Flag lighting in Poland

A flag flying after dark without lighting cannot be seen. This is why flags in front of many public offices, monuments and company premises are lit by floodlights. Polish rules neither require the flag to be taken down at night nor require it to be lit, but the guidance of the National Security Bureau draws attention to the flag's visibility at all times. This guide describes the rules and technical solutions. The general rules on the flag are set out in the guide to flag rules.

The flag at night and the rules

The Act on the emblem, colours and anthem does not set the hours during which the flag may fly and does not require it to be taken down after sunset. It does, however, require the colours to be displayed in a way that ensures them due reverence and respect (article 15). In the booklet “Duma i szacunek”, the Bureau writes that the place where the flag is displayed should be honourable and give it good visibility at any time of day and night.

Hours are set only by a 2002 regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Polish missions abroad: the flag with the emblem is raised in the morning, no later than 8:00, and lowered after sunset, unless other rules or customs apply in the country concerned. In Poland, many people take the flag down at night or fly it on a staff for the holidays, and many institutions leave it on the flagpole and light it.

Types of lighting

The flag moves in the wind, so a floodlight usually lights the whole area in which it can be, not just one spot. With several flagpoles, there is a floodlight at each one, or one wider floodlight lights all the flags.

Neighbours and surroundings

Strong light aimed upwards can dazzle pedestrians and drivers and shine into the windows of neighbouring houses. Under article 144 of the Civil Code, a property owner refrains from actions that would disturb the use of neighbouring properties beyond the average degree. A narrow beam angle, shields and a timer or dusk switch reduce the problem. Less light directed at the sky also has less effect on birds and insects.

Electrical installation

Mains-powered floodlights need a cable laid in the ground, usually in a conduit, and protection in the distribution board. The electrical installation is usually carried out by an electrician with the appropriate qualifications. Before a trench for the cable is dug, it can be checked whether other cables and pipes run in the ground. The subject is covered in the guide to flagpole installation.

The flagpole and lightning

A tall metal flagpole in open ground can attract lightning. Under article 61 of the Building Law, the owner or manager of a structure ensures its safe use, including in the event of lightning. The subject is covered in the guide to flagpole safety.

The flag on holidays

On holidays the flag often flies for several days without a break, for example from 1 to 3 May. Lighting keeps it visible in the evening too, when many people are returning from ceremonies. Holidays are described in the guide to flags on holidays.