Anyone who's fumbled through a dark parking lot looking for their keys knows the importance of good lighting. But solid parking lot lighting design isn't just about convenience, it's vital for safety. Well-designed pole lighting plays a critical role in making parking lots safer, more energy-efficient, and visually appealing.
Enhanced Safety: Properly placed light poles illuminate potential hazards for both drivers and pedestrians. This helps prevent accidents, injuries, and even crime. Think of the difference between navigating a dimly lit lot versus one where you can clearly see everything around you.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern LED lights already save energy, but strategic pole placement maximizes their efficiency. This means no wasted light illuminating the sky where it's not needed.
Aesthetics: The right poles, fixtures, and layout contribute to a parking lot's overall curb appeal. It's the first impression customers get of your business!
Energy Savings: Strategic pole placement maximizes light coverage, meaning you can use fewer fixtures and reduce energy bills. LEDs amplify this even further!
Let's get into the nitty-gritty aspects of choosing and using poles for a great parking lot lighting setup:
Taller isn't always better! Pole height needs to match the size of the parking lot. Smaller lots need shorter poles for even light distribution. Massive lots, like those at malls, may need taller poles to spread the light further. A lighting designer helps determine the ideal heights.
Spacing goes hand-in-hand with height. For better light uniformity, a lot with shorter poles will generally need them spaced closer together. A sparsely lit lot is a safety hazard.
Steel and aluminum are the most popular options:
Pole lighting needs to withstand harsh conditions. Wind load ratings tell you what the pole can handle. Check your local building codes, especially in storm-prone areas.
To achieve optimal light distribution and safety in your parking lot, consider these general guidelines for light pole spacing and height:
Mounting Height
Spacing
Lumens
15’-20’
20’-30’
12,000-18,000
20’-25’
30’-40’
20,000-30,000
25’-35’
40’-50’
30,000-70,000
To choose the right light fixtures and pole placement, you need to understand lighting distribution patterns. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
Type I: Two-Way Distribution
Pattern: Narrow beam spread (15°) for focused lighting
Best for: Sidewalks, paths, and walkways
Placement: Center of the walkway
Mounting Height: Roughly equal to the walkway width
Type II: Medium-Width Distribution
Pattern: Wider beam (25°) for broader coverage
Best for: Wide walkways, ramps, narrow roads, and entrances
Placement: At or near the side of the area
Mounting Height: Road width shouldn't exceed 1.75 times the height
Type III: Wide Distribution
Pattern: Even wider beam (40°) for large areas
Best for: Roads, parking lots
Placement: Side of the area
Mounting Height: Road width shouldn't exceed 2.75 times the height
Type IV: Semi-Circular Distribution
Pattern: Wide beam (60°) focused to one side
Best for: Wide roads, building walls (for security lighting)
Placement: Side of the area
Mounting Height: Road width shouldn't exceed 3.7 times the height
Type V: Circular Distribution
Pattern: Even light spread in all directions (360°)
Best for: Roadways, intersections, parking lot centers
Placement: Center of the area
Type VS: Square Distribution
Pattern Similar to Type V, but with a defined square edge to the light spread.
Best for: Same as Type V, offering more predictable light cutoff
Placement: Center of the area
Traditional parking lot lights get the job done, but LEDs take it to the next level:
Longevity: LED lights have incredible lifespans, meaning fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs over time.
Energy Efficiency: LEDs use significantly less energy for the same (or better) light output compared to older technologies.
Better Light Quality: LEDs offer options for various color temperatures, giving you more control over the ambience of your parking lot.
Reduced Glare: Proper LED fixtures focus light where you need it, minimizing the distracting glare that annoys drivers.
Shopping Malls: Often use tall poles with wide spacing for large parking lots. These create a bright, evenly lit space for shopper safety.
View Our Shopping Mall Case Study
Groceries Stores: Might use a mix of taller poles around the perimeter and lower poles throughout the lot, making it easier to see between vehicles.
Office Buildings: May favor a more decorative pole style to complement the surrounding architecture, blending safety with style.
Poles might seem like the straightforward part of lighting, but they're the backbone of a well-designed parking lot lightscape. By considering the tips above, you'll be well on your way to a safer and more inviting space.
Designing the perfect parking lot lighting system with poles is a mix of art and science. If you want a solution that's safe, efficient, and looks great, contact Stouch Lighting! Our experts will guide you through every step.