Vibration Resistance of LED Street Lights – Understanding the ANSI C136.31 Vibration Test

Vibration Resistance of LED Street Lights – Understanding the ANSI C136.31 Vibration Test

Modern LED street lights face far more than rain, heat, and dust. One of the most overlooked threats to their long-term performance is mechanical vibration—especially when luminaires are installed on bridges, highways, overpasses, or poles exposed to heavy wind and traffic loads. To guarantee reliability and safety, manufacturers follow a rigorous industry standard: ANSI C136.31 Vibration Test.

This article explains why vibration resistance matters, what ANSI C136.31 requires, and how LED street light designs can meet or exceed these vibration performance levels.

Why Vibration Resistance Matters for LED Street Lights

Street lighting poles constantly experience mechanical stress from:

• High-speed traffic creating ground vibration

• Wind-induced oscillation causing the pole to sway

• Railway vibration (for lights installed near tracks)

• Bridge expansion and movement

• Storms or strong gusts of wind

Poorly designed luminaires can suffer from:

• Loosened screws and brackets

• Cracked housings

• Internal PCB component failure

• Shortened LED driver lifespan

• Flickering or complete failure

Because outdoor lighting is often mounted several meters high, vibration damage also poses safety risks, including falling fixtures or pole fatigue.

What Is ANSI C136.31?

ANSI C136.31 is a key North American standard defining the vibration requirements for LED roadway and area lighting. The test simulates real-world vibration conditions to ensure the luminaire remains structurally and electrically stable over its expected life.

Two Main Vibration Levels in ANSI C136.31

Lights installed in environments like the photo you provided—multi-direction adjustable arms or poles near buildings or traffic—benefit from 3G-level vibration resistance.

How the ANSI C136.31 Vibration Test Works

The test uses a 3-axis vibration table that applies controlled vibration across the luminaire’s key mounting points.

Test Procedure Overview

1. Mounting Simulation
   The luminaire is installed on a rigid test fixture mimicking real pole-arm installation.

2. Frequency Sweep
   Vibrations sweep through a wide frequency range (e.g., 5–500 Hz) to identify resonance points.

3. Sustained Vibration Exposure
   The luminaire undergoes continuous vibration at specified G-forces for many hours.

4. Post-Test Evaluation
   Engineers check for:

• Structural cracks

• Loose fasteners

• Damage to optics or LED modules

• Wiring/connector failure

• Driver performance issues

Passing the test means the luminaire can withstand years of real-world vibration without degradation.

Key Design Features for Vibration-Resistant LED Street Lights

High-quality LED street lights integrate various design improvements to meet ANSI 2G or 3G vibration levels:

1. Reinforced Housing Structure

Die-cast aluminum with internal strengthening ribs resists flexing and cracking.

2. Anti-vibration Mounting Brackets

Secure slip-fitters and clamps designed to handle long-term oscillation.

3. Durable Driver and PCB Layout

Electronic components are fixed with shock-absorbing materials to prevent solder joint fatigue.

4. Anti-loosen Fasteners

Stainless steel hardware and lock-washer systems ensure parts don’t loosen over time.

5. Optimized Weight Distribution

A balanced center of gravity reduces pole and arm load vibration.

Benefits of ANSI C136.31-Certified Street Lights

Choosing luminaires tested to ANSI C136.31 ensures:

• Longer lifespan and reduced maintenance

• Safer installation—no falling parts

• Stable lighting output with no flicker

• Resilience in extreme outdoor conditions

• Lower total cost of ownership for municipalities

For cities and developers, vibration-tested LED street lights deliver reliability and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Vibration resistance is a crucial factor in the performance and safety of outdoor LED street lights—especially in challenging environments like bridges, highways, industrial zones, or tall poles exposed to wind. The ANSI C136.31 vibration test ensures that luminaires can withstand years of mechanical stress without failing.

When choosing LED street lights, always check for 2G or 3G ANSI C136.31 certification to guarantee durability and long-term performance.

Author introduction

       Author

G'day My friends,

My name is Royce O'young, I’m the sales manager of Oleder Lighting. I have been in the LED lights industry for more than 16 years. Good at lighting design, street light system configuration, and bidding technology support,and architecture inner decorating lighting advice . Feel free to contact us.I’m happy to provide you with the best service and products.

Email: r.oyoung@oleder-lighting.com | WhatsApp: +86159 2057 0517

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