Access Fixtures steel light posts/ light poles and hardware are protected from rust and corrosion with a baked-on, polyester powder-coat finish, which helps guarantee ideal hardness and weather resistance. The consistent durability of each component means years of hassle-free lighting. Whether you’re using Access Fixtures products for competition-level tennis courts that need to withstand hurricane winds or a backyard half-basketball court, we are equipped to provide a comprehensive pole-and-mount solution. Various pole types are available including round steel poles, square straight steel poles, galvanized steel poles, fiberglass light poles, aluminum poles, high mast light poles, stainless steel poles, metal poles, and more, all capable of supporting multiple light fixtures. Also available are pole arms, and pole bases. Do you have unique lighting or mounting requirements? Access Fixtures lighting specialists will explore the product options and layouts that will work best for you. Your choice of light pole can be cut to custom lengths, allowing your lighting to align with grade variations or retaining walls. We often find custom solutions for our customers’ specific needs.
Key Takeaways
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- Durability and Adaptability: Built from ASTM A500 steel with corrosion-resistant finishes, steel light poles withstand harsh weather and high winds, making them ideal for diverse applications.
- Customizable and Strong: Available in various sizes, gauges, and finishes, steel poles are designed to support heavy fixtures and meet high wind resistance standards with EPA compliance.
- Long-Lasting Performance: Proper installation, regular maintenance, and options like galvanization ensure steel poles provide reliable, long-term lighting solutions.
What are Steel Light Poles?
Steel light posts are a popular choice for outdoor lighting solutions due to their durability, adaptability, and affordability. These poles are strong, straight, and versatile, making them an excellent choice for various applications, including urban streets, sports venues, and large-scale installations. Steel light poles can be manufactured with galvanized steel or other specialized finishes like stainless steel, ensuring they can withstand harsh weather conditions and high winds. With their ability to be designed to endure winds of 150 mph or more in hurricane-prone areas, steel light poles are a reliable option for outdoor lighting. Their robust construction and customizable features make them a preferred choice for many lighting projects.
Steel Street Light Poles: Features and Benefits
Steel street light poles are manufactured from high-quality ASTM A500 grade steel, ensuring they meet the required standards for strength and durability. The minimum wall thickness of steel street light poles is 0.120 inches, providing added stability and resistance to corrosion. These poles are circumferentially welded to the base, ensuring a secure and durable connection. Anchor bolts used in steel street light poles conform to ASTM A576 standards, and the nuts, washers, and threaded portions of the anchor bolts are hot dip galvanized for added protection. Finished with a premium TGIC polyester powder coat, steel street light poles offer improved weatherability, making them an excellent choice for outdoor lighting projects. Their robust construction and high-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance in various environmental conditions.
4-Inch Steel Poles – Two Standard Styles
Sports packages from Access Fixtures most often utilize one of two kinds of 4″ square steel poles. The below two are almost always stocked and ready to ship. If your project requires a special pole (e.g., a 3-gauge pole or one cut to a custom height), we can also provide you with an affordable, reliable solution. The two most popular pole options are:
- 4 x 4-inch / 20 ft. / Steel / 11-gauge / 146 lbs.
- 4 x 4-inch / 25 ft. / Steel / 7-gauge / 256 lbs.
- Pre-drilled for side mount; polycarbonate plugs included.
- Reinforced cast-iron hand-hole cover with ground screw.
- Easily secured base cover. Single vertical tenon included. Polycarbonate spring-loaded top cover included for use in place of a tenon.
- Set of four (4) anchor bolts (J-bolts) included.
- Conforms to ASTM-A 500 Grade B: Minimum yield strength of 46,000 PSI.
- Bronze polyester powder coat finish to ensure maximum paint adhesion. Baked to ensure maximum hardness and durability.
- Wall thickness is available in 11 gauge (.120″), 7 gauge (.180″), and others.
- Base plate size: 10.5″ x 10.5″ x .75″
- Bolt Circle: 8″ to 11″
- Anchor Bolt Length: 27.5″ (20-foot pole) or 33″ (25-foot pole)
5-Inch Steel Light Poles – One Standard Style
If your steel pole needs to support significant weight, or if your project is being done in a high-wind zone with steep EPA requirements, we may suggest using 7-gauge, 5-inch steel poles. These steel light posts can support various light fixtures, making them versatile for different lighting needs. While other gauges, heights, and styles are available, the most commonly used 5-inch pole is:
- 5 x 5-inch / 30 ft. / Steel / 7-gauge / 406 lbs.
- Pre-drilled for side mount; polycarbonate plugs included.
- Reinforced cast-iron hand-hole cover with ground screw.
- Easily secured base cover.
- Single vertical tenon included. Polycarbonate spring-loaded top cover included for use in place of a tenon.
- Set of four (4) anchor bolts (J-bolts) included.
- Conforms to ASTM-A 500 Grade B: Minimum yield strength of 46,000 PSI.
- Bronze polyester powder coat finish to ensure maximum paint adhesion. Baked to ensure maximum hardness and durability.
- Wall thickness is available in 7 gauge (.180″) and others.
- Base plate size: 11″ x 11″ x 1″
- Bolt circle: 12.75″
- Anchor bolt size: 1″ x 36″
Effective Projected Area (EPA) Calculations
- All pole-mounted fixtures and mounting hardware have EPA values/ratings.
- All poles have maximum weight and EPA capacities.
- To calculate the EPA of any particular fixture configuration, simply add the EPA values of the fixture(s) and mounting bracket(s) to be mounted.
- The total EPA and weight mounted on any pole must not exceed the pole’s maximum rating for the wind zone in which it is located.
- Contact Access Fixtures for assistance in identifying EPA ratings for existing poles.
Installation and Maintenance
Steel light poles can be installed using different methods, depending on the specific design and requirements of the project. Direct burial poles can be installed directly into the ground without the need for a concrete base, while other poles can be mounted on concrete foundations or anchored to existing structures. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of steel light posts. Routine inspections for signs of corrosion or damage are recommended, and occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris is necessary. Access Fixtures offers options for galvanization and specialized coatings to enhance durability and prolong the lifespan of the poles. With proper installation and maintenance, steel light poles can provide reliable and efficient lighting for years to come.
Conclusion
Steel light poles are a durable, versatile, and customizable solution for a wide range of outdoor lighting applications. Engineered for strength and longevity, these poles withstand harsh weather, high winds, and heavy fixtures, making them ideal for everything from urban streets to sports venues. With proper installation, routine maintenance, and options like galvanization or specialized coatings, steel light poles deliver reliable performance and efficiency for years. Whether you need standard poles or tailored solutions, steel light poles provide the stability and adaptability necessary to meet your project’s unique lighting needs.
Speak to an Access Fixtures Lighting Specialist about Choosing the Right Steel Pole
Access Fixtures offers a full line of poles steel manufactured and mounts to suit every application. If you have a lighting question, we will be glad to help you out to make sure you get exactly what you need. Our team is passionate about lighting and loves to find solutions for our customers—we’ll get you an answer. To speak with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist, call (800) 468-9925.
Steel Light Posts Frequently Asked Questions
What are steel light poles made of?
Steel light poles are typically made from high-quality ASTM A500 grade steel and can include finishes like galvanization or stainless steel for added corrosion resistance.
What applications are steel light poles best suited for?
Steel light poles are ideal for urban streets, sports venues, parking lots, industrial areas, and large-scale outdoor lighting installations due to their strength and durability.
What is the typical lifespan of a steel light pole?
With proper installation, maintenance, and optional protective coatings, steel light poles can last 25 years or more, depending on environmental conditions.
How do I determine the right steel pole size for my project?
The size and gauge of the pole depend on factors like height requirements, wind zone conditions, and the Effective Projected Area (EPA) of mounted fixtures. Consult with a lighting specialist for guidance.
What is an EPA rating, and why is it important?
EPA (Effective Projected Area) measures a fixture’s wind resistance. It helps ensure the pole and mounted fixtures can withstand wind loads in specific zones without compromising stability.
Are steel light poles resistant to corrosion?
Yes, steel poles are often finished with galvanization or a powder-coated polyester finish to resist corrosion and weather damage, ensuring long-lasting durability.
What are the standard sizes for steel light poles?
Popular options include 4-inch square poles (20 ft. and 25 ft.) and 5-inch square poles (30 ft.), with various wall thicknesses and mounting configurations available.
Can steel poles be customized for unique projects?
Yes, steel poles can be customized in height, gauge, and finish. Additional features like custom drilling, tenon options, and specialized coatings are also available.
How are steel light poles installed?
Steel poles can be installed using direct burial or mounted on concrete foundations with anchor bolts. Proper installation ensures stability and compliance with safety standards.
What maintenance is required for steel light poles?
Routine inspections for corrosion, structural integrity, and cleanliness are recommended. Occasional cleaning and applying protective coatings can prolong the pole’s lifespan.