Get to Know the Types of Public Street Lighting, Its Functions, and Advantages

Public street lighting (PJU) plays a crucial role in supporting community activities, especially at night. Beyond enhancing driving comfort, PJU also helps reduce the risk of accidents and criminal acts. To ensure an efficient and durable lighting system, selecting the appropriate lamp type and installation cables is paramount.

Wilson Cables, as a manufacturer of SNI-quality electrical cables, supports PJU's electrical system through the best cable products designed to meet the various needs of outdoor electrical installations.

Main Functions of Public Street Lighting

Street lighting provides more than just nighttime visibility; it serves several strategic purposes:

• Road User Safety: Reduces traffic accidents caused by inadequate lighting.
• Environmental Security: Helps prevent criminal activities in public areas.
• Comfort and Aesthetics: Enhances the visual quality and beauty of cities at night.
• Supports Social and Economic Activities: Good lighting allows community activities to continue safely during nighttime.

Types of Public Street Lighting

Below are common types of lamps used in PJU systems across various regions in Indonesia:

1. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Lamps

HPS lamps are among the most frequently used in street lighting systems due to their high efficiency. They emit a yellow-orange light with broad illumination, providing sufficient brightness to support driver visibility. Additionally, HPS lamps have a long lifespan and relatively low power consumption compared to other conventional lamps.

However, despite their efficiency, these lamps have a drawback in color reproduction. Objects illuminated by HPS tend to appear less natural or different from their original colors. Therefore, these lamps are more suitable for main roads, industrial areas, or places where color accuracy is not a primary concern, but light coverage and energy efficiency are prioritized.

2. Metal Halide Lamps

Metal halide lamps are known for producing bright white light with high color rendering. This means that the colors of illuminated objects appear closer to their natural hues, making them ideal for areas requiring detailed visibility, such as city parks, sports fields, or busy public facilities. Moreover, their light intensity is evenly distributed, creating more comfortable lighting for the eyes.

Another advantage of metal halide lamps is their strong light penetration, making them suitable for large open spaces. However, this type of lamp tends to have a longer warm-up time before reaching maximum brightness and requires a good cooling system. Their energy efficiency is also slightly lower compared to LEDs, leading some major cities to reduce their usage.

3. Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lamps

LED lamps have become the primary choice in modern street lighting systems. Known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours or more. They provide very bright and evenly distributed lighting with good color rendering. Additionally, LED lamps do not require warm-up time and can instantly reach full brightness when turned on.

In terms of operational costs, LEDs are much more efficient in the long run, despite higher initial purchase prices. Their ability to adjust light intensity and compatibility with smart lighting systems also make LEDs an environmentally friendly option that supports smart city initiatives. Due to these advantages, many local governments are now replacing old PJU systems with LED technology.

4. Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lamps are also used in street lighting systems, although their coverage is more limited compared to other lamp types. They produce fairly bright white light with relatively low energy consumption. Generally, they are used in residential streets or narrow alleys due to their economical price and easy installation process.

The main drawback of fluorescent lamps is their shorter lifespan compared to LEDs or HPS, and they are more susceptible to damage from voltage fluctuations. Additionally, these lamps contain mercury, which can be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. Nevertheless, for temporary lighting needs or areas with low traffic intensity, fluorescent lamps remain a viable option.

5. Solar-Powered Street Lamps

Solar-powered lamps offer a highly effective solution for remote areas or regions not yet reached by the PLN electricity grid. By using solar panels to absorb sunlight and store it in batteries, these lamps can automatically illuminate at night without requiring an external power source. This makes them environmentally friendly and cost-effective in terms of operational expenses.

Although the initial installation cost is relatively high, solar-powered lamps provide advantages in sustainability and long-term efficiency. This technology also supports renewable energy initiatives and carbon emission reductions, aligning with government efforts to create green and sustainable cities.

Recommended Cables for PJU Installation

Ensuring optimal and safe operation of public street lighting systems over the long term, selecting installation cables should consider quality, durability, and safety. Wilson Cables recommends using NYY cables.

NYY cables feature strong insulation and jackets, resistant to physical pressure and extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor or underground installations. Featuring high conductivity of 99.9% pure copper and SNI certification, Wilson Cables' NYY cables ensure a stable electricity supply with minimal risk of short circuit or electrical interference.

Conclusion

Public street lighting plays a vital role in maintaining community safety, security, and comfort. Choosing the appropriate lamp type based on environmental conditions will yield optimal lighting results. However, the success of a PJU system depends not only on the lamp type but also on the quality of installation cables used.

Utilizing high-quality electrical cables such as NYY from Wilson Cables will provide you with long-term durability, efficiency, and safety assurance. Wilson Cables is ready to be your trusted partner in every electrical infrastructure project.