Choosing the right light
Successful tennis court lighting begins with good design. The main factors to be considered in the design process are quantity of light and quality of light.
Quantity of Light
The quantity of light is expressed as an average lux level and is usually determined by the level of tennis to be played. General guidelines recommend lower levels for social play and training, medium levels for club competitions and high levels for national and international competitions.
The current Australian Standard for tennis court lighting (AS 2560.2.1-2021) recommend the following average horizontal illuminance values (measured in ‘lux’) for each level of play:
Most venues will fall under the Recreational or Club Competition level. Courts that host regular national or international tournaments will need to meet higher lighting standards, which often require additional planning and consultation.
* Additional vertical illuminance is recommended for television broadcasts.
Quality of Light
The quality of light is evaluated by the degree of light uniformity and lack of glare. Optimum uniformity is achieved by using light fittings that provide the correct light distribution and that are positioned appropriately around the perimeter of the court.
Lux measures the brightness of the lighting, while uniformity ensures consistent light distribution across the court. Both are critical for a clear view of the ball in play. Uniformity is particularly important; uneven lighting makes it difficult for players to follow the ball and judge its speed.
Good lighting design should also include measures to reduce glare and ensure that light is distributed evenly across the court, without bright spots or shadows. This is important for both players and spectators.
Light Spill
When installing or upgrading tennis court lighting, you should also consider the impact of spill light on surrounding areas. Adhering to the Australian Standards for obtrusive light (AS/NZS 4282:2019) and local council regulations helps to ensure your lighting doesn’t become a disturbance to neighbours and surrounding properties.
A combination of strategic luminaire placement, intelligent lighting design, and quality optical distribution can ensure light is directed precisely where it’s needed, significantly reducing light spill.
Our Solutions
Our tennis court lighting range features precision optics that deliver superior light distribution, achieving excellent uniformity and consistent brightness across the court, reducing bright spots and shadows.
Our tennis court lighting experts can also provide an AS/NZS 4282:2019 compliant lighting design (additional fees apply), which can help to keep the neighbours and the local council happy!
We can can collaborate closely with your chosen builder or electrician by aligning on design specifications, timelines, and installation requirements to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated tennis court construction project.