How to Choose Suitable NEMA distribution for LED Outdoor lighting?
Choosing the right NEMA distribution for your outdoor lights is like picking the perfect pair of shoes: you want something that’s both stylish and practical.
Finding the Right NEMA distribution for Your Outdoor Needs
Forget vague terms like “wide” or “narrow.” The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides a standardized, granular classification for how floodlights and spotlights project their beams. This isn’t about the overall pattern on the ground (like IESNA types), but rather the specific horizontal and vertical beam angles where the light intensity falls to 10% of its maximum. Think of it as painting with light, where each NEMA type is a different brushstroke, allowing for unparalleled control and efficiency.
What is NEMA distribution?
Â
The beam spread of a light tells you how wide the beam is. This is important to know if you want to light up a small sign or a big area. Check out our beam spread chart below to see how far the light will reach depending on the angle. NEMA classifications range from Type 1 (Very Narrow) to Type 7 (Very Wide), with horizontal and vertical beam angles often specified separately (e.g., NEMA 4×4 or 6×5).
Â
Â
Â
NEMA distribution beam spread chart
Beam Spread (°) |
NEMA Type |
Description |
Projection Distance |
| 10° to 18° | 1 | Very narrow beam. Think laser-focused illumination. Ideal for flagpoles, distant architectural features, or specific signage where a tight, intense beam is paramount. | 240′ and greater |
|  18° to 29° | 2 | Narrow beam. A slightly broader, yet still concentrated beam. Perfect for accenting statues, smaller landscape elements, or applications requiring focused light over a medium distance. | 200‘ to 240′ |
|  29° to 46° | 3 | Medium Narrow beam. A versatile option for general accent lighting, landscape features, or small facade illumination where a balanced spread is desired. | 175′ to 200′ |
|  46° to 70° | 4 | Medium beam. A popular choice for a variety of floodlighting tasks, offering a good balance between beam spread and projection distance. Suitable for facades, signs, and general area lighting with moderate setbacks. | 145′ to 175′ |
|  70° to 100° | 5 | Medium wide beam. Provides extensive coverage, making it suitable for larger facades, general area lighting, or sports lighting where a broad yet still somewhat directional beam is needed. | 105′ to 145′ |
|  100° to 130° | 6 | Asymmetrical distribution. Ideal for broad floodlighting applications, washing large surfaces, or illuminating extensive areas from a shorter distance. Commonly used for billboards and wide landscape illumination. | 80′ to 105′ |
|  130° and up | 7 | Very Wide. The ultimate wide wash. Best for very large, close-range applications where maximum horizontal and vertical spread is required, like large building walls or expansive grounds. | under 80′ |
Â
Choose Suitable NEMA Distribution
Â
Our wide range of outdoor LED area lights come in all sorts of shapes to spread light just the way you want. Here’s a brief overview of how NEMA classifications apply to these types of lighting:
Â
Â
Sick of those dim parking lot lights? Us too!
Upgrade your lot with our super-bright, super-affordable LED lights. They’ll make your parking lot safer, happier (no more squinting for your car!), and save you cash on those electricity bills. It’s a win-win! Let’s ditch the dim lights and light up your parking lot today!
Â
Â
We’re In Business
20+ years
Completed Successfully
350+ projects
Transform Your Cityscape
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the appropriate NEMA distribution rating, you can ensure that your outdoor lights are adequately protected and provide reliable illumination for years to come.
Ditch those dim lights! Let’s brighten your city with super-smart LEDs. They’ll keep things safe, well-lit, and save you cash on your energy bill. Ready to upgrade? Let’s chat!
Â
