Light Pole Wind Rating Chart

Light Pole Wind Rating Chart: Complete Guide for Choosing the Right Pole

When selecting a commercial or industrial light pole, one of the most important factors to consider is the light pole wind rating. Every installation—from parking lots to sports fields—must meet specific wind load requirements to ensure safety and long-term performance.

This guide explains how light pole wind load charts, wind zone maps, and pole specifications work together so you can choose the right pole for your project. Whether you need 7G or 11G steel poles, round, square, or tapered, JCLIEVO provides U.S.-stocked options that meet AASHTO standards.


What Is Light Pole Wind Rating?

A light pole wind rating describes the maximum wind speed a pole can safely withstand, based on engineering calculations using:

  • Pole height
  • Material (steel or aluminum)
  • Wall thickness (7-gauge, 11-gauge)
  • Pole shape (round, square, tapered)
  • Fixture EPA (Effective Projected Area)

Most U.S. commercial poles follow AASHTO wind load standards, which define wind zones ranging from 90 MPH to over 170 MPH.


Light Pole Wind Rating Chart (General Reference)

Below is a simplified version of a typical light pole wind load chart. Actual performance varies by pole model and EPA.

Pole Height 11G Steel Pole 7G Steel Pole Max Fixture EPA (90 MPH) Max Fixture EPA (110 MPH)
10 ft 90–110 MPH 120+ MPH 4.0 sq ft 2.8 sq ft
15 ft 90–100 MPH 110–120 MPH 3.5 sq ft 2.5 sq ft
20 ft 85–95 MPH 100–110 MPH 2.8 sq ft 1.8 sq ft
25 ft 80–90 MPH 95–105 MPH 2.0 sq ft 1.2 sq ft
30 ft 80 MPH 90–100 MPH 1.5 sq ft 0.8 sq ft

Relevant Internal Links (Helpful for Buyers)

To help users choose the correct pole, here are links to JCLIEVO product categories:


How Pole Material and Wall Thickness Affect Wind Rating

11 Gauge Steel Light Poles

  • Most common and cost-effective
  • Ideal for standard commercial parking lots
  • Wind zones up to 85–110 MPH

7 Gauge Steel Light Poles

  • Thicker, stronger, heavier
  • Recommended for coastal, open-field, and heavy-duty applications
  • Wind zones up to 100–130+ MPH

Aluminum Poles

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Preferred near oceans
  • Recommended for moderate wind zones

How to Choose the Right Light Pole Based on Wind Rating

  1. Check local wind speed requirement
  2. Calculate total EPA
  3. Select gauge (7G or 11G)
  4. Select pole height and shape
  5. Verify manufacturer wind load chart

Why Choose JCLIEVO Light Poles

All JCLIEVO poles are engineered to meet U.S. wind load standards and stocked in the United States. Benefits include:

  • 7G & 11G steel poles available
  • Round, square, tapered models
  • Black, white, bronze in U.S. warehouses
  • Fast nationwide shipping
  • Engineering drawings & spec sheets included

FAQ: Light Pole Wind Rating

What wind rating do most commercial light poles need?

Most U.S. commercial installations require poles rated between 90–110 MPH depending on state and county codes.

Are 7-gauge steel poles stronger than 11-gauge?

Yes. 7G steel poles are thicker and recommended for heavy fixtures and high-wind regions.

Does pole height affect wind load?

Yes. Taller poles allow less EPA, meaning fixtures must be smaller or lighter.

Do you offer wind load calculations?

Yes. JCLIEVO provides engineered spec sheets and wind load data for all pole models.


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