Initially, two important issues to consider are wiring and pole foundations.

Wiring
The electrical distribution should be designed exclusively as an underground system because of the superior aesthetic appeal. Selection of the system voltage at the site should be given careful consideration. Generally, the highest voltage available should be chosen. Usually this means a 277/480 volt three phase system for large installations, and 1 20/208 volt three phase or 1 20/240 volt single phase system for small installations. The Courtsider^TM by LSI is available with multi-tap ballast to match either 120,208,240 and 277 volt systems. All conductors should be sized to avoid voltage drop to the lamp. Excessive voltage drop can cause significant decreases in light output. Adherence to guide lines set forth by the National Electric Code is recommended. Wiring and switching for multiple court lighting installations should be designed so that the fixtures on each court can be operated individually as needed.

Pole Foundations

Poles for the Courtsider system are available in anchor base and direct burial versions, both of which require an adequately sized concrete foundation. The anchor base model (see figure 1) utilizes four anchor bolts set into the poured foundation while the concrete is curing. The pole base plate is secured to the anchor bolts once the foundation has fully cured. Anchor bolts are generally 3/4"-1" diameter, and 30"-36" in length. A cardboard template serves as a guide for placing the individual anchor bolts to match the hole pattern of the pole base plate. Special attention should be paid to the recommended projection distance of the anchor bolts above the top of the concrete. This nformation is found on the template supplied by LSI and will allow enough projection of the bolt to thread the nuts on. Each bolt is supplied with two nuts and two washers. One nut and washer is threaded on each anchor bolt before the pole is set on the base, while the second nut and washer is utilized to secure the base plate after the pole is set. The bottom nuts are then adjusted as needed to plumb the pole.

The direct burial pole is furnished with an extended length of shaft (3') that is set directly into the foundation (see figure 2) before it has cured. The pole must be plumbed and oriented correctly before the concrete is set, since there is no mechanical adjustment.

The concrete foundation dimensions can best be furnished by a local consulting engineer. As a general rule, foundations for the Courtsider^TM should be no less than 18"-20" diameter by 48" in depth. This does not apply to areas of loose sand and gravel or other poor materials. The concrete should be a minimum strength of 4000 PSI, and should be poured in undisturbed soil. The entire length of the foundation must be reinforced with re-bar.

The size and strength of the poles is designed to handle the load of the light fixtures only. Therefore, the light poles should not be used as fence posts unless they have been designed specifically to support this additional load. Once the poles have been erected, the brackets and fixtures can be mounted (see figure 3). The Courtsider^TM system incorporates leveling mechanisms in both the bracket and fixture to insure uniform appearance. When installing lamps in the fixture, best contact between socket and base can be made by tightening, loosening, and tightening. Initially, the lamps in various fixtures may appear to be different colors. One hundred hours of operation are required for the lamps to stabilize to proper color output.

The final steps should include touching up any nicks or scratches in the painted surfaces at occurred during the installation process. If anchor base poles were used, the base covers should be set in place to cover the anchor bolts. Once the entire system has been energized, visually inspect each fixture for proper light output. Fixtures not operating, or those not at full light output could be a sign of faulty wiring, or defective lamp and ballast.