Types of Steel Light Poles
When selecting steel light poles for your project, it’s essential to understand the differences in installation methods and pole shapes. These factors significantly impact performance, durability, and suitability for specific applications.
Direct-Burial vs. Anchor-Based (Non-Direct Burial) Steel Poles
Direct-Burial Steel Poles: These poles are installed by burying the base directly into the ground. The buried section is often coated with protective materials to resist corrosion and ensure long-term stability. Direct-burial poles are ideal for areas where concrete foundations are impractical, offering a straightforward installation process for applications like rural street lighting or sports fields.
Anchor-Based (Non-Direct Burial) Steel Poles: Anchor-based poles are mounted onto a pre-poured concrete foundation using anchor bolts. These poles feature a base plate for secure attachment to the foundation, making them suitable for urban areas, parking lots, and environments requiring high wind resistance. This method offers enhanced durability and ease of replacement without disturbing the foundation.
Round Steel Poles vs. Square Steel Poles
Round Steel Poles: Known for their sleek, modern appearance, round steel poles are commonly used for urban and architectural projects. They offer excellent wind resistance and are often tapered for added strength and aesthetic appeal. These poles are ideal for applications like roadways, parking lots, and sports fields.
Square Steel Poles: Square poles provide a sturdy, industrial look and are often chosen for applications requiring multiple fixtures or arms. Their flat sides make it easier to mount accessories or additional lighting, making them a popular choice for parking lots and commercial properties.
Steel Tapered Light Poles vs. Straight Steel Light Poles
Steel light poles are available in two primary designs: tapered and straight. Each type offers unique benefits and is suited for specific applications, making it essential to choose the right one for your project.
Steel Tapered Light Poles - Tapered light poles gradually decrease in diameter from the base to the top, providing both functional and aesthetic advantages. This design improves wind resistance, making tapered poles ideal for areas with high wind loads or large lighting fixtures. Their sleek, modern appearance is often preferred for applications like urban roadways, parking lots, and sports fields.
Straight Steel Light Poles - Straight light poles maintain the same diameter from the base to the top, offering a uniform, industrial appearance. They are commonly used in applications where simplicity and ease of installation are priorities, such as small parking lots, residential streets, or utility projects.
Square Steel Light Poles
Square steel light poles are a top choice for parking lots, offering a combination of strength, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Their flat-sided design makes them ideal for securely mounting multiple fixtures, such as LED lights, banners, or cameras, making them perfect for the complex lighting configurations required in large parking areas. The robust construction of square poles provides excellent resistance to environmental stressors like wind and heavy loads, ensuring long-lasting performance in outdoor applications.
In addition to their practicality, square steel poles deliver a clean, modern appearance that enhances the look of commercial parking lots. Available in various heights and finishes, including corrosion-resistant coatings like powder coating or galvanization, these poles are built to withstand the elements while maintaining their visual appeal. With their durability and adaptability, square steel light poles are the go-to solution for creating safe, well-lit parking environments.
Round Steel Light Poles
Round steel light poles are a versatile and durable solution for parking lot lighting, offering a sleek, modern appearance combined with exceptional performance. Their cylindrical shape provides superior wind resistance and structural strength, making them ideal for open areas like parking lots where poles are exposed to environmental stresses. The smooth surface of round poles allows for easy fixture installation while ensuring a clean, uniform look.
Round steel poles are available in various heights, finishes, and styles to suit different project needs. With options such as powder coating or galvanization, these poles are designed to resist corrosion and weathering, ensuring long-term reliability. Their combination of strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal makes round steel light poles a trusted choice for creating safe, well-lit parking lots that prioritize both functionality and design.
Steel Light Pole Heights
Choosing the correct height for your steel light poles is essential for achieving optimal lighting and ensuring safety in outdoor spaces. Steel poles are a popular choice for parking lots, streets, sports fields, and commercial properties due to their strength and versatility. Their height typically ranges from 10 to 70 feet, depending on the application and the size of the area being illuminated.
For parking lots and roadways, steel poles between 15 and 30 feet are most common, offering a balance of cost-efficiency and sufficient light coverage. Taller poles, ranging from 30 to 70 feet, are ideal for sports fields, large industrial complexes, or areas requiring wide, shadow-free illumination. These poles support powerful fixtures that ensure uniform lighting across expansive spaces, meeting both safety and aesthetic needs.
Here are some of our most common steel light pole heights:
- 25-foot steel light poles
- 30-foot steel light poles
- 35-foot steel light poles
- 40-foot steel light poles
- 45-foot steel light poles
- 50-foot steel light poles
- 55-foot steel light poles
- 60-foot steel light poles
- 65-foot steel light poles
- 70-foot steel light poles
Steel Light Pole Applications
Steel light poles are a durable and versatile solution for a wide array of outdoor lighting needs. Known for their strength, corrosion resistance, and modern aesthetic, steel poles are the go-to choice for both general infrastructure and specialized lighting projects. Here's a breakdown of their most common applications:
Commercial/Industrial Applications- Parking Lot Lighting
- Public Parks and Recreational Areas
- Street and Roadway Lighting
- Utility and Infrastructure Projects
- Baseball and Softball Fields
- Basketball Courts
- Football Fields
- Multi-Purpose Sports Complexes
- Soccer Fields
- Tennis Courts
Steel Light Pole Gauges
Steel light pole gauges refer to the thickness of the steel used in the pole's construction, an essential factor in determining the pole's strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity. The gauge directly influences the pole's ability to withstand environmental stresses, such as wind loads, and support the weight of lighting fixtures and accessories.
The gauge number corresponds to the thickness of the steel, with lower numbers indicating thicker steel. For example, 7-gauge steel is thicker and stronger than 11-gauge steel.
Thicker gauges, like 7 or 8, are typically used for poles in areas with high wind exposure or heavy-duty applications, such as sports fields or large parking lots.
Lighter gauges, like 10 or 11, are suitable for lower-stress applications, such as residential street lighting or smaller commercial parking lots.
7-Gauge Steel Poles: Best for high-wind zones, large sports complexes, or projects requiring exceptional durability. These poles are more robust and can support heavier fixtures or multiple arms.
10-11 Gauge Steel Poles: Ideal for urban and suburban applications, offering reliable performance for parking lots, roadways, and general commercial lighting projects.
Parking Lot Light Poles
Steel parking lot poles are essential for creating safe and well-lit outdoor spaces, offering the stability and durability needed to support various lighting fixtures. Commonly mounted fixtures include LED area lights for energy-efficient illumination, floodlights for broad coverage in large lots, and shoebox lights, which combine functionality with a sleek, modern design. In decorative or retail settings, poles may also feature stylish fixtures to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space.
To ensure secure fixture mounting, tenon adapters are frequently used. These adapters come in single, double, or quad configurations to accommodate one or multiple fixtures. Adjustable tenon adapters are particularly useful for directing light precisely where it’s needed. Steel poles also include essential features like base plates and anchor bolts for installation, pole caps to protect the interior from moisture and debris, and options for additional accessories like banner arms or motion sensors.
Typically available in heights ranging from 15 to 30 feet, steel parking lot poles are offered in round or square shapes, each tailored to different design and functional needs. Protective coatings such as powder coating or galvanization ensure these poles resist rust and corrosion, making them a long-lasting solution for parking lots of all sizes. With the right combination of poles, fixtures, and accessories, you can achieve reliable, efficient, and visually appealing lighting for your parking lot project.
Parking Lot Lighting Design With Poles
This parking lot lighting solution was meticulously designed by our professional lighting engineers to achieve optimal performance and efficiency. The design ensured a balanced distribution of light across the 56-car parking lot, providing an average illumination of 2.7 footcandles and a maximum illumination of 13.5 footcandles.
Area Dimensions: 56 Car Parking Lot
Fixture Type 1: 90W LED Barn Lights (4 PCS)
Fixture Type 2: 180W Area Lights (4 PCS)
Light Pole Type: 20 ft 4 inch square steel poles (4 PCS)
Fixture Mounting Height: 20 feet
Accessories: Photosensors (4 PCS)
Fixture Certifications: UL, DLC (barn lights), UL (Area Lights)
Area Illumination: 2.7 footcandles, maximum 13.5 footcandles
The use of four 180W LED area lights, strategically equipped with Type 2 and Type 4 lenses, enabled targeted lighting for specific areas while maintaining overall uniformity. Mounted on 20-foot 4-inch square poles with a 2-foot base, the fixtures provided excellent coverage, eliminating dark spots and enhancing safety throughout the space. Additionally, the integration of photosensors allowed for automatic on/off functionality, further improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Steel Light Pole Finish
The finish on a steel light pole is critical for resisting corrosion, withstanding harsh environments, and extending its lifespan. Protective coatings not only enhance durability but also maintain structural integrity, making them essential for outdoor applications such as parking lots, streets, and sports fields. Galvanization, a zinc coating applied through the hot-dip process, is ideal for high-humidity or coastal areas due to its excellent corrosion resistance and ability to last up to 80 years in certain climates. For a more customizable and visually appealing option, powder coating offers a durable, baked-on finish that resists chipping, scratching, and UV damage while being available in various colors and textures.
Other options include paint coatings, which are affordable and easy to apply for tailored design needs, and specialty coatings like DuraGrip or thermoplastic coatings, which provide robust protection against cracking, weathering, and chemical exposure in industrial settings. The choice of finish depends largely on environmental conditions and the pole’s intended use. For instance, galvanization is best for coastal areas, powder coating suits urban environments with aesthetic flexibility, and thermoplastic coatings are ideal for industrial zones. Regardless of the finish, routine maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting for damage, ensures the coating remains intact and preserves the pole’s longevity. Investing in the right finish ensures steel light poles remain reliable, durable, and visually appealing for decades.
A study was conducted on behalf of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). According to the study,
"Galvanized steel poles are well-suited for extreme environments, with studies showing corrosion resistance of up to 65 years in tropical marine climates, and over 100 years in suburban and rural areas (SCS Global Services, 2013)."
Steel Light Pole Wind Factors
When selecting steel light poles for outdoor applications, understanding wind factors is critical to ensuring safety and longevity. Wind load capacity, typically measured in EPA (Effective Projected Area), determines how much surface area of fixtures, banners, or other attachments a pole can safely support under specific wind conditions. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of wind load ratings for standard steel light poles, accounting for a 1.3 gust factor.
This chart represents the wind load capacity (EPA, or Effective Projected Area in square feet) for standard steel light poles under various wind speeds, accounting for a 1.3 gust factor. It assumes the poles are not specialized to withstand extreme high-wind conditions, though such specialized options are available. The chart details the pole’s dimensions (diameter, height, wall thickness, and weight) and the maximum square footage that can be safely attached at wind speeds ranging from 80 mph to 150 mph.
The wind ratings and maximum EPA values listed in this chart apply to specific steel light pole models and configurations. Actual performance may vary based on factors such as pole design, material properties, mounting conditions, local wind environment, and additional attachments or modifications. For accurate application and safety compliance, consult with the manufacturer or a qualified structural engineer.
Steel Light Pole Cost
The cost of commercial-grade steel light poles ranges from $400 to $1,284.91, depending on factors such as height, gauge, finish, and specific application requirements. On average, most high-quality steel poles fall between $600 and $1,000, making them a cost-effective solution for a variety of outdoor lighting needs.
It’s important to ensure that any steel pole you purchase meets industry standards for durability and structural integrity. Poles priced significantly lower than this range may lack essential features like proper protective coatings or adequate strength, rendering them unsuitable for commercial or industrial use. Investing in high-quality steel poles ensures long-term performance, reliability, and safety for your lighting projects. It’s also important to note, that these numbers can fluctuate based on the cost of steel as well as other economic factors; thus, this is a rough estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are steel light poles?
Steel light poles are durable, high-strength structures designed to support lighting fixtures in outdoor spaces such as parking lots, roadways, sports fields, and commercial properties. Made from robust steel, these poles provide excellent load-bearing capacity and are built to withstand environmental stresses, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Available in various shapes (round or square), heights (typically 10 to 70 feet), and finishes (such as galvanization or powder coating), steel light poles offer versatility for a wide range of applications.
Q. Are your steel light poles wind-load rated?
Poles come in various wind ratings depending on their construction and intended usage. Our steel poles are tested for specific wind load ratings to ensure they can handle their intended environments. Typically the thicker the pole, the higher wind rating it can handle. As pole height increases, the wind load rating will correspondingly decrease, due to the excessive force put on the base as the pole essentially acts as a giant vertical lever. Each pole type, diameter and height has its own specific rating they are tested to.
Q. Do your poles come with options for multiple fixture mounting arms?
Our poles are nearly infinitely adaptable for whatever mounting options the end user is interested in. While the poles themselves can be drilled/tapped for various fixtures, most installers utilize tenon adapters to mount multiple lights onto the poles at once. These adapters can mount anywhere from one to four individual lights to a pole, using set screws to attach to the pole itself, or a specific adapter for sizing down a large diameter pole to an industry standard 2-⅜” slipfitter compatible dimension.
Q. How do I choose the right height for steel light poles?
Choosing the right height for steel light poles depends on the specific lighting requirements and the type of area being illuminated. For parking lots and roadways, poles between 15 to 30 feet are typically ideal, providing adequate light coverage and minimizing glare for drivers and pedestrians. Taller poles, ranging from 30 to 70 feet, are better suited for sports fields, industrial complexes, or areas requiring wide, shadow-free illumination. Consider factors such as the size of the area, the mounting height requirements of the light fixtures, and local wind conditions. Taller poles are effective for large spaces but may require higher wind-load ratings and stronger foundations. For smaller areas or urban environments, shorter poles offer sufficient illumination while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. Consulting with one of our lighting professionals can help ensure you choose the best height for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Q. What is the typical lifespan of a steel light pole?
The typical lifespan of a steel light pole ranges from 20 to 50 years or more, depending on factors such as the quality of the material, protective coatings, environmental conditions, and maintenance. Poles with durable finishes, like powder coating or galvanization, are better equipped to resist corrosion and weathering, extending their lifespan even in harsh environments.
Q. What foundation is required for installing a steel light pole?
The foundation for a steel light pole is typically a concrete base designed to securely anchor the pole and withstand environmental stresses such as wind loads and fixture weight. For anchor-based poles, the base includes embedded anchor bolts that connect the pole to the foundation using a base plate. The size and depth of the concrete base depend on factors like the pole height, gauge, and site-specific conditions such as soil type and wind exposure. For direct-burial poles, the base involves burying a portion of the pole directly into the ground. In this case, the depth of burial is critical and typically ranges from 10% of the pole’s above-ground height plus 2 feet. Consulting with an engineer or referencing local building codes ensures the foundation is correctly designed to meet safety and performance standards.
Q. How do I maintain a steel light pole to prevent rust and corrosion?
There are several ways to maintain steel light poles over their rated lifespans. Besides a good quality paint application during manufacturing, the best way to prevent degradation from rust and corrosion over time is regular inspection for signs of damaged paint or corrosion, and taking appropriate measures to remedy any issues. Periodically washing poles can help with reducing the buildup of potentially acidic residue from rainfall or the surrounding environment. This is especially true with poles that are exposed to salt spray, whether that be from ocean air or winter road deicing compounds.
Q Can steel light poles be installed in high-wind or coastal areas?
Steel light poles are ideal for high wind areas, due to steel's inherent strength. Steel is the number one choice for structural and high mechanical stress applications where weight is not a concern, such as light poles, bridges, etc. It is important for those installing steel poles near coastlines to make sure their poles have extra corrosion resistance properties.
Q. What finishes are available for steel light poles?
Finishes vary depending on the manufacturer of the pole, as well as the specific type. Generally speaking, the standard finish for poles is an exterior powdercoat which allows for good weather resistance under normal conditions. For areas with higher humidity, poles that are coated both internally and externally are ideal for preventing rust that is more prevalent in these environments. The most extreme applications require a coating with additional adhesion and resistance to chemicals, salts and acids - present in areas which have acidic rain and areas which experience harsh winters or coastal salt air.
Q. What is the difference between wood and steel light poles?
The main differences between wood and steel light poles lie in their material properties, applications, and maintenance needs. Wood light poles are often chosen for their natural aesthetic and cost-effectiveness. They are pressure-treated to resist decay and insects, making them durable for outdoor environments. Wood poles are commonly used in rural areas, utility projects, and settings where a more organic appearance is desired. However, they may require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure longevity. On the other hand, steel light poles are known for their superior strength and durability, ideal for urban and high-traffic areas where load-bearing capacity is critical. They offer a sleek, modern look and are often preferred for parking lots, city streets, and sports complexes. Steel poles are resistant to bending and can withstand harsh weather conditions, though they are susceptible to corrosion if not properly treated or maintained. Choosing between wood and steel poles depends on your project's design requirements, environmental conditions, and budget.