A post top light sits on top of a short pole and lights the path, plaza or lot around it. Picking one comes down to four things: the look, the output, how it switches on at dusk, and whether it fits the pole that is already there. This guide lays out the LED post tops we list, with the numbers from each listing, so you can match one to the job.
The post tops we list
Every fixture below has selectable wattage and a 3000K, 4000K or 5000K color setting on the same head. Lumens are the maximum listed for each fixture, at its top wattage.
| Fixture | Style | Wattage settings | Max lumens | Comes with | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gielight GL-SX4 | Modern round head on three curved support rods | 50, 80, 100, 120 or 150W | 22,500 lm | Built in photocell with an on/off toggle | $75.50 |
| StarLake PT01, 20 to 60W | Modern, one piece die cast aluminum housing | 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60W | 9,030 lm | Photocell (on/off), 3 in tenon, Type V | $130.75 |
| StarLake PT01, 70 to 150W | Modern, one piece die cast aluminum housing | 70, 80, 100, 120 or 150W | 21,165 lm | Photocell (on/off), 3 in tenon, Type V | $145.50 |
| StarLake PT02, 20 to 60W | Lantern, frosted glass lens | 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60W | 8,298 lm | 12V photocell and sensor base | $167.75 |
| StarLake PT02, 20 to 60W, photocell base | Lantern, frosted glass lens | 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60W | 8,298 lm | Twist lock photocell base with shorting cap, 3 in tenon, Type V | $167.75 |
| StarLake PT02, 40 to 120W, photocell base | Lantern, frosted glass lens | 40, 60, 80, 100 or 120W | 16,404 lm | Twist lock photocell base with shorting cap, 3 in tenon, Type V | $176.50 |
| StarLake PT03 Acorn, 30 to 60W | Acorn, anti UV polycarbonate lens | 30, 50 or 60W | 8,142 lm | Low voltage photocell | $304.25 |
| StarLake PT03 Acorn, 60 to 100W | Acorn, anti UV polycarbonate lens, 33 in high | 60, 80 or 100W | 13,550 lm | Photocell (on/off), 3 in tenon | $343.00 |
All of them run on 120 to 277V. The StarLake post tops list 0 to 10V dimming and a 50,000 hour rated life, and every line we carry comes with at least a 5 year manufacturer warranty. Browse the rest of our outdoor fixtures in the area lights collection.
Pick the look first
On a campus, a park or a downtown street, the fixture is part of the streetscape, so the owner usually cares about the look as much as the lumens.
- Modern: the GL-SX4 and PT01 have clean, flat heads that suit parking areas, newer buildings and bike paths.
- Lantern: the PT02 has a frosted glass lens and suits walkways, campuses and downtown streets.
- Acorn: the PT03 gives a traditional look for historic districts, parks and residential streets.
Then size the output
If you are replacing old metal halide post tops, match lumens, not watts. Compare the old lamp's mean lumens to the max lumens in the table above. Our metal halide to LED guide lists the lamp figures and shows the check.
Because every fixture here has wattage settings, you can order the size that covers the brightest pole and set the rest lower on site. The color setting works the same way: set one head to 3000K, 4000K or 5000K, look at it at night, then set the rest. More on this in our field selectable fixtures page and the LED color temperature guide.
New layout or new poles? If the pole spacing or height is changing, plan it from a photometric layout instead of a one for one swap. Our parking lot lighting guide covers distribution types and pole spacing.
Dusk to dawn control
Every post top in the table comes with photocell control or a photocell base, so no separate sensor has to be added to the order.
- GL-SX4: a built in light sensor switch with an on/off toggle.
- PT01 and PT03: a photocell ships with the fixture.
- PT02: choose the version with a 12V photocell and sensor base, or the version with a twist lock photocell base and shorting cap. The shorting cap keeps the fixture on whenever the circuit is on, which suits a site that already switches its lights from a time clock or panel.
Check the pole before you order
Post tops slip over the top of the pole, so measure the existing tenon or pole top before you order.
- StarLake PT01: mounts on a 3 in maximum post and ships with a 3 in tenon.
- StarLake PT02 photocell base versions and PT03 60 to 100W: the listings name a 3 in tenon.
- Gielight GL-SX4: fits 3 to 6 m poles (about 10 to 20 ft) with a round pole bracket. The head measures 488.5 x 361.5 x 65 mm.
For other mounting styles, see our area light mounting guide. For wet and damp ratings, see wet location, damp location and IP ratings explained.
Common questions
What is an LED post top light?
It is a fixture that mounts on the top of a short pole, usually on a tenon, and lights the area all around it. Post tops are common on walkways, parks, campuses, plazas and parking areas.
Which post top has the most light output?
Of the post tops we list, the Gielight GL-SX4 is rated up to 22,500 lm at 150W, and the StarLake PT01 70 to 150W is rated up to 21,165 lm.
Do these post tops come with a photocell?
Yes. Each one comes with photocell control or a photocell base. The GL-SX4 has a built in sensor with an on/off toggle, the PT01 and PT03 ship with a photocell, and the PT02 comes with either a 12V photocell and sensor base or a twist lock photocell base with a shorting cap.
What size pole do they fit?
The StarLake PT01 mounts on a 3 in maximum post with a 3 in tenon, and the PT02 photocell base versions and PT03 60 to 100W list a 3 in tenon. The Gielight GL-SX4 fits 3 to 6 m poles, about 10 to 20 ft.
Can I lower the wattage after install?
Yes. Every post top here has selectable wattage and a 3000K, 4000K or 5000K color setting, so you can set each head on site.
Replacing a run of post tops? Send the fixture count, the pole height and the old lamp wattage for a job quote. Questions? Contact us, or call or text 845-681-2684.
Ready to price the job?
There is no minimum order. Build your order and submit it for a freight quote. Shipping is quoted to your address before you pay, and nothing is charged until you approve the total.
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