Product details description
Outdoor light poles face a harsh environment: UV radiation, wind loading,
moisture, and temperature extremes. The material dictates not just the lifespan,
but the maintenance budget.
Steel (Galvanized vs. Powder Coated)
Hot-Dip Galvanized: The zinc coating provides sacrificial protection. Even
if scratched, the zinc protects the steel. This is the most cost-effective
option for high-mast lighting.
Powder Coated Steel: Aesthetic but risky. If the powder coat chips (from a
rock or impact), rust starts immediately at the scratch. It requires touch-up
paint.
Corten Steel: Develops a stable rust-like appearance. Used for
architectural lighting where a rusted look is desired, but it can stain pavement
below.
Aluminum
Pros: Lightweight (reduces foundation costs), naturally
corrosion-resistant, high strength-to-weight ratio.
Cons: Lower modulus of elasticity (bends more easily under wind load than
steel). Requires a thicker wall or larger diameter to match steel's
stiffness.
Best for: Residential and park lighting where aesthetics and weight
matter.
Fiberglass / Composite
Pros: Non-conductive (safe near high-voltage lines), zero corrosion,
lightweight.
Cons: Can become brittle in extreme cold (-40°F) and may degrade under
prolonged UV exposure unless UV-stabilized resin is used.
Foundation Connection
The material of the pole dictates the base plate. Steel poles usually use
welded base plates with anchor bolts. Aluminum poles often use "slip fitter"
bases (inserted into a ground sleeve) because welding aluminum on-site is
difficult.
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Vandal-Resistant Design Features for Public Light Poles
