Street lighting is a vital element in urban design that not only increases safety and comfort of traffic, but also helps to beautify the urban environment. The use of various types of street lights with proper design and modern technologies such as LED lamps reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. Also, proper lighting can lead to a reduction in traffic accidents and create a greater sense of security for pedestrians. In this article from EDC, in addition to beautiful and principled lighting, it can create attractive visual effects at night and help improve the quality of life of residents.

Why is street lighting necessary?

Street lighting has several benefits that can be divided into two general categories:

Security benefits:
Reduction of crime: Proper street lighting limits the visibility of criminals and prevents their criminal actions.
Increased sense of security: Adequate street lighting gives people, especially women and children, a greater sense of security and allows them to move around the streets with peace of mind.
Facilitating surveillance and control: Street lighting helps police and surveillance cameras monitor public spaces more effectively.
Non-security benefits:
Accident prevention: Adequate street lighting significantly improves the visibility of drivers and pedestrians, reducing traffic accidents and injuries.
City beauty: Creative lighting can add to the beauty of the city’s streets and squares and maintain their attractiveness at night.
Improving quality of life: Lighting sidewalks and streets helps create a suitable space for social and cultural activities at night and improves the quality of life of citizens.
Important factors in street lighting

Street lighting is a delicate and precise art that, beyond illuminating the streets, plays a fundamental role in improving the security, beauty, and quality of life in cities. To achieve an efficient and effective lighting system, several factors must be considered, which we will examine below:

1. Consider the amount of traffic

The first step in designing a lighting system is to consider the amount of traffic on the street in question. Streets with higher traffic volumes require more lighting. For example, brighter lights with shorter distances are used on highways and main streets where traffic speeds are higher.

2. Consider the type of street use

The lighting needs of streets vary depending on their type of use.

Residential streets: In these streets, creating a safe and quiet space for residents is a priority. Therefore, soft and uniform lighting is used, focusing on sidewalks and walkways.

Commercial streets: In these streets, in addition to ensuring security, attention should also be paid to attracting customers and promoting business.
Highways: On highways, driver visibility is vital over long distances and at high speeds. Therefore, bright lights with concentrated radiation and shorter distances are used.
3. Consider weather conditions for street lighting

The weather conditions of the region also affect the selection of the type and amount of lighting.

Rainy and foggy areas: In these areas, more lighting is needed due to reduced visibility.
Hot and dry areas: In these areas, lights with lower power consumption and resistance to high heat are used.
4. Do not ignore natural obstacles

Trees, tall buildings and other natural obstacles can block the path of light. In lighting design, these obstacles should be considered and appropriate lights with the correct beam angle should be used.

5. Don’t neglect the beauty and identity of the city

Street lighting is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and identity of the city.

Using appropriate colors: You can create a beautiful and eye-catching atmosphere by using different colors in lighting.
Lighting urban elements: You can emphasize their beauty by lighting bridges, sculptures, and other urban elements.
6. Keep costs in mind

The costs of street lights, installation, and maintenance of the lighting system are important factors that must be considered.

Using LED lights: Despite their higher initial price, LED lights are more cost-effective due to their very low power consumption and long lifespan.
Street lighting rules and standards

Street lighting plays an important role in improving people’s safety. Some of the most important standards and regulations related to street lighting in Iran include:

Appropriate lighting levels for different types of roads: This is determined by the amount of traffic, the type of use of the road, and weather conditions.
Types of permitted lights: Lights with low power consumption, long life, and appropriate light quality should be used for street lighting.
Distance between lights: The distance between lights should be such that uniform lighting is provided along the entire length of the road.
Height of installation of lights: The height of installation of lights should be such that it prevents glare for drivers and pedestrians.
Quality of light: The light from the lights should be of appropriate quality and their color should be natural.

Adhering to these standards and regulations in the design and implementation of street lighting systems brings numerous benefits, including:

Providing greater security for drivers and pedestrians

Reducing electricity consumption

Increasing the lifespan of lights

Improving the quality of life in cities

Types of lights used in street lighting

For easier access and smart purchasing, the types of lights suitable for street lighting, along with their advantages, disadvantages, applications, and installation locations, are compiled in the table below:

Conclusion

To achieve an efficient and effective lighting system, several factors must be considered, including traffic volume, type of street use, weather conditions, the presence of natural barriers, urban beauty and identity, costs, and laws and standards.
In this article, we have comprehensively reviewed these factors and important points in the design and implementation of street lighting systems. We have also described in detail the types of lights used in street lighting, their advantages and disadvantages, their applications and installation locations. Choosing the right type of light for each street depends on several factors and must be done carefully and delicately. For information on the following specifications of high-quality lighting products, you can visit the EDC website.