Energy Efficient LED Streetlights
We use energy efficient LED streetlights on several new projects in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, while still providing quality lighting. LED lighting has a longer life (up to 15 years), is less expensive to maintain, and uses roughly 40% less energy than traditional streetlights. LED streetlights are being used in several residential neighborhoods and will be installed in the Eastmark Community, along Southern Avenue in the Fiesta District and in Downtown Mesa along the light rail extension as construction progresses on these projects.
Pole Numbers
Mesa streetlights are not numbered, however there is a number on the light fixture that indicates the wattage of the lamp: 10 =100 watts, 15= 150 watts, 40 = 400 watts, etc.
Cycling Lamp
High-pressure sodium lamps have an expected lifespan of five to six years but must warm up for a few minutes to produce full luminance. Failing lamps draw excessive electric current and will shutdown until they cool off and can restart again. This off/on pattern is called Cycling. As the lamp gets older the "on" time shortens until it is off most of the time.
Day-Burning Lamp or Circuit
A photocell is a light-sensing switch on top of the luminaire that turns the light on at dusk and off at dawn. The photocell may be connected to a lighting control cabinet and turn on multiple lights hooked in to the circuit. When a photocell is damaged, the light or lights will remain on during the day. Operation of the lights during the day not only wastes energy but also shortens the lifespan of the lamp and its components.
Multiple Outages
Multiple outages typically occur when several adjacent streetlights are out. This may result from a failure in the lighting control cabinet or in the underground wires. Circuit outages are treated as high priority because of the large areas effected.
Knock Downs, Vandalism, Exposed Wires
In recent years, 73 streetlights were damaged by vehicles requiring full replacement or major repairs. In addition, 108,019 feet of copper wire were stolen, 148 poles were replaced due to rust damage, and vandals broke out numerous streetlight lenses with pellet and paintball guns. Please report any vandalism to the Mesa Police Department. Always stay clear of a pole that has been hit, is moving excessively, has loose components that are hanging down, or has any exposed wires.