How to Select LED Street Lights Based on Road Type?

The selection of LED street lights varies depending on the type of road:

1. Expressways/Highways: Require high brightness, high uniformity, and low glare. Recommended specifications include high luminous efficacy (≥150 lm/W), a color temperature of approximately 5000K, Type III or IV light distribution, a power output of 150–300W, a pole height of 12–15 meters, and a spacing of 30–40 meters. Dimming functionality is required to reduce power consumption during the latter part of the night.

2. Arterial Roads: Require higher illuminance (20–30 lx) and a uniformity (U2) of ≥0.4. Recommended specifications include a luminous efficacy of 130–150 lm/W, a color temperature of 4000K–5000K, Type III light distribution, a power output of 120–200W, a pole height of 10–12 meters, and a spacing of 30–35 meters.

3. Secondary Arterial Roads: Require moderate illuminance (10–15 lx). Recommended specifications include 100–150W LED fixtures, a color temperature of 4000K, Type II or III light distribution, a pole height of 8–10 meters, and a spacing of 25–30 meters.

4. Branch Roads/Local Streets: Require lower illuminance (8–10 lx) with a focus on a comfortable, non-glaring light. Recommended specifications include 40–80W LED fixtures, a color temperature of 3000K–4000K, Type II light distribution, a pole height of 6–8 meters, and a spacing of 20–25 meters.

5. Residential Area Roads: To avoid light intrusion for residents, a color temperature of 3000K is recommended, along with the use of light shields (visors) and a power output of 30–60W.

6. Tunnel Lighting: Must account for varying illuminance requirements across the entrance, transition, interior, and exit zones. Specialized LED tunnel lights—typically equipped with anti-glare louvers—should be used, and they must include an interface for an emergency power supply. 7. Pedestrian/Bicycle Paths: Use low-wattage (20–40W) luminaires with warm-white light and Type I or II light distribution, mounted at a height of 4–6 meters.

When selecting equipment, it is best to provide road layout plans and illuminance requirements to a professional lighting designer, who can then use software such as DIALux to simulate and determine the optimal solution.