong, visually pleasing, and resistant to many conditions. 

Here are a few factors you have to keep in mind when you install outdoor pole lights.

Height Of The Pole Light

Outdoor pole lights come in various sizes. But when it comes to the right size, each area has different regulations for the pole’s appropriate height. Authorities survey the particular area and furnish information about the required lighting conditions and set up.

The height of the pole light is the main factor that can affect the distribution of light. Depending on the requirement, the engineer should decide the right pole height. For instance, roads that have higher speed limits should have lighting fixtures mounted at a higher elevation. 

Placement And Distribution

There should be consistency in the distance between consecutive outdoor pole lights. This ensures even distribution of light in all areas and minimizes dark nooks. If you are installing outdoor pole lighting for streets, ensure that the lights are placed at equally spaced distances to achieve uniform lighting distribution. 

If it is for private property, analyze the area’s function and form and make a customized distribution plan. For streets, the lights should be mounted in higher elevations to create consistent lighting and to avoid the passersby getting hit with direct light.

Glare And Safety

Outdoor pole lighting for streets is the main factor for the safety of the neighborhood. Residents who belong to places with high crime rates should have well planned outdoor lighting set up, which should increase visibility. 

Beware of too much lighting as well, as it can produce glare and impair visibility. To reduce glare, you can plan for lesser poles at consistent distances.

For private spaces, you can select the right amount of poles according to the functionality of the space. Outdoor reading areas should have lights with lesser glare and proper angles. For garden areas, the glare should be less as not to obscure the visibility of the area.

Design Of The Pole Light

Outdoor pole lights can be designed based on the ambiance you need. As this adds to the beauty and appeal of the space, choose the right design. Pole lights in residential compounds, hotels, and business areas should be designed aesthetically to give an inviting feel.

Those in roadways can be simple but the material should withstand harsh conditions. Choose a material that will provide longevity as well as good aesthetics.

Material And Types Of Outdoor Pole Lights

Based on location, purpose, durability and weather conditions, there are different types of outdoor light poles in the market. 

• If you want cheaper options, wooden light poles are the best choice. But they lack aesthetic appeal as there will be electrical wiring outside the pole.
• A lightweight and versatile option is fiberglass. Compared to steel and wood, it is more water-resistant and a little expensive. 
• Steel poles have become a popular choice as they are strong, can withstand harsh and windy weather and are economically priced. They have the main advantage of being hollow; hence electrical wires can run internally.
• Aluminium poles are rust-resistant and lightweight. They are a little expensive compared to steel poles. 

Maintenance

Outdoor pole lights in public spaces, especially those on streets, are switched on for 10 to 12 hours a day. Depending on the life of the lights, plan a schedule for light bulb change and adhere to it, to avoid problems. If you opt for LED pole lighting, maintenance becomes hassle-free.

Do a routine maintenance check at the right intervals for the repair and replacement of lights. Buy the right pole material which can withstand harsh conditions to avoid frequent replacements.

First impressions cannot be made twice. Whichever outdoor area it may be, make sure that the pole lights are visible. Don’t hesitate to invest in the right type of pole lights, as safety cannot be bought cheaply.