How do you light a flag pole?

Asked by: Rhonda Gosnell

One fixture must be as close to the ground as possible, in order to illuminate the flag and the pole. Use only one fixture to light up the pole, as it requires much less light than the flag. Light output should be at least 300 lumens. Use the narrowest beam possible to focus as much light as you can on the flag.

How do you illuminate a flag pole?

Flagpole Lighting



Two to three directional accent lights are often needed to illuminate the pole and the entire flag properly. Use the pole height and flag size to determine the right fixtures. The fixtures should be placed 180° apart if using two and 120° apart if using three.

What is the proper way to light a flag?

You should position the light towards your American flag. When turned on, the light should beam directly at your American flag. It shouldn’t beam to the side of your American flag. If the light is off to the side, it won’t create a patriotic effect.

How do you light a 20 foot flag pole?

A 15-foot flagpole should use an LED spot beam spread of about 20 degrees with approximately 1600 lumens. A 20-foot pole needs a spot beam of between 36 and 60 degrees and between 7200 and 7700 lumens. For 25-foot poles, you need an LED spot beam spread of between 36 and 60 degrees and between 10,800 and 27,400 lumens.

Does a flag pole Need a light?

How bright? Your flagpole and flag should be the brightest objects in your illuminated landscape. The red and blue colors of the flag require very bright lights because they absorb a lot of light. If using integrated LED fixtures, the fixture light output must be at least 300 lumens.

What is proper illumination for the US flag?

Two to three fixtures should be installed around three feet from the flag pole and directed toward the top of the pole. Lighting fixtures producing 500 to 750 lumens are considered ideal with narrow beam spreads ranging from 15-25°.

Does an American flag need to be lit at night?

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

What is the rule for flying a flag at night?

According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.

Are you supposed to take flag down in rain?

The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

How do you display an American flag outside?

Hang flag vertically with the canton farthest from the building. The union, or star field, should always be at the top and should be on the flag’s own right (the viewer’s left). When being hung over a street, the union should ideally point north or east.

How do you illuminate an American flag at night?

If your flag is five feet wide, lighting must cover the area of a ten-foot diameter circle, with the pole being the center.” Adding a few lights near the base of the flagpole can make a tremendous difference at night. The flag then becomes a strong focal point at night, adding interest and color.

Why do you need a light on a flag at night?

Without illumination, no one will be able to see your American flag during the nighttime hours. When the sun goes down, your American flag will fade from visibility. As a result, it’s recommended that you illuminate the American flag when displaying it at night.

Can you fly a flag at night with no light?

The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law. Each state using it as a foundation for its own specific flag codes regarding the handling and display of the American flag.

Is an all black American flag disrespectful?

Became a recognized symbol of piracy. The black flag came to mean. Give no quarter no quarter our experts explained means you won't be taking any prisoners you plan to kill the enemy on the spot.