Floodlights (20)

Floodlights: Understanding and Choosing the Right Floodlight

Floodlights are one of the most efficient ways of illuminating or protecting an external area. There are varying types, each with their own features and functions such as beam angles, colour temperature, and activation methods.

Table of Contents

1. What Types of Floodlights are There?
2. What are the Benefits of PIR Floodlights?
3. What are the Benefits of Solar Powered Floodlights?
4. What is an Ingress Protection Rating?
5. Cost Factors to Consider with Floodlights
6. What to Look for in a Floodlight

1. What Types of Floodlights are There?

• PIR - PIR stands for ‘passive infrared sensor’ and it works by measuring infrared light radiating from objects in its view. A PIR floodlight turns on when it detects a moving object within its field of view, ideal as a security measure as it attracts attention when it switches on. Another benefit to these types of lights is the energy saving when its off
• Solar Powered - Solar powered floodlights are one of the most economical options, as it will power itself from the sunlight it absorbs during the day. Solar powered PIR floodlights are also available
• RF/App Controlled - When convenience and control is the priority, remote controlled floodlights are ideal. These types of floodlights excel for scenarios such as BBQs, parties, or general use wear you want an entrance to be well-lit

2. What are the Benefits of PIR Floodlights?

• Improved Security - PIR floodlights are excellent for lighting up an area if any unwanted people or animals move too close to it. A PIR floodlight will attract attention when it lights up as it catches the eye, as well as alerting someone within a home if it lights up
• Energy Saving - Due to PIR floodlights spending most of their time ‘off’, they use very little energy compared to lights designed to stay on for a period of time
• Convenience - A PIR floodlight will illuminate on its own, requiring little input from the user. The only input required is setting up, and deciding on the range and brightness of the light
• Adjustable Detection - Another benefit of PIR floodlights is the way in which settings can be adjusted. Different floodlights will have a different level of customisation, but most will allow the detection to be altered, the colour temperature and the brightness
• Low Maintenance - Due to the reduced amount of use a PIR floodlight will have, they are easier to maintain, as the bulbs will not be worn down as fast
• Weatherproof Design - PIR floodlights or floodlights in general are built to handle harsher weather and will often have an IP rating of IP65, meaning they are protected against dust and rain

3. What are the Benefits of Solar Powered Floodlights?

• Energy Efficiency - Due to solar floodlights being powered from the sun, they are extremely energy efficient, and are often self-reliant, which saves money and electricity
• Easy Installation - Installation is simple, it just requires the solar panel to be installed near the light, and at an angle where it will absorb the sun for the longest
• Environmentally Friendly - Solar powered floodlights are a much greener option when it comes to lighting an external area as it draws energy from the sun, rather than the mains

4. What is an Ingress Protection Rating?

Ingress Protection is a rating system that measures how well an electrical or electronic enclosure protects against moisture, dust and more.

An IP rating is displayed in this format, ‘IP65’. The two numbers represent the protection provided, the first number demonstrates the protection against solids such as dust. The second number displays the protection against water or moisture. The highest solid protection rating is 6 (dust-tight), and the highest water protection rating is 9K (resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature jets), although IPX8 is best for continuous immersion.

5. Cost Factors to Consider with Floodlights

• LED Efficiency - It is important to look at the LED efficiency when purchasing a product with LED bulbs in, newer LED products are often a lot more efficient than older ones
• Wattage - Another thing to consider when purchasing an LED light is the wattage provided. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the light will be, at the cost of more energy usage
• Usage - It goes without saying that the more a floodlight is switched on, the more power it uses, which costs more money. Therefore, it is important to only use them when necessary, if cost is a concern

6. What to Look for in a Floodlight

• Lumens - Lumens are units that light is measured by, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light
• PIR - Stands for ‘Passive Infrared Receiver’ and it means the floodlight is activated when motion is detected
• Beam Angle - The beam at which the light is distributed, the wider the angle, the more area is illuminated
• Colour Temperature - Measured in Kelvin (K). The higher number, the cooler the light. If a light has a low Kelvin, it will produce a ‘warmer’ white, security lights often use cool white, as it is brighter and sharper
• IP Rating - Ingress protection rating, for example, IP65 means that the floodlight is protected against water sprays from all angles

For further technical information relating to our range of floodlights, please telephone our main sales line on 01772 431 216 or email [email protected].