Outline
- Introduction
- Key Factors to Consider While Choosing Zhaga Book 18 Cover
- Material Quality & Durability
- Optical Performance
- Ingress Protection
- Mechanical Compatibility
- Thermal Management
- Supplier Evaluation Criteria
- Certifications & Compliance
- Manufacturing Quality Control
- Customization Options
- Supplier Reputation & Support
- Customization Options For Zhaga Book 18
- Color Selection
- Height Options
- Exterior Design
- Cost vs. Value: Making an Informed Decision
- Final words
Outdoor lighting is getting smarter. The Zhaga Book 18 standard plays a big role in that evolution. It defines a universal interface for sensor-ready streetlights. This makes upgrades and replacements easier than ever. But one crucial component often gets overlooked—the cover or dome.
A well-chosen cover does more than just protect internal components. It ensures optimal light transmission, shields against harsh weather, and even enhances the fixture’s lifespan. The wrong choice, however, can lead to reduced efficiency, yellowing, or water ingress over time.
With so many suppliers offering different materials and designs, selecting the best dome isn’t always straightforward. You need the right balance of durability, optical clarity, and environmental resistance. In this guide, we’ll break down key factors to help you make an informed choice.

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing Zhaga Book 18 Cover
Design Compatibility
Ensuring a proper fit with the Zhaga Book 18 base is crucial. Incompatible covers can result in inadequate sealing, exposure to environmental elements, and compromised stability. Always verify the dimensional accuracy and installation method to avoid issues.
Customization Potential
Though generic polycarbonate covers are common, some vendors, such as Chi-Swear, provide customization capabilities to suit specific project needs. These range from colored finishes, branding, incorporated logos, or frosted textures for minimal glare. Customization not only makes the product more functional but also provides a personal touch to outdoor lighting applications.
Ingress Protection
In outdoor settings, domes must withstand various environmental challenges. Water ingress is the most critical challenge among all the other environmental factors. For this, maintaining high IP ratings is an effective counter.
The Ingress Protection rating refers to the effectiveness of the enclosure against dust and water entry. For outdoor luminaires, an IP65 minimum is advised. This provides full protection against dust and low-pressure water jets.

Mechanical Compatibility
Ensuring the dome fits seamlessly with the Zhaga Book 18 base is crucial. For this, the dome’s dimensions and attachment mechanisms must align precisely with the base. This will maintain structural integrity and prevent ingress issues.
Thermal Management
Though domes are not major heat sinks, their material characteristics may impact internal temperatures. Polycarbonate and acrylic have less thermal conductivity than glass. This could have an effect on heat dissipation. Yet, their effect is usually small in well-designed luminaires.
Supplier Evaluation Criteria
Certifications & Compliance
First and foremost, ensure that the products of the supplier are Zhaga Consortium certified. Chi-Swear is a well-known brand in this regard. But if you want to dig further, you can find certified products in the Zhaga Product Database.
Secondly, respect for international safety standards is important. The International Electrotechnical Commission provides standards such as IEC 60598-1. This prescribes general safety requirements for luminaires. Meeting such standards protects against electrical and mechanical risks. This promotes both user safety and product reliability.
Manufacturing Quality Control
Understanding a supplier’s quality control processes is vital. Inquire about their testing protocols, such as environmental stress screening, thermal cycling, and mechanical durability tests. Suppliers with rigorous quality assurance measures are more likely to deliver consistent and durable products.
Customization Options
If your needs are diverse, first evaluate the supplier’s ability to offer customization. This includes options for tinted or anti-glare covers or any other shape or size customization. If you can’t find one, Chi-Swear is a reliable supplier of Zhaga Book 18 covers, offering every type of customization.
Additionally, you can consider the availability of sensor-integrated covers. Suppliers that provide flexible customization demonstrate adaptability and a customer-centric approach.
Supplier Reputation & Support
Customer support must be analyzed before finalising your purchase. Review customer feedback and case studies to gauge satisfaction levels and real-world performance.
Furthermore, robust technical support is essential for addressing installation queries. Chi-Swear offers one-on-one consultations for a seamless experience.
Customization Options For Zhaga Book 18
Selecting the right cover or dome goes beyond just material and durability. Customization in color, height, and exterior design can significantly impact both functionality and aesthetics.
Color Selection
LONG JOIN’s Zhaga Book 18 Base series offers six versions. Each is available in two cover heights and four basic color options. Initially, clear covers were preferred owing to their sleek appearance and adaptability.
However, with time, as more and more municipalities adopt Zhaga photocontrollers, reliability becomes a preferred concern. Users increasingly opted for black covers to shield internal components from direct sunlight.
Recognizing evolving needs now black and gray, both cover options are available. With the demand mostly in the Nordic market, they enhance UV and environmental protection.
Further, if you need a unique look or specific branding requirements, Chi-swear offers full-color customization.
Height Options
As discussed above, heat dissipation and ventilation are critical factors impacting the lifespan of photocontrollers. Choosing the correct cover height is crucial in this regard.
Covers with optimal height offer effective airflow and minimize installation challenges. LONG JOIN has three variables regarding height: 20 cm, 35 cm, and 50 cm.
35 cm height is the most commonly chosen due to its balanced dimensions. However, it’s not one-size-fit-for-all solution. The best selection depends on the PCB’s height and component layout.

For municipalities requiring continuous updates, opting for the tallest 50 cm cover is safer. It ensures sufficient space, allowing for future adjustments and modifications without constraints.
Exterior Design
Once color and height are finalized, exterior design becomes the next consideration. Zhaga covers come in multiple shapes, including pointed, flat, UFO, and dome designs. While these variations provide different aesthetic options, they generally have minimal impact on functionality.
With these customization options, LONG JOIN ensures flexibility while maintaining the high standards required for Zhaga-compliant outdoor lighting solutions.

Cost vs. Value: Making an Informed Decision
When choosing covers or domes for your Zhaga Book 18 base, balancing upfront costs and long-term performance is critical. Spending money on quality components can lead to great energy savings and lower operating expenses.
For bulk deployments, leverage the purchasing benefits of large quantities. This can provide substantial cost savings. Further, by centralizing procurement efforts, organizations can simplify processes and enhance control and efficiency.
Also, think about the warranty and after-sales value. Through thorough consideration of these aspects, you can make choices that balance budgetary requirements with performance requirements.
Final words
Choosing the right cover for your Zhaga Book 18 base is essential for durability, optical performance, and seamless integration. A well-selected cover enhances both protection and efficiency, ensuring long-term reliability. For high-quality, customizable Zhaga covers backed by industry expertise, Chi-Swear offers proven solutions tailored to your needs.