Do high-mast lights generate noise?
High-mast lights should not produce significant noise during normal operation; however, the following situations may cause noise:
Wind noise: At high wind speeds, wind blowing against the mast, luminaire carriage, and fixtures creates a whistling sound. This is an aerodynamic phenomenon that cannot be entirely avoided, though noise can be reduced by designing streamlined mast cross-sections or installing air deflectors on the carriage.
Mechanical noise: This originates from the lifting system—specifically the winch and the friction between steel cables and pulleys. It typically occurs only during raising or lowering operations. If mechanical noise persists while the unit is stationary, it may be caused by the steel cable striking the inner wall of the mast due to wind-induced vibration; installing vibration-dampening pads can mitigate this.
Electrical noise: Ballasts in traditional HID fixtures may emit a 50/100Hz "humming" sound, particularly if they are old or of poor quality. LED drivers may produce high-frequency whistling (audible to the human ear in the 8kHz–20kHz range) during light-load operation or dimming; this is usually caused by loose magnetic cores or PWM frequencies entering the audible range. While this noise generally does not affect performance, it can be unpleasant. Solutions include replacing the driver or using a silent, resin-encapsulated driver.
Vibration of loose components: Loose fixtures, junction boxes, or bolts on the carriage can create rattling or knocking sounds when subjected to wind or vibration. Regular inspections and tightening are required. If noise issues significantly disturb nearby residents, low-noise solutions—such as installing sound attenuators or selecting installation sites with lower wind speeds—can be specified during the design phase.
