Given their exposure to the elements, floodlights need to be durable, robust and offer longevity. As with all luminaires, not all floodlights are manufactured to the same standards. Nelo Neves, Managing Director of LEDVANCE UK looks at what should be considered when specifying a floodlight.
Floodlights serve a very specific purpose, delivering a broad beam of light that is high-intensity. Ideal for large areas such as stadiums, car parks and logistics centres, floodlights provide a broad and evenly-distributed illumination.
As floodlights are installed outside, exposed to even the most arduous of conditions, they need to be incredibly robust. This ensures they can offer reliable performance, even when situated in demanding environments.
To guarantee this high quality and durability, it is important to look for IP and IK ratings. IP66 and IK08 will ensure protection from water and dust ingress, alongside high resilience against impact. To bolster this further, selecting a floodlight that offers C4 corrosion resistance will deliver even greater protection from the elements. Other specifications to look for that extends service life include a breather membrane with silicone sealing ring, which prevents water buildup and condensation – protecting electrical components for an extended lifetime.
An ability to operate within a wide range of temperatures is also hugely beneficial. For example, the Floodlight Area Gen 2 range from LEDVANCE can function between -30°C to +50°C. This means it will still deliver light even in the most extreme of temperatures.
Comfort for those working or undertaking activities within the lit area is very important. To ensure this, a key consideration is the elimination of glare. Using the Floodlight Area Gen 2 range to illustrate this, its universal asymmetric beam angle (48°×85°) ensures precise, glare-free illumination while limiting light spill.
In addition, the flat tempered glass cover allows safe illumination without light pollution; with a ULOR 0% at 0°.
Notwithstanding the need to remove glare, floodlights still need to be able to direct light where it is actually needed. Look for floodlights that have a flexible bracket with wide rotation, as this will enable easy and accurate installation. To further add to adaptability, modern floodlights offer a multi-lumen function with adjustable brightness levels that can be easily adjusted via a dip switch. This allows on-site changes and simplifies planning.
For those applications where sustainability is a priority, floodlights can play a role in securing this. For example, the Floodlight Area Gen 2 range is manufactured using 100% recycled aluminium for the frame and housing.
Focusing on sustainability is where specifying a high efficiency solution will also reap benefits with regards to energy savings. Opting for a floodlight that delivers up to 150 lm/W will maximise the opportunities for energy savings.
Looking at all of these factors, it’s clear to see there is much more to floodlights than just bright light that operates even in challenging weather conditions. By making a considered choice, projects can also benefit from sustainable solutions that create comfortable environments, and offer on-site adaptability.