18 Foot Total Height | 15 Foot Above Grade Round Steel Light Pole | 4 Inch Diameter | Direct Burial

Product Overview

This is an 18-foot total height, 4-inch diameter round steel light pole designed for direct burial installation. The pole provides 15 feet of height above grade, with 3 feet set below ground for stability. It is constructed from 11-gauge steel, hot dip galvanized and powder coated for corrosion resistance. Typical use includes supporting area and site lighting fixtures in parking lots, roadways, and commercial sites where direct burial is preferred over anchor base installation.

The pole is supplied with a bronze finish and includes a top cap. It is engineered for environments requiring reliable structural support for lighting at moderate mounting heights, such as small to mid-sized parking lots, drive lanes, and perimeter site lighting. EPA ratings are provided up to 140 mph for wind load planning.

Core Performance and Output

This steel pole supports fixtures with a combined Effective Projected Area (EPA) up to 18.2 at 70 mph and 3.8 at 140 mph. The 4-inch diameter and 11-gauge wall provide structural rigidity for mounting single or multiple luminaires, depending on EPA and weight limits. The direct burial design eliminates the need for anchor bolts and base plates, reducing installation complexity in suitable soil conditions.

Maximum mounting height above grade is 15 feet, which aligns with typical requirements for parking lot, roadway, and area lighting in small to medium-scale commercial environments. Excessive fixture EPA or weight, or mounting at exposed locations with high wind loads, may require a heavier pole or reduced fixture count.

Adjustability and Control Options

This pole is designed for fixed mounting height and does not include telescoping or adjustable features. Fixture mounting options depend on the selected bracket or tenon system, which can be specified to accommodate single or multiple luminaires. The pole top is capped; removal of the cap allows for tenon or direct fixture mounting as required.

Control systems, such as photocells or wireless nodes, are integrated at the fixture level and are not part of the pole assembly. Conduit entry and wiring access are managed through field-drilled handholes or pre-drilled access points as specified during installation.

Longevity and Reliability

The pole is fabricated from 11-gauge steel and finished with hot dip galvanizing followed by a powder coat, providing resistance to corrosion and abrasion in outdoor environments. The direct burial design eliminates exposed base plates, reducing the risk of corrosion at ground level and minimizing maintenance at the pole base.

Structural integrity is maintained when installed to recommended burial depth and in accordance with EPA and wind load guidelines. Routine inspection of the above-grade finish and below-grade condition is recommended for long-term reliability, especially in areas with aggressive soils or de-icing chemicals.

Build Quality and Physical Characteristics

This pole weighs 99 lbs and features a 4-inch round cross-section with a uniform 11-gauge wall thickness. The hot dip galvanized and powder coated finish in bronze provides a durable, low-maintenance exterior. The pole is supplied with a top cap for weather protection when not using a tenon or direct-mount fixture.

Direct burial installation requires a 3-foot embedment below grade, providing stability without the need for a concrete base or anchor bolts. The pole is suitable for use with standard area and site lighting brackets, arms, and tenons compatible with a 4-inch round profile.

Where This Product Fits Best

This steel light pole is intended for outdoor environments where 15-foot mounting height is appropriate for area, roadway, or site lighting. It is commonly used in commercial and institutional settings where direct burial installation is preferred for speed and simplicity. The pole is suitable for supporting single or multiple fixtures within EPA and weight limits, and is often selected for small to mid-sized parking lots, drive lanes, and campus pathways.

• parking lot lighting
• roadway lighting
• area lighting
• commercial site lighting
• sports facility lighting
• campus lighting
• industrial yard lighting
• dealership lighting

The pole?s finish and construction allow for use in most outdoor commercial environments, including locations with moderate exposure to weather and de-icing chemicals. Not intended for coastal or highly corrosive environments without additional protective measures.

Installation and Long-Term Use

Direct burial installation requires excavation to a depth of 3 feet, with backfill and compaction to secure the pole. No anchor bolts or base plates are needed. The pole can be field-drilled for handholes or wiring access as required by the fixture and site layout. Standard brackets and tenons for 4-inch round poles are compatible.

Routine inspection of the finish and below-grade condition is recommended, especially in areas with aggressive soils. The pole?s hot dip galvanized and powder coated finish reduces maintenance requirements, but periodic cleaning and touch-up may be needed in high-traffic or high-exposure locations.

How This Fixture Is Commonly Used

Typical mounting height is 15 feet above grade, supporting area or roadway fixtures for uniform site illumination. Poles are spaced based on fixture output, site geometry, and required light levels, with common spacing ranging from 2 to 4 times the mounting height. Multiple poles are often installed in rows or perimeters to achieve consistent coverage.

Fixture count per pole is determined by EPA and wind load limits. Using higher output fixtures can reduce the number of poles required, but may increase glare or require careful aiming to avoid light trespass.

Safety, Certifications, and Warranty

The pole is manufactured from structural steel and finished with hot dip galvanizing and powder coating for durability. EPA ratings are provided for wind speeds from 70 mph to 140 mph. The pole includes a 1-year warranty.

All components are designed to meet standard commercial site lighting requirements. No additional electrical or safety certifications are specified for the pole itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum fixture EPA this pole can support?

A: The maximum EPA is 18.2 at 70 mph and 3.8 at 140 mph. Always verify fixture EPA and local wind load requirements before installation.

Q: What is the recommended burial depth for this pole?

A: The pole is designed for 3 feet of embedment below grade, providing 15 feet of mounting height above ground.

Q: Can this pole be used in coastal or highly corrosive environments?

A: The pole is hot dip galvanized and powder coated, but additional protection may be required for coastal or highly corrosive sites.

Q: What type of fixtures can be mounted to this pole?

A: Fixtures compatible with 4-inch round poles and within the EPA and weight limits can be mounted using standard brackets or tenons.

Q: How should I plan pole spacing for parking lot lighting?

A: Spacing typically ranges from 30 to 60 feet, depending on fixture output, site layout, and required light levels.

Application Questions and Clarification

Q: Is this pole suitable for sports facility lighting at 15 feet?

A: Yes, for small-scale sports courts or recreational areas where 15-foot mounting height is appropriate and fixture EPA is within limits.

Q: Can this pole be used for industrial yard lighting?

A: Yes, provided the fixtures do not exceed the EPA and weight ratings and the mounting height meets site requirements.

Q: Is this pole compatible with multi-fixture mounting arms?

A: Yes, as long as the total EPA and weight remain within the specified limits for the pole and wind speed.