Introduction
Street lights are more than just illumination devices—they are engineered structures designed to withstand wind, weather, and daily wear over decades of service. When planning installations or replacements, knowing the weight of a street light is essential for selecting proper foundations, transport equipment, and installation methods. The total weight depends on multiple components: the pole, the luminaire (lamp head), mounting hardware, and any additional equipment such as banners, cameras, or solar panels.

Typical Weight Range for Street Lights
Street light weights vary widely based on height, material, and design. Here’s a general overview:

Small residential street lights (10–15 ft poles): 45–90 kg (100–200 lbs)

Standard urban street lights (20–30 ft poles): 90–180 kg (200–400 lbs)

High-mast street lights (35–50 ft poles): 225–900+ kg (500–2,000 lbs)

These figures include the pole, luminaire, and mounting brackets, but not extra accessories like decorative arms or banners.

Weight Breakdown by Component
1. Pole Weight
The pole is the heaviest part of most street lights. Factors influencing pole weight include:

Material: Steel poles are heavier than aluminum or fiberglass.

Height: Taller poles require thicker walls and larger diameters.

Design: Decorative bases and fluted shafts add weight.

Example Pole Weights:

20-ft steel pole: ~90–120 kg (200–265 lbs)

25-ft aluminum pole: ~45–70 kg (100–155 lbs)

40-ft concrete pole: ~360–680 kg (800–1,500 lbs)

2. Luminaire (Lamp Head) Weight
LED fixtures tend to be lighter than traditional HID or metal halide units.

Small LED luminaire: 4–8 kg (9–18 lbs)

Large LED roadway luminaire: 10–20 kg (22–44 lbs)

Older HID fixtures: 15–27 kg (33–60 lbs)

3. Mounting Hardware
Brackets, arms, and clamps can add 5–20 kg (11–44 lbs), depending on style and length.

4. Additional Equipment
In modern smart city setups, poles often carry:

Solar panels: 10–25 kg (22–55 lbs) each

Banners/Signs: 5–15 kg (11–33 lbs)

Cameras/Sensors: 2–10 kg (4–22 lbs)

These accessories not only increase weight but also change wind loading requirements.

Weight by Material Type
Steel Street Light Poles
Pros: High strength, good for tall installations.

Cons: Heavy, susceptible to corrosion without proper coating.

Weight Range: 5–7 kg per meter for standard designs.

Aluminum Street Light Poles
Pros: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easier to handle.

Cons: More expensive, less rigid than steel.

Weight Range: 2–4 kg per meter.

Concrete Street Light Poles
Pros: Extremely durable, low maintenance.

Cons: Very heavy, requires special equipment for transport and installation.

Weight Range: 15–20 kg per meter.

Fiberglass/Composite Poles
Pros: Light, corrosion-free, non-conductive.

Cons: Lower structural strength for very tall heights.

Weight Range: 1.5–3 kg per meter.

Why Street Light Weight Matters
1. Foundation Design
Pole weight, combined with luminaire and accessories, influences the size and depth of the concrete base.

2. Installation Method
Light poles under ~90 kg (200 lbs) may be installed manually with small equipment; heavier poles require cranes or bucket trucks.

3. Transportation
Knowing weight ensures compliance with vehicle load limits and safe handling.

4. Wind Load Calculations
Heavier poles may offer more stability, but weight distribution and surface area are critical for wind resistance.

Example Street Light Configurations and Weights
Pole Height Material Pole Weight Fixture Weight Total Weight
15 ft Aluminum 50 kg (110 lbs) 6 kg (13 lbs) 56 kg (123 lbs)
25 ft Steel 110 kg (243 lbs) 12 kg (26 lbs) 122 kg (269 lbs)
35 ft Concrete 450 kg (992 lbs) 18 kg (40 lbs) 468 kg (1,032 lbs)
40 ft Steel 180 kg (397 lbs) 15 kg (33 lbs) 195 kg (430 lbs)

Special Considerations for High-Mast Lighting
High-mast lighting systems—often 80–120 ft tall—can weigh several tons. These installations are used in large stadiums, ports, or highway interchanges and require:

Heavy-duty cranes for installation.

Large reinforced foundations.

Detailed structural engineering for wind, vibration, and seismic factors.

Reducing Weight Without Sacrificing Strength
Material Substitution: Switching from steel to aluminum can cut pole weight by up to 40%.

Optimized Design: Tapered poles use less material at the top for reduced weight.

Integrated LED Fixtures: Modern LEDs weigh less than older fixtures, reducing load on the pole.

Composite Materials: In certain environments, fiberglass poles offer durability with low weight.

Safety and Handling Tips
Always check the manufacturer’s specification sheet for exact weight before ordering or transporting.

Use proper lifting equipment and certified rigging for heavy poles.

Follow local safety regulations for working at height and handling heavy loads.

Ensure foundation design is matched to both weight and wind load.

Conclusion
The weight of a street light can range from under 60 kg (130 lbs) for a short aluminum residential unit to over 900 kg (2,000 lbs) for tall concrete or high-mast installations. This weight comes from the pole itself, the luminaire, mounting hardware, and any additional equipment. Understanding these weight factors is essential for safe transport, proper installation, and long-term stability. Whether for a small neighborhood road or a major highway, accurate weight data ensures the project is planned and executed efficiently. Check more at this article "how much does a street light weigh"