Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting | Access Fixtures

What is a light fixture?

A fixture is what holds a light bulb in place and facilitates the flow of electricity to it through wiring.

Do Access Fixtures LED Light fixtures come with lamps (light bulbs)?

Our fixtures are High Performance LED Light fixtures, no bulbs.

What are the advantages of Pulse-start or Probe-start lamps?

Which Access Fixtures fixtures meet Energy Star standards?

Some of our fixtures are Energy Star compliant. These fixtures are marked with an Energy Star logo on the product pages.

Why use Induction Lighting?

What is the difference between Watts vs. Lumens

Discussion on LEDs Click here for our own takeaway printout about LEDs.

Read our own takeaway about LEDs.

What are the differences between Fluorescent and Metal Halide lighting?

What is your Price Match Guarantee?

You can find our policy outlined on the Price Match Guarantee Policy page.

What is your Shipping Policy?

You can find our policy outlined on the Shipping Policy page.

What is your Return Policy?

You can find our policy outlined on the Return Policy page.

What is your Warranty?

You can find our policy outlined on the Warranty page.

How Much Light Do I need for my project?

Measured in Footcandles, read our article on Footcandles: What are They and How Much Do You Need? page.

How Many Poles Do I Need for my lighting project?

It depends on your space, target brightness, pole height, and the fixtures/optics you choose.

How Do I Limit Light Trespass?

Light trespass occurs when spill light is cast where it is not wanted. Read more about Light Trespass and How to Navigate Their Boundaries.

What is Dark Sky Compliant LED lighting?

Dark Sky Lighting encompasses a range of outdoor lighting fixtures and practices specifically crafted to reduce light pollution and its adverse effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health.

How Long do LED light fixtures typically last?

Determined by their L70 Rating, Access Fixtures LED Lights last for decades. Read more about L70 Lifetime Rating and Lumen Depreciation.

What color temperature do you recommend?

Your choice of color temperature, measured in Kelvin, depends on where and how the lighting will be used. Learn more about Selecting the Correct Kelvin for Your Project.

How Many Lumens Do I Need?

Using lumens as a measure of light output is a helpful way to achieve your desired light levels. Learn more about Light Source Lumens vs, Luminaire Lumens to figure out how many lumens you need.

What is the Expected Life of an LED light fixture?

The expected life of a luminaire varies. Click here to learn more about L70 LED Lifetime Rating.

Will this design meet local codes and address neighbors' concerns about light trespass?

Access Fixtures specifies lighting solution to meet local code and eliminate light trespass. Click here to learn more about Light Trespass Laws.

How uniform will the lighting be across my sports court?

Access Fixtures determines light uniformity through Photometric Analyses. To learn more or purchase a custom photometric analysis for your project, visit Photometric Study – Simulate Proposed Lighting Solutions page.

How do you address glare?

To address glare, you select fixtures with a low “G” rating, use shielding and optical controls, and apply thoughtful fixture placement and design based on lighting zone requirements. Learn about BUG Ratings or Watch this quick video

Where should I install light poles for LED fixtures?

Pole placement depends on factors like application, local regulations, space size, fixture type and quantity, and project goals. The best way to determine placement is through a photometric analysis, which calculates the exact number of poles and fixtures needed to achieve even, effective lighting. Access Fixtures specialists can provide a detailed report and guide you through the process.
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Where should light poles be placed for sports lighting?

Light pole placement for sports lighting depends on the type of sport, facility layout, local regulations, and the number and type of fixtures being used. To ensure safe, evenly lit play, a photometric analysis is recommended. This analysis calculates the exact number of poles, their height, and placement to achieve optimal light levels and uniformity. Access Fixtures specialists can provide a detailed report and guide you through the process.

What Control Options Are Available for LED Lighting?

LED lighting controls range from simple solutions like manual switches, time clocks, and photocells to advanced options such as occupancy sensors, bi-level dimming, DALI systems, and wireless controls. The right choice depends on your application, energy-saving goals, and local ordinances. Controls not only reduce energy use and extend fixture life but also help meet regulatory requirements. These Options Extent Beyond Parking Lots.

Are Motion Sensors Practical for Pickleball Court Lighting?

Motion sensors can help reduce energy use by keeping lights on only when courts are in use, but they are not always practical for pickleball. The sport requires consistent, even illumination 30 footcandles with a 2.0 max/min ratio so lights flicking on and off can disrupt play. Motion sensors are best used in combination with scheduling and photocells to optimize efficiency while ensuring uninterrupted lighting during games.Read more about Pickleball Court Lighting.

Which Lighting Standards Do You Design To?

LED lighting solutions are designed to meet all relevant standards, including IES recommendations for light levels and uniformity, local building codes, and project-specific requirements such as dark sky compliance, energy efficiency, or safety regulations. Using a photometric analysis, Access Fixtures specialists calculate the optimal fixture types, placement, and light levels to ensure your project meets these standards while providing even, effective illumination.

Are the fixtures full cutoff or shielded to reduce spill light?

Yes. Many of Access Fixtures LED light fixtures or luminaires are full cutoff or come with shielding options to minimize spill light. Full cutoff designs direct light downward, reducing uplight and light trespass, which helps meet dark sky requirements, protects nearby wildlife, and prevents unwanted illumination on neighboring properties. Some fixtures also offer baffles or shields for even more precise light control.

Can light shields be added if neighbors complain about light trespass?

Yes. Many LED fixtures offer optional shields or baffles that can be added to reduce light spill and direct illumination precisely where it’s needed. Adding shields helps prevent light from shining onto neighboring properties, ensures compliance with local ordinances, and can improve overall lighting effectiveness. Read more about Light Trespass and How to Navigate Their Boundaries.

Can the lighting on individual sports courts be controlled separately?

Yes. Many modern LED sports lighting systems allow each court to be controlled independently. This means you can turn lights on or off, dim, or schedule usage for a single court without affecting others. Separate control improves energy efficiency, reduces operating costs, and provides flexibility for multi-court facilities where some courts may be in use while others are not.