Aluminum Light Poles: Start with EPA and Wind Zone
An aluminum light pole is selected by engineering, not by height alone. The controlling number is EPA, effective projected area: the wind-catching surface of everything mounted on the pole. Add the EPA of each fixture and bracket, then confirm the total is at or below the pole's rated EPA for your site's design wind speed. Worked example: two shoebox area lights at 1.0 sq ft each on a twin bullhorn at 0.6 sq ft totals 2.6 sq ft. A 25 ft round tapered aluminum pole might carry 6 sq ft at 90 mph but only 2 sq ft at 130 mph, so the same pole that passes in Atlanta fails in coastal Florida, where the fix is a heavier wall gauge or a shorter pole.
The ranges below are representative of standard round tapered aluminum poles. Ratings vary by manufacturer, wall thickness, and base detail, so always verify the final selection against the specific pole's spec sheet, which we will pull for you on request.
| Pole Height | Typical Wall | EPA at 90 mph | EPA at 110 mph | EPA at 130 mph |
|---|
| 20 ft | 0.125 in | 8 to 11 sq ft | 4 to 6 sq ft | 2 to 3 sq ft |
| 25 ft | 0.156 in | 6 to 9 sq ft | 3 to 5 sq ft | 1.5 to 3 sq ft |
| 30 ft | 0.188 in | 5 to 8 sq ft | 2.5 to 4 sq ft | 1 to 2 sq ft |
Florida projects deserve a specific callout, since coastal counties carry design wind speeds of 150 mph and higher under the Florida Building Code. At those speeds the workable choices narrow to heavy-gauge poles at moderate heights with low-EPA fixtures; send us the county and we will match a rated pole rather than guessing from a generic chart.
Aluminum vs Steel: the Decision Matrix
| Factor | Aluminum | Steel |
|---|
| Corrosion | Naturally corrosion resistant; no coating required to survive weather | Depends on galvanizing or paint; coastal salt air attacks any coating breach |
| Weight | Light; two installers and a lift handle most heights | Roughly double the weight; larger equipment on site |
| Coastal and salt air | The default choice near the coast and around irrigation | Needs upgraded coating systems and inspection over its life |
| EPA capacity per dollar | Lower; high-EPA, high-mast work favors steel | Higher; carries bigger fixture arrays at height |
| Lifetime cost | Higher upfront, minimal upkeep | Lower upfront, periodic coating maintenance |
The pattern that falls out of the matrix: choose aluminum for coastal sites, parking lots, campuses, and any project at 30 ft and under where handling and corrosion dominate; step to Steel Light Poles when tall poles must carry large multi-fixture arrays, and consider Fiberglass Light Poles where breakaway performance or dielectric properties drive the spec.
Base Styles: Anchor, Direct Burial, and Hinged
Anchor-base poles bolt to a poured concrete foundation over an anchor bolt cage, the standard for commercial parking lots because a damaged pole swaps without new foundation work; poles ship with a welded base plate, hand-hole, and anchor bolt template. Direct-burial poles embed 10 percent of height plus 2 ft into the ground, trading foundation cost for harder replacement. Hinged-base poles fold down for fixture service at grade, worth specifying where bucket truck access is impractical, such as fenced yards and interior courtyards.
Finishing the Pole Package
Standard light poles in this aluminum family come in round and square profiles, straight and tapered, in mill, bronze, black, and dark green powder coat finishes. Tops are drilled for fixtures or fitted with tenons; bullhorns, arms, and vibration dampers are in Light Pole Accessories. Pair poles with Area Lights and Shoebox Fixtures for parking lots, or with cobrahead fixtures from Street Lights and Cobraheads when the spec calls for a street light pole profile. The full material lineup is under Light Poles.
