A well-lit American flag elevates your property by displaying your patriotism to all those who pass by. But how can you ensure your flagpole has the proper lighting at all times?

For many homes and businesses, a hardwired system is the best flagpole light option for year-round use. Here's why.

Why Choose Hardwired Flagpole Lighting?

Hardwired lighting provides an easy solution for upholding section 7 of the U.S. Flag Code, which states that any business or home may display their flag 24 hours a day as long as the flag is well-lit at night. 

This code passed in 1998 and struck down the previous Flag Protection Act of 1968, which made disrespecting or destroying the U.S. flag a federal crime. That said, violating the U.S. Flag Code is still punishable in some states and municipalities.

While you can choose from several different lighting options, hardwired is the best choice for adhering to the Flag Code. Hardwired lighting is:

• Reliable: Hardwired lights function rain or shine without reliance on solar power or battery life, ensuring your property is always compliant with the U.S. Flag Code.
• Energy-efficient: Did you know flagpole lights with LED bulbs use up to 90% less electricity than those using conventional incandescent bulbs? You can also use automatic timers to ensure your lights are turned off during the day, preventing you from unnecessary energy usage.
• Long-lasting: Hardwired lighting typically lasts longer than solar or battery-powered lighting because it is less fragile and more consistent. Opting for LED light bulbs can also extend the lifespan of your flag lights by using less energy.

How Much Lighting Do You Need for Your Flagpole?

The amount of light you will need for your flagpole depends on several factors:

• Location: If your property is in a suburban or urban area with high light pollution, you will need to use a higher wattage to make your flag stand out than those located in rural areas.
• Flagpole height: Your flagpole will typically be three to four times longer than the flag, which influences the size of the flag you need and the diameter of your lighting setup.
• Flag length: The flag's length determines your lighting diameter, directly impacting your setup. For example, a 5-foot-long flag will fly 5 feet in any direction based on the wind, so it will require a 10-foot lighting diameter.
• Budget: The amount you can spend is one of the most important considerations when choosing a flagpole lighting system. You will need to carefully consider which options fit well into your budget to ensure you select the right fit for your property.

Here are some sample lighting requirements based on flagpole height alone:

• 15-foot pole: Brightness should equal 1,500 to 2,500 lumens, and the beam should spread at an angle of 20 degrees. 
• 20-foot pole: Brightness should equal 7,000 to 10,000 lumens, and the beam should spread at an angle of 20 degrees for maximum coverage.
• 25-foot pole: Brightness should equal between 10,800 and 27,400 lumens. The beam spread should be broad, ranging from 35 to 60 degrees, to ensure sufficient lighting.

Of course, it's important to remember that other factors can impact these requirements. Consulting with a lighting professional can help you understand your property's specifications so you can more easily find a solution.

Hardwired vs. Solar Flag Lights: The Pros and Cons

Choosing the proper flagpole lighting is essential for complying with the U.S. Flag Code and properly displaying your national pride. Depending on your location and budget, you have several different options. The two most popular types of flagpole lighting are solar-powered lights and hardwired systems. 

For many, a hardwired lighting system is a better choice than a solar system. Let's weigh out the differences between the two to determine which is the best light for a flagpole in your region to understand why.

Solar

Solar-powered flagpole lighting systems generate their own energy by absorbing sunlight and processing it in small photovoltaic panels.

The benefits of solar-powered flagpole lighting include:

• Sustainability: Solar lights produce renewable energy, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels and saving money on electrical costs. 
• Simple installation: You can often install solar-powered lights by yourself, which can save you time and money upfront. That said, there is a higher chance of error in installing complex solar lighting without professional assistance.
• Cost-effectiveness: Solar lights are low-maintenance and easy to install on your own, which reduces your upfront and operating expenses. Plus, they can help you shrink your energy bill by eliminating the need to pull energy from the grid. 

The biggest disadvantage of solar lights is their lack of reliability. If you live in an area where consistent sunlight is unlikely, or you have a lot of sun-blocking vegetation on your property, you may want to consider another lighting option.

Hardwired

The biggest advantage hardwired lighting has over solar is its consistency. You can count on your flagpole lighting system to illuminate your flag throughout the night because it does not depend on battery life or sunlight. 

Hardwired systems also usually last longer than solar-powered ones due to their durable construction, which can help you minimize replacement costs.

A few things to consider before choosing hardwired lighting include:

• Installation: You will need to hire a professional electrician to install hardwired flag lights for you. While this service will add to your upfront investment, it will help you ensure a safe and compliant installation that lasts a long time.
• Compliance: Before you can install hardwired lights, you need to verify that your outdoor lighting adheres to the building codes in your area. Noncompliance could result in financial penalties later on.
• Energy usage: Because your lights are hardwired to the grid, you will have to pay for the electricity you use. However, installing LEDs instead of incandescent or halogen bulbs can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on lighting alone.

Working with a professional flag and banner company can help you minimize the impacts of these disadvantages and create a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution that meets your property's specific needs.

Spotlight Your Flag With Gates Flag & Banner Co., Inc

Are you looking for a high-quality flagpole lighting system for your home or business? At Gates Flag & Banner Co., Inc., we can assist with setting up your flagpole and recommend working with a licensed electrician to handle the hardwired lighting installation.

Our mission is to provide our customers with superior, American-made flag and banner products that embody their pride and patriotism. In addition to stock and custom flags, banners, poles, and lighting, we also offer professional installation and repair services to all customers in our service area.

Contact us today to discuss your flagpole lighting and installation needs with a representative.