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Light poles require to illuminate the area effectively. So it is essential to determine the placement of light poles correctly. Service upgrades and repairs need to be done in case of poor lighting conditions. Here are a few things that need to be considered to achieve the desired results.

Determining Light Pole Distance

The distance between light poles depends on the height of the light pole. As a general rule, streetlights should have a space of 2.5 to 3 times the height of the light pole between them. For example, street lights of 6 meters in height should have a gap of 15 to 18 meters in-between.

If the area is densely populated, then you should have light poles that are closer together to offer enough illumination. Whereas for sparsely populated regions, the light poles can be placed farther apart.

Determining Light Pole Height

Determining the height of a light pole will depend on the purpose, the placement, the type of light, and the lighting method. Conventionally, the height of a light pole is below 15 meters. For bicycle paths and pavements, the light pole is 5 to 6 meters, whereas by-lanes, side roads, and narrow streets would need 8 to 10 meters of high poles. Commercial wide roads and industrial areas usually have light poles that are about 12 meters high. In the case of street lights, the pole’s height depends on the width of the road—the wider the road, the higher the pole. If you are using solar-powered lights, then the light pole should be taller than the surrounding trees.

The lighting method is another factor that can determine the height of a light pole. For example, if the lights are placed on the single side of the road, the ratio of pole height to road width should be 1:1. This means an 8 meters high pole for an 8-meter-wide road. In places where the light pole is installed on both sides of the road, the pole height to road width ratio changes to 0.5:1 (5-meter high pole for a 10-meter wide road). And when the lights are placed on both sides at staggered intervals, the ratio changes to 0.7:1 (7-meter tall pole for a 10-meter wide road).

Determining Light Pole Location

The arrangement of light poles can be determined based on the area. A single-side layout works well for narrow roads, but you would need two side opposite, or staggered, layouts for medium-sized roads. Central pole arrangements with lights on both ends are required for larger roads.

In order to ensure proper placement of the light pole, commercial constructions have to take care of the tilt angle, pole distance from the curb, light overhang, and boom length as well.

Other factors to consider while determining light pole height, distance, and location are state regulations, traffic conditions, the feasibility of getting underground electrical work done, lighting design, and beam angles. Inadequate road lighting can lead to eye fatigue for commuters, especially on long journeys. This could result in accidents. Therefore, it is essential to place light poles correctly to ensure road users have good visual conditions and safe movement.