Brooke Martin
The US Flag Code states that the American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, it can be displayed at night if it is properly illuminated. While the Flag Code does not specify how much light is needed to properly illuminate the flag, one way to measure light is in foot candles. A foot candle is a unit of measurement that quantifies light intensity, specifically the amount of light that reaches a surface area. For example, full daylight typically produces about 1,000 foot-candles, while an overcast day would produce about 100 foot-candles. Thus, foot candles can be used to determine how many lumens of light are needed to illuminate the American flag at night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A foot-candle is a measurement of light intensity. |
| Other names | Foot-candle, fc, lm/ft2, ft-c, lux |
| Unit | One foot-candle equals one lumen of light density per square foot. |
| Usage | Foot-candles are used to ensure that areas that require certain light levels are receiving those light levels. |
| Examples of usage | Offices, manufacturing facilities, workrooms, horticulture, movie and video production, security lighting, and flag illumination. |
| Lighting requirements | Public areas surrounded by dark areas: 2–5 foot-candles or 20–50 lux. Typical offices and classrooms: 10–20 foot-candles or 200 lux. |
| Flag illumination guidelines | The U.S. Flag Code states that the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, but it can be displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. |
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What You'll Learn
The US Flag Code
Time and Occasions for Display
According to the US Flag Code, the American flag should typically be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. This exception allows for continuous display, as long as the flag is well-lit and does not violate the spirit of the Flag Code.
Locations for Display
The flag should be displayed daily in specific locations, including public institutions, polling places on election days, and schoolhouses during school days. It should also be displayed on certain holidays, such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas Day.
Respect and Honour
The flag is a symbol of the nation and its people, and it should be treated with respect and honour. Members of the armed services and veterans are expected to stand at attention and salute when the flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered, while civilians should place their right hand over their hearts.
Handling and Maintenance
The flag should never be used for advertising or as a costume, and it should not be marked or stepped on. When lowered, no part of the flag should touch the ground, and it should be stored neatly and ceremoniously. If the flag becomes tattered, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
Display Position and Orientation
When displayed from a staff, the union (blue section) should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union facing north or east, depending on the street's orientation. On a platform or in an auditorium, the flag should be placed at the speaker's right, with the union uppermost and to the observer's left.
While there is no specific guidance on the number of foot candles for lighting the flag at night, the US Flag Code emphasizes proper illumination to ensure the flag is visible and respected during the hours of darkness.
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Lighting options
The US Flag Code states that the American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag can be displayed for 24 hours if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Although there are no specific guidelines on how to do this, the flag must be lit up.
Number of Lights
Two or three landscape lights are usually enough to illuminate a flagpole. If you have three lights, place them at equal distances in a triangle formation around the flagpole, with each light about a foot away from the pole. If you only have two lights, place them opposite each other at the same distance.
Direction of Lights
The lights should be aimed directly at the flag. Adjust the angle until the light hits the flag correctly. This will limit light trespass and light pollution, ensuring that the light does not shine onto neighbouring properties or into the night sky.
Types of Lights
There are various types of lights available for flagpoles:
- Wall-mounted lighting: These lights can be mounted on a wall to illuminate the flag.
- Spotlights from the ground: Ground-mounted low-voltage LED or solar-powered spotlights are suitable for flagpoles under 25 feet tall.
- Flagpole-mounted lighting: These lights are placed at the top of the flagpole, shining down onto the flag. This ensures that the light remains on your property and reduces light pollution. Solar-powered flagpole lights, such as Deneve's Silver solar flag pole light, are bright and effective, with a long battery life and protection from rain.
- Ball-top flagpole light: This type of light is crafted from coloured aluminium and features eight high-intensity 8mm LED light bulbs. It is suitable for residential or commercial in-ground flagpoles and has a 45-foot power cord that plugs into a 110-volt outlet.
- Solar lights: These inexpensive lights are perfect for uplighting a flagpole without the hassle of wiring. They are water-resistant and can be fully submerged in water.
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Foot-candles vs lux
The US Flag Code states that the American flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset but can be displayed for 24 hours if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. However, the code does not specify what "properly illuminated" means.
Foot-candles and lux are both units of measurement for light intensity. One foot-candle is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light. Lux, on the other hand, defines the area being lit as a one-meter square. In other words, one foot-candle is equivalent to 10.764 lux or 10 lux.
Foot-candles are commonly used in places that follow the United States customary units of measurement, while lux is used in parts of the world that follow the SI-derived system, such as Europe.
Foot-candles are important in various industries, including museums, horticulture, movie and video production, and physical security. For example, museums use specific light levels to create the right ambiance and avoid damaging sensitive artifacts. Horticulture requires accurate foot-candle readings to ensure that plants receive the appropriate amount and type of light.
Lux is often used to measure the illuminance or amount of light falling on a surface. A lux meter takes into account the number of lumens in the bulb and the amount of visible light falling on the surface.
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Light pollution
The US Flag Code states that the American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, it can be displayed 24 hours a day if it is well-lit, or "properly illuminated". Although the Flag Code does not specify what "properly illuminated" means, lighting experts recommend the use of two or three landscape lights placed at equal distances from each other in a triangle formation around the flagpole, with each light positioned about one foot away from the pole. This ensures that the flag is illuminated effectively without causing light pollution.
To reduce light pollution when lighting a flag at night, it is important to direct the light downward, toward the flag, rather than allowing it to shine into the night sky or onto neighbouring properties. This can be achieved by using a specialised flagpole light that sits at the top of the flagpole and shines down onto the flag, ensuring that the light is contained within your property. Additionally, using a narrow beam angle of about 45 degrees can help to focus the light on the flag while minimising light spillage onto surrounding areas.
Another way to reduce light pollution is to use high-quality, energy-efficient lighting systems with automation features. This allows for the optimal placement of lights, ensuring that the flag is illuminated effectively without causing excessive brightness or light spillage. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the lighting system are also important to maintain optimal brightness and prevent water damage, which can lead to flickering lights, corrosion, or system failure.
By following these guidelines, it is possible to properly illuminate a flag at night while also being mindful of light pollution and its impact on the night sky and surrounding environment.
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Lighting intensity
Foot-candle measurements are important for businesses and organizations as they indicate what customers and staff are experiencing when they work or shop in one of their buildings. For example, public areas surrounded by dark areas will generally require 2 to 5 foot-candles, or 20 to 50 lux, while typical offices and classrooms without highly detailed work will need 10 to 20 foot-candles, or 200 lux. Work areas should be lit with bright light, while public areas should have lower and warmer lighting.
The required lighting intensity also depends on the space. An outdoor public area surrounded by darkness will require less lighting than an office or classroom, for instance. Similarly, a typical office or classroom will need less lighting than a laboratory where minute, detailed measurements and experiments are carried out.
In the context of flag lighting, the US Flag Code states that an American flag should be lit up at night if it is to be displayed after sunset. However, the code does not specify the lighting requirements in terms of foot-candles. Any type of lighting can be used, such as wall-mounted lighting, spotlights from the ground, or top mounts from the top of the flagpole.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Flag Code states that the American flag should be illuminated at night but does not specify the required level of illumination in foot candles.
A foot candle is a unit of measurement used to quantify light intensity. One foot candle is defined as enough light to saturate a one-foot square with one lumen of light.
Measuring illumination in foot candles ensures that areas requiring certain light levels are receiving those light levels. This is important for electrical construction, horticulture, video production, and physical security.
Public areas surrounded by dark areas typically require 2 to 5 foot candles, while offices and classrooms without highly detailed work need 10 to 20 foot candles. Full daylight corresponds to about 1,000 foot candles, while an overcast day provides around 100 foot candles.
You can use any type of lighting, such as wall-mounted lighting, spotlights, or top mounts installed on the flagpole. For flagpoles under 25 feet tall, low-voltage LED or solar-powered lighting is usually sufficient.
