Flood lights are broad beamed daylight like light for activities or spaces which require bright light around night time. Public or private spaces which are inclusive of different activities that take place around night hours or are functional round the clock need flood lights to maintain the efficiency of the tasks relative to that area.
What is a Flood light?
A flood light is a light fixture for outdoors which has an adjustable beam angle to direct the light in any amount and direction. Most flood lights are of use outdoors like in stadiums, docs, parking lots, open spaces, parks, etc.
There are different types of flood light fixtures for every different application because flood light is mostly an umbrella term for bright outdoor light fixtures for various purposes. Flood light fixtures are available in multiple sizes, finishes and designs which you can check here.
Types of flood lights and their specifications
Flood lights are broadly categorised on the basis of lamp and their usage.
By lamps
1. Halogen flood lights
Halogen flood lights are the oldest technology where the electric current activates the halogen gas through tungsten and produces white light. They are quite bright but require a lot of energy as the brightness depends on wattage. These lights are not quite efficient as they tend to heat up very quickly.
2. HID flood lights
High intensity discharge lamps in flood lights have an internal ballast and create light as electricity is provided. These are better than most halogen or incandescent lamps but they have a delayed start up time so they tend to be quite inefficient in most spaces.
3. CFL flood lights
Compact or fluorescent lamps in flood lights have been around for a while and they produce brighter light. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and phosphorus coating which produces light when electricity is provided. They are largely inefficient and dangerous in most cases with a higher upfront cost.
4. LED flood lights
LED flood lights are the latest technology in recent years, they are particularly better than every traditional lamp and are the safest and most effective kind of flood light in every situation. The Light emitting diodes produce powerful bright light at the expense of low wattage and the fixture is highly suitable for use in any location as it is safety rated.
By usage
1. Regular flood lights
Regular or normal flood light fixtures are largely of use around residential spaces or outside commercial buildings for facade or architectural lighting. The housing is made up of aluminum and is IP rated against dust, moisture and chemicals. These lights allow different mounting options and can also be installed on ground or on buildings and have an adjustable beam angle for different elevation levels.
2. Security flood lights
Security flood light fixtures are special kind of flood lights which are integrable with cameras and motion sensors. They are energy efficient as well as at times they only light up when they detect any activity or motion within 100m distance. These flood lights are applicable anywhere from residential zones to commercial or industrial zones. They are protected against harsh environmental factors and have a long life span.
3. Landscape flood lights
Landscape flood lights are the most popular kind of flood lights. They are available in a range of designs, sizes and specifications to meet any requirements. These lights are largely of use in parks, garages, walkways etc. Landscape flood lights come in different sizes, designs, finishes and are somewhat decorative to enhance the outdoor ambience of any important building or mural. They have a variety of mounting options which also work on ground as well as different elevation levels.
4. Pole flood lights
Pole flood light fixtures are largely helpful in different outdoor working setups such as around mining or construction sites or any temporary setup which requires powerful bright light at night time. These fixtures mount on poles which can be carried around or positioned at some level from where they provide illumination to the required space.
Advantages of LED flood lights
As stated recently LED flood lights are largely employed for usage in any setup. It is due to the fact that they :
1. Have higher lumen output
LEDs provide uniform and bright illumination. The light pattern is non interruptive and glare free despite higher lumens per watt. The lumen is a measure of brightness in LED lamps.
2. Provide directional light
LED flood lights have adjustable beam angles from 60 -120 degrees so the beam can be adjustable from wide to narrow. The light is directional so it hits the point of illumination and does not disperse in the surrounding. This also saves up a lot of energy.
3. Low energy usage
These lights require lower wattages and produce more light. The energy usage is dramatically decreased and is highly effective in places where these lights are of use regularly for more than 8 hours per day.
4. Low maintenance
LED light fixtures are super low maintenance as they barely require any replacement or management. They have higher lumen output and a life span of around 11 years during which they do not malfunction unless met with any accident. They are IP rated and stay unfazed in most critical situations.
In conclusion, do filter down. It is important to recognise the need of your outdoor space and choose the best flood light fixture which is able to accommodate those requirements. They are a good investment which require proper planning and execution to ensure safety and life of the fixture with maximum efficiency at low costs,