Bollard Lights: Features, Types, and Installation Process

What Materials Are Bollard Lights Made Of?

Bollard lights are commonly made from the following four materials:

1. Aluminum: The aluminum makes the fixture lightweight and strong. The aluminium is 65% lighter than steel, which helps reduce the burden on the poles, walls, or the ground anchors. It has a thin oxide coating, which protects it from moisture up to 90% and prevents corrosion. 
2. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is clean and polished in a style that is acceptable in a new or luxurious interior. It resists harsh weather because the surface is impervious to corrosion and the salty air of the coastline. It contains approximately 18% of chromium that helps to keep it rust-free, and also strengthens the lights in adverse heat or moisture.
3. Polycarbonate/Plastic: Polycarbonate does not shatter easily, even when they are struck by something or act of pressure is placed on it. It resists over 90% of the UV radiation due to its molecular structure, which does not allow the radiation with high energies to reach the inner surface. This material is useful for outdoor places because it is lightweight and economical ( Due to its low material cost and ease of manufacturing).
4. Cast Iron or Steel: Cast iron and steel offer heavy strength, making them suitable for public areas with frequent use or risk of impact. The strength is attributed to their dense construction, which makes the fixtures hold up against heavy winds or unintentional bumps. Steel contains carbon and iron that increase its tensile strength, and cast iron has a thick, rigid structure that makes it wear-resistant.

What are the Types of Bollard Lights?

Here are four types of bollard light:

1. Standard Bollards: These fixtures spread light evenly in every direction, which helps brighten open areas without leaving dark corners. They work best in parks, wide driveways, or plazas where full-area visibility matters. The light emission is within a 360-degree radius, so it is convenient to outline without unpleasant shadows.
2. Louvered Bollards: Louvered bollards have layers of slats to prevent side glare and drive light directly down. Such a design is beneficial for lowering eye strain, particularly in walkways or parking areas where low-glare lighting is more comfortable. The light remains focused on the ground and does not spill on the adjacent spaces, as about 80% of the light stays on the ground.
3. Directional Bollards: They are used to send light in a particular direction and help in emphasizing a particular path or sign without lighting up unneeded locations. This narrow beam eliminates glare and enhances visibility in areas where one has to focus attention. Approximately 90% of the light is directed in one direction to direct the foot traffic.
4. Smart Bollards: Smart bollards react to their environment through in-built sensors or remote systems. With the motion detectors, the lights are only switched on when there is movement nearby, which saves up to 60% of the energy. Remote controls and timers allow for regulating the brightness in communal areas without manual work.

What are the Power Source Options for Bollard Lights?

Here are four Light Source Options for bollard light:

1. Hardwired (Line Voltage): Hardwired bollards are powered through standard 120V or 240V power lines, which makes them suitable for commercial areas or city infrastructure. It provides a steady light and withstands high loads without the loss of voltage. The wiring remains stationary underground, being anchored at a depth of approximately 18 inches to be on the safe side. The lights are also stable during storms or heavy usage because it is permanently wired.
2. Low Voltage (12V–24V): Low-voltage bollards use 12V to 24V, making them safer for home spaces like gardens or walkways. They connect through a step-down transformer that reduces standard 120V power to the required voltage. This setup keeps lighting secure and easy to manage around residential areas. 
3. Solar Powered: The solar bollards are powered by the sun during the day and illuminate at night to provide about 8 to 10 hours of light without any wiring attached to them. The unit doesn’t rely on electricity, which makes it perfect for outdoor lighting. But the output decreases by up to 60% in the darker areas, as it depends on the amount of sunlight available to the panel.
4. Battery-Operated: Battery-powered bollards use a 4,000 mAh pack that runs for 6 to 12 hours on a single charge. Without wiring, they stay portable and work well in temporary or low-use spaces like event zones or side paths. The replacement of batteries after every 30 days maintains the performance. 

How to Choose the Right Bollard Light?

Here are six key points to choose the right bollard light:

1. Purpose: More than 70% of decorative bollards are directed at style rather than intensity. A distance of between 10 to 15 feet is required to keep the walkways illuminated and safe. Darker areas require 200 lumens or more per fixture for security purposes.
2. Light Output (Lumens): Smaller paths required 100 to 200 lumens per fixture when a soft, non-glare lighting is desired. Bigger spaces, such as driveways, require 300-500 lumens to ensure proper visibility. Over 800 lumens begins to seem too intense, and these are only appropriate in high-security areas.
3. Beam Angle & Distribution: A 360-degree beam allows the light to cover a wider area, such as a park or a plaza. In the case of a wall or edge, a 180 beam maintains the focus of light without spillage of energy. Directional beams have an approximate target of 90° beam angle, suitable to indicate signs or narrow paths.
4. Design & Finish: More than 60% of the modern bollards are designed with matte black or brushed steel to camouflage with the urban environment. Textured finishes work better in landscapes, hiding the dust and scratches. A height of 24 to 36 inches allows bollards to light the ground effectively without standing too tall. This range keeps the light focused on walkways or paths while staying below eye level, so views stay open.
5. Durability Needs: Install vandal-resistant lighting with an IK10 rating to ensure it remains secure even after strong stress (weather changes and accidental pressure). IP65 protection is used on outdoor safety, which blocks more than 95% of dust and water due to sealed connections and stops short circuits in the case of rain. These fixtures last over 10 years in public areas without needing major repairs.
6. Power Supply:  A 120V power supply and at least 12 inches of trenching are required to ensure safety during wire installation. In a Solar light system, wiring is not mandatory because a full day of sunlight is the only condition for operating the light. The source of power is determined by the location, use, and frequency of maintenance.

What is the Installation Process of Bollard Lights?

The installation process of a bollard light  involves the following five steps:

1. Planning Layout: Start by mapping the area and placing bollards every 10 to 15 feet for even coverage. Corners or entry points require closer spacing around 8 feet to avoid dark gaps. A clear layout reduces shadows and keeps the entire path uniformly lit.
2. Prepare Foundation: Most of the bollards need a concrete base of at least 12 inches deep to stay stable in harsh conditions. Surface mounting with 4 to 6 anchor bolts works well for lighter models. The installation method of the base depends on weight, soil type, and how permanent the setup needs to be.
3. Electrical Setup: Wired systems use 120V lines placed inside conduits, typically buried 12 to 18 inches below ground for safety purposes, such as preventing sparking. And for the solar options, proper placement is needed for daily sunlight. The setup depends on power source availability and long-term access for maintenance.
4. Mount Bollards: Bollard lights are installed with the help of 4-6 anchor bolts, which are screwed into concrete or metal sleeves. The heavier models require at least 12 inches in the base to keep them standing upright when they are under pressure. The torque of approximately 50 Nm is typically used to ensure the locking of the fixture.
5. Connect & Test: After the connection, test the voltage using a multimeter or tester to confirm power flow; a 120V reading ensures a full supply. The brightness drops below 80%, and wiring loss is likely. The beam of the alignment stand is 10 feet from the fixture to check for tilt or uneven light spread.

How to Maintain Bollard Lights?

Wipe the lenses and the outer shell after every 30 days. Dust, water marks, and debris block light if not cleansed regularly. In solar or battery-powered models, the charge must be checked every month, and cells usually need replacing every 6 to 12 months. After heavy rain or snowfall, check the base for any tilt or rust. In case the ground shifted more than 1 inch, then the fixture starts leaning or becomes unstable. Always remove leaves, snow, or mud around the fixture to prevent moisture accumulation or rust.