# How to Choose Street Light Lumens
Introduction
Choosing the right lumens for street lights is essential to ensure proper illumination, safety, and energy efficiency in public and commercial spaces. Lumens measure the brightness of a light source, making them more important than just wattage when selecting LED street lights.
This guide explains how to determine the right lumen output based on road type, application, and lighting requirements.
1. Understanding Lumens vs. Watts in Street Lighting
Watts measure power consumption, but do not indicate brightness.
Lumens measure brightness, showing how much visible light a street light emits.
LED street lights produce more lumens per watt compared to traditional lighting, making them more energy-efficient.
Lumens Per Watt (lm/W) Efficiency:
Lighting Type
Lumens Per Watt
Traditional Incandescent
10-15 lm/W
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)
50-100 lm/W
Metal Halide
70-120 lm/W
LED Street Lights
130-180 lm/W
2. Recommended Lumens for Different Street Light Applications
Application
Recommended Lumens
Typical LED Wattage
Residential streets
3,000 - 6,000 lm
30W - 50W
Small roads & pathways
6,000 - 10,000 lm
50W - 80W
Parking lots & commercial areas
10,000 - 15,000 lm
80W - 120W
Main roads & highways
15,000 - 25,000 lm
120W - 180W
Expressways & large intersections
25,000+ lm
180W - 300W
3. Factors to Consider When Choosing Street Light Lumens
a) Road Type and Traffic Volume
Low-traffic residential streets require lower lumen output (3,000 - 6,000 lm).
Highways and main roads need brighter illumination (15,000 - 25,000 lm).
b) Mounting Height of Street Light Poles
3-5m pole height → 3,000-6,000 lumens (low-wattage LED street lights).
6-8m pole height → 6,000-10,000 lumens.
9-12m pole height → 15,000+ lumens for large streets.
c) Beam Angle and Light Distribution
Narrow beam (Type II, III) → Best for roadways and sidewalks.
Wide beam (Type IV, V) → Suitable for open spaces, parking lots, and intersections.
Proper light distribution prevents dark spots and glare.
d) Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Higher lumens per watt mean less power consumption.
Smart lighting options with dimming sensors can reduce energy waste.
e) Compliance with Lighting Standards
Ensure lights meet IES, ANSI, CE, and RoHS standards.
Local government guidelines may require specific lumen levels per area.
4. Benefits of Choosing the Right Lumens for Street Lights
✔ Enhanced Safety → Proper illumination prevents accidents and crime.
✔ Energy Savings → High-lumen LEDs require less wattage.
✔ Better Visibility → Reduces glare and improves night-time navigation.
✔ Longevity & Durability → LED street lights last 50,000+ hours.
✔ Smart City Integration → IoT-enabled lumens adjust brightness based on real-time conditions.
Conclusion
Selecting the right [street lights lumens](https://infralumin.com/blogs/technical-information/how-tall-is-a-street-light-pole-a-comprehensive-guide-to-street-lights) depends on road type, mounting height, and application requirements. By choosing the appropriate lumen output, businesses and municipalities can achieve energy-efficient, safe, and cost-effective street lighting.
For customized LED street lighting solutions, consult a reliable manufacturer that offers high-lumen efficiency and smart lighting technology.