Flood Light Mounting Options
When deciding on the best LED flood light or LED shoebox light for your application, there are many mounting options available. In this article, we will examine their differences. For a quick summary, please refer to the table below.
| Mounting Option | Installation | Characteristics | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Bracket |
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| Slip Fitter |
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| Knuckle |
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| Wall / Pole Mount |
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U Bracket / Trunnion / Yoke
On LED flood lights, a U bracket (also called a trunnion or yoke) is an adjustable metal piece, like the one shown below. One side attaches to the flood light, and the other side attaches to the surface of installation with screws. Brackets are commonly attached to a flat surface, such as the ground, a stage, a rooftop, or walls These are normally used when the flood light is not being installed directly on a junction box.
A major advantage of the bracket is the ability to adjust the flood light angle so that it shines upwards or downwards. This is useful for sign lighting or accent lighting, and in some cases general area lighting. It is also extremely versatile in the locations it can be installed, as all that is required is a flat surface to attach the bracket.
The biggest disadvantage of the bracket is the fact that it cannot install directly on a junction box. The junction box must be within reach of the cable; for example, Arani’s shoebox lights come with a 6ft cable so the junction box must be within 6ft of the fixture. Other mounting options, such as the wall-mount or slip fitter, include integrated ways to seal the electrical connections away from external exposure. As a result, a certified electrician will have to identify a location to house the junction box and wires when using the bracket. It is also not the ideal mounting option for when the light must be installed parallel to the ground for aesthetic reasons.
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Slip Fitter
A slip fitter for LED flood lights refers to the adjustable metal mounting accessory shown below. One end of the slip fitter attaches to the flood light, and the hollow end slips over a round pole, or an arm extending from a pole. In both cases the maximum diameter the Arani slip fitter can accept is 2.5 inches. The slip fitter is then secured onto the round pole with screws. As poles and slip fitters come in various shapes and sizes, it is important to verify the shape and diameter of the pole to ensure compatibility with the slip fitter.
The advantage of a slip fitter is the ability to adjust the flood light angle. Usually this is used to provide the optimal area lighting, such as in parking lots or sports fields etc. The slip fitter allows flood lights and shoebox lights to be installed on tall poles to provide wide area coverage. It also usually allows electrical connections to be made inside, meaning no external junction box is necessary.
A disadvantage of the slip fitter is that its applications are limited only to poles or arms.
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Knuckle
A knuckle is an adjustable and threaded mounting accessory designed to install into conduits and junction boxes. It is generally used for smaller and lighter flood lights, as larger and heavier fixtures would not be properly supported by a conduit.
Advantages include the angle adjustment and ease of installation. Electrical connections may also be made inside the hollow part of the mounting accessory when installed with a conduit, meaning no junction box is necessary.
A disadvantage may be the need for a conduit to use this mounting option. Without a conduit, a junction box installation is possible, but would potentially require additional weatherproofing, such as by applying silicone gel to the connection points.
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Wall-Mount / Pole mount
A wall-mount in the context of LED flood lights is the mounting accessory shown below. One side attaches to the flood light, and the other side attaches to the wall or on the side of a pole. It is thick and robust, making it the best mounting option for applications where no fixture angle adjustment is necessary. Arani’s wall-mount accessory also comes with an extra plate that allows it to mount onto a round pole.
The advantages of the wall-mount include the robust construction and ease of installation, since no adjustments are necessary. In addition, it has the ability to cover up a switch-box sized junction box. While subjective, we would suggest it is also the most aesthetically appealing option where the application is suitable.
The primary disadvantage of the wall-mount accessory is that no fixture angle adjustment is possible, so it will always result in the fixture being parallel to the ground. Many manufacturers’ wall-mount accessory does not include an extra plate that allows installation on a round pole, which can be considered a possible disadvantage when assessing the versatility of the mounting option.
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