How to light padel courts?
With the arrival of the winter months and the consequent decrease in hours of natural light, it is essential to properly illuminate padel courts. Correct lighting for these courts, whether outdoors or indoors, prevents glare, increases visibility, and ensures compliance with official sports lighting standards. The use of LED lights is a valuable asset in these spaces because it provides consistent illumination, a long lifespan, and energy savings. It is also important to consider the mounting height of the luminaires, the beam angle, the color temperature, and the brightness rating (UGR).
Padel courts have standard dimensions of 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. To adequately illuminate these spaces, equipment should be used that covers the entire surface, without leaving dark spots or creating intense glare that could distract players. If the lighting is uneven, players may miss the ball, misjudge distances, and lose focus.
The goal is to create a consistent and comfortable visual environment for both players and spectators.
What are the fundamental lighting requirements for a padel court?
Average horizontal illuminance: recreational games need at least 300 lux. Professional tournaments generally require 500 to 750 lux, which ensures bright and uniform field illumination.
Uniformity ratio (E min/E med) : In school and recreational competitions, the uniformity E min/E med must be at least 0.5. In national and international competitions, it must be E min/E med 0.7. This value ensures that there are no large brightness fluctuations between the center and the edges of the field; and that the ball remains visible and clear, no matter where it moves.
Color temperature : the recommended range is between 4000K and 6000K. This provides a crisp, neutral to cool white light that mimics daylight and aids in player concentration.
Color Rendering Index (CRI) : A CRI of 80 or higher ensures that the colors on the field (the ball, the players' clothing, and the field lines) appear natural and easy to distinguish.
Brightness rating (UGR) : the lower the value, the better the performance on the field.
Pole height: Light poles should be positioned outside the facility, with the bottom of the projector at least 20 feet above the ground. For newly constructed facilities, the suggested minimum height is at least 8 meters above the ground.
What are the advantages of choosing LED lighting?
Upgrading padel court lighting to LED technology is more than just a trend. It's a decision that brings long-term benefits for everyone. Let's look at some of those benefits.
Energy savings : LED technology consumes up to 70% less energy than older lighting systems, such as metal halide and halogen lamps.
Instant illumination : unlike metal halide lamps, which take several minutes to reach maximum brightness, LED lights turn on instantly.
Long lifespan : LED bulbs can last more than 50,000 hours. This reduces the need for constant bulb replacements and lowers maintenance costs. This is especially useful in outdoor environments, where access to high light fixtures is sometimes difficult.
Improved beam control : LED technology offers directional lighting, meaning you can direct the light exactly where it's needed, without wasting it. This improves brightness on the field and reduces light scattering to surrounding areas.
Weather-resistant design : Most LED lights have an IP66 rating, making them resistant to dust and strong water jets. Therefore, they can withstand rain, wind, and other outdoor challenges with ease.
What factors are essential when choosing LED lights?
When choosing LED lights for these spaces, it is essential to consider the following factors:
Beam angle : Opt for a narrow beam angle, between 30° and 60°. This focuses the light more efficiently across the entire play area.
High efficiency : choose light fixtures with a high lumen output, ideally between 120 and 160 lumens per watt. This ensures intense brightness without wasting energy.
Durable housing : choose luminaires with a minimum IK08 rating for impact resistance, and IP66 or higher for protection against dust and water.
Brightness control : optional visors or anti-reflective lenses can help reduce stray light and make gaming more comfortable for the eyes.
To see our lighting options for padel courts , please visit the following links:
LED Projector 500W Super High Power 1m cable IP65 135lm/W V-TAC
LED Projector 500W Super High Power Samsung Chip 1m cable 6500K IP65 135lm/W V-TAC
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our experts via email at info@wattlamp.net .
