School & Campus Lighting
DIP-selectable 75W–300W and 3000K/4000K/5000K — cover pathways, parking lots, and athletic areas with one fixture. DLC qualified for utility rebates. U0 Dark Sky compliant.
School and campus lighting must balance student safety, budget constraints, dark sky compliance near residential neighbors, and Title 24 energy codes. The PLB Series addresses all four with field-adjustable DIP switches that select both wattage (6 levels across 2 tiers: 75/100/150W and 200/250/300W) and CCT (3000K / 4000K / 5000K) on every unit. Facilities teams get one fixture for every campus zone — 75W at 4000K for walkways, 150W for parking lots, 300W for athletic overflow areas. At 4000K, the PLB reaches up to 180 lm/W at the 75W setting. Combined with U0 zero uplight across all wattages, the PLB meets IES/IDA dark sky requirements that protect residential neighbors from light trespass. DLC qualification unlocks utility rebates that make LED upgrades feasible for school budgets. This guide covers IES RP-20/RP-33 campus illuminance standards, DIP CCT zone strategy, DLC rebate ROI, optics selection, and Title 24 compliance for California schools.
Why PLB for Schools
PLB Series Advantages for Education Facilities
Schools face unique lighting challenges: tight budgets, safety mandates, residential neighbors, and deferred maintenance backlogs. The PLB Series directly addresses each one.
| Challenge | Traditional Approach | PLB Series Solution | School Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Constraints | Multiple SKUs, complex procurement | 1 SKU + DLC rebates ($50–$150/fixture) | 30–50% fixture cost offset via rebates |
| Student Safety (IES RP-20) | Under-lit walkways, dark spots | 75W–300W DIP range, Type III/IV/V optics | Right light level for every zone, no dark spots |
| Residential Neighbors | Light trespass complaints, board meetings | U0 zero uplight + 3000K for perimeter zones | Eliminates sky glow and property light trespass |
| Energy Codes (Title 24) | Separate code compliance per fixture | Up to 180 lm/W, 0-10V dimming ready | Exceeds Title 24 with every DIP setting |
| Deferred Maintenance | HPS re-lamping every 2–3 years | LED: 100,000+ hr rated life, IP65/IK08 | 15+ year maintenance-free operation |
| Surge Exposure | Frequent pole-top failures | 10kV/5kA built-in surge protection | Survives lightning-adjacent events |
From the Field
What Education Professionals Face
“Our parking lot lights are 400W HPS — they eat our electricity budget and half the fixtures need re-lamping every spring. The board approved an LED upgrade but balked at the quote for three different fixture types across campus. We need one product that works everywhere.”
— Facilities Director, K-12 school district→ PLB solution: One SKU covers 75W walkways through 300W athletic lots. DIP switch configures each fixture at installation. Single purchase order, single DLC rebate application.
“After the incident in the east lot, the safety committee demanded 2 fc minimum across all student parking. But our walkway poles near the dorms are getting complaints from residents about too much light. We can't win — brighter here means complaints there.”
— Campus Safety Officer, university→ PLB solution: 150W/5000K on parking lots for safety, 75W/3000K on dormitory perimeter for residential comfort. Same fixture, different DIP settings. U0 uplight eliminates trespass.
“The utility rebate is the only way this project gets funded. Without DLC qualification, the CFO won't sign off. And it has to be Title 24 compliant — DSA won't approve the plans otherwise.”
— School Board Member, California district→ PLB solution: DLC qualified for rebate programs. UL 1598 listed. Title 24 compliant with 0-10V dimming. Up to 180 lm/W exceeds all energy code minimums.
“I bid on three school projects this quarter. Every one needed a different wattage and CCT combo. I had to source different fixtures for each, track different lead times, and manage three separate material deliveries. If I could standardize on one product, I'd save a week of coordination per project.”
— Electrical Contractor, commercial lighting→ PLB solution: Stock one SKU, DIP-configure on site. Eliminates multi-product sourcing, reduces material management, simplifies submittals.
IES-Verified Performance
PLB DIP Switch Performance — All 6 Wattage Levels
IES photometric data at both 5000K and 4000K. DIP switch tiers: 150W (75/100/150W) and 300W (200/250/300W). All wattages achieve U0 zero uplight.
| DIP Watt | Tier | @5000K Lumens | @5000K lm/W | @4000K Lumens | @4000K lm/W | Uplight | Campus Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75W | 150W | 12,594 lm | 172 lm/W | 12,762 lm | 180 lm/W | U0 ✓ | Pathways, walkways |
| 100W | 150W | 16,068 lm | 164 lm/W | 16,473 lm | 175 lm/W | U0 ✓ | Building perimeters, quads |
| 150W | 150W | 22,190 lm | 150 lm/W | 23,505 lm | 167 lm/W | U0 ✓ | Student parking lots |
| 200W | 300W | 32,806 lm | 163 lm/W | 33,645 lm | 175 lm/W | U0 ✓ | Staff parking, bus loops |
| 250W | 300W | 38,830 lm | 155 lm/W | 40,463 lm | 170 lm/W | U0 ✓ | Athletic parking |
| 300W | 300W | 44,429 lm | 147 lm/W | 46,950 lm | 165 lm/W | U0 ✓ | Athletic lots, large campuses |
IES photometric data per LM-79-19 testing. U0 confirmed across all 6 DIP settings — zero lumens in 90–180° zone. 4000K recommended for main campus; 3000K and 5000K also available via DIP switch.
Design Standards
IES RP-20 / RP-33 — Campus Illuminance Requirements
IES RP-20 (Lighting for Parking Facilities) and IES RP-33 (Lighting for Exterior Environments) define the minimum illuminance and uniformity for school campuses. The PLB Series covers every zone with a single fixture type.
| Campus Zone | Standard | Target fc | Uniformity | PLB DIP Setting | Recommended CCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Walkways ★ | RP-33 | 1–2 fc | 4:1 | 75W | 4000K |
| Building Entrances | RP-33 | 5 fc | 3:1 | 100W | 4000K |
| Student Parking Lot | RP-20 | 1–5 fc | 4:1 | 150W | 4000K |
| Staff/Visitor Parking | RP-20 | 2–5 fc | 4:1 | 200W | 4000K |
| Parking Structure | RP-20 | 5–10 fc | 3:1 | 250W–300W | 5000K |
| Dormitory Perimeter | RP-33 | 0.5–1.0 fc | 4:1 | 75W | 3000K |
| Athletic Parking Lot | RP-20 | 2–5 fc | 4:1 | 300W | 5000K |
| Bus Loop / Drop-off | RP-33 | 3–5 fc | 3:1 | 150W–200W | 4000K |
Source: IES RP-20-14 “Lighting for Parking Facilities” and IES RP-33-14 “Lighting for Exterior Environments.” All zones coverable by PLB Series via DIP switch.
⚠️ Campus Safety: IES RP-20 Minimum Illuminance Is Not Optional
Schools have a legal duty of care for student safety on campus. IES RP-20 minimum illuminance levels (1 fc minimum horizontal at parking lot pavement) are referenced by building codes, insurance underwriters, and liability standards. Under-lit parking lots are among the most common premises liability claims against school districts. The PLB's 150W setting delivers 23,505 lm at 4000K — sufficient for 1–5 fc across a standard 60' × 60' pole spacing at 25' mounting height.
DIP Switch CCT Strategy
Campus CCT Zone Map — DIP Switch Guide
The PLB DIP switch selects 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K on every unit. Here's the recommended CCT strategy for school campuses.
🌙
3000K — Residential Zones
- • Dormitory walkways and perimeters
- • Faculty/staff housing areas
- • Campus edges near neighborhoods
- • Dark Sky compliant zones
Warm light reduces blue spectrum by 70–75% vs 5000K. Supports student sleep cycles and minimizes neighbor complaints.
🎓
4000K — Main Campus ★
- • Walkways and campus paths
- • Building entrances and quads
- • Student parking lots
- • Bus loops and drop-off zones
Best balance of visual acuity and comfort. Industry standard for campus exterior lighting. Highest efficacy at 4000K (up to 180 lm/W).
🅿️
5000K — Parking & Security
- • Parking structures / garages
- • Athletic overflow parking
- • Loading docks and service areas
- • Security camera coverage zones
Maximum contrast for security cameras. Cool white optimizes facial recognition and license plate capture in surveillance footage.
🔧 One Fixture. Three CCTs. Every Campus Zone.
Order PLB units for the entire campus. During installation, set the DIP switch on each unit: dormitory perimeter → 75W / 3000K. Campus walkways → 75W / 4000K. Parking lots → 150W / 4000K. Athletic lots → 300W / 5000K. No factory CCT orders. Changes take under 2 minutes per fixture.
🏠
Dorm
75W
3000K
🚶
Walkway
75W
4000K
🅿️
Parking
150W
4000K
🏟️
Athletic
300W
5000K
Optics Selection
Optics Guide for Campus Applications
The PLB Series offers Type III, Type IV, and Type V optics. The right distribution pattern depends on the campus zone and pole placement.
Type III — Walkways
Forward-throw distribution ideal for linear campus walkways. Pushes light along the path with minimal side spill. Best for poles positioned at pathway edges.
Best for:
- • Campus walkways (side-mounted poles)
- • Dormitory perimeter paths
- • Sidewalks along campus roads
Type IV — Perimeter
Semi-circular forward throw. Designed for perimeter-mounted fixtures where light should not spill beyond the campus boundary — critical near residential properties.
Best for:
- • Campus perimeter near residences
- • Parking lot edges
- • Building-mounted security lighting
Type V — Open Areas
Symmetrical circular distribution for center-mounted poles. Equal light in all directions — ideal for parking lots and open campus areas.
Best for:
- • Parking lots (center-row poles)
- • Campus quads and courtyards
- • Athletic parking areas
Tip for campus designers: Use Type III on walkway poles, Type IV on campus-edge perimeter poles (controls light trespass to neighbors), and Type V on center-mounted parking lot poles. All three optics maintain U0 zero uplight.
ROI Analysis
ROI vs HPS — With DLC Rebate
Schools are the most budget-sensitive commercial lighting customer. DLC utility rebates are often the difference between project approval and indefinite deferral. The PLB is DLC qualified, unlocking rebates that dramatically shorten payback.
| Metric | 250W HPS | PLB @ 150W DIP | Δ Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| System wattage | 295W (incl. ballast) | 150W | −49% |
| Lumens output | ~22,000 lm (initial) | 23,505 lm (@4000K) | +7% more light |
| Efficacy | ~75 lm/W | 167 lm/W (@4000K) | +123% |
| Annual kWh (12hr/day) | 1,290 kWh | 657 kWh | −633 kWh |
| Annual energy ($0.14/kWh) | $181 | $92 | −$89/fixture |
| Annual maintenance (HPS re-lamp) | $120 | $0 | −$120/fixture |
| Annual total savings | — | — | $209/fixture/year |
💰 50-Fixture Campus Retrofit: $10,450/year Savings + DLC Rebate
A typical K-12 school campus with 50 exterior fixtures switching from 250W HPS to PLB @ 150W: 50 × $209 = $10,450/year in combined energy and maintenance savings.
With DLC rebates at $100/fixture average: $5,000 upfront rebate reduces net fixture cost. At $350 net cost per fixture after rebate, the simple payback is under 20 months.
Over a 15-year lifecycle, cumulative savings: $156,750 in energy and maintenance vs maintaining the HPS system. For school districts operating 5–10 campuses, this scales to over $1M in avoided costs.
Configuration Guide
Recommended PLB Settings by Campus Zone
| Zone | DIP Wattage | DIP CCT | Optic | Pole Height | Controls | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Walkway ★ | 75W | 4000K | Type III | 15–18 ft | Photocell | Bronze |
| Building Entrance | 100W | 4000K | Type V | 18–20 ft | Photocell | Bronze |
| Student Parking | 150W | 4000K | Type V | 25 ft | Photocell + 0-10V | Black |
| Staff Parking | 200W | 4000K | Type V | 25–30 ft | Photocell + timer | Black |
| Dorm Perimeter | 75W | 3000K | Type IV | 14–16 ft | Photocell + dimming | Bronze |
| Parking Structure | 250W | 5000K | Type V | 12–15 ft | Motion + 0-10V | White |
| Athletic Lot ★ | 300W | 5000K | Type V | 30 ft | Timer + DALI | Black |
| Bus Loop | 150W | 4000K | Type III | 20–25 ft | Photocell + timer | Black |
All zones use the same PLB Series fixture. DIP switch set at installation. Colors: Bronze, Black, White.
Compliance & Certifications
Standards Compliance for School Projects
Safety & Electrical
- ✓UL 1598 Listed — Required for most school district specifications
- ✓IP65 — Dust-tight and protected against water jets
- ✓IK08 — Impact resistant (5 joule impact energy)
- ✓10kV/5kA Surge Protection — Built-in, no external SPD needed
- ✓FCC Part 15 — EMI compliant
Energy & Rebate
- ✓DLC Qualified — Eligible for utility rebate programs nationwide
- ✓LM-79-19 Tested — IES photometric data independently verified
- ✓Title 24 Compliant — California Energy Code for schools (DSA projects)
- ✓U0 Zero Uplight — Dark Sky / IES MLO compliant at all wattages
- ✓ISTMT Tested — In-situ temperature measurement verified
📋 Specification Shortcut for School Projects
Short spec: PLB Series, 75W–300W DIP selectable, 3000K/4000K/5000K DIP selectable, Type III/IV/V optics, IP65, IK08, 10kV/5kA surge, UL 1598, DLC qualified, LM-79-19 tested, U0 zero uplight, 0-10V dimming compatible, 100–277VAC or 200–480VAC. Colors: Bronze, Black, White.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What wattage should I specify for school campus pathways vs parking lots?
The PLB Series DIP switch lets you configure each fixture independently: 75W for campus walkways and pathways (delivering 12,762 lm at 4000K), 150W for parking lots (23,505 lm at 4000K), and 250–300W for large athletic parking areas. All settings use the same PLB fixture — no separate SKUs or purchase orders needed. IES RP-33 recommends 1–2 fc for pathways and 1–5 fc for parking, which the PLB easily achieves at these settings.
Does the PLB Series qualify for DLC utility rebates for school projects?
Yes. The PLB Series is DLC qualified, making it eligible for utility rebate programs across most U.S. jurisdictions. For budget-constrained school districts, DLC rebates typically range from $50–$150 per fixture, which can offset 30–50% of the fixture cost. Combined with energy savings of 60–75% vs HPS, the typical payback period for a school campus retrofit is 18–30 months. Check your local utility program for specific rebate amounts.
Which CCT should I use for different campus zones?
The PLB DIP switch selects 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K on every unit: Use 4000K for main campus areas — it provides the best balance of visual acuity and comfort for students and staff. Use 3000K for residential areas (dormitories, faculty housing) to reduce light intrusion and support sleep cycles. Use 5000K for parking structures and loading areas where maximum visibility and security camera performance are priorities. All three CCTs are field-selectable on the same fixture.
Does the PLB meet Title 24 requirements for California schools?
The PLB Series supports Title 24 compliance for California school projects. With efficacy up to 180 lm/W at 4000K, it exceeds Title 24 minimum efficacy requirements. The fixture is compatible with 0-10V dimming controls and photocell integration required by Title 24 for outdoor lighting. Combined with DLC qualification and UL 1598 listing, the PLB meets the documentation requirements for California Division of the State Architect (DSA) project approvals.
How does U0 zero uplight help schools near residential neighborhoods?
U0 means zero lumens are emitted above the 90° horizontal plane — no light goes up into the sky or over into neighboring properties. This is critical for schools adjacent to residential areas, where light trespass complaints are common. The PLB achieves U0 across all 6 DIP wattage settings (75W through 300W), satisfying IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance E3 (suburban) requirements and most municipal dark sky ordinances. Residents near campus see less glare and sky glow, reducing complaints to the school board.
Light Your Campus with PLB — One Fixture, Every Zone
Run a photometric layout for your school, calculate DLC rebate eligibility, or request a campus lighting quote — all with one product number.