TEDAŞ Type-Approved Poles: Safe and Standard-Compliant Lighting Solutions

TEDAŞ type-approved poles support the development of safe and technically compliant infrastructure for road and outdoor lighting projects. These products are not simply metal structures that carry a light fixture. They are structural components designed to withstand wind loads, luminaire weight, environmental exposure and long-term outdoor conditions. For this reason, lighting projects should evaluate design, structural calculations, material selection and installation details as a complete system. The Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAŞ) carries out type-project approval procedures for lighting poles used within the scope of general lighting projects. TEDAŞ also publishes approved projects together with information such as the applicant company, approval date, approval number and project description. This enables municipalities, engineering companies, contractors and project owners to verify whether a specific lighting pole model has an approved type project. Ekaldes offers type-approved lighting pole solutions with different heights, designs and configurations for roads, streets, squares and other outdoor areas. This approach brings together technical requirements, urban aesthetics and project-specific engineering.

Table of Contents

1. What Is TEDAŞ Type Project Approval?
2. Why Are TEDAŞ Type-Approved Poles Important?
3. Technical Criteria for Selecting a Lighting Pole
4. Choosing the Right Pole for Different Applications
5. Key Considerations During Design and Installation
6. Ekaldes Type-Approved Lighting Solutions
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Conclusion

What Is TEDAŞ Type Project Approval?

TEDAŞ type project approval refers to the technical evaluation of a specific lighting pole design within an approved engineering project. During this process, important characteristics such as pole dimensions, body structure, bracket configuration and structural performance are evaluated. As a result, a clearly defined technical reference is established for the product that will be used on site. An approval does not mean that every product manufactured by a particular company is automatically approved. Each approval is associated with the specific model, dimensions and project description included in the official records. Therefore, two lighting poles that look similar may have completely different technical characteristics. Before procurement, project teams should compare the product model and approval number with the relevant documentation. The official TEDAŞ Approved Type Project List includes information such as the applicant, project approval date, approval number and project description. The list contains aluminium, steel and decorative lighting pole projects with different heights and configurations. For more detailed information about TEDAŞ-approved lighting poles, you can review our comprehensive guide. For more detailed information about approved models and project requirements, you can also review our comprehensive guide to TEDAŞ-approved lighting poles.

Why Are TEDAŞ Type-Approved Poles Important?

Lighting poles are continuously exposed to rain, wind, humidity, temperature changes, UV radiation and environmental pollution. In addition, the pole body must safely carry the luminaire, bracket, wiring and other connection components installed on it. An inadequate pole design can therefore create more than an aesthetic problem. Over time, structural deformation, corrosion, connection failures and increased maintenance requirements may occur. TEDAŞ type-approved poles allow projects to be developed using products with clearly defined technical characteristics. This is particularly important for public-sector projects, where specifications, tender documents and engineering documentation must be compared consistently. Type approval also enables designers, manufacturers, contractors and purchasing departments to work with the same technical information. However, type approval alone does not mean that every approved pole is suitable for every location. Project teams must also evaluate local wind conditions, ground characteristics, environmental exposure and lighting requirements. The most reliable results are achieved when type-project information is considered together with site surveys, structural calculations and photometric analysis.

Technical Criteria for Selecting a Lighting Pole

Selecting the right pole should not be based only on its height or appearance. The intended use of the area must first be determined. The luminaire characteristics, lighting distribution, pole arrangement and structural requirements should then be evaluated together. The main criteria to consider include:

• Overall pole height and bracket length
• Single, double or multiple luminaire configurations
• Regional wind loads and structural resistance
• Aluminium or galvanized steel body options
• Surface protection against corrosion
• Luminaire weight and wind-exposed surface area
• Anchor bolt, flange and foundation details
• Accessibility for electrical equipment and maintenance
• Compliance between the approved model and project specifications

These factors directly influence safety and service life. For example, installing a heavy luminaire on a tall pole increases structural loads. Similarly, an incorrectly designed foundation can prevent an approved pole from performing as expected. For this reason, engineers should consider the pole body, bracket, luminaire and foundation as one integrated system. Product quality alone is not sufficient. Correct installation, electrical connections and ongoing maintenance are also essential for long-term performance.

Choosing the Right Pole for Different Applications

Different environments require different lighting levels and pole configurations. Wide boulevards may require taller poles and carefully controlled light distribution, while parks may benefit from lower poles that are more appropriate for pedestrian-scale environments. In urban squares, visual identity and architectural integration can be as important as functional lighting performance. TEDAŞ type-approved poles can be used in streets, roads, central reservations, junctions, squares and various outdoor lighting projects. However, the spacing between poles should never be determined using a single standard distance without performing lighting calculations. Photometric data from the luminaire, road width, installation height and required lighting level must all be considered together. Decorative lighting poles also function as urban design elements during daylight hours. At night, they become part of the infrastructure that supports visibility, orientation and safe movement. Therefore, form, colour and surface finish should be selected without compromising structural and lighting performance.

Key Considerations During Design and Installation

Technical drawings of the approved model should form the basis of the project. Pole height, bracket dimensions and connection details should not be modified without proper engineering evaluation. Uncontrolled changes may cause the installed product to differ from the structure defined in the approved type project. During procurement, it is not sufficient to rely only on a general statement such as “TEDAŞ approved.” The manufacturer, product model, approval number and project description should be checked against the official TEDAŞ Approved Type Project List. Current technical drawings and approval documents should also be requested from the manufacturer. Installation teams must apply foundation dimensions, anchor bolt positioning and electrical connections in accordance with the project. Following installation, a regular maintenance programme should also be established. Routine inspections can help identify surface coating damage, loose connections or problems inside electrical access compartments before they develop into more serious issues.

Ekaldes Type-Approved Lighting Solutions

Ekaldes approaches lighting pole design by combining engineering, functionality and urban aesthetics. A number of decorative lighting pole models registered under the Ekaldes name are included in the official TEDAŞ Approved Type Project List. The list includes different Ekaldes models and height options designed for various road and outdoor lighting applications. These product alternatives allow project teams to select configurations according to road dimensions, architectural requirements, lighting objectives and environmental conditions. Ekaldes evaluates pole height, bracket geometry, body form, material selection and luminaire compatibility according to the specific requirements of each project. This approach enables the development of lighting solutions that are not only visually distinctive but also technically consistent. For municipalities, designers and contractors, selecting the appropriate TEDAŞ type-approved poles can therefore become a more controlled and reliable process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TEDAŞ type project approval mean?

TEDAŞ type project approval means that the technical project of a specific lighting pole model has undergone the relevant evaluation process. The approval applies to the model and project description included in the official records rather than automatically covering every product manufactured by the same company.

How can I check whether a lighting pole is TEDAŞ approved?

The TEDAŞ Approved Type Project List can be used to check the manufacturer, model, approval date, approval number and project description. Information provided in supplier documentation should be compared with the official records before procurement.

Does every lighting pole need TEDAŞ approval?

This depends on the scope of the project, the requirements of the relevant authority, tender specifications and applicable technical conditions. Project requirements should therefore be reviewed before selecting a lighting pole.

How is the correct lighting pole height determined?

Pole height is determined according to factors such as road width, luminaire light distribution, distance between poles and the required lighting level. Photometric calculations should be used to support the final decision.

Should aluminium or galvanized steel lighting poles be preferred?

Both materials can provide effective results when properly designed and manufactured. The most suitable option depends on wind loads, corrosion exposure, pole geometry, maintenance requirements, project conditions and budget.

Is type approval alone enough to guarantee performance?

No. The approved model must also be manufactured according to the relevant technical project. Foundations, anchor systems, electrical connections and installation procedures must be implemented correctly. Regular maintenance is equally important for maintaining long-term structural and operational performance.

Conclusion

TEDAŞ type-approved poles provide an important technical foundation for standardisation and verification in road and outdoor lighting projects. However, successful pole selection requires more than checking approval documentation. Site conditions, structural requirements, luminaire characteristics, photometric calculations and installation details should all be considered together. With its range of type-approved lighting pole models and project-oriented engineering approach, Ekaldes contributes to the development of safe, visually integrated and long-lasting outdoor lighting solutions. By combining technical requirements with urban design considerations, Ekaldes provides lighting pole alternatives suitable for different road, street, square and public-space applications.