Choosing the Right Lamp Post

ROGER PRADIER Garden Lamp Post

Choosing the right lamp post will help ensure the appropriate luminosity in the area where it will be installed. While style and shape have an important role, the use of the lamp will guide you in your selection. To select the best lamp post for your project, here are the key points to consider:

• Use
• Technical characteristics
• Style and shape
• Material
• Options and trends

LECCOR Urban Lamp Post

Each lamp post has a specific purpose related to safety, so it is crucial to choose one that is appropriate for the intended use. Urban lamp posts that are designed for highly frequented public spaces or roads need to be more robust and vandal resistant than lamp posts that are intended for private outdoor areas. In order to ensure you choose the lamp with the right height and technical characteristics, familiarize yourself with lighting levels required for the area. If the project entails multiple posts, consider the distance needed between lamp posts before installing them.

When planning urban lighting, check for local planning guidelines and standards. The European standard EN 13201 includes guidelines for choosing road lighting in different situations as well as calculation methods. For certain road areas and crossings used by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, the lighting should be uniform and well lit, both vertically and horizontally, to avoid collisions and ensure visual comfort.

IGUZZINI Original Design Lamp Post

Matching the style of a lamp post to the identity of the public space is important. For historical centers, traditional lamp posts can help preserve the character of the space, while contemporary lamp posts or light columns can provide a minimalist look for modern spaces. Original designs such as sculpture-like posts can add playfulness to public spaces, generating more public interest. Certain solutions may include integrated benches or other furniture to encourage activity in the surrounding area.

CYRIA COR-TEN® Steel Lamp Post

Different materials can be used to produce a lamp post, and it is especially important to pay close attention to the materials used for the base, pole and light fixture. In order to withstand vandalism, the base and diffuser need to be made with a shock-resistant material. The shape and transparency of the diffuser also affect the quality and distribution of the light.

The main materials are:

• Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion resistant and recyclable.
• Steel: Favored for its strength, robustness and wind resistance. It is also easier to repair than aluminum poles.
• Cast iron: Used for traditional lighting poles but is heavier and needs protective finishing.
• Concrete: Robust and long-lasting but difficult to recycle.
• Fiberglass: Lightweight, anti-corrosion and maintenance free, but can be prone to sun damage and is difficult to recycle.

RAGNI Urban lamp post

The technical characteristics of a lamp post impact the longevity, light distribution and robustness of the product. They include height, IP rating, operating temperature and more. In order to better understand the importance of the characteristics, we’ve given some information on each of them below.

Here are the elements to consider:

• Height: The height of the lamp post will affect the light intensity and eveness of light distribution. The height of the post can range from a few meters for garden lighting to > 30 m for high-mast lighting applications requiring even distribution over large areas such as highways, sports fields or large public spaces.
• IP rating: The IP rating (Ingress Protection) indicates the level of protection the light post has against dirt and water. It comprises 2 numbers: The first number indicates protection against particles, and the second against liquids. The higher the number, the more protection. Ensure that the IP rating of the fixture is appropriate for the location of its installation. For example, IP65 is dust tight and resistant to water entry in different directions and is, therefore, suitable for outdoor use. However, it might not be waterproof enough if the fixture is exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Operating temperature: Make sure the operating temperature is adapted to the climate. Certain climates may have extreme temperature differences between the seasons, which could damage lighting with inadequate protection.
• Light source: LED lights are being used more often to replace other light sources—such as metal halide and high-pressure / low-pressure sodium lamps—in order to save energy and increase the lifespan of the light bulb.
• Light distribution: Ensure that the light distribution is even and overlapping between lamp posts. Consider whether lighting needs to be omnidirectional to ensure both vertical and horizontal surfaces are well lit.
• Light output: This is measured in lumens. The lamp post height and the light output will determine how brightly surfaces are lit (measured in lux).
• Color temperature: The color temperature can influence the perception of colors (color rendering index) and the ambience of a space.

WINPOWER Wind Powered Lamp Post

Public lighting can be very energy consuming, which has a negative impact on the environment. This is why new methods for more ecological solutions are being tested. Here are a few ways the industry has been evolving:

• Smart lamp posts can include cameras and sensors to monitor space occupancy in real time, improving efficiency, predictive maintenance and tracking malfunctions.
• Using greener energy sources such as solar-powered lamp posts and wind-powered lamp posts is becoming more common.
• Existing masts or poles can be retrofitted with LEDs or connected lighting installations to save energy and carry out predictive maintenance. This won’t be useful for new urban spaces but is an excellent way to improve existing lighting posts.