What Are the Different Types of Light Poles Available?

LED Lighting Supply's parking lot poles are constructed of steel and fiberglass. Wood and concrete poles are less common in parking lot areas. The choice of pole material will depend on a combination of price, location, lifespan, and pole strength.

Parking Lot Pole Materials

• Steel light poles: A cost-effective alternative to fiberglass light poles. Steel poles are known for their rot, insect, and corrosion resistance. Square steel poles are a favorable selection for various outdoor lighting mounting options. The flat surface eases mounting efforts for multiple light fixtures during installation.
• Fiberglass light poles: A resilient alternative to steel light poles. Favored for their rot, rust, fire, and corrosion resistance, fiberglass light poles provide a long-lasting solution. These lightweight yet durable poles ease handling and installation efforts.

Parking Lot Light Pole Shapes

Demystifying Various Parking Lot Pole Shapes

Our vast parking lot light pole line includes tapered, square, and round light pole shapes.

• Steel Round Poles
• Steel Square Poles
• Fiberglass Round Poles
• Fiberglass Square Poles
• Fiberglass Tapered Poles

They can be installed directly into the ground of the parking area, depending on the soil type, or anchored to a concrete base with anchor bolts. Let's break down the benefits of each.

• Tapered light poles are unique for their ability to withstand high winds with minimal structural damage. Our high-performance tapered light poles are known for their superior EPA ratings and durability.
• Round light poles are an excellent choice for sports complexes and other outdoor projects, depending on the project's decorative requirements. Our round poles are a sleek, sturdy solution for outdoor lighting projects.

Anchor-Based vs. Direct Burial Installation Methods - Which is Best?

Anchor base light poles are known for their superior stability. They are fastened to a poured in-ground or above ground concrete foundation with anchor bolt accessories. This method secures the base to its current position to withstand harsh weather conditions without fail. When positioned with a raised base, the pole has a higher impact resistance to phenomena, increasing public safety. It is also best suited in coastal environments or areas where unstable soil conditions are common.

Direct burial light poles are positioned directly onto a flat surface in the ground. This installation method is most commonly used for wood utility pole installation. Contractors will benefit from installation ease with this method.

Are Parking Lot Light Poles Cost-Effective?

Various factors must be considered when determining the price of parking lot light poles. Generally, a light pole in a parking lot ranges from $700 to $1500 each. Price is dependent on the material that they are constructed of, pole height, and the quantity of light poles purchased. For example, a 20’ parking lot pole will be less expensive than a 40’ parking lot pole (made from the same material). Aluminum parking lot poles will be more expensive than steel parking lot poles.

What is the Standard Parking Lot Pole Height?

It usually ranges from 15 to 30 feet. By contrast, poles used for roadways can typically be up to 40 or 50 feet in length. The required height depends on the size of the parking lot. The mounting height of luminaires is also determined by local ordinances. Here's a quick breakdown.

• Small Parking Lots: Typically average 10-20 feet in height
• Medium to Large Parking Lots: Generally average 20-35 feet
• Large Industrial Lots: In most cases range from 30-40 feet

What Causes Light Poles to Rust, and How Can It Be Prevented?

Steel light poles are susceptible to rust, which can be prevented with regular minimal maintenance. Using galvanized, powder-coated protection on steel poles will help preserve the material. Common culprits of deterioration are:

• Moisture buildup
• Rain water accumulation around the base of the pole
• Over-irrigation of commercial or industrial landscapes

What is the typical lifespan of light poles?

Wood poles have a service lifespan of up to 50 years. Steel poles have a service lifespan of up to 30 years, where fiberglass poles offer the longest-term solution of up to 80 years.

Do You Sell LED Area Lights as Well as Poles?

LED Lighting Supply is a one-stop shop for LED lights, fans, and poles. Providing an all-in-one solution for commercial and industrial projects, LED Lighting Supply can recommend the proper lighting and pole solution for parking lot areas. Whether upgrading existing metal halide fixtures or installing a new lighting solution, our Product Specialists can engineer a lighting and pole plan ahead of purchase with exceptional product support.

What is the Proper Parking Area Light Pole Spacing?

Light pole spacing requirements depend on various factors.

• The mounting height of the light fixture
• The number of lumens that will reach the ground
• The parking lot usage type - this usually comes down to the kind of vehicles that will be parked in the lot
• Poles would need to be farther apart for trucks so that they can have enough space to maneuver in the lot

Reference Guide

The table below is a general reference for the spacing of parking lot poles. It’s best to consult a Product Specialist to engineer a lighting plan that will provide you with the optimal illumination of your space.

• Mounting Height: 15-20 feet | Spacing: 20-30 feet | Lumens: 12,000-18,000
• Mounting Height: 20-25 feet | Spacing: 30-40 feet | Lumens: 20,000-30,000
• Mounting Height: 25-35 feet | Spacing: 40-50 feet | Lumens: 30,000-70,000