What Are The Different Types Of Light Poles: The Complete Guide To Buying

Light poles play a major role when it comes to illuminating outdoor spaces. Light poles enhance visibility by supporting lighting fixtures at elevated heights, which improves illumination, security, and aesthetics in various outdoor environments. They enhance safety and add an aesthetic appeal to various projects. Light poles are essential for providing illumination in outdoor lighting projects, ensuring that public spaces are well-lit and inviting. 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 for planning a successful lighting project.

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, including the importance of selecting light poles based on your project requirements. 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 buyer's guide, you'll be able to put together all the information to make the right choice, including how to choose the right light poles and what to consider when selecting new light poles for your project.

Height and Size Requirements

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. Pole height directly impacts light output, light distribution patterns, and achieving adequate illumination, making it essential to select the right pole height for optimal lighting performance.

• 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. These are often high mast poles or high mast light poles designed for large-scale illumination, supporting multiple fixtures to maximize light output.
• 60 to 65 Foot Poles: projects that need exceptionally high light coverage, such as stadium lighting, large industrial yards, and expansive outdoor areas. These tall poles or taller poles are ideal for providing adequate illumination in high-traffic 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 in high-traffic areas. Proper light distribution patterns are crucial at this height to ensure effective and uniform illumination.

Material and Durability

Selecting the right light pole materials is crucial for the durability and longevity of such light poles. Corrosion resistance and the use of corrosion-resistant materials are essential for preventing structural weaknesses and ensuring long-term performance. For example, you'll have to consider the environmental factors of the area to select a material that endures them. Applying protective coatings to light poles helps them withstand harsh weather conditions and extends their lifespan. Metal poles, such as steel poles and aluminum poles, are commonly used for their strength and resistance, while fiberglass poles are suitable for environments where non-conductivity and vibration resistance are important. Aluminum poles, in particular, are ideal for coastal or humid environments due to their superior corrosion resistance. 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 regular maintenance.

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 / Composite

Fiberglass is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and non-conductive material. As a 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 fixture to ensure efficient functioning and optimal performance. Selecting compatible LED fixtures is important for energy efficiency, long lifespan, and reliable performance in various environments. When you attach lights to the pole, use the correct mounting hardware and brackets to ensure stability and durability. Proper installation is essential, including the use of a base plate and anchor bolts for secure installation and long-term stability.

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. For example, in certain terrains, direct burial and embedded poles are used for secure installation, as they are inserted directly into the ground without the need for concrete bases or anchor bolts. Direct burial poles are a cost-effective option for some projects, but their suitability depends on soil conditions. It is essential to secure light poles properly, especially for parking lot lights and other outdoor applications, to ensure safety and stability against impacts and weather. 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, lightning, 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 has 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.