Light distribution for street lighting

Lighting is of great importance for road safety and must strictly comply with legal standards. Its selection depends on the condition of the roads themselves, the group of users and road regulations on the designated section. It affects not only the comfort of driving, but also the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and the quality of life of residents - crime and accidents decrease, and the attractiveness of the place increases.

In Poland, due to its geographical location, it gets dark quickly and the weather conditions are changing. Consequently, artificial lighting is especially needed on roads and sidewalks. Lighting solutions should take into account not only high lighting parameters, but also the issue of energy efficiency. It is worth investing in LED modules, high durability luminaires that will last for years. Additionally, equipping them with a motion sensor or an intelligent control system will allow you to adjust the light output to the current time of day or the intensity of natural light.

One of the most important factors that determine the quality of lighting is luminous flux. Lamps differ not only in the light source or the construction of the luminaires itself but also in the angle of inclination to the surface. We can distinguish four types of light distribution:

1. narrow beam of light - (up to 120°) it is perfect for spotlighting eg a picture in a gallery
2. wide beam of light - (from 120°) provides lighting of a large space, e.g. interior
3. symmetrical luminous flux - (360°) evenly illuminates the space, e.g. traditional light bulbs
4. asymmetrical luminous flux - non-standard lighting, used in spaces with special requirements, such as street and road lighting.

Street lighting must be adapted to different types of roads. The main task is to ensure good visibility for drivers and passers-by. The lamp should illuminate the entire width of the street (half if the lamps are on both sides of the road) and the sidewalk. For this purpose, LED luminaires with an asymmetrical shape are used, they ensure maximum safety.

Lamps with non-standard light can be skillfully installed along the entire length of the road. Wider distances between the poles will allow you to save on costs for electricity, the purchase of the equipment itself and labor. They protect against glare, especially undesirable on the road, where driving dynamics are variable and special vigilance is required. Incorrectly selected light distribution may also result in the so-called the effect of light pollution. This phenomenon is especially noticeable after dark, it concerns streets, buildings, squares and parks.