Outdoor Streetlight Overheating Safety Protection - SETsafe | SETfuse Solutions and Products

Overheating in outdoor streetlights is a critical safety issue that can lead to functional failure, performance degradation, fires, or housing detachment. To address this, SETsafe | SETfuse offers Solutions and Products with Thermal-Link (Thermal Cutoff) technology.

Product:

Thermal-Link Alloy Type (ATCO)

Specially designed for outdoor streetlight overheating protection: 

RQF Series Learn more

Y Series Learn more

YM Series Learn more

HS Series Learn more

Key Features:

Temperature-Sensitive Element.

Compact Size.

Precise Activation Temperature ±2°C.

One-Time, Non-Resettable Action.

RoHS and REACH Compliant.

Customizable Services.

Ratings: 10A, 450VDC, 86 - 187°C / 5A, 250VAC, 76 - 187°C / 5A, 690VAC, 130 - 150°C / 5A, 500VAC, 200VDC, 125 - 145°C.

Applications:

LED streetlights, solar streetlights, high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps, fluorescent streetlights, and wind-solar hybrid streetlights.

Protection Principle:

When the temperature of certain streetlight components reaches a dangerous level, the Thermal-Link (Thermal Cutoff) activates, permanently cutting off the circuit to prevent accidents.

For detailed product information and protection solutions, please contact SETsafe | SETfuse experts: sales@SETfuse.com

Technical Article (For Reference Only)

Overheat Protection for Outdoor Street Lights

Areas Prone to Overheating in Street Lights

Overheating in outdoor street lights typically occurs in the following key areas:

LED Light Source Module:

LED chips generate significant heat during operation. Poor heat dissipation design can cause chip temperature to rise, leading to light degradation, reduced lifespan, or burnout.

Driver Power Supply:

The power module generates heat during voltage or current conversion. In high-load or low-efficiency designs, heat buildup can cause electrolytic capacitor aging or circuit failure.

Heat Sink:

Inadequate design or accumulation of dust and debris can hinder heat dissipation, raising the overall temperature of the lamp.

Housing and Connectors:

In high-temperature environments, the housing (especially if made of plastic or low-melting-point materials) may deform, crack, or detach, posing safety risks.

Circuit Board and Electronic Components:

Control circuits, sensors, or other components may experience solder joint loosening or failure under prolonged high temperatures.

Wiring Terminals:

Poor contact or excessive current through terminals can cause localized overheating, leading to burning or short circuits.

Issues Caused by High Ambient Temperatures

High ambient temperatures (e.g., during summer or in tropical regions) exacerbate the overall temperature rise of street lights, potentially causing:

Housing Detachment or Deformation:

Plastic or low-quality metal housings may soften, crack, or detach under prolonged heat, exposing internal circuits and increasing risks of electric shock or fire.

Reduced Light Source Performance:

LED efficiency and lifespan decrease with rising temperatures, potentially causing insufficient brightness or permanent damage.

Circuit Failures:

High temperatures accelerate component aging, increasing the risk of short or open circuits.

Safety Hazards: Overheating may lead to fires, electric shocks, or other accidents, especially in unattended outdoor environments.

Role of Overheat Protection Products

Overheat protection devices monitor temperature and cut off the main circuit when necessary to ensure safe operation. Common mechanisms include:

Temperature Sensors:

Thermistors (NTC/PTC) or thermocouples, installed in critical areas (e.g., LED module, power supply, or housing), monitor temperature in real time.

Over-Temperature Protection Circuit:

When the temperature exceeds a set threshold (e.g., 80°C or higher, depending on design), the circuit automatically cuts off power to prevent further heating.

Smart Control Systems:

Advanced street lights may include intelligent thermal management modules that reduce power (e.g., dimming LEDs) to lower heat generation instead of fully cutting off power.

Thermal Fuse:

As a last resort, a thermal fuse melts at dangerous temperatures, permanently cutting off the circuit to prevent accidents.

Scenarios Triggering Overheat Protection

Overheat protection is activated in the following cases:

High External Temperatures: 

Such as during summer or in poorly ventilated areas (e.g., tunnels or enclosed fixtures).

Inadequate Internal Heat Dissipation:

Blocked heat sinks, failed fans, or design flaws cause heat buildup.

Circuit Abnormalities:

Power module failures, short circuits, or overloads lead to abnormal heat generation.

Prolonged High-Load Operation:

Street lights operating at high brightness for extended periods, with heat unable to dissipate in time.

Design Recommendations and Solutions

To reduce overheating risks and enhance protection, consider the following measures:

Optimize Heat Dissipation Design:

Use efficient heat-dissipating materials (e.g., aluminum alloy) and increase heat sink surface area to ensure rapid heat dissipation.

Select High-Temperature-Resistant Materials:

Use heat- and corrosion-resistant metals or engineering plastics for the housing to prevent deformation or detachment.

Install Temperature Sensors:

Deploy sensors in critical areas like LED modules, power supplies, and housings for real-time temperature monitoring.

Smart Thermal Control Systems:

Automatically reduce power or temporarily turn off some light sources when temperatures approach thresholds.

Regular Maintenance:

Clean dust and debris from heat sinks to maintain dissipation efficiency.

Redundant Protection:

Combine temperature sensors, thermal fuses, and smart controls for multi-layered overheat protection.

Conclusion

Overheating in outdoor street lights primarily occurs in LED light sources, driver power supplies, heat sinks, and housings. High ambient temperatures can lead to housing detachment, performance degradation, or safety incidents. Overheat protection products, through temperature monitoring and main circuit disconnection, effectively mitigate these risks. It is recommended to integrate efficient heat dissipation, high-temperature-resistant materials, and smart thermal control systems to enhance the safety and reliability of street lights.