Padel court lighting requirements
Where the poles go, how high the fixtures must be and how much light a padel court needs, in lux and foot-candles. The FIP rules set the position and height; for lux levels there is no US padel standard, so we give what European federations publish and say which is which.
What the FIP rules require
- Uniform light, placed so that it does not make it hard to see for the players, the umpires or the audience.
- Poles outside the court. If they fall within the safety area, out-of-court play is not allowed.
- Mounting height: at least 19.7 ft (6 m) from the ground to the underside of the fixtures.
- New facilities: 26.2 ft (8 m) suggested if the lights are installed over the court, inside the vertical line of the side walls. Lights outside the walls can be at other heights.
- TV and filming: at least 1,000 lux (93 fc) of vertical illumination, more as the camera gets further away.
Source: FIP, Rules of Padel (review of application January 1, 2026), “Ilumination”. The same rules ask for at least 19.7 ft (6 m) of clear height over the whole court, with nothing, lights included, inside it: see padel court ceiling height.
Padel court lighting levels, in lux and foot-candles
For play other than TV, the FIP rules point to their homologation annex and give no lux figure. We found no US standard specific to padel. Two European federations publish levels, which a US lighting designer can use as a reference:
| Use | Average horizontal | Uniformity (min/avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor, local play, training and recreation | 200 lux (19 fc) | 0.5 |
| Outdoor, national and international competition | 500 lux (46 fc) | 0.7 |
| Indoor, local play, training and recreation | 300 lux (28 fc) | 0.5 |
| Indoor, national and international competition | 750 lux (70 fc) | 0.7 |
Source: Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP), Regole del padel, 2021 edition with FIT notes, published by Sport e Impianti (March 2022), section G, minimum levels under the European standard EN 12193. Foot-candles converted at 1 fc = 10.764 lux and rounded.
The French federation's 2026 specification asks for at least 300 lux (28 fc) maintained, indoors and outdoors, with a uniformity of at least 0.5 (0.7 recommended), measured at 13 points on the court (French Tennis Federation (FFT), specification “La piste de padel” (ref. FF26-146), copy published by the Ligue de tennis de Nouvelle-Calédonie, June 2026). Neither is a US rule; agree the target with your lighting designer and get it in the quote.
Lights and neighbors
For a backyard padel court or an outdoor club near homes, the question is usually local code: light spill onto neighbors, glare, pole height and the hours the lights may stay on. These are set by the city or county, so ask before you choose the poles. The club checklist is in padel court permits.
What to ask in a lighting quote
- Photometric plan: Maintained horizontal lux (or foot-candles) on the court and the uniformity, from a lighting calculation for your layout.
- Mounting height: Underside of the fixtures at least 19.7 ft (6 m) above the floor, 26.2 ft (8 m) suggested for new builds if they sit over the court (FIP).
- Pole position: Poles outside the court and, if you want out-of-court play, outside the safety area.
- Glare and spill: How the fixtures are aimed and shielded, for the players and for the neighbors.
- Controls and running costs: Fixture wattage, switching per court, timers, and the warranty on fixtures and drivers.
Lighting is often quoted with the courts. On a dimensioned plan, every installer prices the same courts: up to 3 installers and manufacturers in your area, through padel court quotes. For a covered padel court, the lights have to fit under the roof without cutting into the clear height.
Frequently asked questions
What are the padel court lighting requirements?
The FIP asks for uniform light that does not dazzle players, umpires or spectators, light poles outside the court and at least 19.7 ft (6 m) from the floor to the underside of the fixtures. For new facilities it suggests 26.2 ft (8 m) if the lights are over the court.
How many lux does a padel court need?
The FIP only gives a figure for TV: at least 1,000 lux (93 fc) vertical. As references, the French federation asks for 300 lux (28 fc) maintained, indoors and out, and the Italian federation's table (EN 12193) gives 200 lux (19 fc) outdoors and 300 lux (28 fc) indoors for recreational play.
How high should padel court lights be?
At least 19.7 ft (6 m) from the ground to the underside of the fixtures (FIP). For new facilities the FIP suggests 26.2 ft (8 m) if they are installed over the court, inside the line of the walls; lights outside the walls can be at other heights.
Is there a US standard for padel court lighting?
We found no US standard specific to padel. The FIP rules apply to the court, and federations in Europe publish lux levels; ask your lighting designer which target they design to.
Where do padel court light poles go?
Outside the court. If a pole stands in the safety area beside the openings, out-of-court play is not allowed (FIP).
What about light for the neighbors?
Light spill, glare and hours are set by local code, so ask your city or county before you choose the poles. It matters most for a backyard court.
Read on: padel court ceiling height · padel court glass · padel court turf · padel court cost
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