EPA Rating
We are regularly asked about EPA rating, most often with area lights. into less that 10 short questions with short answers.

1. What does EPA stand for?
Effective Projected area.

2. What does that mean?
Imagine the area light is a silhouette, this is how the wind would "see" the fixture when its exposed to the wind.

3. Rating for Wind?
The EPA rating indicates the maximum wind speed that a fixture is designed to handle without failure.

4. Is it only the fixture?
The fixture is a part of the calculation but it also includes the poles (if pole mounted) and mounting hardware too. 

5. It it important?
Yes, in certain areas it essential to ensure the fitting is safely mounted and designed to operate in the location its installed.

6. Where do I find the rating?
Usually its provided by the manufacturer (this is the easiest way), as alternatively you can calculate it by considering the frontal projected area and the drag coefficient.

7. What are the typical Factors which affect the wind load calculation?
Common factors which may be required to factor into the calculation or that can affect the overall calculation are: Wind Speed, wind direction, pole shape (round/square/other), types of mounting hardware, fitting installed at a angle, and overall pole/mounting structure.

8. Does it only affect Area Lights?
While area lights are certainly the most commonly required for an EPA rating, depending on mounting and other factors fittings externally mounted may need an EPA rating and calculation. 

9. Does site location affect the EPA rating I require?
Yes it does, if the installation location is in an area regularly receives storms with strong winds then it will need a higher rating.