In terms of site lighting, what is a cutoff fixture designed to do?

A cutoff fixture is specifically designed to direct light downward, which helps in reducing light pollution and ensures that light is focused where it is needed, such as on walkways, roads, or specific areas of a site. This downward direction minimizes the amount of light that scatters into the night sky or illuminates areas not intended to be lit.

By reducing light spillage, cutoff fixtures contribute to creating a safer environment by providing adequate illumination for visibility without causing glare or unnecessary light above the desired area. This characteristic is essential for both compliance with local lighting ordinances and for the aesthetics of the site.

The other options, while related to lighting effectiveness, do not accurately define the primary purpose of a cutoff fixture in site lighting. For instance, providing full illumination implies a uniform spread of light, which is not the focus of a cutoff fixture. Similarly, maximizing light output or minimizing energy consumption are outcomes that may be achieved through various lighting strategies, but they do not specifically pertain to the function of directing light downwards, which is the defining feature of a cutoff fixture.