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.

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Finding the Right NEMA distribution for Your Outdoor Needs

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NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) distribution refers to the standard classifications of light distribution patterns for outdoor lighting fixtures, including road lighting, flood lights and stadium lights. These classifications help determine how light is distributed in a given area, which is crucial for ensuring adequate illumination and minimizing light pollution.

What is NEMA distribution?

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.

 

 

beam spread chart

Beam Spread (°)

NEMA Type

Description

Projection Distance

10° to 18°1Very narrow beam, typically used for focused lighting applications.240′ and greater
 18° to 29°2Narrow beam, providing a slightly wider spread than NEMA 1.200‘ to 240′
 29° to 46°3Medium beam, suitable for general area lighting.175′ to 200′
 46° to 70°4Wide beam, designed for larger areas where more coverage is needed.145′ to 175′
 70° to 100°5Very wide beam, used for extensive coverage, such as in parking lots or sports fields.105′ to 145′
 100° to 130°6Asymmetrical distribution, often used for roadway lighting.80′ to 105′
 130° and up7Designed for specific applications, such as illuminating walls or facades.under 80′

 

Choose Suitable NEMA Distribution

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:

 

Parking Lot Lighting

Often classified as NEMA Type 3 or Type 5.

These fixtures provide a wide distribution pattern to illuminate large areas effectively, ensuring visibility and safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

Lightide-DLC-LED-PARKING-LOT-LIGHTS_flood-Shoebox-pole-lighting

Flood Lighting

Generally categorized under NEMA Type 5 or Type 6.

Flood lights are designed for wide-area illumination, suitable for sports fields, building facades, or large outdoor spaces. They can produce a broad beam of light.

Lightide-2nd-gen-FLXW-slim-outdoor-led-flood-light_security-lights

LED Stadium Lighting

Commonly fall under NEMA Type 6 or Type 7.

Stadium lights require high-intensity lighting with precise beam control to minimize spill light and glare while providing adequate illumination for sporting events.

Lightide-HPSF-600W-led-football-stadium-lights-flood-light

Street Lighting

Typically, road lighting fixtures fall under NEMA Type 3 or Type 4.

These fixtures are designed to provide a uniform distribution of light along roadways, minimizing glare and ensuring safety.

Lightide ENEC & CB Cobra head QPL slim LED streetlights 30w-200w

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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.

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