For parking lot lighting fixtures, the most popular light distribution types are Type III, Type IV and Type V. Choosing the right light distribution type can reduce light pollution, help avoid over lighting an area and allow you to achieve top lighting performance from the LED parking lot lights. Here are a few easy guidelines to follow for your selecting:
1. Choosing a light distribution type based on light pole position or luminaire arrangements:
The LED parking lot lights with Type III or Type IV light distribution have a forward throw light pattern, driving more light in a frontwards direction, so the fixtures can be installed on the edge position of an open area or on the wall of a building. Choosing a suitable light distribution type based off the space of a parking lot area is also the best way to achieve premium lighting uniformity.
Type III or Type IV light distribution types LED parking lot lights can also be used in the middle of a parking area. Those light fixtures are mostly installed with multi-head arrangements like back-back, 3 @120 degrees or 4 @ 90 degrees.
For Type V (umbrella light pattern) light distribution, the fixture spreads out light in all around 4 directions. It is generally used in the middle of parking areas. A one-head high power Type V LED parking lot light can replace multi-head lower wattage Type III or Type IV area lighting fixtures.
Different light distribution types in the parking lots around the building
2. Choosing a light distribution type based on spacing to mounting height ratio (S/MH):
In a certain parking lot or open area, the spacing to mounting height ratio(S/MH) of the pole light installation can be measured. Selecting a more proper light distribution type to match this S/MH ratio, can be a more accurate way for light distribution type choosing. The table below shows the S/MH ratio tolerances for the best lighting distribution type performance of the Konlite AL0204 series area light selection.
3. Choosing a light distribution type based on the existing HID fixtures:
Choosing a light distribution type can be an easy task for your existing HID parking lot light replacement.
When HID bulbs of existing parking lot light fixtures are installed on the side of the box, the reflector is asymmetric, you can use Type III or Type IV to do the replacement. For those fixtures with a HID bulb in the center of the box, the reflector inside is usually a round shape (symmetric) then you can use the Type V to do the replacement.
HID(MH) parking lot light with bulb installed on the side
HID(MH) parking lot light with bulb installed in the center
If you need a more specific lighting layout for your parking lot, please submit your requirements on Lighting Layout Request Page or give us a call at: 877-718-0808.
