LED Area Light Mounting: Slip Fitter, Arm, Pole and Trunnion Options

An LED shoebox light is only as good as the way it meets the pole. The mount decides whether the head lands on a pole top tenon, bolts to the side of a square or round pole, or swings on a trunnion from a wall, and it decides how far you can tilt the head. This guide walks through the LED shoebox light mounting options on the spec sheets for the area lights we list, which mount parts are sold separately, what to measure on site, and where photocells and sensors fit, using the manufacturer's spec sheets.

The mount types, in spec sheet terms

Manufacturers use slightly different names for the same hardware. Here is what each term on the sheets means in the field.

If you are still choosing the light pattern and pole spacing, start with our parking lot lighting guide, then come back to the mount.

Mount options by fixture

Check each product page and spec sheet for that fixture's UL, ETL and DLC listings. Browse more in our area lights collection.

Mount parts we list separately

The Gielight SXT 100 to 200W product page says the mount is packed separately, so order the mount with the head. The sheet notes that changing mount types takes a screw tool, so one head can go on a pole top or a wall with the right part.

• Pole top tenon or round arm: Gielight Type A slip fitter mount, $13.00.
• Side of a square or round pole: Gielight Type B square and round pole mount, $17.00.
• Wall, roof edge or crossarm: Gielight Type D trunnion mount, $13.00.
• JEE AR08 on a square or round pole: Adjustable Arm Mount, 08 Series, $12.00.

Measure the pole before you order

The mount has to fit what is already standing. For a slip fitter, measure the outside diameter of the tenon or arm end. The Gielight SXT sheet gives the arm diameter as 60 mm and the connector's inner diameter as 65 mm, so its slip fitter is sized for a round end of about 2.4 inches. A tenon well under or over that size calls for a different fitter or an adapter from the pole supplier.

For a side mount, note whether the pole is square or round, its width, and where the existing hand hole and wire entry sit. On the SXT sheet, the Type B and Type C mounts screw onto the pole through the pole's mounting hole, and the wires pass through to the fixture.

• Tenon or arm: outside diameter and length.
• Pole: square or round, size, and the hole pattern if the old head was side mounted.
• Height: mounting height, which also drives the wattage and distribution you choose.
• Heads per pole: one, two back to back, or more, so each mount position is accounted for.

Trunnion and wall installs

A trunnion turns an area light into an aimable head for a building wall, a roof edge or a crossarm. The SXT sheet shows the sequence: drill the wall, set expansion bolts, fit the trunnion with flat washers, spring washers and nuts, then swivel the head to the angle you want and tighten. The JEE AR08 sheet lists both a trunnion and a yoke, and the JEE AR09 bracket options include a trunnion (TR).

If the job is lighting the face of a wall or a sign rather than a lot, compare a wall pack or a flood light first. Our wall pack vs flood light guide covers that choice.

Slip fitter wiring and aiming

The SXT sheet's slip fitter steps are a good model for the type: loosen the rotating shaft screw with a hex wrench, swivel the head to the angle you want and tighten it, make the connections (black to line, white to neutral, green to ground), then slide the fitter onto the pole and tighten the screws. Set the tilt on the ground before the head goes up, so lift time goes to the install.

Installation is for a licensed electrician, following the manufacturer's instructions and local code.

Photocells and sensors at the head

Controls change which version you order, so decide on them with the mount.

• JEE AR09: sold in a photocell base version and a sensor base version. The sheet lists the photocell, glare shield, shorting cap and a plug in microwave motion sensor as accessories sold separately.
• EDIPAI G8: the sheet lists a photocell sensor base and an NLC occupancy plug and play sensor base, with 0 to 10V dimming.
• Gielight SXT: the sensor cap screws into the connector hole on the fixture, per the sheet.

For dusk to dawn operation, see our dusk to dawn photocell guide.

Voltage on the pole

Some parking lot poles are fed at 480V. The JEE AR09 comes in 277 to 480V versions, such as the AR09 100 to 150W, 277 to 480V with photocell base at $123.75. The EDIPAI G8 sheet lists a 120 to 277V driver as standard, with 120 to 347V and 277 to 480V driver options, and the Gielight SXT sheet covers 120 to 347V. Our 120 to 277V vs 277 to 480V guide explains how to confirm what is on the pole.

Replacing metal halide heads

On a retrofit, the old head is a good clue to the mount. A shoebox on a straight arm points to an arm or side pole mount, a head sitting on the pole top points to a slip fitter, and a wall unit on a bracket points to a trunnion. To size the LED head for the old lamp, use our metal halide to LED wattage guide, and check the wet location rating with our IP rating guide.

Before you order

• Mount type: slip fitter, side pole mount, arm or trunnion, matched to the pole or wall.
• Fit: tenon or arm diameter measured, pole shape and size noted.
• Parts: separate mounts added to the order where the product page says they are packed separately.
• Controls: photocell base, sensor base or shorting cap chosen.
• Voltage: 120 to 277V or 277 to 480V confirmed at the pole.
• Paperwork: the spec sheet on file. See how to read an LED spec sheet.

Common questions

What mounts are available for an LED shoebox light?

The spec sheets for the area lights we list name slip fitter, square and round pole, arm or direct, and trunnion or yoke mounts. The options differ by fixture, so check the sheet for the model you order.

What size tenon does a slip fitter need?

It depends on the fitter. The Gielight SXT sheet gives an arm diameter of 60 mm and a connector inner diameter of 65 mm. Measure the outside diameter of your tenon or arm end before you order.

Do the mounts come with the fixture?

It varies. The Gielight SXT 100 to 200W product page says the mount is packed separately, and we list the Type A, B and D mounts on their own pages. The EDIPAI G8 sheet lists the slip fitter as standard.

Can I mount a shoebox light on a wall?

Yes, with a trunnion. The Gielight SXT, JEE AR08, JEE AR09 and EDIPAI G8 sheets each list a trunnion option for walls and flat surfaces.

Where does the photocell go on a shoebox light?

On the head. The JEE AR09 comes in photocell base and sensor base versions, the EDIPAI G8 sheet lists photocell and NLC sensor bases, and the Gielight SXT sensor cap screws into the fixture's connector hole.

Ordering heads for more than one pole? Send your count for a job quote. Questions? Contact us or call (845) 681 2684.