Iluminación pistas

Lighting Regulations for Padel Courts

UNE-EN 12193 & FIP

The lighting regulations for padel courts are a key consideration in the construction and operation of sports facilities, both at the recreational and professional levels. Complying with the regulations when building your padel court ensures proper visibility, safety, and optimal performance during play. The lighting of a padel court not only affects the playing experience: it is a technical requirement regulated by European, Spanish, and international standards.

In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the UNE-EN 12193 lighting standards for padel, the requirements of the International Padel Federation (FIP), and the criteria applicable to recreational and competition courts.

In this guide, we explain in detail:

  • The UNE-EN 12193 standard in Spain
  • The requirements of the International Padel Federation (FIP)
  • Regulations for recreational and competition padel courts
  • Technical requirements for LED lighting in padel
  • Regulations for the construction of padel courts

Do you need to comply with lighting regulations for your paddle court?

Request a free professional lighting assessment Optimize your lighting system, avoid fines, and ensure perfect lighting

What regulations govern lighting on padel courts?

In Spain, the regulations for paddle tennis courts regarding lighting are based primarily on two frameworks:

1. UNE-EN 12193 Standard (Lighting of sports facilities)

The UNE-EN 12193 standard establishes lighting requirements for sports facilities, including padel courts.

It defines key parameters such as:

  • Illuminance level (lux)
  • Light uniformity
  • Glare (UGR)
  • Color rendering (CRI)

It is the primary technical reference in the regulations for the construction of padel courts in Spain.

In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the UNE‑EN 12193 lighting standard for padel, the requirements of the International Padel Federation (FIP), and the criteria applicable to recreational and competition courts.

2. Rules of the International Padel Federation (FIP)

The FIP sets stricter criteria for official courts and televised events.

FIP requirements for competition courts:

  • Horizontal illuminance: 500–750 lux
  • Vertical illuminance for TV: 1000–1500 lux
  • Uniformity ≥ 0.7
  • Light fixture height: 6–8 meters
  • Specific optics to prevent glare
  • Requirements for television broadcasts

Documentation on the official website of the International Padel Federation here:

Regulations for the Construction of Padel Courts in Spain

Although there is no single national law, there are technical standards that apply to construction and lighting:

  • UNE‑EN 12193
  • FIP Requirements
  • Municipal light pollution regulations
  • Electrical and energy efficiency regulations

Regulations and standards on the official website of the Spanish Padel Federation here:

Lighting levels in accordance with regulations (lux)

One of the most important aspects of the padel lighting regulations is the horizontal illuminance level (lux).

Recreational courts

  • 200–300 lux
  • Amateur use or social clubs
  • Lower uniformity requirements

National / Advanced Amateur Competition

  • 300–500 lux
  • Higher uniformity (>0.6)
  • Glare control

Professional competition (FIP / TV)

  • 500–1000 lux
  • High uniformity (>0.7)
  • CRI ≥ 80
  • Glare-free

Minimum lighting levels according to UNE EN 12193 (summary table)

Type
Usage
Lux Recommendations
Consistency
Recreational
200 lux
0,5
Training
300 lux
0,6
Competition
500 lux
0,7

Additional requirements:

  • Color temperature: 4000K – 5000K
  • CRI ≥ 70
  • Low glare (UGR-controlled)
  • Minimal flicker for broadcasts

Technical lighting requirements according to UNE-EN 12193

To comply with the paddle tennis court lighting regulations, the following factors must be taken into account:

1. Light uniformity

  • Relationship between minimum and average lighting
  • Avoid dark areas
  • Improve game visibility

2. Glare control

  • Use of appropriate lenses
  • Correct projector alignment
  • Optimal installation height

3. Color Rendering Index (CRI)

  • Recommended ≥ 70 (minimum)
  • Ideal ≥ 80 for competition

4. Color temperature

  • Between 4000K and 5700K
  • Improves visual perception

Lighting layout for paddle tennis courts

The regulations for the construction of paddle tennis courts also address the proper placement of lights.

Standard configuration:

It’s not just the wattage of the lights that matters. Other factors also play a role.
  • 4 poles (2 on each side)
  • Height: 6 to 8 meters
  • 2–4 floodlights per pole
Professional installations may feature more advanced configurations for TV.

LED lighting for paddle tennis courts (recommended)

The use of LED technology is currently the recommended standard in the padel lighting regulations due to its advantages:
  • Greater energy efficiency
  • Long service life
  • Instant start-up
  • Better light control
  • Lenses specifically designed for padel tennis
  • Low glare index

Differences between FIP and UNE standards

Appearance
UNE-EN 12193
FIP
General (Spain/Europe)
International competition
Define ranges
Set minimums by level
Not required
High-level requirement
Focus
Technician
Sports

The Importance of Complying with Regulations

Compliance with padel court lighting regulations is key to:
• Avoiding penalties or non-certification
• Ensuring player safety
• Improving the playing experience
• Optimizing athletic performance

Proper application of padel lighting standards—both UNE-EN 12193 and FIP—is essential for designing efficient, safe padel courts adapted to every level of play.

If you are developing a project, make sure to meet all technical requirements to achieve a professional and competitive installation.

How LED Padel Ensures Regulatory Compliance

At Ledpadel, we manufacture, design, and install LED lighting systems that strictly comply with:

• UNE EN 12193 standards
• FIP requirements
• Local regulations
• Competition certification

Advantages of our ELLITE PADEL system:

• High-power LED floodlights
• Optics specifically designed for padel
• Glare elimination
• Energy savings of up to 80%
• Certified lighting studies

Learn all about perimeter lighting for padel courts

Court Lighting

Guía completa: lux, focos LED y normativa.

Energy Savings

ELLITE PADEL is more than just LED lighting. It’s a strategic tool for maximizing profits.

LED Spotlights Comparison

Professional LED floodlights vs. budget-friendly options for paddle tennis courts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Primarily UNE-EN 12193 and the FIP requirements for official courts.

Depends on the use: Recreational: 200–300 lux | Training: 300 lux | Competition: 500–750 lux

Yes, for public and private sports facilities that want to ensure safety and quality.

It can cause glare, poor visibility, complaints from users, and problems with competition certification.

Yes, we provide certified and fully customized lighting designs.
(3D rendering of the club to determine the best color combination for the walls and ceilings)

Do you want to know if your track complies with regulations?

Request a free lighting analysis and receive a professional report.