What are LED Lighting Distribution Types ?

LED light distribution, or the projected pattern of light from a specific fixture, comes in several patterns or “types.” Selecting the proper distribution type is a key step for any application as it not only enhances light levels but can also help reduce the number of fixtures required for the project. The guide below, which features Type1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, Type5, and Type 5S distribution patterns, can help determine the best distribution type for various lighting applications.

WSL Lighting features its own team of lighting design and layout experts who can provide support when selecting the proper distribution type. In addition, WSL Lighting can provide custom photometric layouts and lighting designs specific to your lighting project.

Type I

The type I distribution is great for lighting walkways, paths and sidewalks. This type of lighting is meant to be placed near the center of the pathway. This provides adequate lighting for smaller pathways.

Type I is a two-way lateral distribution having a preferred lateral width of 15 degrees in the cone of maximum candlepower. The two principal light concentrations are in opposite directions along a roadway. This type is generally applicable to a luminaire location near the center of a roadway where the mounting height is approximately equal to the roadway width.

Type II

The type II distribution is used for wide walkways, on ramps and entrance roadways, as well as other long, narrow lighting. This type is meant for lighting larger areas and usually is located near the roadside. You’ll find this type of lighting mostly on smaller side streets or jogging paths.

Type II light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 25 degrees. They are generally applicable to luminaires located at or near the side of relatively narrow roadways, where the width of the roadway does not exceed 1.75 times the designed mounting height.

Type III

The type III distribution is meant for roadway lighting, general parking areas and other areas where a larger area of lighting is required. Type III lighting needs to be placed to the side of the area, allowing the light to project outward and fill the area. This produces a filling light flow.

Type III light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 40 degrees. This distribution is intended for luminaires mounted at or near the side of medium width roadways or areas, where the width of the roadway or area does not exceed 2.75 times the mounting height.

Type IV

The type IV distribution produces a semicircular light meant for mounting on the sides of buildings and walls. It’s best for illuminating the perimeter of parking areas and businesses. The intensity of the Type IV lighting has the same intensity at angles from 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

Type IV light distributions have a preferred lateral width of 60 degrees. This distribution is intended for side-of-road mounting and is generally used on wide roadways where the roadway width does not exceed 3.7 times the mounting height.

Type V

Type V produces a circular distribution that has the same intensity at all angles. This distribution has a circular symmetry of candlepower that is essentially the same at all lateral angles. It is intended for luminaire mounting at or near center of roadways, center islands of parkway, and intersections. It is also meant for large, commercial parking lot lighting as well as areas where sufficient, evenly distributed light is necessary.

Type VS

Type VS produces a square distribution that has the same intensity at all angles.Type 5S (square) LED Distribution pattern. This distribution has a square symmetry of candlepower that is essentially the same at all lateral angles. It is intended for luminaire mounting at or near center of roadways, center islands of parkway, and intersections. It is also meant for large, commercial parking lot lighting as well as areas where sufficient, evenly distributed light is necessary. Type VS is used where the light pattern needs a more de-fined edge.