IMSA Roadway Lighting II study plan

Define and correctly use core photometric quantities (luminous flux, illuminance, luminance, luminous intensity, exitance) and their SI/imperial units, writing each definition from memory with a worked conversion example.

Distinguish roadway lighting metrics and criteria terms (average maintained illuminance, uniformity ratios, veiling luminance, glare, disability glare, discomfort glare, small target visibility) and state what each one is intended to control.

Explain the geometry of roadway lighting calculations: mounting height, spacing, overhang, setback, longitudinal and transverse directions, and how observer position and calculation grid points are defined.

Classify the standard roadway lighting layouts (opposite, staggered, single-side, twin-central, median-mounted) and sketch each with its typical spacing-to-mounting-height guidance.

Map the structure of the applicable roadway lighting standard: classify roadway types, area classifications, and lighting classes, and explain how a designer moves from road classification to a target lighting class.

Compare design criteria for the main road categories (freeway/highway, arterial, collector, local, pedestrian/conflict areas) and identify which criteria are mandatory versus recommended.

Explain adaptive or dimming-based lighting design concepts and how they interact with the standard's criteria and with energy codes.

Identify the roles of the owner, designer, contractor, and inspector in code compliance, and list the documents normally required to demonstrate compliance at acceptance.

Compare the major lamp and light-source families used in roadway lighting (high-pressure sodium, metal halide, induction, LED) on efficacy, color characteristics, lumen depreciation, warm-up/restrike behavior, and typical life.

Explain luminaire photometric data and IES file concepts: intensity distribution, candela plots, utilization, luminaire efficiency, and how the data feeds a calculation.

Describe ballast and driver types (magnetic, electronic, constant-current LED drivers, programmable/dual-level outputs) and their effect on starting, dimming, power factor, and total harmonic distortion.

Explain the luminaire characteristics that drive roadway performance: cutoff classifications, full-cutoff and dark-sky considerations, optical distributions (Type I through Type V), and IP/optical sealing ratings.

Identify pole material and style families (steel, aluminum, concrete, fiberglass/composite, wood) and state the durability, maintenance, and loading implications of each.

Explain the structural loads that govern pole and foundation design: dead load, wind load, ice, luminaire projected area, and the effect of arm length and mounting height on moment at the base.

Describe foundation types (direct burial, drilled shaft with anchor bolts, concrete base with transformer/vault) and the installation checks that verify alignment, elevation, and bolt projection.

Explain anchor bolt and base plate inspection criteria, including torque, leveling nut use, grout, and corrosion protection, and describe the handhole, wiring chamber, and grounding provisions in a pole.

Interpret the information on a pole loading or nameplate label and explain why the label must match the installed luminaire and arm.

Trace the electrical distribution path for a roadway lighting system from the service point through the circuit breaker, contactor or controller, branch circuit, and pole wiring, naming the purpose of each element.

Calculate branch circuit loading and voltage drop for a multi-pole series of luminaires, and explain how voltage drop limits affect conductor sizing and circuit length.

Explain the voltage and current relationships, conductor and conduit sizing considerations, and the role of overcurrent protection and disconnecting means at the pole.

Describe the control strategies used in roadway lighting (photocell, time clock, astronomical clock, contactor, networked central management, dimming schedules) and how each is verified during commissioning.

Explain grounding, bonding, and equipotential requirements at poles, including the purpose of the equipment grounding conductor and the treatment of metallic versus nonmetallic poles.

Describe the sequence of a roadway lighting installation from layout staking through pole erection, luminaire mounting, wiring termination, and energization, and list the hold points where inspection should occur.

Explain the acceptance-testing items for a new installation: photometric measurement or calculation verification, aiming and orientation checks, control function tests, and documentation handover.

Build a preventive maintenance program covering lamp/driver replacement policy, group relamping versus spot replacement, lens cleaning, vegetation clearance, and pole and hardware inspection intervals.

Explain the electrical safety practices relevant to roadway lighting work: lockout/tagout, verifying absence of voltage, approach distances, temporary traffic control, and work-zone safety.

Identify common failure modes in roadway lighting systems (water intrusion, corrosion, loose terminations, driver failure, photo control failure) and the diagnostic steps for each.

Re-derive the lighting class selection for three different roadway scenarios and defend each choice against the standard's criteria without referring to notes.

Critique a sample luminaire specification for completeness, checking that distribution type, color characteristics, driver/dimming capability, sealing, and warranty terms are all stated.

Explain how luminaire selection and spacing interact with achieved uniformity and glare, and identify at least three design choices that improve uniformity without adding poles.

Resolve at least ten mixed practice items spanning standards and luminaires, and write a short explanation for every item you answer incorrectly.

Run a full timed mock exam covering all six domains and record the score by domain to identify remaining weak areas.

Review every missed mock item and write the governing principle behind the correct answer, not just the answer itself.

Re-verify the highest-risk facts from memory: photometric units, structural load factors, voltage-drop method, acceptance-test sequence, and safety approach distances.

Assemble a one-page exam-day reference sheet of formulas, unit conversions, and decision rules that you have personally validated.