20 foot light poles for LED parking lot lighting provide a practical mounting height for many commercial properties. They can support LED area lights above parking spaces, drive aisles, entrances, and perimeter areas. The right pole and fixture combination helps improve visibility while controlling glare and unnecessary light spill.

Choosing a pole involves more than selecting a height. Buyers must consider structural strength, mounting style, fixture weight, wind exposure, foundation requirements, and the area that needs illumination.

This guide explains how to choose a 20-foot light pole, compare available designs, select compatible LED fixtures, and plan a reliable installation.

Benefits of 20 Foot Light Poles

A 20-foot pole offers a useful balance between coverage and mounting height. It suits many small and medium commercial properties, although the correct height depends on the site’s lighting requirements.

Coverage for Parking Areas

Mounting an LED fixture 20 feet above ground can help spread light across several parking spaces or a section of a drive aisle. Suitable optics can reduce dark gaps between fixtures.

The final coverage depends on lumen output, beam distribution, pole placement, and required light levels. A higher pole does not automatically provide better illumination.

Durable Outdoor Construction

Commercial light poles must withstand weather and repeated exposure to outdoor conditions. Steel poles are common because of their structural strength.

Protective coatings help limit corrosion. The pole’s construction and finish should match the installation environment, especially in locations exposed to moisture, salt, or strong winds.

Flexible Fixture Mounting

A 20-foot pole can support different LED area light configurations when the pole and mounting hardware are designed for the load.

Depending on the model, buyers may choose a direct arm mount, slip-fitter connection, or tenon top. The correct option depends on the fixture’s mounting requirements and the desired direction of light.

Types of 20 Foot Light Poles

Different pole designs suit different installation conditions. Compare the mounting method, construction, and structural specifications before choosing a model.

Square Steel Light Poles

Square-tube steel poles provide a rigid structure for commercial lighting installations. LED Light Expert lists 20-foot square-tube models, including options with different finishes and mounting configurations. <Cite refs={[“turn350186view0”]}/>

Check the steel thickness, dimensions, corrosion protection, base design, and rated load. These specifications matter more than appearance alone.

Round Steel Light Poles

Round-tube poles provide another option for outdoor lighting. Some models use a tenon top to accept compatible fixtures or mounting adapters.

Confirm the tenon diameter and compatibility before ordering. A fixture that does not fit the pole may require an additional adapter.

Surface-Mount Poles

Surface-mount poles attach to a base plate secured to anchor bolts in a properly designed foundation.

This arrangement can simplify pole replacement or future maintenance. However, the concrete foundation, anchor bolts, and base plate must be suitable for the pole and local wind conditions.

High-Wind-Rated Poles

Locations exposed to strong winds may need poles designed for higher wind loads. LED Light Expert lists a model specifically intended for Florida and high-wind applications. <Cite refs={[“turn350186view0”]}/>

Do not assume that every 20-foot pole has the same wind rating. Confirm the manufacturer’s structural documentation and applicable local requirements.

How to Choose LED Parking Lot Lights for a 20 Foot Pole

The fixture must provide the right amount of light for the site. Wattage alone cannot determine whether a light will cover the parking area properly.

Compare Lumens and Wattage

Watts measure electrical power consumption. Lumens measure visible light output.

A higher-wattage fixture may produce more light, but its performance also depends on efficiency and optical design. Compare verified lumen output and photometric data before selecting a model.

LED Light Expert’s pole packages offer optional fixture configurations, including certain 150W and 300W LED parking lot lights. These are product options, not universal recommendations for every 20-foot installation. <Cite refs={[“turn350186search1″,”turn350186search3”]}/>

Choose the Correct Light Distribution

LED area lights use optics to direct light across specific areas.

The right distribution depends on whether the pole sits along a parking lot’s edge, between parking rows, or near a building. Suitable optics can improve coverage and reduce light spilling beyond the property.

Check Fixture Compatibility

Before buying a pole and light together, verify the mounting connection, fixture weight, wind-loading information, and electrical requirements.

Some configurations use one light per pole. Others use two fixtures with a compatible bracket. Multiple fixtures can direct light in different directions, but they also increase the load on the pole.

How Far Apart Should 20 Foot Light Poles Be?

Pole spacing depends on the site layout and lighting targets. There is no single distance that works for every parking lot.

Spacing poles too far apart can create dark areas. Placing them too close together may increase equipment and installation costs without providing meaningful improvements.

Consider these factors when planning the layout:

• Parking lot dimensions: Measure the length and width of the area requiring illumination.
• Fixture output: Confirm that enough light reaches the pavement between poles.
• Optical distribution: Match the light pattern to the mounting position.
• Uniformity: Avoid large differences between bright and dark areas.
• Property boundaries: Limit unwanted light spill onto neighboring properties.
• Obstructions: Account for trees, signs, buildings, and other objects that may block light.

A photometric light study can estimate illuminance across the proposed layout. It helps designers evaluate fixture positions, pole spacing, and expected uniformity before installation.

Pole Foundation and Installation Requirements

A 20-foot pole must have a suitable foundation and mounting system. Incorrect installation can create structural and electrical hazards.

For a surface-mounted pole, the installation generally includes a base plate, anchor bolts, and a concrete foundation designed for the site. The required foundation dimensions depend on soil conditions, wind exposure, pole specifications, and fixture loads.

Before installation, verify the following:

1. Foundation design: Follow the pole manufacturer’s requirements and applicable engineering specifications.
2. Anchor bolt placement: Confirm bolt spacing and alignment with the pole’s base plate.
3. Electrical connections: Use suitable wiring, grounding, and circuit protection.
4. Pole alignment: Ensure the pole is installed securely and vertically.
5. Fixture aiming: Direct the light toward the intended parking and pedestrian areas.
6. Final testing: Check the lights and measure illumination where required.

Use a qualified electrician and an appropriately experienced installer. Do not select foundation dimensions based only on pole height.

How Much Does a 20 Foot Light Pole Cost?

The total cost depends on pole construction, finish, mounting style, hardware, shipping, and installation.

A pole-only purchase differs from a complete package that includes mounting hardware, anchor bolts, or LED fixtures. Compare quotations carefully to confirm what is included.

LED Light Expert lists individual 20-foot poles and multi-pole packages. Some packages allow buyers to add compatible LED fixtures and mounting accessories. Prices and availability can change, so check the current product listing before ordering. <Cite refs={[“turn350186view0″,”turn350186search1″,”turn350186search3”]}/>

Also account for electrical work, foundation construction, lifting equipment, and future maintenance when estimating the project budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 20-foot light poles suitable for commercial parking lots?

Yes. They can suit many retail properties, offices, apartment complexes, and smaller commercial parking areas. The final choice depends on site dimensions and lighting requirements.

Can a 20-foot pole support two LED lights?

Some poles can support two fixtures with a compatible bracket. Confirm the pole’s structural rating, mounting hardware, fixture weight, and combined wind load before installation.

What wattage LED light should I use?

The required wattage depends on fixture efficiency, light distribution, parking lot dimensions, and target illumination. A photometric study can help identify a suitable fixture output.

Should I choose a square or round pole?

Both designs can work. Compare structural specifications, mounting compatibility, corrosion protection, foundation requirements, and total cost before deciding.

Conclusion

20 foot light poles for LED parking lot lighting can provide effective illumination for many commercial properties when paired with suitable fixtures and a properly designed layout.

Choose a pole based on its structural specifications, mounting style, wind rating, and foundation requirements. Then select LED lights according to their output, optics, and intended coverage.

For a complete solution, compare pole-only options with packages that include compatible fixtures and hardware. A photometric study can help confirm the proposed layout before installation.