The American flag has been a symbol of our nation’s strength, pride, freedom and honor since 1777. As a celebration of patriotism, it is important to protect the intergrity of the flag and display it in a way that highlights it in a respectful manner.
Download the PDF of our recommended flag pole lighting guide here.
According to the United States flag code, The American flag should be:
- Raise at Dawn, Retired at Dusk or Properly Illuminated
Residential Flag Poles (15 - 30’)
For homes and small properties, here’s what gets the job done clean and bright.
| Flagpole (Height) | Minimum Flag Size | Maximum Flag Size | Lumens (up to) | Number of Fixtures | Setback from Pole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15' | 3' x 5' | 3' x 5' | 3000 / 30° | 1-2 | 2-5 feet |
| 20' | 3' x 5' | 4' x 6' | 5000 / 30° | 1-2 | 2-5 feet |
| 25' | 4' x 6' | 5' x 8' | 8000 / 20° | 1-3 | 2-5 feet |
| 30' | 5' x 8' | 6' x 10' | 15,000 / 20° | 1-3 | 2-5 feet |
Here's how setback distance works:
Setback distance varies by pole height — see tables for details.
Commercial Flag Poles (20 - 50’)
For schools, businesses, and municipal installs - higher poles need higher output and tighter beams.
| Flagpole (Height) | Minimum Flag Size | Maximum Flag Size | Lumens (up to) | Number of Fixtures | Setback from Pole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' | 3' x 5' | 4' x 6' | 7000 / 30° | 1-2 | 2-5 feet |
| 25' | 4' x 6' | 5' x 8' | 12,000 / 20° | 1-3 | 2-5 feet |
| 30' | 5' x 8' | 6' x 10' | 20,000 / 20° | 1-3 | 2-5 feet |
| 35' | 6' x 10' | 8' x 12' | 25,000 / 20° | 1-3 | 3-6 feet |
| 40' | 6' x 10' | 8' x 12' | 35,000 / 20° | 2-5 | 3-8 feet |
| 50' | 8' x 12' | 10' x 15' | 45,000 / 20° | 3-5 | 4-10 feet |
NEMA Beam Spread Classifications
| Beam Spread (°) | NEMA Type | Beam Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10° to 18° | 1 | Very Narrow |
| 18° to 29° | 2 | Narrow |
| 29° to 46° | 3 | Medium Narrow |
| 46° to 70° | 4 | Medium |
| 70° to 100° | 5 | Medium Wide |
| 100° to 130° | 6 | Wide |
| 130° and up | 7 | Very Wide |
American Flag Etiquette & Disposal
- Do show respect, display and illuminate proudly
- Do raise briskly and lower ceremoniously
- Do display at half-staff when the state or nation is mourning
- Do display at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, then raise
- Don’t fly any other flag or pennant above it
- Don’t let it touch the ground
- Don’t use as drapery, clothing or decoration
- Don’t embellish or deface
Disposal
When the American flag reaches a condition in which it is no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified, ceremonious manner.