Tenon Adapters for Light Poles

Tenon adapters bridge the gap between existing light poles and modern LED fixtures, creating secure mounting solutions that transform your lighting infrastructure. These commercial-grade brackets accommodate multiple pole configurations while providing the structural integrity needed for heavy-duty outdoor applications. We typically recommend matching your adapter size to your pole's outside diameter for optimal fit and load distribution.

• 3 inch round pole adapter
• 4 inch round pole adapter
• 4 inch square pole adapter
• 5 inch round pole adapter
• 5 inch square pole adapter

Beyond basic mounting, these heavy-duty brackets enable complex lighting configurations that would otherwise require complete pole replacement. Steel construction with powder-coated finishes ensures long-term performance in harsh weather conditions. Most customers choose aluminum options for coastal installations due to superior corrosion resistance, while steel versions handle higher wind loads in inland applications. When retrofitting existing poles, proper load calculations prevent structural overload while maximizing your lighting investment.

Competitive pricing keeps most quality adapters under $100, delivering exceptional value compared to new pole installation costs. Smart project planning starts with accurate measurements - pole diameter, wall thickness, and fixture specifications determine the right adapter configuration. Our Product Specialists provide technical support for complex installations where wind load calculations and structural analysis become critical factors.

What Are Light Pole Tenon Adapters?

Light pole tenon adapters function as mechanical interfaces that expand single-pole mounting capacity into multi-fixture platforms. Rather than installing additional poles, these engineered brackets create mounting points for LED fixtures, cameras, or signage on existing infrastructure. Top-mount configurations handle primary lighting loads, while side-mount versions accommodate auxiliary equipment without compromising structural integrity.

Types of Tenon Adapters

Round pole adapters dominate street lighting applications, offering 360-degree rotation for precise fixture positioning. Square pole versions integrate with architectural lighting where clean lines matter most. Reducer adapters solve compatibility issues when fixture tenons don't match pole dimensions, eliminating the need for custom fabrication.

Slipfitter-style adapters provide angular adjustment during installation, critical for achieving proper light distribution patterns. Material selection impacts longevity - 6061-T6 aluminum resists corrosion while maintaining strength-to-weight ratios superior to steel in most applications. Marine-grade finishes extend service life in salt-air environments where standard coatings fail prematurely. Project quantities determine bulk pricing advantages, with larger installations benefiting from volume discounts. Compatibility verification prevents costly field modifications - fixture weight, EPA ratings, and mounting hardware must align with adapter specifications. LED area lights, floodlights, and architectural fixtures all require specific mounting considerations that influence adapter selection.

Key Features and Benefits

Commercial-grade construction delivers the reliability demanded by municipal and industrial lighting projects. High-strength materials withstand 150+ mph wind loads when properly specified and installed. Weather-resistant finishes maintain appearance and performance through decades of exposure:

• Single through quad-arm configurations maximize pole utilization
• Round, square, and tapered pole compatibility covers existing infrastructure
• TGIC polyester powder coating provides superior UV resistance
• Engineered mounting angles optimize photometric performance
• Standard hardware simplifies field installation and reduces labor costs

Common Applications

Municipal lighting upgrades benefit from tenon adapters when budget constraints prevent complete infrastructure replacement:

• Highway and arterial road lighting modernization projects
• Retail parking lot illumination improvements with LED area lights
• Athletic facility installations requiring precise beam control
• Integrated security systems combining lighting with surveillance cameras
• Wayfinding signage mounting in urban environments
• HID-to-LED conversion projects maximizing existing pole investments

Installation Considerations

Structural analysis becomes critical when adding fixtures to existing poles. Wall thickness below 0.125 inches may require reinforcement for heavier LED assemblies. Wind load calculations factor in fixture EPA, mounting height, and local weather patterns to ensure long-term stability without compromising safety margins.

Selecting the Proper Tenon Adapter

Engineering specifications drive adapter selection beyond basic dimensional compatibility:

• Fixture count and spacing requirements for optimal light distribution
• Combined weight and EPA calculations for structural safety
• Pole material, age, and condition assessment for load capacity
• Photometric requirements influencing arm length and angles
• Coastal or industrial environments demanding specialized coatings
• Local wind load and seismic requirements per building codes
• Custom fabrication options for unique architectural applications

Tenon Adapters for Light Poles Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Light Pole Tenon Adapters and How Do They Work?

Light pole tenon adapters are mechanical brackets that connect LED fixtures to existing poles, eliminating the need for complete infrastructure replacement. These engineered interfaces create secure mounting points for single or multiple fixtures while maintaining structural integrity under high wind loads. We typically see customers save thousands per pole location by retrofitting existing infrastructure rather than installing new poles.

Which Tenon Adapter Size Do I Need for My Light Pole?

Match your adapter to your pole's outside diameter for optimal fit and load distribution. 3-inch round, 4-inch round/square, and 5-inch round/square configurations cover most commercial applications. We recommend measuring pole diameter at the mounting location, as tapered poles vary in size from base to top.

What's the Difference Between Steel and Aluminum Tenon Adapters?

Steel adapters handle higher wind loads and cost less, making them ideal for inland installations with heavy fixtures. Aluminum 6061-T6 offers superior corrosion resistance for coastal environments and weighs significantly less than steel. We typically recommend aluminum for marine applications and steel where maximum strength is required.

How Much Weight Can a Tenon Adapter Support?

Quality tenon adapters support 150+ mph wind loads when properly matched to pole specifications and fixture EPA ratings. Load capacity depends on pole wall thickness, material condition, and mounting height. Poles with wall thickness below 0.125 inches may require structural analysis before adding heavy LED fixtures.

Can I Install Multiple Fixtures on One Tenon Adapter?

Yes, quad-arm configurations maximize pole utilization by supporting up to four fixtures from a single mounting point. Multi-fixture adapters require careful wind load calculations to prevent structural overload. We help customers determine the optimal fixture count based on pole specifications and local building codes.

What Types of Fixtures Work with Tenon Adapters?

Tenon adapters accommodate LED area lights, floodlights, architectural fixtures, and integrated camera systems. The key is matching fixture tenon size to adapter specifications and verifying weight capacity. Most modern LED fixtures feature standard tenon mounting that's compatible with commercial-grade adapters.

How Do Tenon Adapters Handle Wind Load Requirements?

Commercial tenon adapters undergo engineering analysis for wind resistance based on fixture EPA calculations and local weather patterns. TGIC polyester powder coating provides additional durability against UV exposure and weather cycling. Proper installation includes torque specifications and hardware that meets or exceeds fixture manufacturer requirements.

What's the Cost Difference Between Tenon Adapters and New Pole Installation?

Quality tenon adapters cost under $100 compared to thousands for new pole installation including excavation, concrete, and electrical work. Retrofit projects using existing infrastructure typically reduce total installation costs by 60-80%. The adapter investment pays for itself immediately when compared to complete pole replacement.

Why Do Electrical Contractors Choose LED Lighting Supply for Tenon Adapters?

We provide technical guidance beyond product sales, helping contractors navigate structural analysis and wind load calculations for complex installations. Our experience with 25,000+ commercial projects means we understand compatibility issues before they become field problems. Product specialists offer real-world installation support that prevents costly mistakes and project delays.

Do Tenon Adapters Require Special Installation Tools or Hardware?

Most tenon adapters use standard mounting hardware and basic tools, reducing installation complexity and labor costs. 360-degree rotation capability allows precise fixture positioning without custom fabrication. We include all necessary hardware and provide torque specifications to ensure proper installation that meets structural requirements.