For almost every sport played in the country, there is an Australian Standard which governs recommended lux levels and the uniformity of lighting.
The Australian Standard AS2560.2 relies on two main deciding factors; how fast the ball is moving, and how big the ball is. For this reason the recommended lux levels for tennis are much higher than those for bowls.
These lux levels also vary for training, local games, and competitions.
For every sport there are preferred or ideal pole locations, but these positions may only be theoretical if existing poles are going to be used.
Whatever the format, it is important to ensure the light can reach the centre of the green, pitch or field. The light needs to give good uniformity, without having to tilt the lights too much, which can cause glare to the players and neighbours. The format may also depend on how close houses are to comply with council code for spill light.
The process for installing lights has four main steps:
- Trenching for cables and installing footing cages
- Fitting the lights to the poles
- Raising the poles and completing electrical installation
- Testing and sign-off
The costs will vary considerably depending on the location and lux levels required but in 2022 when trying to calculate a field, Legacy Lighting have some rough base estimates available:
- Rugby/Soccer – 150 lux $25/m2
- AFL – 150 lux $14/m2
- Hockey – 500 lux $68/m2
- Bowls – 150 lux $46/m2
- Tennis – 350 lux $230/m2
The relationship between size and lux levels is quite linear, so an increase in size and/or lux will be proportionally higher for the lighting element but have less effect on the poles and installation.
Often, lights constitute a relatively small part of the overall cost. At times, this can be seen as an area to save money, but economising on the lights may waste all the other money completely.
All poles have to be safe and to a fixed standard for weight load and must be capable of carrying the required capacity. Poor pole choice or electrical work may mean that the lux levels are not appropriate for the sport. This can be seen with patchy, dark spots and light spots, or simply just not enough light at all. It is almost impossible to rectify these lighting problems and will invariably cost the club in the long-run to replace them.
One strategy that a number of clubs use is purchasing poles capable of carrying the full capacity that is required, and do the trenching and cabling for the ideal lighting job. Then purchase lights to cover the essentials, such as, 100 lux. Once the club has saved some more money, the system can then be easily and inexpensively upgraded to bring it up to the optimum level.
Think laterally and avoid making short-term fixes that have long-term effects, and define the moment with Legacy Lighting.
This sponsored article was brought to you by Legacy Lighting
