A portable cricket ground light tower is an alternative to a light pole. In short, it is a viable solution for temporary illuminance.
As you might know, a cricket stadium lighting system needs repairs from time to time. Besides, high school and college facilities host many sports events. They might need extra brightness for evening matches. A cricket field light tower is a means to get a suitable lux level. That is, the lighting standard for tournaments and competitions.
Then again, you might be searching for a DIY idea to illuminate an outdoor cricket pitch for training purposes. The cricket ground light towers are also ideal for brightening up a batting practice net cage.
Why do we need a cricket ground light tower?
Here are seven reasons that call for using a cricket stadium light tower. For starters, this portable solution is ideal for any type of pitch and terrain conditions. Maybe, your cricket field lighting system turns off because of a power outage. You can resort to them as temporary support in numerous cases.
Moreover, light towers are very versatile and offer higher flexibility. Plus, they are energy-saving devices that you can use when necessary. This means they can help you save on your next electricity bill as well. After all, independent solar energy-based models are commonly available on the market.
Let us discuss in detail each reason at a time.
1. For a cricket ground without poles
Due to its size, a cricket field may not have extra space to install light poles. Some types of soil are not suitable for building or digging deep enough for the light pole foundation.
A cricket ground light tower is small and movable without effort. In short, you can place it anywhere you like. Plus, you do not have to worry about its locations. In fact, it weighs enough to withstand the wind. At least till the wind blows below its wind resistance spec. Indeed, light tower models with a trailer have better wind resistance than simpler models.
2. Instant, temporary lighting solution
Of course, maintenance activities come with consequences. That is, knowing that you cannot count on your lighting system to turn on while they work on it.
In case you need instant illuminance, placing a cricket field light tower requires no time. For example, if you need to repair or replace a luminaire because some lights died, you would have to turn the whole light flood off. But, if you have a cricket ground light tower, you do not have to wait for the light pole fixtures to be fixed.
3. Higher flexibility
Simply put, you can decide where to place the light tower to light up the field. In a cricket stadium or facility, you might have several spots where a light source would fit.
Of course, you cannot install most high masts in several locations for safety reasons. But a portable light tower is movable and smaller than a light pole. So, you can exploit strategic areas to light the cricket field without worries.
Also, light-weight light tower models are available. These models are easier to carry and install just where you need them the most.
4. Energy-saving
On balance, leaving the stadium lighting on for a couple of hours can cost you more than the earnings from the entrance fee. With these movable lighting options, you can illuminate only the parts that you need to light.
Sometimes you do not need to light up the whole cricket field. It is the case, for instance, of training, children’s cricket, or other events. When you need a temporary solution, you can arrange a light tower to illuminate the infield or pitch only.
Anytime you use a light tower instead of a spotlight, you save both on the energy bill and life span of the most performing lamp.
5. Cost-saving
A permanent light pole is costly. On the other hand, renting a cricket ground light tower is more affordable. You do not have to pay for an in-depth series of testing procedures to install the light pole foundation and high masts. Basically, you just shop for the features you need the most at that particular time and place.
If you are a coach, and your players need to do specific training to win the next trophy, you could not have the time to wait for repairs or new installations. After all, a light tower is a finished product ready for use. You can rent one and use it immediately.
6. Independent solar energy lighting system
Today, most models come with an inbuilt solar panel. That feature alone makes them more convenient, easier to set up, and environment friendly.
No hassle with the power cables, no need to worry about recharging the battery. If you place it in the right spot, this independent solar energy lighting system will take care of itself.
Of course, you can still connect it to the power grid and would have to do so on a cloudy day if the battery was dead. But a fully charged battery offers a great running time and can last for several hours with just one recharge.
7. As an emergency lighting
In case of a power shortage in the cricket field, you can take the light towers out and put them where needed. They let you continue the match and are a must at any competition level.
Nonetheless, getting a portable cricket ground light tower gives you more than an emergency light source. You can move your DIY light tower build anywhere you like to fix any lighting issue. At the same time, you can improve the lighting for training sessions during maintenance hours. Or ensure the best lighting conditions for any series of tournaments in case of flickering lights.
The constituents of portable cricket stadium light tower system
Here is a brief description of the most valuable parts that make up a light tower. In detail, I am going to refer to the latest LED models.
These seven features are critical for choosing a good product. Then again, reading about them one at a time will help you to focus on the features you need the most. Indeed, a DIY lighting layout could benefit from a DMX lighting control system if the cricket field is big enough. Otherwise, you could end up searching for more light-weight mobile units to set them around the pitch.
1. High power LED flood light
The high power LED lamp accounts for more than half of the total value of a light tower. After all, you need the most powerful light source you can afford at the lower consumption rate available.
Generally speaking, you look at choosing a 400 to 1500W LED floodlight tower. The main focus should be on the lumen output as well. On balance, the best lumen per watt ratio wins every single time.
The higher the consumption, the further away you can place a LED flood light tower. So, think about the viable places on the cricket ground where you can put one.
2. Retractable light pole
More expert coaches than amateur ones choose a 9 to 20m retractable light pole model. To specify, the reason is that you get the best illuminance with lights facing downward. To be precise, they also need to be at a suitable angle to avoid glare.
A retractable light pole lets you control the vertical angle of the floodlights. In other words, you can use the light tower in official games to keep the required lux level. As you can imagine, a taller light pole is necessary to illuminate the cricket pitch in a big stadium.
3. Generator
You can find portable light tower models with or without generators. If you pick a model with a generator, the LED lights can last for 3 to 10 hours, depending on the model’s capacity.
Most light towers are mobile lighting systems equipped with spotlights, a telescopic pole, and a generator. However, models that do without one let you use another energy source such as an existing generator.
Their usefulness in emergency lighting is given by the extreme practicality of use. In short, if you get a light tower, it may not be necessary to wire lamps dedicated to emergency lighting. You simply set the lighting tower according to the lighting project.
4. Mobile unit
If you plan to move the light tower all around the cricket ground, you better look at how movable it is. In fact, you can find models with wheels, a trailer, or just a four-leg quadpod.
Most portable frames are made of aluminum. But as power increases, a trailer might be necessary to put the air-cooled generator, strut (or trailer hook), and wheels in one place. Of course, a trailer can weigh a lot, so you better check that it is suitable for the stadium soil.
Even solar energy cricket field light towers have folding panels that can take up space.
5. Solar power panel
Solar power panels are great for outdoor cricket fields that need extra brightness. In most models, the solar panels recharge the battery in less than ten hours. It mostly depends on the weather conditions.
Photovoltaic cells convert solar radiation into electricity during the day. In general, solar cell efficiency varies because of several factors. For example, each cell has a maximum amount of light energy that it can receive before dissipating it in the form of heat. Also, aging and usage make a photovoltaic cell more or less efficient over time.
6. Lightning protection
Over time, a high percentage of lightning strikes poses a significant damage risk. An outdoor cricket oval has at least four light poles in most cases. So, if a bolt burns one of the luminaires, the lighting design will be out by one fourth.
For your emergency lighting needs, you can choose a portable light tower with lightning protection. A conductor on the telescopic pole lets you safely use the temporary light source. In the event of a lightning strike, the conductor will discharge the energy into the ground.
7. DMX lighting control system
DMX is a protocol for controlling dimmers (and traditional projectors as well) or motorized units. Basically, it is the language that allows you to manage all the lights connected to the fixture.
Through DMX, you can adjust the light intensity and the electrical voltage. This means that you can achieve light uniformity and comply with lighting standards. So, you can use a portable light tower as a backup option for competitions and training.
A cricket stadium light tower system can provide you with all the tools you need to keep the match going. It is also suitable for beach cricket and other informal forms of play.
Cricket ground light tower layout and design
1. How many cricket field light towers do I need?
Like light poles, the light tower location is a key component of the lighting layout. You need at least four light towers for the standard cricket field. Instead, for a big cricket stadium or televised matches, you should use a total of six light points. Distance-wise, the same safety rules for light poles apply.
Of course, you can integrate both high mast floodlighting and light towers. In that case, the number would vary accordingly. Mostly because you use the light towers as replacements. So, what you really need to focus on is the overall layout. Each light tower should be at a right angle from the next light source.
2. Where should I put each cricket light tower?
More precisely, here is how to set a 4-pole layout. Starting from the center of the cricket pitch, divide the field into four quadrants. Then, you only have to place one light tower at 45 degrees from the axes in each quadrant. Instead, if you want a 6-pole design, you install three at a time every 45 degrees starting from the horizontal axis. Clockwise first. Later, from the same starting point, anticlockwise for the other three.
How much does it cost to buy or rent a light tower for the cricket ground?
1. Buy
You should expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 to $20,000 per light tower. In detail, the cost varies, depending on:
- the light’s lumen output (efficacy)
- height of the adjustable light pole
- generator capacity
- automatic or manual light pole height adjustment
- quality of the battery (running time, type, life span, etc.) and solar panels, if present
- robustness
- accessories (dimmers, remote light control, shielding, etc.)
Finally, models with a long-term guarantee tend to cost more than products with a shorter warranty.
Related article: How much does it cost to buy cricket stadium lights?
2. Rental
On the bright side, you can choose how much you pay per hour, day, week, or month. Broadly speaking, here are the most popular rental rates for cricket ground light towers:
- $25 to $100 per hours
- $500 per day
- $1,000 per week
- $1,500 to $3,000 per month
As you can see, renting a light tower for a very short period of time is very affordable. But, you need to check if the light tower rental company has a minimum charge policy. For instance, you could have to rent a particular light tower model for, at least, a minimum of three hours.
Cricket stadium light tower DIY guide
In this section, you are going to read specific details on how to DIY choose and install a light tower. Especially one that makes a perfect DIY cricket ground light tower for your stadium or field.
First, I will discuss the available light sources. Then, you will learn about their life span. We will also return on the light tower height to explain how to choose the most suitable model for your needs. And an explanation of the wireless lighting control system will follow as well. After sharing some tips on how to test the product mobility, I will bring stability and weight up. Lastly, I will give you more details on lightning protection.
1. LED or MH or halogen
The first step in creating a DIY light solution is choosing a light source. In detail, the most commonly available models have LED, Metal Halide (MH), or halogen bulbs.
LEDs are the latest innovation in the lighting industry. Above all, they are highly efficient and let you choose the color temperature. That is, how yellowish or blueish the light looks.
The MH lamp is a highly developed tech that reached a high degree of optimization. Mainly, it offers great availability of a vast number of types and wattages. The bulbs come with relatively low purchase costs and good energy efficiency. Plus, they do not heat up too much. But, they are not safe to use. Mostly because they contain mercury and emit UV light.
Similarly, halogen bulbs are mostly cheap. But they overheat fast and have the shortest life span of all.
2. Using time
Probably, you worry about how long the light lasts. You can quickly extend the using time by choosing a LED model.
If you are planning to use the cricket ground light tower for many hours, LED flood lights are the way to go. Given that LED lights can last for thousands of hours, according to the tests, LED light towers are the most reliable products.
In comparison, halogen and metal halide lamps only last 6,000 hours on average. To be precise, halogen lamps can last up to that number, but they can die after the 2,000-hour mark.
3. Maximum light tower height
Perhaps, you want a DIY solution for using a light tower during a top-level competition. As you know, you have to follow strict rules and a lighting standard to qualify your cricket venue.
So, if the light tower is taller, let us say more than 20m, the lighting uniformity can be improved. Besides, you can use one to reach optimal vertical uniformity. In this way, both the batters, bowlers, and fielders can easily track the ball movements.
Without proper illuminance, it may get hard for an umpire to see a bump ball. Similarly, it can help notice a batter copping one on the pads.
4. Wireless lighting control
No DIY installation would be complete without a wireless lighting control system. Today’s light towers are easy to manage. For example, you can control the brightness, switch on/off the lights on your smartphone by WiFi/ZigBee/Bluetooth. No matter what input device you use, the commands are promptly executed.
You only have to check which light control system the light tower has or ask the company for more info.
5. Wheel
For one thing, you should see if the light tower trailer is smooth to push or pull. In fact, you should not want a model that is not suitable for your cricket ground.
Sometimes, you might skip checking the wheel dimensions and end up with the wrong model. Mostly because trailers with small wheels are indicated for indoor cricket courts. Instead, big and large rubber wheels are ideal for an outdoor cricket field. Well, for placing the light tower anywhere in a cricket stadium, really.
6. Stability & Weight distribution
Most light towers with a trailer weight a lot, so you must avoid toppling at any cost. To do that, the center of gravity should be as low as possible. You could also ask the seller for more accessories or DIY ideas to let you control the model’s stability.
Usually, you need to consider what would happen if you put it on your cricket ground conditions. Stability is also important for light-weight light towers with a quadpod. So, take a look at the feet or request a no-slip rubber covering.
7. Lightning protection
When the lightning current passes through the light tower, it can damage everything beyond repair. So, if you are planning to use a light tower in an outdoor cricket field, lightning protection is a good idea.
Even if you have to pay an extra to set up a conductor to safely convey the energy to the ground, this protection is worth it. Especially for solar energy light towers that you could leave outside recharging for many hours until the weather changes.
Cricket ground light tower FAQ
1. Should I buy or rent a light tower?
You should buy if you want to “permanently” have light poles on the cricket field, but at the same time, you cannot install the conventional light pole. A cricket ground owner with a tight budget on lighting could also find it wiser to invest in portable solutions.
You should rent one for temporary illumination. For example, to light one-off events such as competitions, special training classes, French cricket, Kwik cricket, etc.
2. Can I use solar lights on a cricket field?
Absolutely yes. But keep in mind that the solar battery needs to recharge. Charging time will be longer on cloudy days, and you also require to find a good spot for that to happen. So, figure out a way to place each portable light tower with easy access to the power grid. In case the battery indicator is not fully charged, you would just have to connect the light towers to the power grid.
3. How long does the generator last?
Generally speaking, one lasts between 4 to 10 hours. In reality, it depends on the generator capacity, lux required, and quality of the light source. For example, if you use LED lights to illuminate a children’s cricket match, the lighting standard will be less demanding than a regional competition. So, the generator will be able to sustain the lights for longer. This is also why a cricket club usually owns or rents more cricket stadium light towers at a time.
Conclusion
Now you know all about cricket stadium light towers. With this info in mind, it should be easier to choose and find a suitable model for your indoor or outdoor cricket pitch.
You can surely benefit from choosing a portable cricket ground light tower. Both for DIY solutions or official lighting requirement purposes. To repeat, a temporary lighting solution should always adjust to the cricket field soil conditions. You must consider its weight distribution and stability among all the other minor things that most people tend to forget about.
Come back to this guide any time you want to refresh your memory or to let us assist you in choosing the right light tower for you.
