Flagpole Lighting Etiquette: How to Correctly Display a Flag at Night
Proper illumination of your flag display is essential to honor the flag and adhere to flag etiquette outlined in the US flag code.
At Gettysburg Flag Works, we offer expert advice and top-quality lighting solutions designed for you! Use our Flag resources or Flagpole guide to get all of your questions answered.
Lighting Requirements for the American Flag
According to flag etiquette, if you display the American flag at night, it must be illuminated so that it is clearly visible. This is because inadequate lighting can detract from the flag’s honor and overall presentation. If ambient lighting (such as street or house lights) is insufficient, a dedicated flagpole light is recommended.
If the flag is not adequately visible after dusk, it should be taken down until proper lighting can be provided.
Our Favorite Lighting Options
Top-Mounted Solar Flagpole Lights
Our top-mounted "UFO" solar flagpole lights are an energy-efficient, low-maintenance option that automatically turn on when it is dark.
- Benefits: Easy DIY installation, no wiring required, self-charging solar batteries, and low upkeep.
- Ideal for: Residential installations and smaller flagpoles.
Ground-Based Lighting Solutions
Alternatively, ground-based solutions such as spotlights or floodlights offer high brightness and adjustable positioning. However, these systems often require professional installation and may involve higher energy consumption.
- Benefits: High lumen output and precise control over lighting direction.
- Considerations: Increased installation complexity and wiring challenges.
Flag Lighting FAQs
When it comes to setting up a flag display and caring for your American flag, there are many things to consider. From the best flagpole option for your scenario to the ideal flag material for your environment, you’ll have lots of choices to make.
Another key decision many flag enthusiasts must make is whether or not they will illuminate their flag display at night, and - if they choose to light their flags at night - what type of light they will use to do so.
There’s more to lighting a flag properly than you might think! Here at Gettysburg Flag Works, we are passionate about flag etiquette. From half staff rules to proper flag retirement, we care about helping flag owners fly flags they’re proud of - and fly them correctly!
Read on to learn about flag lighting etiquette and find answers to common questions about how to properly illuminate a flag at night.
Does a Flagpole Have to Have a Light?
No. A flagpole light is not required. However, if you plan to fly an American flag at night, proper flag etiquette dictates that you should illuminate it.
If you fly your flag from dawn to dusk and take it down before nightfall, you do not need to have a lighted flagpole.
Learn how to restring your flagpole here! We have all the important flag maintenance resources on our guide to caring for your flag page.
What is the Best Flagpole Light?
The best flagpole light is likely the one that works best with your flagpole configuration.
Solar flagpole lights are a terrific option if you’re looking to light an outdoor in-ground flagpole. Our top mounted solar flagpole light is one of the best on the market. It’s an environmentally friendly flagpole lighting solution that is suitable for outdoor flagpoles up to 25 feet tall.
Some key features of our solar flagpole light include:
- Easy DIY installation - no special tools, wiring or electrical work required
- Operates with self-charging solar batteries (included)
- Solar panels collect sunlight throughout the day
- 800 lumens of brightness
- Turns on automatically at dusk
- Low maintenance
- Affordably priced
You can learn more about our solar flagpole light here.
How Do I Light a Flagpole?
There are a couple of options to consider when it comes to lighting a flagpole. In general, you can either light the flagpole from the ground with spotlights or flood lights, or light it from atop the flagpole with a top-mounted flagpole light. This means you can either have lights shining upwards at the flag, illuminating it from below, or you can have a light shining down on the flag from above.
Your flag display and flagpole will likely dictate which option is most appropriate.
As mentioned, we highly recommend top-mounted solar flagpole lights as they are safe, energy efficient, low-maintenance, and very effective in keeping flags illuminated at night. Check out our top-rated solar flagpole light here.
How Many Lumens are Needed to Light a Flagpole?
The number of lumens necessary to light up your flag will depend on three main factors:
- How your flag is being displayed
- How you are lighting your flag
- How tall your flagpole is
If you choose to light your flagpole from the ground, you’ll need a light that offers anywhere from 1,600 to 25,000 lumens. Shorter flagpoles require fewer lumens, so while a 15 foot flagpole may be sufficiently lit with 1,600 lumens, a 25 foot pole will need closer to 25,000 lumens.
With a solar flagpole light, you’ll need significantly fewer lumens to light your flag effectively.
Top mounted flagpole lights range in lumens from as low as 50 to as high as 1,000.
In general, for a standard outdoor flagpole, a solar flagpole light that shines at 200 lumens should get the job done. Our top mounted solar flagpole light clocks in at 800 lumens, guaranteeing that your flag will be well lit on even the darkest nights.
Should I Be Lighting the American Flag at Night?
If you are displaying the American flag at night, flag etiquette dictates that you should be illuminating it.
Proper flag etiquette requires that the American flag always flies in light. You should be able to see a flag clearly whenever it is displayed, day or night. This means that if you can see the flag clearly with the use of street light, house lights, or a flagpole light, you may display the American flag at night. Otherwise, you should bring the flag in at dusk and put it out again in the daylight.
You can learn more about properly displaying the American flag outdoors here.
How Do I Install My Solar Light?
We made this short video that goes over everything you need to know when it comes to installing your solar light!
Additionally, review the package details before installing after you get your new light in the mail.
Have Other Questions About Lighting, Flagpoles or Flag Products?
Ready to upgrade your flag lighting? Explore our selection of top-rated solar flagpole lights designed to keep your flag brilliantly illuminated.
For more detailed information on flag lighting etiquette or to view our full range of flag products, visit our American Flag Product Page or check out our Flag Resources.
Have questions or need expert advice? Call our flag experts at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online.