The importance distribution of light is actually in the luminaire itself. With the right distribution of light, you can reduce the number of light fixtures and get better sustainable projects. So determining the light distribution of the luminaire is also a critical consideration. The pattern projected onto an object or surface defines how the light is dispersed from the lighting device. It is determined by the point that meets 50% of the luminous intensity of the fixture. We sometimes see these distributions used frequently in LED lighting categories, such as area lighting, road lighting, and parking lot lighting, to name a few.
The LED industry has identified 6 main types of light distribution patterns: Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, Type V, and Type VS light distribution. Wondering how to choose the right and correct led light distribution mode? In this article, we'll show and describe each type and how it can be used in LED outdoor area and spot lighting.
Comparison table of different types of light distribution
Light Distribution
Description
Type I
Provides wide, symmetrical light, ideal for mid-side walks and narrow roads, use this light fixture
Type II
Presents a slightly wider light distribution, ideal for luminaires installed at the edge of the road.
Type III
The width of the projected light is approximately 2.75 times the installation height of the luminaire. Type III light distribution is the need to place luminaires on one side of the area, allowing the light to cast outward and fill the area.
Type IV
This type of light source is commonly referred to as a forward projection or asymmetric luminaire. Their light scatter and scatter width are 2.75 times their height, the same as Type III. However, they produce a more rounded distribution pattern that pushes the light outward, leaving a faint dim light behind the light source.
Type V
These omnidirectional luminaires distribute light in a consistent and uniform circular pattern around the luminaire.
Type VS
This light distribution has square symmetry and is essentially the same at all lateral angles.
Type I
Feature: Type I is a bidirectional lateral distribution with a preferred lateral width of 15 degrees in the largest candela cone. The two main light concentrations along the road are in opposite directions. This type is generally suitable for luminaire locations near the center of the road where the height is approximately equal to the width of the road. In addition, looking at the longitudinal and symmetrical lighting of the street, the bidirectional illuminance is evenly distributed on both sides of the light pole. Therefore, we need relatively low power to lighting area, use LED lights ranging from 30W, 40W to 50W or 60W to light this area.
Application: Type I distributions are great for lighting Sidewalks/Footpaths, Narrow paths and Border lighting. Also, this type of lighting should be placed near the center of the aisle to provide adequate illumination for smaller aisles.
Type II
Feature: Type II light distribution has a preferred lateral width of 25 degrees and is suitable for installations where install fixtures are placed on the edge of the road. Their lighting area is 1.5 times wider than the installation height of the luminaire. For example, if the fixture is 10 feet tall, it will cast light up to 15 feet wide in the area below.
Application: Type II distribution is used on and near wide roads, alleys, entry roads and other long, narrow illuminated areas. Thereby illuminating a huge and vast space. So this particular form of lighting is often set in restricted alleys, and jogging paths.
Type III
Feature: Type III light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 40 degrees. This type of lighting has a wider area and is suitable for luminaires installed on or near the side of a medium-width road or road or field with a width not exceeding 2.75 times the installation height. Since we need to illuminate a large outdoor area, higher power LED lights are required.
Application: Road lighting, parking lots and other areas that require larger areas of lighting. Therefore, this lighting needs to be placed on one side of the area, allowing the light to cast outward and fill the area, They are best mounted on a wall or used to illuminate specific areas.
Type IV
Feature: Type IV light distribution has a preferred lateral width of more than 60 degrees. These luminaires project light 2.75 times wider than their installation height and no more than 3.7 times their installation height. But it produces a more rounded distribution pattern that pushes the light outward, with less light falling behind the fixture. They are best mounted on a wall or used to illuminate specific areas.
Application: For building facades, parking lots and commercial perimeters. Type IV light distribution has higher power requirements. We need LED lights up to 100W, 200W, 300W or up to 400W. Of course, opting for Suntech parking lot lights is a wise move in this case. Suntech can provide such products in high power.
Type V
Feature: Type V produces a circular 360 degree light distribution. The V-shaped light distribution radiates a circular pattern with the same intensity at all angles. The distribution has circular symmetry of candela, substantially the same and relatively constant at all transverse angles. And the V-shaped distribution provides the broadest and most uniform light distribution types.
Application: It is suitable for installation in road centers, Park Avenue center islands and intersections or spaces that require an even distribution of light. Large outdoor area lighting venues: parking lots, playgrounds, stadiums, parks, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, etc.
Type VS
Feature: Type VS produces a square 360° distribution with equal strength at all angles. Furthermore, this light distribution has square symmetry and is substantially the same at all lateral angles. Like Type V, suitable for installation in road centers, Park Avenue center islands, and intersections or spaces that require an even distribution of light.
Application: It is suitable for the lighting of large commercial parking lots and areas that require sufficient, evenly distributed light. Therefore, it is used where the light pattern requires sharper edges.
