When it comes to installing volleyball court LED lights in hurricane-prone areas like Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, special considerations are essential. Access Fixtures lighting specialists frequently assist electricians, property managers, and homeowners in selecting the ideal lighting solutions for their volleyball courts. Recently, an electrician from Fort Lauderdale sought our expertise for a backyard volleyball court located near the Florida coast. The court would be used 2-3 nights a week for about 2.5 hours each night, necessitating a robust and reliable lighting system capable of withstanding the region’s unique challenges.
Key Takeaways
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- Special Considerations for Coastal Areas: Coastal regions require lighting solutions that can withstand high wind loads, often up to 130 MPH.
- Customized Lighting Solutions: Access Fixtures offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of different environments, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Expert Planning and Installation: Proper planning, including the involvement of licensed engineers, ensures that volleyball court lights installations are safe and durable.
Beach, Sports Bar, Club, and Backyard Volleyball Court Lights in Florida
Volleyball light fixtures are crucial for various settings, including beachfront sand courts, sports bars, clubs, parks, and backyards. In this case, the challenge was meeting South Florida’s stringent wind load requirements. After several hurricanes caused extensive damage in the region, codes were tightened to prevent light fixtures from collapsing or becoming projectiles during storms. Ensuring the light poles meet these standards is vital for safety and compliance.
The Standard Volleyball Court Lights Package Handles Standard Wind Loads
Typically, Access Fixtures offers a standard package that includes four 378w LED fixtures, providing a combined output of 212,688 lumens at an efficient 140 lumens per watt. These LED volleyball lighting fixtures feature an L70 rating for 100,000 hours, instant-on capability, optional dimming, and compliance with UL and CSA standards. However, this package isn’t suitable for coastal areas like South Florida due to their higher wind load requirements.
Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas Coastal Areas Do Not Have Standard Wind Loads
In coastal regions such as Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, the standard package falls short as it doesn’t meet the necessary EPA ratings to withstand 130 MPH winds. The standard setup uses two light poles and four LED fixtures, but the combined EPA and weight do not meet the stringent requirements for these areas.
EPA Requirements for Coastal Areas
For example, at wind speeds of 100 MPH, a standard 11-gauge, 4” x 4” pole has a maximum EPA of 5.7 and a weight load limit of 275 pounds. The combined weight and EPA of the fixtures, brackets, and slip fitters in the standard package is within these limits. However, for coastal areas requiring poles to withstand 130 MPH winds, a more robust solution is necessary.
Volleyball Court Lights Solutions for Coastal Areas
Access Fixtures understands the need for light poles and luminaires to endure 130 MPH winds in these regions. Although new light poles may cost more, they ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Additionally, the base and mounting bolts must be engineered to handle the load, often requiring reinforcement with rebar and approval from a licensed engineer.
Volleyball Court Lights Solutions Made Simple
Even in hurricane-prone areas, installing volleyball court lights can be straightforward with proper planning and adherence to local codes. Access Fixtures provides solutions that meet EPA requirements, ensuring safety and durability. For most projects, involving a licensed engineer to specify, prepare, and submit plans to the building department is crucial. This guarantees that your project proceeds smoothly and safely, no matter the weather conditions.
Conclusion
Installing volleyball court lights in hurricane-prone areas requires careful planning and adherence to stringent local codes. Access Fixtures provides customized solutions that meet the unique demands of coastal regions, ensuring safety and durability. By working with licensed engineers and utilizing high-quality materials, Access Fixtures guarantees reliable and compliant lighting installations. For any volleyball court lighting needs, especially in challenging environments, Access Fixtures is your trusted partner.
Volleyball Court Lighting in Hurricane Prone Areas Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You have Volleyball Court Lighting questions. We have answers. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, contact an Access Fixtures lighting specialist at (800) 468-9925 or click here to visit our customer service page.
What are the wind load requirements for volleyball court lights in coastal areas?
In coastal areas, volleyball court light poles must withstand wind loads up to 130 MPH to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
Why can’t standard lighting packages be used in hurricane-prone areas?
Standard lighting packages do not meet the stringent EPA ratings required for high wind loads in hurricane-prone areas, making them unsuitable for regions like South Florida.
What is EPA, and why is it important for volleyball court lights?
EPA (Effective Projected Area) measures the wind load on a structure. It’s crucial for ensuring that lighting poles can withstand high winds without collapsing or becoming hazards.
How do Access Fixtures ensure their lighting solutions meet local codes?
Access Fixtures collaborates with licensed engineers to design, prepare, and submit plans that comply with local codes, ensuring the safety and durability of the installation.
What materials are used for poles in coastal lighting solutions?
Light poles for coastal outdoor volleyball lighting solutions are typically made from robust, high-gauge steel, designed to handle the increased wind loads of hurricane-prone areas.
How does soil density affect the installation of lighting poles?
Soil density can impact the stability of lighting poles. In coastal areas, poles may need to be anchored in cement reinforced with rebar to ensure stability and safety.
Can Access Fixtures provide custom lighting solutions for unique volleyball courts?
Yes, Access Fixtures offers custom lighting solutions tailored to the specific needs and requirements of unique volleyball court settings.
What is the expected lifespan of the LED fixtures used in volleyball court lighting packages?
The light fixtures in Access Fixtures’ LED volleyball court lighting packages have an L70 rating for 100,000 hours, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.
Are there additional costs for customized lighting solutions in coastal areas?
While custom solutions may have higher initial costs due to more robust materials and engineering requirements, they ensure compliance and safety, ultimately protecting your investment.
How can I get started with a volleyball court lighting project?
Contact an Access Fixtures lighting specialist at (800) 468-9925 for personalized assistance and to discuss your specific project needs. They will guide you through the planning and installation process to ensure a successful outcome.