The patterns define how light is dispersed from a fixture and is defined by the point at which 50% of the fixture’s luminous intensity is met.
Type I
Pattern Type I is a two-way lateral distribution having a preferred lateral width of 15 degrees in the cone of maximum candlepower.
Application: Type I distribution is great for lighting walkways, paths, and sidewalks. This type of lighting is meant to be placed near the center of the pathway. This provides adequate lighting for smaller pathways.
Type II
Type II light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 25 degrees. They are generally applicable to luminaires located at or near the side of relatively narrow roadways, where the width of the roadway does not exceed 1.75 times the designed mounting height.
Application: The type II distribution is used for wide walkways, on ramps and entrance roadways, as well as other long, narrow lighting. This type is meant for lighting larger areas and usually is located near the roadside. You’ll find this type of lighting mostly on smaller side streets or jogging paths.
Type III
Type III has a preferred lateral width of 40 degrees. This type has a wider illumination area if you make a direct comparison to type II LED distribution. It is adapted to light up the highways, parking lot, garage, driveway, as well as sports fields – football pitch, tennis, basketball, volleyball and more. It has an asymmetric arrangement as well. The ratio between the width of the illumination area and height of the pole should be less than 2.75. Since we need to light a large outdoor area, we need to install higher power LED lights for area & site lighting.
Application: The type III distribution is meant for general roadway lighting, parking areas and other areas where a larger area of lighting is required. Type III lighting needs to be placed to the side of the area, allowing the light to project outward and fill the area. Its throw is taller than Type II but its side to side throw is shorter.
Type IV
Type IV light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 60 degrees. The intensity of the Type IV lighting has the same intensity at angles from 90 degrees to 270 degrees.
Application: This distribution is intended for side-of-road mounting and is generally used on wide roadways where the roadway width does not exceed 3.7 times the mounting height. The type IV distribution produces a semicircular light meant for mounting on the sides of buildings and walls. It’s best for illuminating the perimeter of parking areas and businesses.
Type V
Type V produces a circular 360°distribution that has equal light distribution at all positions. This distribution has a circular symmetry of foot candles that is essentially the same at all viewing angles. Type V distributions provide the largest, most even pattern of light.
Application: It is intended for luminaire mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of the parkway, and intersections.
Type VS
Type VS produces a square 360° distribution that has the same intensity at all angles. This distribution has a square symmetry of candlepower that is essentially the same at all lateral angles.
Application: It is intended for luminaire mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of the parkway, and intersections. It is also meant for large, commercial parking lot lighting as well as areas where sufficient, evenly distributed light is necessary. Type VS is used where the light pattern needs a more defined edge.