Soccer Field Lighting

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Soccer Field Lighting

• The growing popularity of soccer in the United
  States has lead to a subsequent rise in the
  number of leagues that play recreationally. As a
  result, soccer fields have been popping up in
  various places, and they must be properly lit for
  the night-time safety of the players.
• When looking to install soccer field lighting, it
  is best to consult with an electrician and local
  municipal outdoor lighting codes. Another prime
  resource hails from the US Soccer Foundation,
  which offers recommendations for soccer field
  lighting for optimal illumination.

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• Lighting needs vary depending upon the size of
  the field and the number of spectators. For
  example, a field 180' x 330'designed for
  nighttime competition without spectators requires
  a minimum of 30 footcandles of horizontal target
  illumination continuously, while a professional
  stadium needs at least 75 footcandles. One
  footcandle is equal to one lumen spread over one
  square foot to show the quantity of the light
  being put out from the soccer field lighting. The
  amount of voltage available from the ballast a
  transformer - 

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• should be taken into consideration when choosing
  lighting as well. Multi-tap ballast for soccer
  field lighting allows for greater flexibility.
  All of our soccer field lighting configured for
  either multi-tap ballasts for 120, 208, 240, and
  277 volts or choose the 480 volt ballast. The
  lamp should match with the ballast. For example,
  if you need a metal halide soccer field lighting
  sportslighter fixture it should be paired with a
  metal halide 400 watt ballast . It is best to
  constantly work with a qualified professional
  when choosing and installing soccer field
  lighting due to the high voltage levels that are
  being used.

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• Soccer field lighting needs to be mounted
  properly on poles. The US Soccer Foundation
  recommends always using galvanized steel poles
  and mounting assemblies. To mount just two
  fixtures on a metal pole requires a light angle
  iron cross arm for metal poles. This is for use
  with the all the soccer field lighting fixtures
  sold. There are also options for 3 and 4 lights
  for either metal or wooden poles.

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• The poles should be placed at least 20 feet from
  the sideline and outside of fences to avoid
  injury. The lights should be mounted at a height
  to minimize glare for the spectators and spillage
  outside the soccer field. By reducing the amount
  of light that spills over, nearby neighbor
  complaints will be reduced, and electricity will
  be saved as the lighting will function more
  efficently. The ballasts and electrical equipment
  should be in aluminum enclosures at least 10 feet
  above the ground, there should be a safety
  disconnet for each. Check the US Soccer
  Foundation's recommendations for soccer field
  lighting and a licenced electrician for further
  information on connections and mounting of the
  lighting.

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• For any lighting needs, it is always recommended
  to consult with an expert electrician. They will
  know the local municipal codes and the proper
  handling and installation of high voltage soccer
  field lighting, but consult the soccer field
  lighting page for any of the lighting fixtures
  and mounts that are required by the electrician.
• For any other questions about your or any other
  sport field lighting applications, call our
  lighting consultants toll free at
  1-800-239-2939.