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Common Mistakes When Sizing LED Light Poles (and How to Avoid Them)

Common Mistakes When Sizing LED Light Poles (and How to Avoid Them)

Nora Li |

Getting the right LED light pole isn’t just picking a height. It’s a balance of wind load (EPA), mounting, foundation, optics, and accessories. Below are the most common sizing mistakes we see—and how to avoid them with help from LFD Lighting.

Picking a pole that’s too short or too tall 

What happens: Dark spots, glare, or light spilling into neighbors’ yards.

Easy fix: Start with these quick ranges, then fine‑tune with a simple layout.

  • Driveways/walkways: 12–16 ft
  • Small/medium parking lots and campuses: 20–25 ft
  • Large parking lots/roadways/sports courts: 25–35+ ft

Forgetting the wind (a.k.a. EPA) 

  • What happens: Big fixtures, arms, and banners catch wind. A light pole that’s not rated for your area can shake—or fail.
  • Easy fix: Choose a pole rated for your wind zone and include everything on the pole (fixtures, bullhorns, cameras). Need mounts or adapters? 

See LFD Lighting’s light pole accessories

Mount mismatch: the fixture doesn’t fit the pole 

  • What happens: You order a slip‑fitter fixture but the pole top is flat… or the tenon size doesn’t match.
  • Easy fix: Check the mount type before you buy. Most slip‑fitters need a 2-3/8 in (60 mm) round tenon. If yours doesn’t match, add a tenon adapter or top reducer. 

Find adapters, bullhorns, and brackets here

Skipping the base and anchor bolt details 

  • What happens: The base plate doesn’t match the bolt circle, or the pole wobbles after install.
  • Easy fix: Confirm bolt circle, bolt diameter, and anchor bolt template before pouring concrete. 

LFD Lighting offers bolt templates, base covers, and shims

Quick sizing tips

  • Think “area and height” first, not watts.
  • Choose the right optic (Type II/III/IV/V) to spread light evenly.
  • Match the pole top and mount: tenon size, slip‑fitter, or arm.
  • Check the base: bolt circle, anchor bolts, and grounding.
  • Consider environment: coastal, snowy, high‑wind zones.
  • Allow for future add‑ons (extra heads, cameras, banners).

Why choose LFD Lighting

  • Simple, friendly guidance: send us your lot size —we’ll recommend pole height, mounting arms, and the right accessories.
  • Faster installs: we bundle poles, mounts, and hardware so everything fits.
  • Better results: even lighting, less glare, and gear that stands up to weather.

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