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High Mast Lighting Explained For Beginners

What Is High Mast Lighting?

High mast lighting is a type of outdoor lighting system designed to illuminate large areas efficiently by mounting multiple light fixtures at a significant height, typically ranging from 20 to 50 meters (65 to 165 feet). These systems are commonly used in places where widespread and uniform lighting is required.

Differences between conventional and high mast lighting

Conventional Lighting

High Mast Lighting

Installation cost depends upon the nature of the application. For interchanges, it is a bit expensive than the high mast lighting but other than interchanges the initial cost of conventional lights is less than the high mast lighting.

The cost of high mast lighting for urban interchanges is much less than conventional lighting because of the small number of poles required to serve the purpose and the less complexity of the conduit and the conductor.

Mounting heights for the conventional lighting system are usually 50 feet or less.

Mounting heights for the high mast lighting system are usually 100 feet or more.

The maintenance cost of conventional lighting systems is quite high. It requires the bucket truck, road closures, signs to close the road, and sizable control of the traffic flow. Notable traffic disturbances are there during the maintenance process.

The maintenance cost of high mast lighting is much less than the conventional lighting system. For maintenance, only one or two persons are required with the pickup truck. So it reduces the risk of working of more persons near high traffic.

Applications of the high mast lighting?

High mast lighting is used in a variety of applications that require wide-area illumination, safety, and efficiency. Here are the primary applications:

Transportation and Infrastructure

  • Highways and Interchanges: Provides uniform lighting for safe driving at night, especially at major junctions, toll plazas, and roundabouts.
  • Airports: Used on runways, taxiways, and parking areas to ensure visibility and safety for aircraft operations and ground vehicles.

Industrial and Commercial Areas

  • Ports and Docks: Facilitates loading and unloading operations, improves worker safety, and ensures security in expansive port facilities.
  • Industrial Yards: Illuminates large manufacturing or processing areas to maintain productivity and safety during night shifts.
  • Railway Yards: Enhances visibility for train operations, cargo handling, and maintenance activities.

Urban Areas

  • Parking Lots: Offers broad, uniform lighting for safety and security in large parking facilities, like those at malls or stadiums.
  • Public Squares and Parks: Provides general lighting for recreational areas or event spaces.

Sports and Recreation

  • Stadiums and Arenas: Illuminates large sports venues for night games and events, ensuring uniform light distribution for both players and spectators.

Energy and Utility Facilities

  • Power Plants: Illuminates large industrial sites, ensuring visibility for maintenance and security.
  • Oil Refineries: Used for safety and operational efficiency in vast and hazardous areas.

Security and Surveillance

  • Border Areas: Ensures visibility for surveillance and patrolling in remote or strategic locations.
  • Prisons and Detention Centers: Provides adequate lighting to enhance security.

Emergency and Disaster Relief Sites

  • Temporary Camps: Used in disaster relief operations or refugee camps to ensure safety and accessibility.
  • Construction Sites: Provides adequate lighting for nighttime work or during emergencies.

High mast lighting is an essential tool for illuminating vast spaces, ensuring safety, and improving operational efficiency across various domains.

Why the high mast light is so high?

High mast lighting is designed to provide widespread and uniform illumination over large areas such as highways, stadiums, parking lots, ports, or industrial sites. The height of these masts is a key factor in achieving this purpose. Here’s why they are so high:

Maximizing Illumination Coverage

  • Wide Area Lighting: The higher the light source, the larger the area it can illuminate. A high mast allows fewer poles to cover more ground compared to multiple shorter poles.
  • Reduced Shadows: With lights positioned at a greater height, shadows are minimized, resulting in uniform lighting.

Improved Safety and Visibility

  • Traffic and Navigation: On highways and busy junctions, high mast lights provide consistent lighting without causing glare, enhancing visibility for drivers and reducing accidents.
  • Security: In large open spaces like ports or parking lots, they eliminate dark spots, improving safety and deterring criminal activities.

Efficiency in Light Distribution

  • Better Angle of Incidence: Light beams from a higher position can spread at optimal angles, reducing the need for overly bright or energy-intensive fixtures.

Reduced Obstructions

  • High masts keep lights out of the way of traffic, construction equipment, or other operations, avoiding physical obstructions and damage.

Minimized Light Pollution

  • When lights are positioned high and angled properly, they can focus the illumination downward to reduce unnecessary spill light into surrounding areas.

Cost and Maintenance Benefits

  • Fewer Poles Required: The height reduces the number of poles needed to cover the same area, lowering installation and maintenance costs.
  • Centralized Maintenance: Maintenance systems like lowering mechanisms make servicing easier despite the height.

In short, the height of high mast lights is a carefully engineered feature that balances coverage, efficiency, and safety to meet the demands of large-scale illumination needs.

What is the high mast lighting maintenance procedure?

Ensure that all fixture are working
Ensure that all fixtures are working

Maintaining high mast lighting is crucial to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the lighting system. Regular maintenance procedures can help identify and address issues before they escalate, ensuring that the lighting remains efficient and safe. Here is a general high mast lighting maintenance procedure:

  1. Scheduled Inspections:
    • Regularly schedule comprehensive inspections of the high mast lighting system to identify any potential issues, including structural damage, electrical faults, or signs of wear and tear.
    • Inspect the foundation and structure of the high mast for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or other damage that could compromise its stability and safety.
  2. Cleaning and Debris Removal:
    • Clean the lighting fixtures, lenses, and reflectors to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that may reduce the effectiveness of the lighting.
    • Remove any vegetation or obstructions that might be blocking the light or impeding the movement of the fixtures.
  3. Electrical System Check:
    • Inspect the electrical components, including wiring, connections, and control systems, for signs of damage or malfunction.
    • Test the voltage levels and ensure that the electrical connections are secure and free of corrosion.
  4. Bulb and Ballast Replacement:
    • Regularly check the bulbs for signs of dimming or failure, and replace them as necessary to maintain consistent illumination.
    • Inspect the ballasts for any signs of damage or overheating, and replace them if needed to prevent electrical issues.
  5. Lubrication and Adjustment:
    • Lubricate the moving parts of the winch and other mechanical components to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
    • Check and adjust the tilt, rotation, and height of the lighting fixtures to maintain optimal illumination coverage.
  6. Testing and Verification:
    • Conduct functional tests to ensure that the entire high mast lighting system operates as intended, including the raising and lowering mechanism and the lighting controls.
    • Verify the proper functioning of any automated or remote control systems, such as timers or motion sensors.
  7. Lighting System Alignment:
    • Verify that the lighting fixtures are correctly aligned and aimed to provide the intended coverage and minimize light pollution.
    • Adjust the direction and focus of the lights as necessary to maintain the desired lighting distribution.
  8. Record Keeping:
    • Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, including inspection dates, repairs, and replacements, to track the history of the high mast lighting system and plan future maintenance schedules effectively.

Following these maintenance procedures can help ensure the optimal performance and longevity of high mast lighting systems, contributing to improved safety, visibility, and energy efficiency.

It is advisable to consult the specific maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer and consider the assistance of qualified professionals for complex maintenance tasks.

Does high mast lighting need lightning protection?

Yes, high mast lighting requires lightning protection due to its height and exposed location. These tall structures are often installed in open areas, making them highly susceptible to lightning strikes. Proper protection ensures the safety of the structure, equipment, and surrounding environment.

Given their tall structures and elevated position, high mast lights are particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes, which can cause severe damage to the lighting fixtures, electrical components, and the surrounding infrastructure.

With its low voltage protection level, it shields the LED mast light. According to the cable routing requirement, an additional surge arrester should be installed at the LED mast light to protect it from lightning.

Another best way to protect the high mast lighting from lightning is to bond the anchor bolts to the rebar in the foundation.

Implementing a comprehensive lightning protection system is essential to ensure the safety, longevity, and reliable operation of high mast lighting systems, especially in areas prone to frequent thunderstorms or with a high risk of lightning activity.

By incorporating these protective measures, the risk of damage from lightning strikes can be significantly reduced, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and durability of the lighting infrastructure.

Does High mast lighting need grounding?

Yes, high mast lighting absolutely requires grounding for safety, reliability, and proper functionality. Grounding is a critical component of the electrical system for high mast lighting and serves several important purposes.

Why Grounding is Essential for High Mast Lighting

  1. Electrical Safety
    • Protection Against Faults: If a fault occurs, grounding ensures that excess current flows safely into the ground rather than through the structure or nearby personnel, reducing the risk of electric shock.
    • Lightning Protection: Grounding provides a safe path for lightning energy to dissipate into the earth, protecting the mast, electrical equipment, and surrounding environment.
  2. Equipment Protection
    • Prevents Damage: Proper grounding minimizes the risk of damage to lighting fixtures, control systems, and electrical components caused by electrical surges, lightning, or short circuits.
  3. Operational Reliability
    • Minimizes Downtime: Grounding reduces the risk of system failures caused by electrical faults, ensuring continuous operation.
    • Voltage Stabilization: Helps maintain consistent voltage levels and prevents spikes that could harm the lighting system.
  4. Regulatory Compliance
    • Grounding is mandated by electrical safety codes and standards (e.g., IEC, NEC, NFPA), which require it for all tall and outdoor electrical installations.

For more details about grounding, read my other article Grounding system in electricity

Why does high mast lighting need a motor?

High mast lighting systems often incorporate a motorized mechanism for raising and lowering the lighting fixtures attached to the tall poles. The use of a motor serves several important purposes:

  1. Maintenance and Repairs: The motorized mechanism allows for easy access to the lighting fixtures at the top of the high mast, facilitating routine maintenance tasks such as bulb replacement, cleaning, and repairs without requiring specialized equipment or extensive manual labor.
  2. Adjustability and Flexibility: The motorized system enables the adjustment of the height of the lighting fixtures based on specific lighting requirements or changing environmental conditions. This flexibility allows for the optimization of lighting coverage and intensity as needed for different applications and situations.
  3. Energy Efficiency: By adjusting the height of the lighting fixtures, the system can optimize energy consumption by reducing the overall power output when maximum illumination is not required. Lowering the fixtures during periods of reduced activity or lower traffic can help save energy and reduce operational costs.
  4. Enhanced Safety and Security: The motorized control allows for quick adjustments in the event of maintenance or emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of maintenance personnel and providing better access for emergency services if necessary.
  5. Weather Adaptability: In adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or storms, the ability to lower the high mast lights can prevent damage to the lighting system, reducing the risk of structural damage and ensuring the longevity of the equipment.

Overall, the inclusion of a motorized mechanism in high mast lighting systems enhances their functionality, efficiency, and overall safety, allowing for easy maintenance, adaptability, and optimized energy usage.

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