Lampposts

Lampposts are vertical poles that support lighting fixtures used to illuminate outdoor areas. They are common along streets, sidewalks, parks, and plazas, serving safety, navigation, and urban aesthetics. A lamppost typically comprises a pole, a mounted luminaire at the top, an arm or bracket, a base, and electrical equipment such as ballast, wiring, and sometimes a control unit. Modern lampposts often house LED luminaires and digital controls for dimming, scheduling, and remote monitoring.

Materials and forms vary. Poles can be steel, aluminum, concrete, or timber, chosen for strength, durability, and styling. Heights usually range from about 4 to 12 meters, with shorter versions for pedestrian areas and taller ones for roadways. Light fixtures include decorative lanterns, floodlights, and modular LEDs. Many installations use shields or lenses to direct light downward and minimize glare and light spill.

Energy and technology: LEDs have become dominant due to efficiency and long life, while earlier systems used incandescent, mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium, or metal-halide lamps. Some lampposts are solar-powered or hybrid, incorporating photovoltaic panels and batteries. Smart street lighting integrates sensors for motion, ambient light, and remote management to reduce energy use and maintenance needs.

Maintenance and safety. Routine maintenance includes cleaning, inspecting structural integrity, repainting or corrosion protection, and replacing lamps or drivers. Electrical safety and weatherproofing are essential, and foundations must be designed to resist wind loads and accidental impacts. In many cities, lampposts are part of broader public-lighting policies addressing energy efficiency and light pollution.

History. Gas lighting appeared in the 19th century; electric street lighting emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has evolved through HID to LED and smart controls. Distinctive historic post designs remain in many districts for cultural or aesthetic reasons.