Ramsey RFC Floodlighting Report

Technical Report.

Ramsey Rfc – Proposed Floodlighting To The Rugby Pitch

14.11.2012

Rugby Pitch Floodlighting Low Light Pollution Installation

James Brunt BSc (Hons) – Abacus Lighting Ltd

Ramsey RFC and Abacus Lighting Ltd are proposing the installation of purpose built floodlighting to the rugby pitch

Abacus Design Outline.

In designing as suitable floodlighting solution for the sports pitch at Ramsey key specification issues had to be considered. These included the illuminance level required, the environmental zone category for the site, the minimum mast height & the number type of floodlights. Details of how these issues were resolved are as follows:-

1. To ascertain the illuminance level required we referred to the Rugby Unions minimum requirements for Rugby. This requires a maintained illuminance level of 200 Lux over the whole pitch. This is based on Competitive Training / matchplay and is suitable for School and general games use and is recommended by the RFU.

1. For the relevant environmental zone reference was made The Institution of Lighting Engineers: Guidance Notes for The Reduction of Light Pollution, 2000.(as attached). This document categorises the environment into four zones ranging from National Parks to City Centres. The site at Ramsey would fall into Zone E2 for a Rural Location

1. The mast height was calculated using the method detailed in the CIBSE guide LG4 “Sports Lighting”. This uses angles projected from the centre of the pitch & the touch line to produce a head frame location zone. When applied to this project the optimum mast height ranged from 12m to 18m for the Pitch. A 15 m mounting height was chosen as it would allow the floodlights to be mounted horizontally. This will result in low vertical overspill & good uniformity on the playing surface, without compromising cost. The 15m HL250D15M mast will offer a slimline profile which will minimise daytime impact. If the mounting height was reduced to 12m the floodlights would be elevated above the horizontal consequently increasing overspill.

1. In order to meet the requirements of The Institution of Lighting Engineers: Guidance Notes for The Reduction of Light Pollution, 2000, the Abacus AL5760 Challenger 1 floodlight, using Flat Glass Technology was chosen as being suitable. Details of the main features of this product are highlighted below.

1. Abacus have taken every care and consideration into the floodlighting design, this includes installing rear floodlight shields, front cowls and positioning of the masts to reduce the impact of floodlights on the local properties. Abacus appreciate that the floodlights and masts are going to be noticeable, however everything has been undertaken and