U.S department of energy predicts that more than 90% of lightings will be LED by 2030. LED technology is overtaking the lighting world with its high-quality light, longer lifetime, and low energy consumption. Learning about LED Flood Light Outdoor (Area light) distribution will help you choose the right lighting for your commercial space.
Outdoor LED Flood Light (Area Light) comes with different distribution options. Choosing the right LED depends on various measures such as wattage, fixture type, driver, and the color temperature. But what about illumination distribution? With LED technology we can measure and control, the lighting’s direction, and distribution.
What is LED Light distribution?
LED Light distribution in simple terms, is the pattern of illumination projected onto a surface. Knowing the space will help us choose the right fixture that produces the optimal distribution to eliminate dark spots and provide even lighting.
The Illumination Engineering Society (IES) is an organization that develops and produces the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved lighting standards. IES introduced five categories of lighting distribution (Type I to Type V) which provides us a standard to rely on when choosing the right lighting fixture.
Before we learn about LED light distribution, to make sure everybody understands the description of all the elements in the diagram.
- The horizontal lines represent sides of a road/pathway
- The small circle represents the position of the fixture (light source)
- The oval (bigger circle in Type V) represents the illumination
Type I
Type I light distribution produces linear oval, symmetrical light pattern. This type has two lights concentrating distribution in opposite ways and has an ideal lateral width of 15-degree. This type is meant to have a light fixture at the center and have a large amount of illumination on both sides. The width of the illumination is approximately equal to the fixture’s mounting height.
Ideal for narrow walkways, small roads, and sidewalks.
Type II
Type II light distribution has one light distributing a wide-oval light pattern with an ideal lateral width of 25-degree. This type is meant to have the light fixture to the sides and produces a slightly wider illumination covering a larger area. The width of the area of illumination can maximum be 1.75 times the fixtures mounting height.
Ideal for ramps, wide walkways, back alleys, and entrance roadways.
Type III
Type III light distribution is like type II but, with a longer front throw, and shorter side throw. The ideal lateral width is 40-degree. The width of the area of illumination can maximum be 2.75 times the fixtures mounting height.
Ideal for parking areas, driveways, and medium-sized roadways.
Type IV
Type IV light distribution has a much longer front throw, a bit shorter side throw and a bigger semi-circular pattern compared to Type III. The ideal lateral width is 60-degree. The width of the area of illumination can maximum be 3.7 times the fixture’s mounting height. It is best suited to mount on walls to illuminate large areas.
Ideal for large parking areas, larger roadways, and building exteriors.
Type V
Type V light distribution distributes uniform light to all sides to form a circular 360º pattern. Any large space will require Type V fixtures.
Ideal for Highways, Intersection, and Centre roadway/islands.
Type VS
Type VS light distribution distributes uniform light to all sides to form a square 360º. This type distributes light with more defined edges.
Ideal for commercial areas and parking lots
Fotonz provides high-quality Outdoor LED Flood Light Area lights. Our area lights have superior design enabling high durability and modern design adds class to the fixture. Our area lights are customizable to suit your color theme and can be used diversely just by changing the mounting option.
Fotonz provides area lights of 120v – 347v making it suitable to be used in buildings with various voltage requirements. They are ruggedly built for high-temperature environments and can be ordered with automated energy-saving sensors.
If you need assistance, please Contact us at sales@fotonzi.com or Call 905 604 3681
Visit our website at https://www.fotonzi.com/ to check out our products.
By Prashanth N. Sai
References
Gkoled. (2020, June 19). Which IESNA Light Distribution Is Right For Your Project? Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://gkoled.com/iesna-light-distributions/
LED Distribution Types I, II, III, IV, V for Outdoor, Sports & Street Lighting. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.ledsmaster.com/channel/What-are-LED-Distribution-Types-I-II-III-IV-V-for-Outdoor-Sports-Street-Lighting–72.html
Light Distribution: How To Choose Type I~V for Area Lights. (2020, April 08). Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.lightideled.com/choose-iesna-light-distribution-types-i-ii-iii-iv-v/