When it comes to floodlights for your cricket oval or indoor cricket wickets, several requirements need to be considered. These are dependent on the level of competition that will take place and the related standards for lighting levels and lighting uniformity in different areas of the oval.
Key Australian standards which apply to cricket lighting include:
The following tables provide an overview of the floodlighting requirements for outdoor and indoor cricket.
Outdoor Cricket (referenced from Cricket Australia’s Guidance Notes 21/22 & AS2560.2)
Although the Australian standards have produced an LTP table for cricket lighting requirements, they don’t currently line up so well with the requirements advised by Cricket Australia so it is always best to check with your state governing body for the current requirements to ensure your oval meets the levels for the competition level you aim to participate in.
Outdoor Class I
Outdoor Class II
Outdoor Class III
Outdoor Class IV
Outdoor Class V
Outdoor Class VI
Outdoor Class VII
| Class | Average horizontal maintained illuminance | Minimum horizontal uniformity | Maximum uniformity gradient | Maximum glare rating | |
| Eh lux | U1Min/Avg | U2Min/Max | UG (per 5m) | GR | |
| Class I | |||||
| Square Infield Outfield |
1500 1500 1000 |
0.8 0.7 0.6 |
0.7 0.6 0.5 |
1.11 1.11 1.25 |
45 45 50 |
| Class II* | |||||
| Square Infield Outfield |
1000 850 700 |
0.8 0.7 0.6 |
0.7 0.6 0.5 |
1.11 1.11 1.25 |
45 45 50 |
| Class III* | |||||
| Square Infield Outfield |
750 600 500 |
0.8 0.7 0.6 |
0.7 0.6 0.5 |
1.11 1.11 1.25 |
45 45 50 |
| Class IV | |||||
| Square Infield Outfield |
500 400 300 |
0.7 0.6 0.5 |
0.6 0.5 0.4 |
1.11 1.25 1.54 |
45 45 50 |
| Class V | |||||
| Square Infield Outfield |
300 250 200 |
0.7 0.6 0.5 |
0.6 0.5 0.4 |
1.11 1.33 1.67 |
50 50 50 |
| Class VI | |||||
| Square/Infield/Outfield | 200 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 1.67 | 50 |
| Class VII | |||||
| Square/Infield/Outfield | 100 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 1.67 | 50 |
These levels apply to non-broadcast cricket and are based on the use of a white ball (they are also appropriate for the use of a pink ball) with contrasting sight screens.
* Class II and Class III have different lux level requirements and uniformity levels in AS 2560.2 compared to the Cricket Australia guidance notes. Assumptions are therefore made to be the same levels as Class I.
Outdoor: Class I
Outdoor Class II
Outdoor Class III
Outdoor Class IV
Outdoor Class V
| Class | Average horizontal maintained illuminance | Min. horizontal uniformity | Max. glare rating | |
| Eh lux | U1Min/Avg | U2Min/Max | GR | |
| Class I | 1500 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 35 |
| Class II | 1000 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 40 |
| Class III | 750 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 40 |
| Class IV | 500 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 40 |
| Class V | 300 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 40 |
These levels are based on use of a yellow indoor cricket ball.
Additional standards and guidelines are to be considered if a completely new floodlighting system for cricket is being installed. AS 2560.2 figure 2.4.3 should be referenced which advises possible pole locations depending on the direction of play of the oval. The height of the poles will depend on the size of the field and clause 1.6 in AS 2560.2 is in place to ensure glare to players and spectators will be reduced by adopting mounting heights above the minimum recommended values.
Illuminance – the term used to describe the level of light on a surface in lumens/m2 or lux.
Maintained illuminance – is the term used to describe the average illuminance on a reference surface at the time maintenance must be carried out.
Eh lux – Average maintained illuminance.
U1Min/Avg – The lowest recorded lux value on the playing surface divided by the average.
U2Min/Max – The lowest recorded lux value on the playing surface divided by the highest value.
As well as the information provided by the national standards and Cricket Australia, our team of lighting experts are available to answer any queries you may have about floodlights and to support you through the planning and design stages of your sports lighting project. If you would like to discuss the floodlight requirements for your cricket facility with one of our experienced team members, please contact us.
Useful Links:
Community Cricket – Facilities and Infrastructure
NSW Office of Sport – Outdoor Design
Queensland Government Sports Field Lighting – Get in the Game
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page has been collated from various sources, including those provided above in Useful Links. This information may be subject to change at any time by sports governing bodies and standards agencies.
