Logo
Contractor Pricing Contractor Pricing
Lights In Stock 100,000+ lights in stock
Sales Reps Dedicated Sales Reps
LED Lighting Supply / Blog / The Complete Guide To Buying Light Poles

The Complete Guide To Buying Light Poles


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 it’s an urban street, a residential park, or any other project, our guide to buying light poles provides all the necessary information you need.

Key Considerations for Light Pole Selection

Before buying, we want you to know the different types of light poles and every little detail you’ll have to keep in mind before any purchase. This way, you’ll ensure your selection will be adequate to fit your project’s short- and long-term needs. By the end of this light poles buyers guide, you’ll be able to put together all the information to make the right choice.

Height and Size Requirements

Typical Height Of Installation

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.

  • 10 to 15-foot Poles: residential areas, small parking lots, pathways, or decorative lighting in gardens and landscapes.
  • 20 to 25-foot Poles: lighting in urban streets, residential neighborhoods, small parking lots, and areas where moderate illumination is required.
  • 30 to 35-foot Poles: larger parking lots, commercial areas, sports fields, and medium-sized streets with higher illumination needs.
  • 40 to 45-foot Poles: highways, major roadways, large parking lots, and industrial zones where you’ll need a wide illumination area.
  • 50 to 55-foot Poles: large industrial complexes, airports, seaports, and expansive outdoor spaces that require intense illumination.
  • 60 to 65 Foot Poles: projects that need exceptionally high light coverage such as stadium lighting, large industrial yards, and expansive outdoor areas.
  • 70 to 75 Foot Poles: specialized projects such as airport runways, major highways, and other situations where lighting needs to cover vast distances or heights

Material and Durability

Selecting the right light pole materials is crucial for the durability and longevity of such light poles. For example, you’ll have to consider the environmental factors of the area to select a material that endures them. The most common materials include:

Wood

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

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

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

Aluminum light poles are ideal for humid or coastal areas because of their resistance to corrosion and their durability. They don’t require much maintenance, which makes them perfect for long-term projects.

Lighting Fixtures Compatibility

You need to ensure that the light pole you select is compatible with your desired lighting fixtures to ensure efficient functioning and optimal performance.

Environmental Factors

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. Let’s review some of the most crucial factors that need to be acknowledged for your selection.

Weather Resistance

Light poles are located in outdoor areas; therefore, they’ll 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.

Location and Terrain

The geographical location of your project plays a crucial role in this selection process. You’ll 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.

Regulatory Compliance 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Light Poles

Can you put a light on a utility pole?

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.

Which light poles are the strongest?

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.

Which is stronger, fiberglass or aluminum light poles?

Fiberglass light poles tend to be stronger. They have a higher tensile strength and are less prone to deformation or bending. Besides, they’re corrosion-resistant and non-conductive,

What are common project types that use light poles?

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.

Do you know what light pole your project needs now?

If you’ve made it this far, we’re confident that our guide to buying light poles taught you the fundamentals of making the ideal choice. We’re certain that you’ll be able to find the light poles you need from LED Lighting Supply. Our experts are ready to assist if you’re still unsure or have new questions that have come up in your research process.