Better Lights for a Better Night

While the LTA is moving towards the use of more energy-efficient LED, there is still poor usage of these LED on the streets due to unshielded light fixtures that cause skyglow, glare or light trespass. With a switch to shielded light fixtures, light pollution can be reduced significantly.

Unshielded vs Shielded Light Fixtures

Unshielded light fixtures refer to poor designs where all or parts of the bulb are visible, resulting in stray light illuminating every other direction where it is not required.

On the other hand, shielded light fixtures have a solid opaque cap at the top where the bulb is located, such that the bulb is not visible below the cap. In this way, it ensures that light will only be directed towards the ground where it is necessary, preventing skyglow. In addition, individuals will not be blinded by the glare from an exposed bulb.

Unshielded vs Shielded Lights. Image credit: Lamps Plus

Here is a diagram of acceptable and unacceptable lighting fixtures.

Acceptable/Unacceptable Light Fixtures. Image credit: Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative

To test if you have understood the difference between shielded and unshielded light fixtures, here are some examples in Singapore where YOU will help me identify whether they are considered acceptable :mrgreen: Click on the tabs below to reveal the answer!

No! These are uplighting fixtures which point upwards, illuminating the surroundings except for the ground and hence contributes to skyglow
Street Lamps Along Orchard Road. Image credit: Alfred Molon

 

No! This is a lantern street light, illuminating the surroundings horizontally. Also, as the bulb is exposed, it creates excessive glare.
Street Lamps at Clarke Quay. Image credit: 1zoom.me

 

No! These wall lights are unshielded and causes excessive glare.
Wall-mounted Lights at NTU Hall 12. Image credit: Jerald Chew, the author

 

Yes! This is a shielded light fixture where light is directed only towards the ground and the bulb is not exposed, preventing skyglow and glare.
Shielded Lights in a Park. Image credit: IEQ Global