Illuminate Your Outdoor Space with the Perfect LED Light Distribution

Are you ready to transform your outdoor area with brilliant LED lighting? Choosing the right light distribution types is crucial to maximize visibility and create a comfortable environment.

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Choosing Light Distribution Made Easy:

A Guide to Light Spread

Ever feel lost in the aisle of light fixtures, overwhelmed by technical jargon? Fear not! This guide cuts through the confusion and helps you pick the right light distribution types for your space. We’ll focus on the six types – think of them as lighting styles – to ensure your space is bright, safe, and efficient.

what is Light Distribution Patterns?

The patterns define how light is dispersed from a fixture. In general, it is defined by the point at which 50% of the fixture’s luminous intensity is met. Certainly, you will see these lighting distribution types used regularly in the led lighting, for example, area lighting, roadway lighting, and parking lot lighting, etc.

led lighting distribution types

What are the 5 types of lighting distribution patterns?

Selecting the correct light distribution types for your area lights makes all the difference. There are various LED area lights available with different distribution patterns from type I to type V and choosing one from them is a daunting task. To make it easy for you, we have created this guide to help you.

TYPE I

Type 1 light distribution

Pattern Type I is a two-way lateral lighting distribution types having a preferred lateral width of 15 degrees in the cone of maximum candlepower. 

This type of lighting distribution types shines brightly in two opposite directions, making it ideal for wide roads. Imagine the light fixture in the middle of the road, with the light spreading out evenly on both sides. This works best when the light is mounted about as high as the width of the road.

Type 1 light distribution types

TYPE II

Type 2 light distribution

The preferred lateral width of 25 degrees. Therefore, they are generally applicable to luminaires located at or near the side of relatively narrow roadways. In addition, the width of the roadway does not exceed 1.75 times the designed mounting height.

Wide walkways, as well as other long, narrow lighting. In addition, this type is meant for lighting larger areas and usually is located near the roadside. You’ll find this lighting distribution types mostly on smaller side streets or jogging paths. 

Type 2 light distribution types

TYPE III

Type 3 light distribution

The preferred lateral width of 40 degrees. This type 3 light distribution has a wider illumination area if you make a direct comparison to type 2 LED light distribution. In addition, it has an asymmetric arrangement as well. The ratio between the width of the illumination area and the height of the pole should be less than 2.75.

The Type 3 lighting distribution types need to be placed to the side of the area, allowing the light to project outward and fill the area. Its throw is taller than Type 2 but its side-to-side throw is shorter.

Type 3 light distribution types

TYPE IV

Type 4 light distribution

The same intensity at angles from 90 degrees to 270 degrees. And it has a preferred lateral width of 60 degrees. Intended for side-of-road mounting on wide roadways width does not exceed 3.7 times the mounting height.

The type 4 light distribution types shine in a half circle, perfect for mounting on walls or the edges of parking lots and businesses. Think of it like a spotlight that spreads out wide on one side.

Type 4 light distribution types

TYPE V

Type 5 light distribution

Produces a circular 360°distribution that has equal light distribution at all positions. And this light distribution has a circular symmetry of foot-candles that is essentially the same at all viewing angles.

This type 5 light distribution shines out in all directions, making it perfect for lighting up the middle of roads, parks, or intersections. Imagine standing in the center and having light all around you.

Type 5 light distribution types

TYPE VS

Type 5S light distribution

Produces a square 360° distribution that has the same intensity at all angles. And the light distribution types have a square symmetry of candlepower that is essentially the same at all lateral angles. 

It is intended for luminaire mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of the parkway, and intersections. So it is used where the light pattern needs a more defined edge.

Type VS light distribution types

Picking the Perfect LED Light Distribution for Your Space:

A Quick Guide

Now that you’ve met the light performers, how do you pick the right one? Here are five easy questions to ask yourself:

Let us guide you through the process of selecting the perfect lighting distribution types for your LED area lighting needs!

1. Size Matters:

Think about how big your space is. Bigger areas need lights that spread light out wide, while smaller spaces do better with more focused beams. This will help you get the right amount of light everywhere.

2. What are you using the lights for?

Do you just want some general light, or do you need something bright for working on tasks? Different light spreads work better for different things. Wide beams are good for even light everywhere, while narrow beams are great for spotlighting specific areas. Check out the light spread options and the light fixtures themselves to see what works best for you.

3. How High Up Will They Be?

Where you put the lights affects how the light spreads. Higher lights need wider beams to reach everything, while lower lights work better with narrower beams so they don’t create glare.

4. Don't Forget the Weather!

For outdoor lights, consider how rain, wind, and other weather might affect the light.

5. Lots of Light Distribution Patterns Choices!

There are many different LED light distribution types, like Type I, II, III, IV, and V. Each one spreads light in a different way, so there’s a perfect fit for your needs. Do some research to see which type works best for you.

The right light makes all the difference!

Considering these quick tips will help you find the perfect LED area lights for your space. They’ll brighten things up and make it feel more welcoming. Need a hand? We’re happy to help! Let’s make your space shine with the perfect LED lights!

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Learn LED area lights

Choose Suitable Lighting Distribution Patterns

Our wide range of LED area lights come in all sorts of shapes to spread light just the way you want. Browse our collection to find the exact light for your needs!

parking lot lighting

Type III or Type IV

  • Type III: Similar to road lighting, offering wide coverage for large areas.
  • Type IV: Provides a more focused distribution, suitable for illuminating specific zones within the parking lot.

To ensure safety and security in parking areas by providing uniform illumination.

led parking lot flood lights
led parking lot flood lights

Flood Lighting

Type V  

  • Offers a very wide distribution pattern, allowing for broad coverage of large areas.
  • Can be adjusted for various beam angles depending on the application.

 Ideal for illuminating outdoor spaces such as sports fields, building exteriors, and large gatherings.

led flood lights
wall mounted bulkhead led flood lights

 Stadium Lighting

Type V or specialized beam patterns

  • Typically use high-intensity fixtures with precise beam control to minimize spill light and glare.
  • Distribution is often tailored to focus on specific areas of the field or court.

To provide high levels of illumination for sporting events while ensuring visibility for both participants and spectators.

led stadium flood lights 400 watts - 1500 watts
led stadium flood lighting 400 watts - 1500 watts

street lighting

Type II or Type III

  • Type II: Light is distributed in a symmetrical pattern, ideal for lighting one side of a roadway.
  • Type III: Provides a wider distribution, covering both sides of the road, with a focus on the centerline.

To enhance visibility for vehicles and pedestrians while reducing glare.

all-in-one solar led street lights
full cutoff led wall pack lights
NEMA-Beam-SPREAD

How to Choose Suitable NEMA distribution for LED Outdoor lighting?

Floodlights and sports lights often use a system called NEMA to show how wide the beam spreads. Imagine the light spreading out like a circle. NEMA tells you how wide that circle gets before the light gets too dim (around 10% of its brightest). Knowing this will help you pick lights that light up your space just the way you want.

choose the perfect lighting distribution types,

let Lightide light up your business!

Contact us today for a free consultation and let our lighting experts help you orchestrate the perfect lighting design, light distribution types, tailored to the unique needs of your space. We’ll ensure your stage is illuminated by the right lighting distribution types, maximizing safety, efficiency, and visual appeal.

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