Lighting & Public Infrastructure

Aluminium exhibits a number of properties that contribute to its versatility and use in urban lighting infrastructure. As a lightweight, rust/corrosion-resistant material, aluminium maintains durability throughout adverse seasonal weather conditions. This is achieved through surface oxidation, forming a protective layer of aluminium oxide, a process which can be enhanced through aluminium anodisation processes.

The malleability of the non-ferrous material offers significant scope for design and fabrication freedom, whilst retaining structural integrity and strength when exposed to wind and natural stresses. At Edmo, our specialist turnkey CAD (computer aided design) and prototyping services integrate seamlessly with your project and our wider aluminium services, enabling us to provide complete design and project support for your street lighting and public infrastructure requirements.

As a fundamental material used in the manufacture of public lighting infrastructure, aluminium may be found in a variety of key components in traffic and street lighting:

Housing: The housing is the main body that contains the internal components and light assemblies of the traffic or street light. To ensure extended durability and resistance to weather conditions, the housing is typically constructed from a thick sheet of aluminium, fabricated to the dimensions required.

Masts and poles: The masts and poles are the vertical supports that hold the traffic light assemblies to the desired height once installed. Depending on the application, the exact length and diameter of the aluminium profile may vary, using a blend of extrusion and cut-to-length services to meet the component requirements.

Brackets and Arms: The brackets and arms are used to mount the light assemblies onto the mast or pole and for attaching visors. These are essential components for ensuring the lighting systems are appropriately positioned for their intended function and are, as a result, commonly manufactured from aluminium to ensure durability.

Doors and Panels: Doors and panels are vital components for protecting the functional components of public lighting infrastructure. They also provide maintenance access to electrical components such as the traffic light control systems, contained in controller cabinets.

Visors and Grills: Visors are used to shield the light assemblies from sun glare and improve visibility. Depending on the application of the traffic light system, visors may be tailored in their design to the road layout with the intent of reducing confusion for drivers. Cut-away, tunnel and full circle visors may each be commissioned to ensure that the traffic light signals are only viewable by traffic in intended lanes to enhance safety.

At Edmo, we have over 45 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality aluminium parts; contact our expert team today to discuss your project requirements.

No matter the type of component required, public lighting infrastructure must maintain strength and durability through decades of use in harsh environments. When specifying and designing your lighting infrastructure, the following are key considerations to ensure optimal performance:

Material Specifications: The material used must be appropriate for use in outdoor environments and specific climates. Aluminium alloys such as 6061 and 5052 offer good strength, corrosion resistance and weldable properties for street and traffic light applications, each offered by Edmo.

Impact Resistance: While components must be expected to withstand adverse weather conditions including strong winds, rain, snow and hail, the impact resistance of the components must also be considered. To ensure extended periods of operation, the lighting components must be able to handle potential impacts from debris or vehicles.

Fire Safety: Depending on local and regional regulations, the aluminium and materials chosen for lighting components may require treatment or have fire-retardant properties to ensure compliance.

Light Reflectivity: In some cases, the aluminium surfaces might require a specific paint or coating to enhance their reflectivity for better nighttime visibility.

No matter the application of your public lighting infrastructure, it is important to consult with a specialist in traffic and street light regulations, and appropriate materials selection to ensure your components comply with all necessary standards and your project requirements.