Street Light Planning for a Safer Community

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Moody urban street at night with bench and blurred lights for a dreamy ambiance.
Credit: pexels.com, Moody urban street at night with bench and blurred lights for a dreamy ambiance.

Street light planning is crucial for creating a safer community. Properly designed and installed street lights can significantly reduce crime rates and improve road safety.

A well-planned street lighting system should consider the area's population density, traffic volume, and road types. This will help determine the number and placement of street lights.

Street lights can be categorized into three main types: high-mast lighting, cobra head lighting, and solar-powered lighting. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Properly maintained street lights can last up to 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the fixture and the environment in which it is installed.

Street Light Types

There are various types of street lights that cater to different needs and environments. From modern and glare-free illumination to rugged simplicity, street light types offer specialized solutions.

Konlite and Howard Lighting's LED street lights are designed to fit a wide range of outdoor environments, delivering reliable illumination.

If this caught your attention, see: Illumination Lighting Meaning

Farola Fernandina

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The Farola Fernandina is a traditional design of gas streetlight that's still popular in Spain. It's a beautiful example of neoclassical French style, dating back to the late 18th century.

This style of streetlight may be either a wall-bracket or standard lamp, with a cast metal base featuring an escutcheon. The escutcheon bears two intertwined letters 'F', which is the Royal cypher of King Ferdinand VII of Spain.

The Farola Fernandina is often seen in historical areas of Spain, such as Aranjuez. In fact, a photo of a Farola Fernandina in Aranjuez is featured in the example images.

The standard base of a Farola Fernandina is often decorated with an escutcheon bearing the Royal cypher of King Ferdinand VII of Spain. This commemorates the date of the birth of his daughter, the Infanta Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Twin Bed to King

Arc Lamps

Arc lamps were the first type of electric street lighting, with the first being developed by Russian Pavel Yablochkov in 1875.

Credit: youtube.com, The Carbon Arc Lamp

They were initially called the "electric candle" or "Jablotchkoff candle" and used a carbon arc lamp that employed alternating current, which ensured that both electrodes were consumed at equal rates.

The first arc lights in Los Angeles were installed in 1876, with four lights placed in various locations around the city.

In 1878, Paris installed its first electric streetlights on the avenue de l'Opera and the Place de l'Étoile, around the Arc de Triomphe.

Over 4,000 arc lights were in use in London by 1881, with the first installations being on the Holborn Viaduct and the Thames Embankment in 1878.

By 1890, over 130,000 arc lights were in operation in the US, commonly installed in exceptionally tall moonlight towers.

Arc lights had two major disadvantages: they emitted an intense and harsh light, and they required frequent maintenance due to the swift burning away of carbon electrodes.

Perfect Fixture for Every Application

We offer a curated selection of street lights that cater to various needs, from modern and glare-free illumination to rugged simplicity and robust performance.

Credit: youtube.com, Design: Recommended Practice for Street Lighting

Our LED street lights from trusted brands like Konlite and Howard Lighting are designed to fit a wide range of outdoor environments, delivering reliable illumination wherever it's needed.

For residential areas, 20W-100W fixtures are typically sufficient, while commercial and municipal applications may require 100W-300W fixtures, depending on the area size and desired brightness.

We provide specialized solutions, not just generic products, to meet the unique requirements of each outdoor application.

Our collection offers the right fixture for every outdoor application, making it easy to find the perfect solution.

Here's an interesting read: Can Outdoor Light Fixtures Be Used Indoors

Choosing the Right Beam Angle

Type II optics are ideal for narrow spaces like pathways.

If you're installing street lights in a neighborhood with many narrow sidewalks, Type II optics are the way to go. They provide a focused beam that's perfect for illuminating these tight spaces.

Type III optics are suited for wider areas such as streets and parking lots.

This makes them a great choice for busy commercial areas or streets with a lot of on-street parking.

Street Light Technology

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Street light technology has come a long way in recent years, with a focus on energy efficiency and reducing light pollution. LED street lights, for example, use significantly less power than traditional street lights, with typical collector road lighting in New York State costing $4,000 for light-emitting diode luminaires at 5.4 kW/mile.

LEDs are also designed to emit a white light that provides high levels of scotopic lumens, making them a popular choice for street lighting. In fact, many UK councils are undergoing mass-replacement schemes to LED, with Eastbourne in East Sussex, UK currently undergoing a project to see 6000 of its streetlights converted to LED.

One of the benefits of LED street lights is their ability to be controlled remotely, in real time, allowing for instant adjustments to be made to meet local priorities. This is made possible by smart street lighting systems, which can also monitor each light's performance and quickly identify and repair broken and failing lights.

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LEDs are also being designed to be more efficient, with some LED luminaires being energy-efficient and performing well in testing environments. In fact, a preliminary field test showed that some LED luminaires are energy-efficient and perform well in testing environments.

The directionality and shape of street lights can also be optimized to reduce energy consumption. For example, transitioning to wide angle lights enabled the doubling of distance between streetlights in Flanders from 45 m to 90 m, cutting annual street lighting electricity expenditures to €9 million for the 2,150 km long network that was retrofitted.

Here are some key benefits of LED street lights:

  • Significantly less power consumption
  • Designed to emit a white light that provides high levels of scotopic lumens
  • Can be controlled remotely, in real time
  • Can be optimized for directionality and shape

Street Light Installation

Street light installation is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Street lights are typically installed by utility companies or local governments, who hire specialized crews to do the job.

A standard street light installation involves mounting a luminaire to a pole, which is usually made of metal or concrete. The height of the pole can vary, but it's usually around 20-30 feet tall.

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The process starts with excavation, where a hole is dug for the pole. The pole is then set in the hole and secured with concrete. The luminaire is then attached to the top of the pole.

Street lights can be installed on existing infrastructure, such as sidewalks or roads, or on newly constructed infrastructure. The installation process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the job.

The cost of street light installation can vary widely, depending on the location, type of lighting, and installation requirements. On average, the cost of a single street light installation can range from $500 to $5,000.

Street Light Maintenance

We've invested in a central management system that automatically informs us of faults with LED street lights, such as lights not coming on at night or staying on all day.

Common issues with LED street lights include not coming on at night, staying on all day, and power levels that make the light appear dimmer than usual. These issues can be quickly identified and repaired thanks to the monitoring system.

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Here are some common issues with LED street lights that can be identified by the monitoring system:

  • Not coming on at night
  • Staying on all day
  • Power levels that make the light appear dimmer than usual

This system allows for quick repairs and helps maintain the efficiency of our street lights, which can operate more efficiently and reduce energy use.

Report A Problem

If you spot a street light problem, don't hesitate to report it. We aim to repair street light problems within 10 days, although it can take longer if specialized traffic management is needed.

Sometimes the fault will be with the electricity supply, in which case we notify Western Power Distribution and the repair can take up to 4 weeks. If the fault relates to one of the issues mentioned above, please allow 5 days before reporting it.

If you see a street light problem, use our online form to report it. You can report problems with street lights, including lamp out, lamp too dim, lamp lit during day, column leaning, or lamp obstructed by a tree.

Expand your knowledge: Wabi Sabi Table Lamp

Credit: youtube.com, How to report a streetlight that is out or faulty

If it's an emergency and related to a road traffic incident, please call the police. If you're reporting an incident that could cause serious harm or poses an imminent risk to health and safety, outside of office hours, you can call 07860 569137.

Here are the types of street light problems you can report:

  • Lamp out
  • Lamp too dim
  • Lamp lit during day
  • Column leaning
  • Lamp obstructed by tree

Additionally, you can report problems with illuminated road signs, such as a sign that's half on, off, or not working, or damaged or vandalized.

Built to Last

The lifespan of a street light can significantly impact maintenance and replacement costs. A well-designed fixture can last for decades with minimal upkeep.

Robust materials and advanced thermal management systems are key to a long-lasting street light. These features protect the LED components from heat damage, ensuring they function properly.

Consider the Konlite LED Dusk to Dawn Light, which is designed for residential areas. This fixture can last for 100,000+ hours, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Install a Wall Sconce Light Fixture

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For commercial properties, fixtures like the Konlite Vela LED Area Light with Glare Shield or Howard Lighting LED Street and Area Light are great options. These lights provide enhanced visibility and security.

In municipal and public spaces, the LED Roadway Light and LED Post Top Light are designed for broad, uniform coverage. These fixtures help ensure safer roads, parks, and pathways.

For industrial and agricultural settings, the Konlite LED Barn Light is a rugged and efficient option. This light delivers reliable lighting for barns, warehouses, and industrial facilities.

Here are some common applications for long-lasting street lights:

Street Light Benefits

Street lights have many benefits, and I'm excited to share some of them with you.

By dimming street lights to 30% intensity between 8pm and 10pm, the council was able to reduce energy costs, carbon emissions, and light pollution. This was a result of their 18-month pilot scheme.

Dimming street lights can also help reduce light pollution, which is a growing concern for many people. By reducing the amount of light that's emitted, we can preserve the natural darkness of the night sky.

Credit: youtube.com, The Undisputed Benefits of LED Street Light Lamps over Traditional Street Lights

Regular reviews with the police have shown that part night lighting, where some lights are switched off between midnight and 5.30am, has not increased crime or road traffic collisions. This suggests that part night lighting can be a safe and effective way to reduce energy costs.

Smart Street Lighting is an innovative technology that allows for remote monitoring and control of street lights. This means that lights can be instantly turned on and off or dimmed to meet local priorities, such as reducing energy consumption or light pollution.

By monitoring each light's performance, broken and failing lights can be quickly identified and repaired. This can help reduce maintenance costs and ensure that street lights are always working properly.

Additional reading: Night Light

Street Light Planning

Street light planning is crucial to ensure safety and visibility on streets.

The International Commission on Illumination recommends a minimum of 0.2 lux for residential areas and 0.5 lux for commercial areas.

Credit: youtube.com, LGIDA Assessment of Street Lighting Plans David Hedley

Street lighting can be categorized into three types: high-mast lighting, low-mast lighting, and column lighting.

High-mast lighting is often used in highways and large open areas due to its ability to cover long distances.

Low-mast lighting is typically used in urban areas where a more focused beam is required.

Column lighting is commonly used in residential areas where a more subtle lighting effect is desired.

The height of streetlights can vary depending on the type of lighting and the location.

Street Light Considerations

Part night lighting is a strategy that's been implemented to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. By switching off some lights between midnight and 5.30am, we can achieve this goal without increasing crime or road traffic collisions, as regular reviews with police have shown.

Smart Street Lighting offers more control over how we illuminate our roads and communities. This technology allows for remote monitoring and control of each light, enabling adjustments to be made in real-time to meet local priorities.

Lights can be instantly turned on and off or dimmed for benefits like energy conservation or reducing light pollution at night.

Consider reading: Phone Control Lights

Dark Sky Association Support

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The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is a key player in the fight against light pollution, and they're backing our city's street lighting plan. They've given it their seal of approval, calling it a model for other cities to follow.

The IDA found our plan to be consistent with their recommended practices for outdoor lighting. They specifically praised the plan's attention to detail and commitment to responsible lighting.

Here are the IDA's Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting:

  • Useful: All light should have a clear purpose
  • Targeted: Light should be directed only where needed
  • Low Light Levels: Light should be no brighter than necessary
  • Controlled: Light should be used only when it is useful
  • Color: Use warmer color lights whenever possible

These principles are a great starting point for anyone looking to create a more sustainable and effective lighting plan. By following these guidelines, we can reduce light pollution and create a better environment for all.

Disadvantages

Street lighting can have some significant disadvantages. One major criticism is that it can actually cause accidents if misused. This is because the loss of night vision due to the accommodation reflex of drivers' eyes is a major danger. As drivers emerge from an unlighted area into a pool of light from a streetlight, their pupils quickly constrict to adjust to the brighter light, but as they leave the pool of light the dilation of their pupils to adjust to the dimmer light is much slower, so they are driving with impaired vision.

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This is especially true for older drivers, as their eye's recovery speed gets slower with age. Additionally, research has shown that pupil reflexes are more pronounced and post-light recovery takes longer after exposure to blue light compared to red light. This poses a continually increasing risk as blue-rich light sources become more common in roadway lighting and vehicle headlights.

Streetlights can also cause visual adaptation of retinal cells to a higher luminance level, making it difficult for individuals to adjust to the lower luminance levels of unlit areas. This can lead to a loss of night vision, making it harder for drivers to see objects and motion.

On the other hand, oncoming headlights are more visible against a black background than a grey one, creating greater awareness of the oncoming vehicle. However, this is not always the case, as stray voltage can accidentally electrify lampposts, posing a risk to anyone who comes into contact with the post.

To mitigate these dangers, streetlight stanchions can be designed to break away when hit, or protected by guardrails to reduce the risk of collision. The lower portions of the lampposts can also be marked to increase their visibility, especially for drivers with poor eyesight or those under the influence of alcohol.

Additional reading: Post Top Light Fixtures

Community Impact

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Revolve LED offers commercial-grade street lighting solutions that are trusted by municipalities and property managers nationwide. Their selection of Konlite and Howard Lighting LED Street Lights combines superior durability and smart-ready technology to outperform traditional HID fixtures.

The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities' new Streetlighting Master Plan prioritizes safety, public health, and the environment, including minimizing the adverse impacts of unnecessary light at night on species, habitats, and ecosystems.

The Master Plan incorporates Dark Sky strategies such as shielding, color temperature, and controls into public streetlighting, and has even received International Dark-Sky Association Recognition.

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Equity and Accessibility

In Salt Lake City, equity and accessibility are top priorities in the Street Lighting Master Plan. The City aims to balance multiple values, including equity, using a series of plan guideposts.

The Master Plan incorporates Dark Sky strategies to minimize the adverse impacts of unnecessary light at night on species, habitats, and ecosystems. This approach acknowledges the importance of preserving natural environments for future generations.

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The City is seeking feedback from community members to inform implementation of the Master Plan, and responses will be combined with other data to prioritize future street lighting projects. This inclusive approach ensures that community voices are heard and valued.

Here are some key ways the City is addressing equity and accessibility through the Street Lighting Master Plan:

  • Street Lighting Implementation Plan, outdoor demonstration, will provide a tangible example of the Master Plan's effectiveness.
  • The City's commitment to safety, public health, and the environment will help reduce disparities in access to safe and healthy living conditions.
  • International Dark-Sky Association Recognition of the Master Plan acknowledges the City's efforts to balance multiple values, including equity and environmental responsibility.

Public Goods

Public goods are essential to our communities, and street lights are a perfect example. In Armenia, building and maintaining infrastructure, including street lights, is the duty of local self-governance.

Street lights are nonexcludable and nonrival, meaning that the producer can't prevent those who don't pay from consuming, and the consumption of one person can't prevent the consumption of another. This becomes a problem for governments, as no private company would have the incentive to produce street lights.

Governments take on the responsibility of placing and maintaining street lights because of this issue. Street lights are a crucial part of our communities, providing safety and security for residents and visitors alike.

Street lights can be powered by various methods, including incandescent, luminescent, combustion, electric arc, gas discharge, and high-intensity discharge (HID).

Ella Paolini

Writer

Ella Paolini is a seasoned writer and blogger with a passion for sharing her expertise on various topics, from lifestyle to travel. With over five years of experience in the industry, she has honed her writing skills and developed a unique voice that resonates with readers. As an avid traveler, Ella has explored many parts of the world, immersing herself in new cultures and experiences.

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