Key Factors in Selecting Street Light Poles

Lighting choices are considered to be some of the most critical components of infrastructure. It encompasses a wide range of purposes, from safety for drivers and pedestrians, functionality, and the overall look and feel of the location. Selecting the right street pole can be daunting, but our guide will walk you through what to consider during your decision-making process.

What is the Purpose and Application of the Light Pole?

The first step to any decision will be identifying what your light pole should accomplish. Whether it is for a commercial district, residential neighborhood, or casual walkway, the street light pole needs to meet specific criteria. Consider these applications:

• Main Roads and Highways: These street light poles need to be tall to maximize light coverage and visibility. Given the height requirement, the street light pole needs to be strong and durable.
• Residential Neighborhoods: Compared to highways, a shorter pole will often work better in a residential location. They provide safety without overwhelming the neighborhood with light.
• Pedestrian Walkways: A short pole will often work best in these areas, providing enough light for safety while creating a peaceful experience.
• Historic Districts: This street light pole will fully depend on the rules and regulations of the area. These are in place to preserve the architectural character and integrity.

How Tall Does the Light Pole Need to Be?

The height of the light pole impacts the spread and intensity of the lighting. In most cases, poles range from 9 to 14 feet for residential locations, up to 20 feet for commercial purposes, and between 30 to 40 feet for highways and major roads. Additionally, your selection should take into account the surrounding infrastructure to avoid obstructing the light and casting shadows.

 

What Material Choices Are Best for Street Light Poles?

There are many material choices for street light poles, including steel, aluminum, and composite fiberglass. This selection depends on different factors like climate, maintenance, and more. Unlike traditional materials, composite fiberglass is lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it easier to install. Composite fiberglass light poles stand out when it comes to durability and maintenance given their resistance to rust, corrosion, and harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, since this material is non-conductive, there is a lower risk of electrical shock. For more information on composite fiberglass light poles, we recommend checking out our advantages of composites article.

What Are the Design Options for Street Light Poles?

When selecting a street light pole, there are many design components to consider, like style, color, and accessory compatibility. The design should match the light pole’s location, taking into account the streetscape and neighboring architecture. Customization options like banner arms, brackets, and color finishes allow you to create a light pole that enhances the location’s character and functionality. For a more decorative light pole, consider exploring options like our Athena series, designed to provide a beautiful and historic look to any setting. For a more commercial route, you will want a street light pole that is built for long-lasting quality at any custom color requirements, like our Eos series.

What Regulatory and Safety Compliance Must Street Light Poles Maintain?

Your street light pole selection will depend upon what standards are in place for your streetscape. There are several safety and regulatory standards in public areas, which can include factors like wind-load requirements or breakaway poles for high-traffic areas. Additionally, there may be specific height and spacing requirements that will impact your selection and quantity of light poles to purchase. To avoid complications, we recommend consulting your local organizations to ensure you select the right light pole for your project.

What Regulations Do Street Light Poles Need to Follow for Historic Districts?

If you are looking for light poles for a historic district, there are several components you will need to consider in your decision-making process. The right lighting is integral to preserving the ambiance and character of the space. The light pole should align with the area’s architecture, whether it is through a more ornate design or a specific style. In most cases, you will need to get approval from local boards and organizations before any installation.

Why Hyperia Light Poles Are the Best Street Light Poles

When selecting the right light pole for your project, it requires consideration of many different factors like functionality, design, compliance, and resilience. Hyperia light poles meet all of these criteria and more for all projects, whether it is for residential, commercial, or historical use. Our composite fiberglass light poles are hand-crafted by people who know how to build high-quality, long-lasting, and beautiful light poles for any project. Hyperia light poles are known for their durability, low maintenance, and customizable colors and finishes, making them a better choice than other brands and materials.