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A standard tennis court measures 78 feet in length and 36 feet in width for doubles matches, with a net height of 3.5 feet at the posts and 3 feet in the center. For singles play, the court width is reduced to 27 feet, but the length remains the same. The entire playing area is divided by a net that stretches across the court, and the service lines, baseline, and sidelines demarcate the court’s boundaries.
Given the dimensions of a tennis court, the lighting system must be designed to ensure even illumination across the entire playing surface. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) specifies that tennis courts should be lit to a minimum average illuminance of 300 lux for recreational play and up to 1,000 lux for professional matches. This requirement means that the lighting design must account for the court’s length and width to avoid shadows and ensure consistent visibility.
LED lights are increasingly favored for tennis court illumination due to their efficiency and superior performance. When planning the placement of LED lights, the goal is to achieve uniform lighting across the court. Typically, LED floodlights are mounted on poles positioned around the court’s perimeter. The height of these poles and the angle of the lights are adjusted to minimize glare and optimize coverage.
For a standard tennis court, a common approach is to use four to eight LED floodlights, positioned on poles that are 25 to 40 feet high. The exact number and placement depend on factors such as the court’s location, surrounding structures, and specific lighting requirements. High-quality LED lights provide even illumination with minimal energy consumption, making them ideal for tennis courts.
The lighting design should aim for a uniformity ratio of at least 0.5, meaning that the light level at any point on the court should be no less than half of the average light level. LED lights are particularly effective in achieving this uniformity due to their ability to provide consistent and adjustable illumination.
While the standard dimensions provide a general guideline, some tennis courts may vary in size, especially in private or non-regulation settings. For these courts, lighting systems must be customized to fit the specific dimensions and intended use. The principles of uniformity and adequate illuminance remain the same, but the number and arrangement of LED lights may need to be adjusted based on the court’s size and layout.
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