What is a Trunnion Mount in Lighting

In lighting installations, choosing the right mounting hardware is often overlooked, yet it can make all the difference to a project’s success. Floodlights, with their high output and wide beam spread, are a popular choice for illuminating large outdoor areas. To securely install flood lights, selecting the appropriate mounting solution is key.

Among the options available, trunnion mounts are one of the versatile and reliable choices. A trunnion mount offers solid structural support and allows for tilt adjustment, giving you control over the light's angle and direction.

In this blog, let’s explore trunnion mount for flood lights.

What is a trunnion mount?

A trunnion mount is a specialized bracket designed to support lighting fixtures while allowing for precise angle adjustments. The mount has a U-shaped yoke with pivoting attachment points on each side, connecting directly to the light fixture. This design allows for vertical tilting, so you can easily adjust the fixture to the ideal angle. Once the desired angle is set, a locking bolt secures the light in place, ensuring stability.

Trunnion mounts are highly versatile, making it easy to install flood lights on flat surfaces such as walls, square poles, roof soffits, or square bull horns.

Benefits of trunnion mount

Trunnion mount makes lighting installations both easier and more reliable.

• Flexible and versatile installation: The trunnion mount design offers exceptional flexibility, allowing flood lights to be mounted on walls, ceilings, or poles. When used with a slipfitter adapter, the trunnion arm enables pole mounting, making it ideal for installations in tight spaces or areas requiring practical, compact solutions.
• Adjustable positioning for precision lighting: One of the key advantages of a trunnion mount is its adjustable angle feature, which allows the lighting to be directed precisely where it’s needed. This adjustability optimizes light coverage, improving the illumination of specific areas.
• Easy installation process: With pre-drilled holes, trunnion mounts are straightforward to install. Whether it’s a new installation or a replacement, you just need simply drill into the chosen surface and mount. Trunnion mounts are designed to make the setup process smooth and efficient.
• Durability and reliability: Constructed from durable materials like metal, trunnion mounts are built to withstand outdoor conditions, offering long-lasting performance and resilience in various weather conditions.

Trunnion mount vs. Yoke mount

Trunnion and yoke mounts are two common ways to secure lighting fixtures. Although they are similar and sometimes called by each other’s names, they have a few key differences in design and use.

Trunnion mount:

• Has a bracket on each side of the light, allowing it to pivot and adjust.
• Typically used for mounting on poles, arms, or walls.
• Wider bracket, making it easier to install with more space for bolts

Yoke mount:

• Uses a U-shaped bracket holding the light in the middle.
• Usually mounted on poles, walls, or ceilings.
• Narrower bracket, which can make installation a bit trickier due to less space for bolts.

Quick comparison table

Considerations for selecting a trunnion mount

When selecting a trunnion mount for your lighting project, it's essential to evaluate several key factors to ensure optimal performance, durability, and safety.

Compatibility

Selecting a trunnion mount that is fully compatible with your lighting fixture is crucial. A properly matched system ensures seamless operation, reduces the risk of installation issues, and enhances the overall performance of your lighting setup.

Load capacity

Real-world forces like wind load, vibration, and the occasional maintenance impact can multiply the effective weight dramatically. Ensure the mount can handle the weight of your lighting fixtures and secure them tightly, especially for heavy floodlights. Failing to do so may result in equipment damage and pose serious safety hazards.

Material and durability

The environment where the trunnion mount will be used affects how long it will last and how well it performs. Salt in the air in coastal areas can cause regular steel mounts to rust quickly, often within just a few months. Choosing mounts made from low-copper, marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel is a better option for these areas, as they resist corrosion much more effectively.