Illuminate Your Outdoor Space with the Perfect LED Light Distribution

Are you ready to transform your outdoor area with brilliant LED lighting? Choosing the right light distribution types is crucial to maximize visibility and create a comfortable environment.

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Picking the Perfect Light:

A Simple Guide to Distribution Patterns

Ever feel lost in the aisle of light fixtures, overwhelmed by technical jargon? Fear not! This guide cuts through the confusion and helps you pick the right light distribution types for your space. We’ll focus on the six types – think of them as lighting styles – to ensure your space is bright, safe, and efficient.

Understanding Light Distribution Patterns

The patterns define how light is dispersed from a fixture. In general, it is defined by the point at which 50% of the fixture’s luminous intensity is met. Certainly, you will see these distributions used regularly in the led lighting, for example, area lighting, roadway lighting, and parking lot lighting, etc.

light-distributor-1

Unveiling the Six Key Light Distribution Patterns

Selecting the correct light distribution types for your area lights makes all the difference. There are various LED area lights available with different distribution patterns from type I to type V and choosing one from them is a daunting task. To make it easy for you, we have created this guide to help you.

T1

Type I

Pattern Type I is a two-way lateral distribution having a preferred lateral width of 15 degrees in the cone of maximum candlepower. 

Therefore, the two principal light concentrations are in opposite directions along a roadway. And this type is generally applicable to a luminaire location near the center of a roadway, where the mounting height is approximately equal to the roadway width.

Lightide distributor type-1

T2

Type II

The preferred lateral width of 25 degrees. Therefore, they are generally applicable to luminaires located at or near the side of relatively narrow roadways. In addition, the width of the roadway does not exceed 1.75 times the designed mounting height.

Wide walkways, as well as other long, narrow lighting. In addition, this type is meant for lighting larger areas and usually is located near the roadside. You’ll find this type of lighting mostly on smaller side streets or jogging paths. 

Lightide distributor type-2

T3

Type III

The preferred lateral width of 40 degrees. This type has a wider illumination area if you make a direct comparison to type II LED distribution. In addition, it has an asymmetric arrangement as well. The ratio between the width of the illumination area and the height of the pole should be less than 2.75.

This lighting needs to be placed to the side of the area, allowing the light to project outward and fill the area. Its throw is taller than Type II but its side-to-side throw is shorter.

Lightide distributor type-3

T4

Type IV

The same intensity at angles from 90 degrees to 270 degrees. And it has a preferred lateral width of 60 degrees. Intended for side-of-road mounting on wide roadways width does not exceed 3.7 times the mounting height.

Produces a semicircular light meant for mounting on the sides of buildings and walls, and on the perimeter of parking areas and businesses.

Lightide distributor type-4

T5

Type V

Produces a circular 360°distribution that has equal light distribution at all positions. And this distribution has a circular symmetry of foot-candles that is essentially the same at all viewing angles.

Intended for luminaire mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of the parkway, and intersections.

Lightide distributor type-5

T5S

Type VS

Produces a square 360° distribution that has the same intensity at all angles. And this distribution has a square symmetry of candlepower that is essentially the same at all lateral angles. 

It is intended for luminaire mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of the parkway, and intersections. So it is used where the light pattern needs a more defined edge.

Lightide distributor type-5S

Choosing the Right Performer: Keep it Simple!

Now that you’ve met the light performers, how do you pick the right one? Here are five easy questions to ask yourself:

Let us guide you through the process of selecting the perfect light distribution types for your LED area lighting needs!

1. Consider the Area Size

Start by evaluating the dimensions of your space. Larger areas may require wider light distribution, while smaller spaces benefit from more focused lighting. Understanding your area’s size will help you determine the optimal coverage and ensure even illumination.

2. Identify Lighting Goals

Next, define your lighting objectives. Are you aiming for general illumination or specific task lighting? Different light distributions cater to various purposes. For uniform brightness throughout the area, choose a wide-angle distribution. For targeted lighting, opt for narrower beam angles.

Please see the beam spread and the products in detail.

3. Assess Mounting Height

The height at which you install your LED lights affects the light distribution. Higher mounting heights often require wider beam angles to cover larger areas effectively. Conversely, lower mounting heights benefit from narrower distributions to avoid excessive glare and light spillage.

4. Consider Environmental Factors

Take into account any environmental factors that may impact your lighting needs. For outdoor areas, consider the effects of wind, rain, and other weather conditions. In indoor spaces, assess the presence of obstacles or reflective surfaces that may affect light distribution.

5. Explore Lighting Options

There are various light distribution patterns available for LED area lighting, including Type I, II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V distributions. Each pattern provides a different spread of light, catering to different applications. Research each option to find the one that best suits your requirements.

Let’s see the type in detail.

Remember, choosing the right light distribution types is essential for creating a safe and inviting environment.

By considering these simple factors, you can pick the perfect performer – er, light fixture – for your needs! If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out. Let’s illuminate your space with the perfect LED area lighting solution!

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Choose Suitable Area Lighting Products 

No MOQ. Simple order is acceptable

LED Parking Lot

Type II/III/IV/V

Lightide-DLC-LED-PARKING-LOT-LIGHTS_flood-Shoebox-pole-lighting
  • 25-50-80, 100-150-200-300-400,  500-600 Watts

Post Top LED

Type II/III/IV/V

Lightide DLC -DLC-LED-Post-Top Street lights without photocell
  • 30-50-80-100 Watts
  • Wattage & CCT Selectable

Post Top LED

Type V

Lightide-PTA50-LED-Post-Top-Area-Lights-Street-Fixtures
  • 30-50-70 Watts
  • Selectable Wattage & CCT

Roadway Lighting

Type II/III/IV/V

Lightide-STM-slim-LED-street-lights-30w-150w
  • 30-40-60-80-100-120-150 Watts

Street Lighting

Type II/III

Lightide ENEC & CB Cobra head QPL slim LED streetlights 30w-200w
  • 30-60-80-100-120-150–180-200 Watts
Lightide-led-area-&-site-lights_parking-lot_street-light

Light Distribution

Difference

What Is The Difference Between Area Light Distribution Patterns?

We have many different LED light distribution types to help you find exactly what you need. Find your exact specifications within our great collection of LED area lighting solutions.

 

Type I

 

provides a wide, symmetrical light for fixtures located in the middle of a walkway.

Area Type-I-Distribution Pattern

Type II

 

 has a slightly wider distribution and is intended for installations where the fixture is placed at the edge of the roadway.

led area lights Type-II-Distribution

Type III

 

casts light about 2.75 times wider than the mounting height of the fixture.

led area lights Type-III-distribution.jpg

Type V

 

are omnidirectional fixtures. They distribute light in a uniform square or circle around the fixture.

Type-V-Distribution

Type IV

Known as forwarding throw or asymmetric fixtures. 

 

 

Like Type III fixtures. In addition, these light fixtures will cast light 2.75 times wider than their height but produce a more rounded distribution pattern that pushes the light outward, with little light falling behind the fixture.

 

Type-IV-Distribution

Just relax, A second classification system

 

IESNA Light Distribution

 

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Distribution Classification  

NEMA developed this system, which is used primarily for floodlighting and sports lighting fixtures. 

Beam Spread

The “NEMA beam spread” of light refers to the two edges, where light intensity spreads horizontal and vertical to 10% of the maximum beam intensity and correlates to whether the light output is very narrow, very wide, or somewhere in between.

Beam Spread Classifications

Make sure you are asking for the correct distribution pattern for your application. 

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Get A Suitable Beam Spread

 

The beam spread number is important to know when deciding how much light you want displayed on an object, a sign, or on the ground. And below the beam spread chart will give you a quick reference for common light angles and distances.

 

 

Beam Spread (°)

NEMA Type

Description

Projection Distance
10° to 18° 1 Very Narrow 240 ft and greater
 18° to 29° 2 Narrow 200 to 240 ft
 29° to 46° 3 Medium Narrow 175 to 200 ft
 46° to 70° 4 Medium 145 to 175 ft
 70° to 100° 5 Medium Wide 105 to 145 ft
 100° to 130° 6 Wide 80 to 105 ft
 130° and up 7 Very Wide under 80 ft

 

How to choose suitable LED Parking Lot Lights?

When looking for the right light for your parking lots, our selection of affordable outdoor LED parking lot lights is the perfect solution.

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