Sports fields are one of the environments that must be properly lit and in accordance with the necessary standards. Proper lighting of the football field is not only essential for holding night football matches, but also has a significant impact on the safety of the players and the enjoyment of the spectators who come to the stadium at different times. For proper lighting, you need to know what lighting products you should use. In this article from EDC, we have provided you with complete and comprehensive information on how to light a football field.
What is the importance of football field lighting?
Proper lighting of the football field is very important because it makes the game better and safer; because some football matches may be dark.
Proper lighting of the football field is important for the following reasons:
Safety: Proper lighting greatly ensures the safety of players, spectators and other factors.
Quality of the game: Proper lighting has a significant impact on the quality of the game and increases the excitement of the spectators.
International competitions: Standard lighting is required to hold international competitions.
Football field lighting standards
Football field lighting standards are determined by various sports federations and international organizations. These standards specify the minimum required level of illumination, light uniformity, color temperature and other related parameters. Compliance with these standards is essential for holding official and international competitions.
Equipment required for lighting
In order to illuminate a football field well at night, we need various equipment. We will introduce this equipment below:
LED projectors: Projectors are the main part of the lighting system for sports fields. They shine light onto the field with a specific intensity and direction. LED projectors are produced in different types with different powers. Choosing the right type depends on the dimensions of the field, the required lighting level, and your budget. To learn more about the types of projectors, read the article Introduction to Floodlights.
Masts: Projectors are installed on masts. The height of the masts should be such that the light evenly covers the entire surface of the field. Masts are usually made of steel and must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the projectors and different weather conditions.
Control system: Using the control system, you can adjust the light intensity, on and off time, and other lighting parameters. There are manual, automatic, and intelligent control systems.
Cables and Connectors: Cables carry electricity from the power source to the projectors.
Electrical Panel: The electrical panel is where cables, fuses, and other electrical equipment are connected.
Important Points in Choosing Football Field Lighting Equipment
Equipment must comply with international standards.
Use high-quality equipment to extend the life of the system.
Purchase equipment from reputable companies.
Before purchasing equipment, consult a lighting specialist. You can benefit from the guidance of ADC experts in this regard.
Football Field Lighting Guide
Football pitch lighting is one of the key factors in professional matches and training. For proper lighting, consider the following points:
Light intensity, one of the most important factors in football pitch lighting
This intensity should be such that all points of the pitch are illuminated evenly. For professional matches, a minimum of 500 lux of light is usually required at the pitch surface, while for training and local matches this amount can be lower. High light intensity allows players to see the movements of the ball and other players more accurately.
FIFA recommends a minimum light intensity of 500 lux (Lux) at the pitch surface for professional matches.
For international matches and television broadcasts, the light intensity should be even higher, usually between 700 and 1200 lux.
Uniform light distribution
The uniform distribution of light on the football pitch is of great importance to avoid the creation of annoying shadows and dark areas. This is especially important in conditions where the pace of the game is high. Improper light distribution can lead to visual errors for players and referees. Therefore, lighting design should be such that the light is evenly distributed across the field.
This criterion is measured by the ratio of the minimum light intensity to the maximum light intensity and should be at least 0.5.
Angle and position of light sources on the football field
The angle and position of the installation of light sources should be chosen so that the light does not shine directly into the eyes of players and spectators. Light sources should be set at an appropriate height and at an angle that directs the light towards the field and prevents glare.
The correct position of the light sources helps to prevent the creation of unwanted shadows and ensure clear vision during the game.
Choosing the right equipment, increasing the life of the lighting system
LED lamps are an excellent option for lighting the football field due to their lower energy consumption, longer life and uniform light production. The use of weather- and impact-resistant equipment, including protective covers, is essential to maintain the efficiency of the lighting system over time.
Lighting system control and management
Controlling and managing the lighting system through intelligent systems can help optimize energy consumption and maintain light quality. These systems allow for automatic adjustment of light intensity based on environmental conditions, scheduling lights to turn on and off, and reducing maintenance costs. Proper management helps prevent excessive energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts.
Regular maintenance and service are essential
Regular maintenance of the football field lighting system is necessary to maintain efficiency and prevent sudden failures. This includes periodic inspection of the equipment, replacing defective lamps, and cleaning the light covers. Regular service prevents reduction in light intensity and changes in light distribution.
Compliance with international standards
Football field lighting must comply with international standards, such as FIFA standards. These standards include specifications for light intensity, uniformity, light color, and beam angle. Compliance with these standards not only ensures the quality of the game, but is also essential for holding official and international competitions. By complying with these standards, your football field will be ready to host matches at any level.
Light color temperature
The color temperature of light is usually in the range of 4000 to 6500 Kelvin. Higher color temperatures (closer to daylight) are usually preferred for night matches.
Color rendering index
The color rendering index (CRI) indicates the ability of a light source to display true colors. For football fields, a CRI above 70 is recommended.
Resistance to environmental conditions
Lighting equipment must have adequate resistance to environmental conditions such as rain, wind, dust, and different temperatures. IP standards recommend at least IP65 for football field lighting equipment to provide adequate protection against water and dust.
How to light a football field?
To light a football field, follow these steps:
Analysis and planning: Before starting the installation of equipment, a detailed analysis of the football field must be carried out. This analysis includes measuring the dimensions of the field, determining the optimal positions for installing light sources, and specifying the lighting needs based on the type of competition (local, national, or international).
Selecting the right equipment: For lighting a football field, using LED lamps is ideal due to their low consumption and long lifespan.
Determining the position and height of the installation of light sources: Light sources must be installed in appropriate positions around the field so that the light is evenly distributed. Usually, these sources are installed in light towers at the four corners of the field and in some cases along the sidelines. The height of the towers must also be adjusted so that the light is focused on the ground and prevents glare. For a standard football field, light towers are usually between 20 and 30 meters high.
Installing and commissioning a lighting control system: An advanced lighting control system can help optimize energy consumption and better manage lighting. These systems allow for the adjustment of light intensity based on different needs (such as training, official matches or television broadcasts).
Final test: This test involves measuring the light intensity at different points on the field, checking uniformity and ensuring that there is no glare. Finally, with the final approval of the system, the football field is ready for use.
Important points in football field lighting
Light uniformity: Ensure that the lighting level is uniform at all points on the field.
Color temperature: The right color temperature allows the true colors of objects to be seen correctly.
No glare: Direct light to the eyes of players and spectators should not cause glare.
Energy consumption: The use of new technologies such as LED reduces energy consumption.
Safety: The lighting system must be safe and minimize the risk of electric shock and other hazards.
Purchase projectors and lighting products from EDC for football field lighting
EDC covers the needs of every type of football field by offering a wide range of lighting products. EDC’s expert team is ready to assist you in selecting the best products and designing the ideal lighting system. By purchasing from EDC, you will benefit from free consultation and after-sales service.
