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Light Pole Vibration Application Guidelines

Steel and aluminum poles for used lighting applications may incur issues from wind induced pole vibration. Knowledge of the potential damaging effects and what to look for can minimize the potential damaging effects of wind on light poles.

 

 Light Pole Wind Induced Vibration Relevant Definitions

First Mode Vibration (Harmonic)

First mode vibration, also known as harmonic vibration, is characterized by the side to side motion of a pole and typically referred to as “sway”. High velocity gusts of wind cause the greatest displacement at the top of the pole moving at a frequency of about 1 cycle per second. First Mode vibration is generally not harmful to the pole or luminaire.

Second Mode Vibration (Resonance)

Second mode vibration, also known as resonance vibration, is characterized by the symmetric oscillation that occurs when the wind synchronizes with the pole’s natural frequency. Second mode vibration occurs near the midpoint of the pole and can cause the material fatigue related to pole failure. The typical frequency of movement is about 3 to 6 cycles per second.

Direction of Motion Due to Vibration Image

Vortex Shedding

Vortex Shedding occurs when second mode vibration matches the natural frequency of the pole. This is caused by a steady, low speed wind moving perpendicular across the pole creating alternating low-pressure vortices on the downwind side of the pole.

Effective Projected Area (EPA)

EPA is a coefficient used by the lighting industry to determine how much force a luminaire will apply to the mounting brackets or pole at a given wind velocity. This value is used in combination with a luminaire’s weight to determine the mounting requirements for a particular application. To determine the EPA of a luminaire, the frontal projected area is multiplied by the drag coefficient of the luminaire.

 Light Pole Design Considerations

When selecting a pole consider these design attributes to reduce the risk on wind induced vibration.

  • Height – Pole deflection increases as the height of the pole increases causing greater risk of wind induced vibration.
  • Wall Thickness – The gauge (thickness) of material affects the rigidity and flexibility of the pole. The higher the gauge the less risk for wind induced vibration because of the reduced flexibility and increased rigidity.
  • Material – Poles are available in many different types of material. The most common include steel, aluminum, fiberglass, concrete, and wood. Steel and aluminum are the most common materials used for light poles, with steel having more strength than aluminum.
  • EPA Values/ Loading – Overloading and light-loading a pole can greatly affect its performance. The risk of pole failure greatly increases if the EPA value of the luminaire and bracketry exceeds the EPA rating on the pole. Poles with a height greater than or equal to 25 feet loaded with less than 2.0 EPA increase the risk of destructive vibration. Poles are designed to carry a load and should not be installed before the luminaire is mounted.
  • Shape – Aerodynamics also affect pole performance. Straight square poles are more often affected by first mode vibration. Straight round poles are more often affected by second mode vibration. A tapered pole can positively change the aerodynamic characteristics, reducing the risk of destructive vibration. Vibration Tendency from highest to lowest is straight square, straight round and round tapered.
The shape of a light pole can reduce light pole vibration

 Wind Speed is a Key Light Pole Design Consideration

Wind speed can cause light pole vibration. While the pole must be approporately designed to withstand the wind by holding up the weight of the lights, frequently additonal consideration must be made to mitigate light pole vibration. The chart on the right lists the wind speeds that light poles must be able to withstand. Every pole has limits to the wind it can withstand. Click the image on the right to learn more about windspeed and what the wind speed requirements are for your location. Be sure to view the charts in the light pole pdfs to make sure your light poles can handle the light fixture weightm effective projected area (EPA), and widn speed for your location. To discuss this with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist dial 800.468.9925 or click here for a lighting specialist to contact you.

click here for a lighting specialist to contact you.

Link to Wind Speed Map for ASCE 7-10

 Mitigating Destructive Vibration

A pole damper can reduce the risk of destructive vibration by adding mass. The mass interrupts the natural frequency on the pole. It is recommended that poles over 25 feet, especially square poles, include a vibration damper. Ask your Access Fixtures lighting specialist about pole dampers or contact a local structural engineer to determine if a damper is appropriate for your application.

First Mode Dampers

First mode vibration dampers can be installed to reduce the sway motion of the pole.

Second Mode Dampers

Second mode vibration dampers are used to interrupt the natural frequency of the pole, minimizing the material fatigue caused by the wind.

First Stage Light Pole Damper mitigates light pole vibration

 Chain Damper

A chain damper is a factory installed second mode vibration damper that consist of a coated chain hanging from the top of the pole. This disrupts vibration by moving in the opposite direction of the shaft. The chains may create some noise as it moves inside the pole.

 Snake Damper

A snake damper is another form of a field installed second mode vibration damper that is installed through the hand hole to disrupt vibration of the shaft.

A chain damper or a snake damper can reduce light pole vibration

Some Locations are More Prone to Wind Induced Vibration

Areas with certain environmental variables, such as constant low, steady wind, flat open terrain, large open landscape, and buildings affect the of the pole. Even if you check the special wind regions on a wind speed map, you may need to add strength and or some method of dampening to the poles.

  • Open Landscape – Flat areas with limited or no wind obstructive structures. (i.e. large fields, large open parking lots, open roadways).
  • Cities / Mountains – Areas with wind altering structures or consistent wind currents. (i.e. skyscrapers, trees, hills).
  • Airports – Flat areas with turbulent air from aircraft and no wind altering structures.
  • Top of Parking Decks, Bridges – Flat, open areas of elevated structures.
  • Local Conditions- Unique site related conditions.
Some locations are more prone to wind induced vibration

Consult with your local code department for local wind speed requirements and to determine locations that might have added wind issues.

Light Pole Inspection and Maintenance

Pole inspection and maintenance are very important to the longevity of the pole. It is imperative that destructive pole vibration be minimized in a timely manner before structural damage can occur. Inspections should be performed on a regular basis, beginning when the pole is installed and then after one week, one month, six months and annually.

Pole inspections should also be performed after major wind events, as well as when environmental changes to the location could alter wind patterns – i.e. new construction, removal of buildings, or modification to landscaping. If any changes exist, a pole can be compromised in a short period of time, which can result in pole failure. Indications of pole vibration can be observed with the below guidelines:

  • Visually inspect for signs of corrosion directly above the baseplate weld and around the hand hole. Corrosion and hairline cracks in the finish may suggest material fatigue.
  • During windy conditions, observe the top of pole for excessive deflection and look for rapid oscillation at the middle of the pole. In addition, listen to hear if wires inside the pole are banging against the sides.
  • Check the torque values of the anchor bolts. Low torque values could indicate vibration.
  • Loosening of threaded attachments, fasteners of the luminaire and missing pole caps.
Inspect light poles subject to wind and corrosion for strutural degredation

If signs of pole fatigue exist, a structural engineer should be consulted. The affected pole should be dismantled, and a complete site inspection should be performed. If vibration is, or has, occurred but the pole is still deemed structurally sound, mitigation steps including adding a damper should be performed. If vibration is still present after mitigation, an alternate pole shape should be considered.

 Light Pole Vibration Summary

Many factors need to align to create wind induced pole vibration and may be isolated to one location on the site.
Some factors include:

  • Project is in a wide-open area.
  • Pole is greater than or equal to 25’ and a load of less than a 2.0 EPA • Pole shape, square being the most susceptible to pole vibration.
  • If vibration has been an issue in the past in that area.

If these any of these factors are present, it is recommended that a pole damper be installed to reduce the risk of pole failure due to wind induced pole vibration.

Light Pole Warranties

Pole fatigue, damage or failure caused by or resulting from induced vibration, harmonic vibration or resonance associated with the movement of air currents around the product or by any other local condition are specifically excluded from Access Fixtures’ warranty.

More Light Pole Resources

An Access Fixtures is ready to discuss your project with you.

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