What Are LED Post Top Lights?
LED Post Top Lights, commonly referred to as LED pole lights, are pole-mounted outdoor fixtures designed to illuminate walkways, parks, parking lots, and other public spaces with bright, even lighting. Positioned at the top of light poles, these fixtures enhance visibility, security, and aesthetics in commercial and municipal settings.
Unlike older metal halide and high-pressure sodium post tops, LED versions provide greater energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance costs. They are available in a range of styles, from classic decorative lanterns to modern, streamlined designs, making them a versatile solution for various outdoor environments.
Where Are LED Post Top Lights Used?
LED Post Top Lights are versatile outdoor lighting solutions used in a variety of commercial, municipal, and residential applications. Their pole-mounted design provides uniform, energy-efficient illumination for pedestrian and vehicular areas, enhancing safety, visibility, and aesthetics. Common applications include but are not limited to the following:
- Business Parks & Office Complexes
- Downtown & Urban Streetscapes
- Government & Municipal Facilities
- Hotels & Resorts
- Parking Lots
- Parks & Public Spaces
- Residential Communities & HOA Areas
- Retail Centers & Malls
- Schools & Campuses
- Sidewalks & Pathways
Project Completed Using Commercial LED Post Top Lights
Our certified lighting engineers designed a professional parking lot lighting plan using high-performance LED post top lights for a microbrewery and dining establishment. This layout ensures optimal illumination, enhancing visibility and security while maintaining energy efficiency.
The parking area spans 45 x 38 feet, with an average illumination of 5.9 foot-candles, a maximum of 16.4 foot-candles, and a minimum of 1.4 foot-candles. To achieve this, we utilized three 130W LED post top lights, each delivering 15,600 lumens. These fixtures are both power and CCT selectable, allowing for versatile lighting customization. The lights were mounted on 20-foot poles to ensure broad and uniform coverage, effectively illuminating the space while minimizing glare and dark spots.
LED Post Top Lights v.s. LED Post Top Bulbs
Although they may sound similar, LED Post Top Lights and LED Post Top Bulbs serve different purposes in outdoor lighting applications. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right solution for your project.
LED Post Top Lights (Complete Fixtures) - LED Post Top Lights are fully integrated outdoor lighting fixtures designed to be mounted on top of poles. These fixtures come with built-in LED technology, meaning they do not require separate bulbs. They are available in various styles, from modern sleek designs to decorative lantern-style fixtures, commonly used in parks, sidewalks, campuses, and parking lots.
LED Post Top Bulbs (Retrofit Bulbs for Existing Fixtures) - LED Post Top Bulbs are high-output replacement bulbs designed to retrofit existing metal halide (MH) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) post-top fixtures. They offer a cost-effective way to upgrade older lighting systems without replacing the entire fixture. These bulbs typically have E26 or EX39 bases, making them compatible with standard screw-in sockets.
Both solutions offer significant energy savings and longer lifespans compared to traditional HID lighting, but the best choice depends on whether you need a complete fixture replacement or a simple bulb upgrade.
LED Solar Post Top Lights
Solar-powered LED post top lights are a popular choice for outdoor lighting due to their energy efficiency, easy installation, and sustainability. Unlike traditional wired fixtures, these lights operate independently of the electrical grid, making them ideal for locations without direct access to power. They harness solar energy during the day and automatically illuminate at night, reducing energy costs and minimizing maintenance.
These fixtures are commonly used in parks, pathways, campuses, and commercial properties where reliable, low-maintenance lighting is needed. Many models feature motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn operation, and adjustable brightness settings, further enhancing their efficiency and adaptability. With no need for trenching or complex wiring, LED solar post top lights offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for outdoor illumination.
Mounting for LED Post Top Lights
LED Post Top Lights are designed for pole-mounted installation, making them ideal for pathways, parks, parking lots, and other outdoor spaces. Proper mounting ensures stability, optimal light distribution, and long-term durability in various environmental conditions. There are several mounting options for LED post top lights.
Direct Pole Mount (Standard Tenon Mount) - The fixture mounts directly onto a 2 3/8-inch tenon or a pole adapter using post screws. Secured by locking bolts to prevent movement in high-wind conditions. Common for municipal, commercial, and residential applications.
Slip Fitter Mount - Designed for angled installations or mounting on poles with non-standard tenon sizes. Adjustable for precise light direction, making it ideal for roadways and parking lots.
Arm Mount (Side Arm Bracket) - Attached to the side of a pole for extended reach. Provides a more decorative or functional positioning, depending on project needs.
Wall Mount Adapter - Used for wall-mounted applications where a pole isn’t necessary. Ideal for walkways, building perimeters, and security lighting.
Using the Satco 65-890 Series Post Top Light installation guide as an example, here are some basic instructions below. Please note,
- Loosen the mounting screws on the fixture’s bracket/tenon adapter.
- Adjust the head to the desired angle and secure it with locking screws.
- Attach the fixture to the pole and tighten the post screws for stability.
- Connect wiring as per the fixture’s wiring diagram (ensure power is off).
- Install an optional photocell if automatic dusk-to-dawn operation is required.
Why Use LED Post Top Lights for Parking Lot Lighting?
LED post top lights are a highly effective solution for parking lot lighting, offering a combination of energy efficiency, durability, and superior illumination. These fixtures consume significantly less energy than traditional metal halide or high-pressure sodium lights, leading to reduced electricity costs without sacrificing brightness or performance. With a lifespan that far exceeds older technologies, LED post top lights minimize maintenance expenses and the hassle of frequent bulb replacements.
The illumination quality of LED post top lights enhances visibility and security in parking areas. They provide bright, uniform lighting with a high color rendering index (CRI), ensuring that colors and details are more accurately represented. This makes it easier for drivers to navigate and pedestrians to feel secure in well-lit environments. Their directional lighting design also reduces wasted light, focusing illumination where it's needed and minimizing unnecessary glare or light pollution.
Many LED post top fixtures come with advanced features such as wattage and color temperature adjustability, dimming capabilities, and photocells for automatic on/off operation. These options allow for greater control over lighting performance, ensuring optimal brightness levels throughout the night while improving energy efficiency.
Built to withstand outdoor conditions, LED post top lights are IP65-rated for protection against moisture, dust, and harsh weather. Their durable construction ensures long-term reliability, making them an excellent investment for parking lot lighting applications. With a balance of efficiency, performance, and adaptability, LED post top lights offer a modern and cost-effective way to enhance safety and visibility in commercial and municipal parking areas.
Lighting Levels for Parking Lots
Adequate parking lot lighting ensures safety and security for pedestrians and drivers. Recommendations for common parking lot lighting needs include,
Covered Parking: Horizontal average of 1.5 foot-candles, with a range of 0.5-2 foot-candles. For enhanced security, consider increasing levels to 3 foot-candles.
Uncovered Parking (Suburban): Horizontal average of 1 foot-candle, with a range of 0.5-2 foot-candles.
Uncovered Parking (Urban): Horizontal average of 2 foot-candles, with a range of 1-3 foot-candles. Uniformity is key to reducing shadows and enhancing visibility.
Please note, that these numbers may vary based on the type of parking lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are LED pole lights?
LED pole lights, a term used interchangeably with LED post top lights, are outdoor lighting fixtures mounted on poles to provide illumination for large areas such as parking lots, streets, parks, and campuses. These lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and designed to enhance safety and visibility in both commercial and municipal settings.
Q. What are LED shoebox lights?
LED shoebox lights are a type of pole-mounted area light known for their rectangular, box-like design. They are commonly used in parking lots, roadways, and large open spaces, delivering bright, uniform illumination. These lights offer high energy efficiency, long lifespans, and reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional HID fixtures.
Q. What kind of lights are mounted on poles?
Several types of lights can be mounted on poles, including LED post top lights, shoebox lights, floodlights, and streetlights. The choice of lighting depends on the application—post top lights are ideal for decorative and pedestrian-friendly areas, while shoebox lights and floodlights are better suited for high-output illumination in parking lots and roadways.
Q. How do LED post top lights compare to traditional HID or HPS lights?
LED post top lights consume significantly less energy while producing brighter, more uniform illumination compared to high-intensity discharge (HID) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. They have a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance costs, and offer improved color rendering for better visibility. Additionally, LED fixtures eliminate issues like slow startup times and frequent bulb replacements associated with HID and HPS lights.
Q. Can LED post top lights be used for parking lot lighting?
Yes, LED post top lights are a great option for parking lot lighting, providing wide-area illumination with excellent energy efficiency. They improve visibility and security, making them suitable for commercial properties, campuses, and retail centers. Our commercial lighting store offers post top fixtures with various wattage and lumen output options to meet different parking lot lighting requirements.
Q. Do LED post top lights come with dusk-to-dawn sensors?
Many LED post top lights are available with built-in dusk-to-dawn photocells, allowing them to automatically turn on at night and off during the day. Our commercial lighting store offers both standard models and fixtures with integrated photocells and motion sensors for enhanced energy efficiency and security.
Q. Can I retrofit existing post top fixtures with LED bulbs?
Yes, existing post top fixtures can often be upgraded with LED retrofit bulbs designed to replace traditional HID or HPS lamps. However, for the best performance, efficiency, and longevity, installing a new LED post top fixture is recommended. Our store carries both retrofit LED post top bulbs and fully integrated LED post top lights to meet various project needs.
Q. Are LED post top lights dimmable?
Yes, many LED post top lights are available with dimmable functionality, typically using 0-10V dimming systems. This allows for adjustable brightness levels, improving energy efficiency and providing customizable lighting for different applications. Our commercial lighting store offers a variety of dimmable LED post top lights to meet specific project requirements. Be sure to check the specifications of the fixture to ensure compatibility with your existing dimming system.