What Are the Different Types of Light Poles?

LED Lighting Supply offers comprehensive commercial light pole solutions in three primary materials: fiberglass, steel, and wood. Based on our 17 years of experience, we classify commercial-grade installations into two mounting categories: anchor-based and direct burial systems.

• Anchor-based systems utilize concrete foundation settings with pre-installed anchor pins. During concrete pouring, these pins create permanent anchoring points for commercial light pole base plates. This method works best for 10-foot to 30-foot heights in high-traffic areas.
• Direct burial installation involves excavating appropriately sized holes and setting poles directly into the ground surface. We primarily recommend this approach for wooden utility poles, ensuring proper burial depth based on pole height. Our Product Specialists supply all necessary anchor bolts and installation hardware.

Understanding Light Pole Shape Options

Shape selection impacts both aesthetics and wind resistance. Our extensive inventory covers tapered, square, and round configurations across all material types.

1. Steel Square Light Poles
2. Steel Round Light Poles
3. Wood Round Light Poles
4. Fiberglass Round Light Poles
5. Fiberglass Tapered Light Poles

Tapered designs offer superior wind resistance and modern aesthetics for both fiberglass and steel materials. Wood poles maintain traditional round profiles, making them the standard choice for utility infrastructure including telecommunication towers and power distribution systems.

Demystifying Different Light Pole Materials

Height requirements drive material selection more than aesthetics. Our pole inventory spans 10 feet to 70+ feet, with each material offering distinct advantages based on environmental conditions and application demands.

What is a Fiberglass Light Pole?

Fiberglass light poles excel in corrosive environments where steel would deteriorate rapidly. These composite structures resist rot, rust, corrosion, and fire damage while maintaining significantly lower weight than comparable steel options. Installation crews appreciate the reduced equipment requirements for fiberglass placement.

Engineering flexibility sets fiberglass apart—these poles bend under extreme weather rather than snapping, dramatically reducing replacement frequency and associated costs. Coastal installations and hurricane-prone regions benefit most from fiberglass construction, as salt air and high winds pose minimal long-term threats to composite materials.

What is a Steel Light Pole?

Steel light poles dominate parking lot and recreational facility installations due to superior strength-to-height ratios. Fire resistance, pest immunity, and decay prevention extend steel pole lifespans well beyond wood alternatives, while robust construction handles high wind loads effectively.

We stock steel poles from 10 feet to 30 feet to accommodate various commercial applications. Heavy outdoor stadium light fixtures and multi-head flood lights mount securely to steel structures without compromising stability.

What is a Wood Light Pole?

Wood light poles serve industrial and utility applications where traditional materials meet regulatory requirements. Telecommunication and power utility replacements often specify wood construction for consistency with existing infrastructure.

Proper sealing protects external connections and wiring from moisture infiltration. Our wood inventory includes 20-foot to 70-foot heights across classes 1 through 6, ensuring appropriate load ratings for any utility application.

How Long Does it Take to Get Light Poles After Ordering?

Most commercial light poles require 4 to 12 weeks for delivery since USA-based manufacturers custom-build each pole according to project specifications. However, quick-ship inventory includes poles up to 30 feet in standard dark bronze finish, with expedited custom colors available upon request.

We typically recommend placing orders early in project planning to avoid construction delays, especially for larger installations requiring multiple poles or specialized wind ratings.

What is the Ideal Height for a Commercial Light Pole?

Coverage area determines optimal pole height more than fixture type. Standard street and parking lot installations range from 10 to 35 feet, with larger areas requiring taller poles to maintain uniform illumination patterns.

We generally recommend 15-20 foot poles for small parking areas, 20-25 foot heights for medium lots, and 25-35 foot poles for expansive commercial spaces. Athletic fields and large industrial areas may require specialized heights beyond standard ranges.

The Influence of Wind Load on Commercial Light Pole Selection

Geographic location and local weather patterns directly impact structural requirements for safe pole installation. EPA rating calculations account for both pole surface area and mounted fixture wind resistance to prevent structural failure.

Inadequate wind load planning creates serious safety hazards and potential liability issues. Our high-wind light poles feature enhanced EPA ratings specifically engineered for challenging coastal and plains environments.

Top LED Fixtures for Light Pole Installation

Fixture selection depends heavily on coverage requirements and mounting height limitations. Each fixture type offers specific advantages for different commercial applications.

• Flood lights deliver concentrated illumination for security perimeters and loading dock areas requiring high-intensity coverage.
• Parking lot lights provide broad, uniform distribution patterns that improve visibility while reducing dark spots and security risks.
• Stadium lights generate maximum lumen output for athletic facilities and large industrial areas requiring exceptional brightness levels.

Our lighting design services help match appropriate fixtures to pole specifications, ensuring optimal performance and code compliance for your specific installation requirements.