Citation

Couret C. Am. City Cty. 1999; 114(3): 6 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Regular maintenance of street lights comprises most of the lighting needs in cities and counties. In recent years, however, aesthetic considerations and ongoing safety concerns, as well as problems of light pollution, have prompted many municipal light refurbishment projects. One of the major lighting questions concerns the choice of the actual lamp. Options include low-pressure sodium (yellow), high-pressure sodium (orange-yellow), metal halide (white-blue), mercury vapor, fluorescent, neon, and incandescent lights. Typically, engineers choose between metal halide and sodium lights for outdoor fixtures. Some light poles include arms for planters or banners. When adding decorative features to light posts, it may be easy to forget the safety components of lights. Of course, the main purpose of lighting is to ensure safety. Ensuring security requires providing enough light between fixtures to provide continuous illumination, as well as providing basic lighting for alleys or other outdoor spaces. To create an efficient lighting system, cities need a cohesive master plan.