Selecting a road luminaire starts with the road layout, pole arrangement and lighting criteria. Power is only one variable: two luminaires with the same input power can distribute light very differently.
Gather the installation details
Start with road width, lanes, pavements, junctions and pedestrian crossings. Add pole height and spacing, arm outreach and information about the surroundings. Identify the standard or design criteria required for the project.
These inputs allow a designer to assess the actual installation. A product photograph or wattage table cannot establish suitability on its own.
Compare photometric performance
Request the IES or LDT file for the proposed configuration. The calculation should use the intended luminaire positions, orientation and relevant maintenance factors.
Review the quantities required by the project: illuminance or luminance, uniformity, glare and light beyond the intended area, as applicable. Distribution categories help narrow the optical choices but do not replace a calculation.
Separate input power from light output
Check input power, luminaire luminous flux and luminous efficacy. Do not compare LED component output with the output of a complete luminaire. Review colour temperature, colour rendering and dimming options as well.
The selected power should belong to a configuration that meets the design targets. Higher power does not necessarily improve lighting on the road.
Review electrical protection and mounting
Confirm voltage, frequency, driver and surge protection requirements. IP and IK ratings describe different aspects of protection and should be supported for the offered configuration.
Check connection diameter, tilt, cable entry, weight and maintenance access. Review compatibility with the pole, arm and design loads. Settle the mounting details before production.
Prepare an enquiry that makes offers comparable
Include the location, drawings, quantities, mounting arrangement, power supply, lighting criteria and target date. Request a datasheet, photometric file, dimensional drawing and instructions for the same model and configuration.
Before dispatch, check the approved equipment against the order: power, optics, colour temperature, accessories, labels, packaging and inspection records.
Project questions
Does higher wattage mean more useful light on the road?
Not necessarily. The result depends on luminaire output, optical distribution and installation geometry.
Which file is needed for a calculation?
The IES or LDT file for the selected configuration, together with luminaire and installation details.
What should I confirm before ordering?
Check that the quotation, calculation, datasheet and order identify the same configuration.