Get to know the lighting standards for public squares

The lighting standard for public squares, parks, and public spaces are essential elements for the lives of citizens from all places. Adequate lighting can provide magnificent and unique visual experiences for people who frequent or live in cities.

Good lighting for public squares makes all the difference, as it not only makes places more attractive but also makes these places safer. This factor is responsible for boosting tourism, bringing more and more people to walk in these environments, which is also extremely important for the economic development of cities.

Do you want to know more about lighting for public squares and what are the regulations that govern this type of service? Continue reading!

Why is the lighting system for public squares so important?

Street lighting in Brazil began during the colonization era. In those days, whale oil and lamps were used to illuminate the streets. After that phase, new ways of lighting the streets emerged, and currently, many municipalities are already using lighting projects that are more efficient.

All devices that are used both on the streets and in amusement parks and squares have peculiarities. See below the main reasons to have a lighting system working correctly in squares and know what the biggest benefits derived from it for cities are!

More attractive visual experiences

One of the positive points of having good lighting for public squares is that visual experiences become unforgettable. Welcoming and inspiring places are easily noticed. LED luminaires and other lighting options with emphasis and dynamics are excellent for having quality clarity.

Attracts people

Street lighting serves not only to highlight objects at night and bring clarity to dark environments in which cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians transit but also to bring life and color to urban environments.

It is not enough just to illuminate the places; it is essential that they are inviting and that people feel good in that environment, which they have chosen to be in at a certain moment. Light plays an important role in attraction.

Leaves the space well-lit

Night lights are great allies to keep spaces lit. One of the technologically correct options for this is lighting with LED luminaires. With this type of device, it is possible to see the beauties of the places from afar and even the people who transit in public areas at night, whether for a walk or just to sit on the park bench.

Brings more security

Criminality is increasingly growing in small and large cities. Going out at night sometimes causes fear in people because, with poorly lit environments, wrongdoers can take advantage of committing crimes. With proper lighting, these individuals could be easily identified.

For security, lighting for public squares and the installation of more lampposts in certain places bring the population a sense of well-being, which raises the quality of life of the people who feel safer.

What are the lighting standards for public squares and the system used?

ABNT NBR 5101:2018 is the norm responsible for establishing the requirements for optimal lighting in public places, providing all pedestrians and vehicles with greater safety when traveling or walking through environments such as squares, streets, and parks.

Street lighting, which is nothing more than a service that has as its main objectives to offer light and artificial clarity, to fulfill its function must meet the Technical Standard. Only then will it provide good visibility for vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which needs to be as follows:

• Fast;
• Safe;
• Comfortable.

The lighting must provide light for public places at night or during occasional daytime darkening, including those that also need to be illuminated during the day. See below what the ABNT NBR 5101:2018 standard says about the subject!

Measurement equipment

According to the standard, both laboratory and field measurement equipment must be certified. Luxmeters have evolved significantly and changes should be described very clearly so that those who will handle the devices can select the correct options, even to calibrate them. In this way, the lighting will have reliable results.

Sustainability

In many cities, brightness comes from high-pressure lamps. The brightness of these items has high power and a large luminous flux, which is made through chemical reactions that cause damage to the environment. For this reason, companies responsible for public lighting must be increasingly attentive to sustainability.

Luminaire models

The current classifications of public luminaires mentioned in the Technical Standard are:

• Short, medium and long longitudinal;
• Type I, II, III, and IV transverse.

The best-rated LED luminaires are certified by Inmetro and offer excellent performance, as well as surge protectors. These devices are resistant, adjustable, and have Philips technology drivers. They are available in various models, including:

SX-INLPI030, SX-INLPI053, SX-INLPI070, SX-INLPI106, SX-INLPI159, SX-INLPI180, SX-INLPI213, and SX-INLPI266; SX-INLPP020, SX-INLPP030, SX-INLPP070, SX-INLPP100, SX-INLPP120, and SX-INLPE150; SX-INEVO020, SX-INEVO030, SX-INEVO040, SX-INEVO050, and SX-INEVO060;

Pole installation

Taking into account people’s quality of life and the occupancy of public spaces, the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) criteria highlight normative requirements to assist in safer traffic. For this reason, specific conditions for lighting with poles in certain environments, such as:

• Bike lanes;
• Cycle paths;
• Pedestrian areas;
• Cyclists;
• Vehicles.

The pre-established conditions in the current legislation must be followed in future public square lighting projects. Otherwise, the Public Administration may suffer losses and cause damage to nature.

Energy distribution

According to Article 30 of the Brazilian Federal Constitution of 1988, it is determined that the Municipal Public Power must provide local public services under concession or permission regimes. However, the responsibility for oversight has been transferred to ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency).

Electricity distribution companies distribute electricity to all consumers through generating units. Regulatory Resolution No. 414/2010 published by ANEEL specifies the conditions for energy supply. There was a change in this resolution in 2012, through Regulatory Resolution No. 479.

Use of LED luminaires for public square lighting

The LED luminaires used in public lighting are certified by Inmetro to attest that the items comply with ABNT standards. According to quality tests, the equipment is reliable. Portaria No. 20/2017 deals with the items that can be used in public streets.

So now that you know more about public square lighting, remember the precautions that must be taken when thinking about the lighting project for these places and check where to acquire the best solutions and LED devices, which are differentials offered by SX Lighting.

Do you need a project for squares, streets, avenues, or public spaces? SX Lighting will provide you with the best lighting. Click here and request assistance from our specialists.