## How to Design LED Street Lights
### Introduction
LED street lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low maintenance costs. They are also more environmentally friendly than traditional street lights, as they do not contain mercury or other hazardous materials.
If you are considering installing LED street lights, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to determine the wattage of the lights you need. This will depend on the size of the area you are lighting and the amount of light you need. Second, you need to choose the right color temperature for the lights. This will affect the appearance of the light and the way it interacts with the surrounding environment. Third, you need to decide on the mounting height of the lights. This will affect the spread of light and the overall look of the installation.
### Determining the Wattage of LED Street Lights
The wattage of an LED street light is measured in watts (W). The higher the wattage, the brighter the light will be. However, you should not simply choose the highest wattage light available. The wattage you need will depend on the size of the area you are lighting and the amount of light you need.
For most residential applications, a wattage of 20W to 40W will be sufficient. For commercial applications, a wattage of 50W to 100W may be necessary.
### Choosing the Right Color Temperature for LED Street Lights
The color temperature of an LED street light is measured in Kelvin (K). The higher the Kelvin, the cooler the light will be. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light will be.
For most applications, a color temperature of 4000K to 5000K is ideal. This color temperature provides a bright, white light that is not too harsh or too yellow.
### Deciding on the Mounting Height of LED Street Lights
The mounting height of an LED street light is measured in feet (ft). The higher the mounting height, the greater the spread of light will be. However, you should not mount the lights too high, as this can cause glare and light pollution.
For most residential applications, a mounting height of 12ft to 15ft is ideal. For commercial applications, a mounting height of 15ft to 20ft may be necessary.
### Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the wattage, color temperature, and mounting height, there are a few other factors to consider when designing LED street lights. These factors include:
* **Beam angle:** The beam angle of an LED street light is measured in degrees. The wider the beam angle, the greater the spread of light will be.
* **Lens:** The lens of an LED street light can affect the spread of light and the overall look of the installation.
* **Housing:** The housing of an LED street light can affect the durability and appearance of the light.
### Conclusion
Designing LED street lights can be a complex process, but it is important to get it right. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that you choose the right lights for your needs and create a safe and well-lit environment.
### Additional Resources
* [Department of Energy: LED Street Lighting](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/led-street-lighting)
* [International Dark-Sky Association: Light Pollution](https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/)
* [National Electrical Manufacturers Association: LED Street and Area Lighting](https://www.nema.org/stds/led-street-and-area-lighting/)