LED light fittings on steel streetlight columns

Over the last few years streetlights have transitioned from High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) light fittings to Light Emitting Diode (LED) light fittings. LED light fittings are more energy efficient, have a longer lifespan and are safer than HPS and MH conventional street lighting.

Conventional lighting emits a narrow spectrum light which appears as a yellow dull glow. This type of light has been shown to double driver peripheral vision and increase brake reaction time by 25%. In comparison LEDs emits a directional white light which gives a more natural ‘daylight’. This results in greater visibility and safer conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.

LED light fittings can affect the visual appearance of steel streetlight columns, with the heavier fittings causing the curved and mitred outreaches to sag more. This will be especially evident with the 4m outreaches where the sag can be as much as 165mm.

The other difference with using the LED fitting is the outreach tilt. Traditional light fittings are installed on outreaches with a 10 degree tilt while LED light fittings are installed with a 0 to 5 degree tilt, due to the light being more directional. This can cause an optical illusion, especially with the 0 degree tilt, which can make the LED appear to tilt downwards. Again this will be especially noticeable on a longer outreach.

Customers do need to take into consideration the visual effects of the heavier LED fittings, especially when comparing to the lighter HPS and MH fittings.

With the LED light fittings being heavier than traditional fittings, CSP has validated the design of all our streetlight columns to ensure that they are fit for purpose and can be used with LEDs.

If you have any queries regarding the above please contact your local Sales Engineer or:
Email: cspcustomerservice@csppacific.co.nzor
Phone: 0800 655 200