IES Photometrics & DIALux for Road Lighting (Inputs + Checklist)
Roadway lighting should be verified with photometrics, not wattage charts. This center explains what to request (IES files), what inputs are required (DIALux-ready), what deliverables to expect (report + layout), and how to write RFQ clauses that make bids comparable.
Where This Resource Fits
- Use this for: road lighting verification (spacing, uniformity, targets) with IES/LDT + simulation.
- Recommended guides: Pole Height & Spacing · Compare Quotes · CCT/CRI/Beam Angle
- Related system types: All-in-One · Solar Pole Lights · Decorative · Split Type
- Procurement templates: RFQ & BOQ Kit
Recommended Bundles
Photometrics and spacing validation should happen before quote comparison.
The 60-Second Rule (Roadway Projects)
A roadway bid is NOT verifiable unless it includes:
1) IES photometric files for the offered optics (not generic)
2) A DIALux-ready input set (road geometry + pole arrangement)
3) A report that shows spacing, uniformity, and glare-related metrics (as applicable)
4) A clear assumption list (mounting height, tilt, maintenance factor, target class)
If any item is missing, spacing claims should be treated as “Unverified / High Risk”.
What an IES File Is (and when it’s mandatory)
An IES file is a standardized electronic photometric data file that describes a luminaire’s light distribution. It is used by lighting software to calculate roadway performance.
When IES is mandatory
- Highways / main roads
- Any project where pole spacing and uniformity are important
- Any project requiring an auditable lighting report
When IES is still recommended
- Streets with mixed traffic and pedestrian conflict
- Large outdoor areas where glare complaints are possible
IES File Acceptance Checklist (Procurement-Ready)
Before using an IES file to justify spacing or compliance, confirm:
A) Correct file identity
- The IES file is provided for the exact offered model and optic
- The optic family / distribution is named clearly (not “all-purpose”)
B) Usability in software
- File imports successfully into DIALux (or other common software)
- No corrupted or missing data blocks
C) Consistency with the quotation
- Luminous flux and input power are consistent with the quoted configuration
- CCT and optic type match the specification (if stated)
D) Traceability
- File naming and revision control are clear (version/date)
- Supplier can provide updated files if optics or LED package changes
If a supplier cannot provide model-specific IES files, treat roadway spacing claims as unverified.
DIALux Intake Form (DIALux-Ready Inputs)
Use these fields in your website form to collect consistent inputs:
1) Project Basics
- Country / City
- Road type (highway / main road / local / park)
- Project quantity (estimated)
2) Road Geometry
- Road width (m) and lanes
- Median (yes/no) and median width (if applicable)
- Sidewalk / pedestrian zones (yes/no)
3) Pole Layout
- Pole arrangement (single-side / staggered / opposite / median)
- Pole height (m)
- Arm length / overhang (m)
- Target pole spacing (m) or “optimize spacing”
- Mounting tilt angle (if fixed)
4) Performance Targets (If you have them)
- Target class / requirements (if specified by local authority)
- Priority: higher uniformity vs lower energy vs lower glare
5) Environment & Risk
- Coastal / desert / monsoon / vandal risk
- Dust and soiling severity (light / medium / heavy)
6) Energy & Operation
- Dusk-to-dawn runtime (hours)
- Dimming preference (time-based / PIR boost)
- Required autonomy nights (backup nights)
Attachments (optional but helpful):
- Site drawing, typical cross-section, or reference spacing plan
- Any local lighting requirement document
Project inputs: Download the Project Input Sheet (PDF) or DOCX and send it with your road class, pole height, and target lux/uniformity.
What You Should Receive (DIALux Deliverables)
A “DIALux-ready proposal” should include:
- DIALux report (PDF) showing:
- road geometry, pole arrangement, mounting details
- luminaire model + optic used (IES referenced)
- spacing results and key performance metrics
- Layout summary:
- pole schedule (height, spacing, arm length)
- recommended optic and mounting notes
- Assumption list:
- mounting height, tilt, maintenance factor (if used)
- target class/criteria used (if specified)
- IES file package:
- IES files clearly named for the quoted models/optics
Copy/Paste RFQ Clauses (IES + DIALux)
Clause 1 — IES Photometric Files (Mandatory for Roadway)
Supplier must provide model-specific IES photometric files for the offered optic(s). Generic or “similar model” IES files are not acceptable for spacing validation.
Clause 2 — DIALux-Ready Report Deliverables
Supplier must submit a lighting calculation report that includes:
- road geometry and pole arrangement assumptions
- luminaire model and optic identification (IES referenced)
- spacing and key performance metrics (as applicable)
- revision control (report version/date)
Clause 3 — Assumptions Disclosure
Supplier must explicitly declare:
- pole height, arm length, tilt
- spacing assumptions (or optimized spacing method)
- target class/criteria used (if specified)
- any maintenance factor assumptions
Clause 4 — Bid Comparability Rule
Bids without IES files and a DIALux-ready input/output package shall be labeled “Unverified / High Risk” before price comparison.
Request IES & DIALux Starter Pack
Get the editable starter pack used to standardize roadway lighting proposals:
- DIALux intake form (fillable)
- IES acceptance checklist (fillable)
- Deliverables checklist (report + IES package)
- Sample RFQ clauses (copy/paste)
Send it to me:
- Work email
- Country/city
- Road type and quantity
Want a quick engineering sanity check?
Share your road class, pole height, target lux/uniformity, and worst-month PSH assumptions.
Next Steps (Keep Your Project Tender-Ready)
Ensure your solar street light project meets all procurement and engineering standards.
Templates & Evidence
- All Guides Hub — sizing, procurement, commissioning, maintenance, warranty.
- Buyer’s Guide Hub — choose a scenario and follow the evidence-first path.
- Compare Quotes (Apples-to-Apples) — lock optics/IES, Wavg, battery Wh, controller, warranty.
- Rainy Season (Worst-Month) Sizing — avoid under-sized PV and runtime shortfalls.
Shortlist a System Type
- 🚀 All-in-One Solar Street Lights
- 🌓 All-in-Two Solar Street Lights
- 🛠️ Split Type Solar Street Lights
- 📏 Solar Pole Lights
- ✨ Decorative Solar Street Lights
- ⚠️ Specific Solutions (Explosion-proof/Hybrid)
Download: Project Input Sheet (Tender-Ready)
Use this template to send sizing inputs and request IES/LDT + layout validation.
