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How can I minimise the impact of vibration on masts and light poles?

Masts play an essential role in modern lighting systems. While some lighting solutions might be able to make use of existing infrastructure—think of floodlights affixed to the roof of a football stadium, for instance—most require dedicated fixtures to be used. That’s where high masts come in, providing the requisite height needed to light an area effectively. As is the case with any fixture above a certain height, masts are susceptible to wind and other forces. A strong enough breeze can cause a mast to shake and vibrate, which has an onward impact on structural stability. Long-term exposure to high winds can lead to everything from the appearance of small cracks through to all-out failure . And wind isn’t the only thing that can cause a mast to vibrate, either—as we’ll come to see. Naturally, for safety reasons alone it’s important to minimise the risk of a mast failing as much as possible. With the addition of a heavy (and expensive) object like a luminaire, reducing that risk becomes even more important than it already is. In this short guide, we’re looking at the impact of wind and vibration on masts and light poles—and how you can protect your own fixtures. * A quick note before we begin: we’re using the term “masts” here, but the same guidance also applies to light poles and other support structures, too. *

7 min read | 15 Oct 2024