Flagpole Lighting

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LarryFine said:
When is someone going to invent a self-illuminated flag?
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Awesome idea Larry, Sew up some LED's and make a fortune!

jmellc said:
Thanks to all for your feedback. I discussed with customer and he wants a 100 watt metal halide. I'm getting one of them and mounting on an Arlington post, with a photocell also in the post. Going about a foot into the rock to keep out of mower path. Shallow trench (8") to corner of house and 3/4 rigid conduit.

Local KIM dealer said 4-6 weeks to order, can't wait that long. Otherwise, I'd try that LED uplight. Dealer knew the one, had sold some of them.

I'll report back degree of success with this.
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I would run 3/4" IMC, a smidgen easier. I'm glad to see much assistance to light this flag. I'll stop short of calling it unpatriotic, but flying a non-illuminated United States flag at night is rude and against flag-etiquette.
 
Update

Update

Well, I've done the job. Used 100w metal halide. Mounted on an Arlington post about 12 inches high, about 5 feet out from the pole. Problem I didn't anticipate is that the flag is reasonably visible from the house but not from the street. Also had to order a glare shield to cut glare to street and driveway. I thought the flag would allow some light through it. I may have to mount smaller lights on the pole itself and sort of surround the pole and flag with a "column" of light. Everything is a learning experience. I've used this and similar lights on untold numbers of signs and thought this would not be so much different. I've found a few new websites with specialty flagpole lights on up to $800 or so. I've sold old cars and trucks for less than that. But I'll work at it til I get it right.
 
My Aunt wants me to do the same thing as a surprise gift for my Uncle. I have been debating the LED over metal halide and type fixture in my head and still can't decide which way to go.

The pole is not installed yet but she wants the light ready to go since she will tell him it is for illuminating the landscaping for now to throw him off her trail.

I will look into the KIM product. If anyone else has any good or bad experiences with this please let me know.

Thanks,

Jeff
 
The KIM dealer told me all KIM lights are ordered. Would take several weeks to get. Masterinbama had good luck with a KIM LED. If you haven't already, look at flagpoles in your town and see what they use. I checked some here and found MH for a 50' pole, qtz halogen for a 20'. The qtz wasn't very good, the MH was; and a lighting dealer recomended that, though he didn't have any at the time. I got a 100w MH from a supply house.
 
PCN said:
These are pretty slick. We just started using them on our buildings, not super bright, but they do the job. Also they don't contribute to skyglow if that's a concern.

http://www.flagpolewarehouse.com/fl.../index.shtml?gclid=CNqylPnzu58CFZdM5QodwCMZzg
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I like the looks of those lights; a bit pricey, but worth knowing about. Can these mount on an existing flagpole or do you have to get their pole? Looks like the light rotates with the wind, correct? A collapsible pole would be good too, making bulb changes easier.
 
Your shotgun approach to lighting the flag with a metal halide light isn't the best way to go.

A simple, inexpensive and NERY effective method is to use a 12V landscape well light with a very narrow 50 watt lamp.

LED would be another better option.
 
Most rules concerning lighting the American flag calls for it to be properly lighted. I agree with 220/221 with a well light or some method to light
The flag from below The flag where The flag is illuminated without seeing the light source.
 
The luminare needs to be mounted up high and back away from the flag.
I found this, maybe it was a white paper from Rudd:
September 5, 2002
Flagpole Lighting Notes

Per Rudd Application Engineer

Height Wattage
15 ft 175 watt medium beam flood HID Rudd PM
20 ft 175
20-25 400 watt
25-40 400 watt narrow beam flood HID Rudd PN

Look at the ambient light level ? if the light level is low than a lower wattage fixture can be used. Higher levels call for more light to create a greater contrast.

A good fixture for close in flags is a NS6410 Rudd 100 w HID. This is typically used in residential applications, cost 94 prepaid, 117.50 on PO.

A 100 W HID = 425 quartz incandescent
 
If the lamp is mounted above the flag -- the presentation of the flag will be washed out by the lamps light. If the proper lamp is used and mounted below the flag you will see the flag from the effects of the lamp without being blinded by the lamp !
 
At the High School near me, the flag pole has a built in luminaire at the top. I'll get a picture and post. I don't know who the mfg is.
 
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