Floodlight beam angle controls coverage and center intensity. At the same wattage, narrow beams concentrate farther while wide beams cover more area with lower center intensity.
Projects often combine multiple distributions rather than one beam. High masts, sports, ports and airports should use calculations and an aiming schedule.
Estimate coverage geometrically
Throw distance, height and target width set the initial beam range.
- Separate horizontal and slant distance
- Allow beam overlap
- Avoid lighting only the center
Combine narrow, medium and wide beams
Use narrower beams for far zones and medium-wide beams for near zones to balance intensity and uniformity.
- Avoid excessive spread at distance
- Prevent near hot spots
- Use cut-off or aiming at boundaries
Aiming affects glare
Excessive upward aiming can create high-angle glare and upward spill.
- Use higher positions where practical
- Control visible luminous surfaces
- Check operator and driver sight lines
Verify after installation
Pole, bracket and construction tolerances change landing points and require measurement and adjustment.
- Record aiming angles
- Measure a representative grid
- Check boundary spill
