Wholesale Security Lights at Murcu
A security light is a lighting fixture that enhances safety, and Murcu will provide you with superior and comprehensive security light solutions, durable exterior materials, and long-lasting drive power. Applications include outdoor sensor security lights, day night sensor lights, solar security lights, HD camera security lights and other LED lighting solutions. For exclusive customized solutions, please feel free to contact our team.
An Expert’s Guide on How to Find the Best LED Flood Lights
Are you shopping for the ultimate indoor or outdoor LED flood lights for your commercial or industrial space?
If so, you are probably also wondering a few things like:
- Which is the best LED flood light for you?
- How to choose a high-performance fixture correctly?
- Where to find the best LED flood lights?
- What do you need to consider when shopping?
- And so on…
Yes!
At the moment you may have more questions than answers.
But:
That’s exactly why you are here.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LED flood lights. From how to interpret the fixture’s functional specifications to how to install the fixture like a pro.
The Basics
Before we get down to the nitty-gritty bits of information about LED flood lights, there are a few things you should know about lighting.
For example:
When you’re shopping for the perfect fixture for your space, there are two main aspects to consider namely:
- Your room’s lighting needs.
- The functions and features of your preferred lighting fixture.
Both of these aspects are directly related.
How?
Well, your room’s lighting needs can help you determine the features and functions you want your lighting fixtures to have.
And to calculate lighting needs, you just need to consider:
- The size and shape of the room.
- Its intended use. (Some rooms need more light than others)
- The number of viable lighting spots available.
- And the room’s total lighting load.
Now:
That being said, let’s get back to our main topic – LED Flood Lights…
So enjoy the read…
- What are LED Floodlights?
- What Are the Components of LED Flood Lights?
- What are LED Flood Lights Used For?
- Are LED Floodlights As Bright As Halogen Bulbs?
- What Are The Differences Between SMD And COB LED Flood Lights?
- LED Floodlight Vs. Spotlight: What’s The Difference?
- What Are The Strengths And Weaknesses Of LED Flood Lights?
- What Should You Look For When Shopping For An LED Flood Light?
- What is the LED Flood Light Wattage Required for a Warehouse?
- How Long Does an LED Flood Light Last?
- How to Decide On Buying LED Flood Lights For My Building
- Three Simple Tips on How to Install an LED Floodlight
What are LED Floodlights?
An LED flood light is a weatherproof, high-performance fixture that is often used for both indoor and outdoor lighting.
A little vague? Well…
They are called “Flood” lights mainly because they are used to illuminate large spaces like a “flood of light.”
These lighting fixtures usually come with the following characteristics:
- They yield high luminous flux (are very bright).
- They are often placed higher than normal light fixtures to illuminate a wider area.
- Are water and dustproof.
- They are also broad-beamed.
- Are durable and made of strong materials.
- They are common in outdoor sports fields, street lighting, indoor halls, outdoor concerts, and arenas.
Now:
These lighting fixtures usually come with different wattages and luminous flux levels.
Hence, it is quite easy to find one that is best suited for your space.
Moving on…
What Are the Components of LED Flood Lights?
At first glance, it is quite easy to assume that LED floodlights are simple.
However, the complexities are in the details.
As mentioned earlier, these fixtures are largely used for outdoor lighting.
That means that their materials have to be strong and weatherproof enough to keep the fixture working for years.
Note:
Different manufacturers use different materials. Maybe because of cost, design, the brand signature and so on…
But here is a list of the components you will find in most LED flood lights today:
- A Strong Die-Cast Aluminum Casing– Aluminum is usually preferred because of its ability to resist corrosion and wear & tear.
- Armored Glass or PC (Polycarbonate) Plastic – Some floodlights may lack these, but for the ones that have them, these components are used to shield the LED chips from damage. The benefit of using glass or PC is that they bolster the fixture’s protection with minimal optical loss and also have impressive luminous uniformity.
- High Current LED Chips – They are responsible for the high light intensity yield. These chips are often mounted on the front side of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).
- A Heat Sink –Despite the fact that standard LEDs don’t produce much heat, a floodlight sometimes does. That is mainly due to its high performance and wattage requirements. Therefore, the heat sink is often there to cool it down just in case there is any heat accumulation.
- An LED Driver– A driver helps to minimize flickering by ensuring that there’s constant and even supply of power to the chips.
- A Reflective Surface – To reflect stray light rays for maximum efficiency.
With that in mind, you may also be wondering:
What are LED Flood Lights Used For?
LED Floodlights are used for many things.
In fact, it’s pretty easy to come across a flood light whenever it is dark or during low-light weather conditions.
The biggest example of LED flood lights application is in Sports.
Why?
Well, a lot of matches/games are often played in the evening or during times when there’s not enough light.
Hence, creating the need for artificial lighting. And no other fixture does this better than flood lights.
Note:
Light is always an essential aspect of any sports event. Without proper illumination, there are a lot of things that can go wrong.
Plus, low-lighting makes it harder for these matches to be properly broadcasted to the millions of viewers watching the game on TV.
You get the point, right?
And that’s just one application.
You’ll also find outdoor LED flood lights in music concerts and festivals. And that’s mainly because you can also use these fixtures to create directional lighting.
Directional lighting helps you to illuminate the places where lighting is required. It’s not only easy but also very energy and cost-efficient.
And if that’s not enough…
You’ll also find outdoor LED flood light fixtures being used as street lights or in parking lots and alleyways. That’s because these fixtures produce a lot of light; hence, boosting security while at the same time minimizing the chances of accidents occurring.
Question:
Why do you think rescue teams often use LED floodlights during searches?
Your guess is correct…
Because flood lights, LEDs to be specific, can deliver a consistent stream of bright light for a long time, thus, making it easy for them to scan wide areas within a very short time.
And yes, I know you’re probably also wondering:
Can you use an LED flood light at home?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
LED flood light fixtures are great for residential use because they not only bolster your home security by providing ample illumination but also deter burglars and intruders if the fixture is fitted with a motion sensor.
And the best part about all this is that you won’t have to worry about how high your energy bill will be.
After all, it is an LED light fixture, right?
Are LED Floodlights As Bright As Halogen Bulbs?
For decades, we’ve been using Halogen technologies on our floodlights. And that’s why this question is important to ask before making the switch to LED flood lights.
So?
Are LEDs brighter?
In a sense, YES!
However, you should note that brightness is measured in Lumens; not Watts.
Therefore, you can have an LED floodlight and a halogen bulb offering the same amount of brightness; but with different wattages.
Note:
LED flood lights often use fewer Watts of power to produce the same amount of lumens as a halogen flood light bulbs.
On average, most LED floodlights have a 110lm/W efficiency rating as compared to their halogen counterparts that range from 16 to 21lm/W.
For example:
LED Flood lights 100W from Murcu can yield up to 11,000 Lumens; which is very impressive.
To get the same amount of lumens from a halogen floodlight bulb, it will need to be above 600W in wattage.
Can you see the difference?
Simply put:
You will have to use six-times more power with a halogen floodlight than you’d have with an LED version.
In fact, in most cases, you might be forced to use halogen technology floodlights 1000W or even floodlights 2000W just to get enough lumen output to fully illuminate your space.
Quite costly and unnecessary, right?
And funny enough, that’s not the only advantage that LED floodlights have over their halogen counterparts…
For example:
- Cost– It’s true that Halogen floodlights are cheaper than LEDs. However, their lifetime costs remain painfully high. LEDs use very little energy and last longer, therefore you get to save on your lighting expenses for a long period of time.
- Efficiency– LED flood lights are over 80% more efficient than Halogens. Therefore, with LEDs, you’ll be using 80% less power while still managing to get the same amount of illumination offered by a halogen floodlight bulb.
- Warm-up Time– LEDs don’t warm up. In fact, they switch on and off instantly. Hence, offer more convenience than halogens.
- Durability – While halogen flood lights only last for 15,000 hours, LED versions can provide sufficient lighting for over 50,000 hours; which is three times more than halogens. And the best part about LEDs is that once they outlive their durability, they don’t just fail abruptly; their failure is gradual giving you ample time to replace them.
- Maintenance– Due to their impressive lifespans, LED flood lights need very little maintenance and take years before needing any replacements. The same cannot be said about halogen fixtures.
The list of benefits is almost endless…
But at least, you get the point now, right?
What Are The Differences Between SMD And COB LED Flood Lights?
Now, this is where things get a bit technical…
For most people, an LED fixture is just an LED fixture. No one ever bothers with the intricacies of this amazing technology.
But, you’re in luck.
Why?
Well, you’ll learn something here that most people don’t know.
So, LED technology is implemented in two main ways namely:
- SMD or Surface Mounted Device LED
- COB or Chip On BoardLED
Both of which give us LED fixtures and devices.
But:
What’s the difference between the two?
SMD
An SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LED is made by permanently fusing LED chips on to a printed circuit board (PCB).
SMD LEDs are quite versatile. And that’s probably why they are the most common in the market today.
You’ll find SMDs in just about anything including:
- Light bulbs.
- String lights.
- Smartphones’ notification lights and so on.
Note:
SMD LEDs can have more than two contacts and come in a variety of sizes. And the fact that you can have multiple diodes in an SMD means that you can create numerous colors with ease.
Lastly, SMD LEDs are often brighter. They can yield up to 100 lumens per watt.
COB
A COB (Chip On Board) LED is a newer design than SMD. It’s more efficient and usually has more diodes than an SMD.
However, unlike SMDs, COB LEDs only have two contacts and are often on one circuit, hence, the panel-like appearance.
Note:
COB LEDs are not ideal for color-changing designs/fixtures because they don’t support that feature. In fact, to create the color-changing effect, multiple channels for adjustment are often required.
Lastly, COBs have better heat efficiency and lumen-per-watt ratios. That means that they use little energy to produce sufficient lighting.
The most common application of COD LEDs is in the flashlight on cameras and smartphones.
Moving on…
LED Floodlight Vs. Spotlight: What’s The Difference?
Yes.
You’ve probably heard spotlights…
And no, I’m not talking about celebrity and famous people “spotlights.”
I’m talking about actual lighting fixtures that are quite common by the way.
Have you ever wondered if you can use floodlights and spotlights interchangeably?
Well, the simplest answer to that question would be: NO!
Why?
These two types of lighting fixtures are literally the opposite of each other. Here’s how…
What is a Spotlight?
A spotlight is a lighting fixture that is often used to cast narrow, directional beams of light.
In most cases, the beams will be no wider than 450.
Because of a spotlight beam’s narrow nature, the light yielded is usually more intense; making it easy to control and point.
And that’s why you’ll find LED spotlights in clubs, concerts, and even as decorative lighting in homes and offices.
Now:
You already know what a flood light is, right?
But to recap:
LED floodlights are broad-beamed (up to 1200) and are used to illuminate vast spaces. But, with the same wattage and lumen output as a spotlight. However, the light produced won’t be as intense as a spotlight.
Can you tell the difference?
Of course, you can!
The main differences lie in their use and application.
Basically, a spotlight is ideal for directional lighting or illuminating a small, specific area. On the other hand, flood lights are ideal for large area illumination.
Get it?
What Are The Strengths And Weaknesses Of LED Flood Lights?
Like everything on this planet, LED flood lights have their own share of strengths and weaknesses.
However, in this case, the pros outweigh the cons…
Strengths
- They are Highly Efficient– Like all LED light fixtures, these flood lights are very energy efficient. That means that they use less energy to produce more light. On average, an LED floodlight will output 100 lumens-per-watt; which is way more than the ~20 lumens-per-watt you get from halogen, HPS (High-Pressure Sodium), and metal halide bulbs.
- Very Easy to Install and Use– Installation of an LED flood light is quite easy. It will only take minutes to get it up and running. And the best part is that you won’t have to worry about frequent maintenance and replacements because these LEDs are designed to be robust and durable in all weather.
- Impressively Durable– When it comes to lifespans, no other flood light comes closer to LEDs. On average, an LED floodlight can last for up to 50,000 hours; which is 10 to 50 times longer than other lighting technologies. That’s more than 10 years of high-quality and reliable illumination.
- Very Eco-Friendly – Unlike other lighting technologies, LEDs are made of eco-friendly materials. They do not contain toxic components like mercury or phosphorous. Also, these fixtures do not emit UV/IR radiation and have a negligible carbon footprint.
- LED Flood Lights Don’t Heat Up Easily– One of the biggest factors affecting the efficiency of lighting fixtures is heat. In traditional lighting technologies, a lot of energy is often lost in the form of heat. However, in LEDs, heating is always on the minimum; hence, maximizing the fixture’s efficiency while keeping your air conditioning costs on the low.
- More Convenience– LED floodlights lighting offers you more convenience than any other light technology out there. How? Well, they don’t flicker or heat up and often turn on/off instantly. Moreover, you can integrate more features including dimming, motion sensing, and daylight sensing.
- Very Robust– Most LED flood lights are built to be weatherproof and damage-proof. That means that you can comfortably use them in the outdoors without having to worry about damages or their performance being affected.
There are many more perks that come with using LED flood lights; these are just some of them.
Sadly:
There are also a few drawbacks to using these fixtures.
Here are some of them:
Weaknesses
- Not Ideal for Snowy Regions– Despite lack of heating being a major pro for LED fixtures, it’s also a major con for those living in snowy areas. Why? Since LEDs rarely heat up, it becomes hard for them to melt off snow or ice accumulation during winter. And that may hinder the fixture’s overall performance and light distribution.
- High Initial and Replacement Costs– LED flood lights are usually 3 to 5 times more expensive than other lighting technologies. That means that it will cost you more to buy an LED light that it would have with traditional lights. However, their low lifetime expenses cancel out with this setback. Also, as the LED industry grown, prices keep on dropping; which means, sooner or later, LEDs will be quite affordable.
And that is just about everything.
So, as I was saying, the pros greatly outweigh the cons as far as LED flood lights are concerned.
And with new and better versions of LEDs hitting the market each day, things are only going to get even better.
And that brings us to another common LED flood Light Question.
What Should You Look For When Shopping For An LED Flood Light?
So, by now you know why LED floodlights are important.
And because of that, you are contemplating buying one or more…
But:
There’s still a tiny shred of doubt lurking in the shadows of your mind.
Well, it’s natural and understandable.
Buying something for the first time can be a tricky process regardless of how much good praise you’ve heard about it.
I mean:
- What if you buy the wrong one?
- How can you tell that the fixture will offer you great value for your money?
- How will you find a flood light that is ideal for your space?
- Will the fixture meet my space’s lighting needs?
And so many more questions.
To answer them, all you need is to know what to look for in a quality flood light and to consider the lighting needs of your intended space.
Here are a few quality guides you can use when shopping for LED flood lights near you:
1. Lumen Output
Depending on how big your space is, you probably have a rough idea of how much light is needed.
If so, you’ll have to shop for LED flood lights that at least come close to the figure you have in mind.
Remember:
Light brightness is measured in lumens. More lumens equals more brightness.
If your space is big, you’ll need to look for flood lights that have either:
- A higher lumen-per-watt rating.
- Or a higher watt rating.
Why?
Because lumens are derived from these two bits of information.
For example:
If you are looking for floodlights for tennis courts and have determined that you’ll need at least 20,000 lumens of light to fully illuminate the space, here’s how you’ll tell which flood light is the best for you…
- Assuming you want to place two flood lights on either side of your tennis court, you’ll have to divide your lighting needs by two e.g. 20,000/2 = 10,000. Therefore, each fixture will be expected to yield at least 10,000 lumens of light.
- With that in mind, if you divide the 10,000-lumen requirement per fixtureby 100lm/W, you’ll get 100W.
Therefore, in this example, you’ll need two 100W LED flood lights with a 100lm/W rating to fully illuminate your space.
Easy, right?
The calculations above can be used to determine:
- The correct wattage for the fixture you are searching for.
- Its ideal lumen output.
- Or how many of the fixtures you’ll need.
2. Beam Angle
When it comes to flood lighting, light coverage and intensity rely on the bean angle and height above ground.
If the fixture is placed higher and has a wider beam angle, a large area will be illuminated. But remember that light intensity will be low too.
Therefore, you need to consider these factors and results too.
3. Ingress Protection
Whether the flood light is for indoor or outdoor use, you have to consider its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
Basically, Ingress Protection is a fixture’s protection against intrusion by water, dust, vapor, and moisture.
Therefore, if you are looking floodlights for football, you need to ensure that they can withstand all weather conditions including rain, snow, and dry/dusty seasons.
4. Color Temperature
You’ve probably heard about color temperature.
It’s measured in Kelvin (k) but denoted as either Warm, Normal, or Cool.
The higher the temperature the cooler the light, and vice versa.
Now:
As you shop for your ideal LED flood light, you need to consider the kind of space intended.
If it’s a garden, your best bet would be a warmer color so as to provide a warm and cordial feel.
However, if you want the flood light to illuminate a sports event or for security, a cooler color temperature will offer more clarity and practicality.
5. Wattage
Why wattage?
Well, it’s because you also have to take your space’s lighting load into consideration.
Will the space be able to accommodate the wattage on the fixture or not?
Your lighting load and lumen requirements will make it easier for you to find a fixture that fits perfectly into your space.
6. Durability
Of course, you want to go for the most durable LED flood light you can find.
The longer the fixture is operational, the lower your lighting costs will be.
Therefore take your time to compare and contrast all the available options.
Note:
A durable LED flood light will benefit you in two ways:
- Lower long-term lighting expenses.
- Fewer maintenance needs.
7. Warranty
Lastly, always check the warranty.
With most LED floodlights, anything short of a three-year warranty won’t give you great value for your money.
In fact, most manufacturers often give 5-year warranties.
Note:
The longer the warranty period, the more confidence the manufacturer has over the quality and durability of their flood lights.
Use that to find the best quality fixtures on the market.
What is the LED Flood Light Wattage Required for a Warehouse?
There’s no straight answer to this question.
Long story short – the wattage requirements will depend on a few things including:
- The size of the warehouse.
- Number of available lighting spots.
- Lumen requirements.
The easiest way to understand how to go about this is by looking at it practically.
When dealing with a large warehouse the lumen output requirements will be much higher.
For example:
Let say, your warehouse requires at least 40,000 lumens of light for ample illumination. And you only have four viable lighting spots.
From this, we get…
40,000 / 4 = 10,000 lumens per lighting spot.
With that in mind, you then have to decide the lumen output rating you are looking for. For instance 100lm/W.
To get the wattage, all you need to do is to divide the lumen requirements per lighting sport by the lumen rating you have in mind.
Therefore…
10,000 / 100 = 100W per LED flood light
The process is that easy.
From this, we get that the wattage requirements of a warehouse that needs 40,000 lumens of light will be:
- Eight lighting spots= 50W per fixture.
- Four lighting spots = 100W per fixture.
- Two lighting spots = 200W per fixture.
Generally, warehouse wattage requirements for flood lights usually range from 50W to 250W.
Remember:
The actual fixture wattage will depend on…
- The size of the area being illuminated and
- The number of viable lighting areas available.
How Long Does an LED Flood Light Last?
Commercial outdoor flood lights have impressively long lifespans.
On average, an LED floodlight will last for up to 50,000 hours.
That is:
- 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- 25 times longer than halogen bulbs.
- Four times longer than fluorescents.
- Three times longer than metal halide lamps.
Impressive, right?
Now, as we conclude…
How to Decide On Buying LED Flood Lights For My Building
Sometimes, you may find yourself asking:
Do you really need flood lights for your building? If so, why?
The decision to install these fixtures into your space is also quite important.
That’s because there are places where floodlights can be deemed unnecessary especially in small or constricted spaces.
Hence, before you decide to go for flood lights, here are a few questions you’ll need to answer:
- Is your space big enough?
Generally, any outdoor space is suitable for floodlights.
But if it is for indoor use, you need to make sure that the space is big or the fixture is placed high up in order to maximize its performance…
While at the same time maintaining a comfortable level of illumination.
- How do you intend to use your flood light?
The fixture’s intended use will determine a few things including:
- Color temperature.
- Lumen output.
- And the number of fixtures needed.
Take color temperature, for example:
If you intend on using the fixture for security or even as a floodlights stadium, you’ll need cooler shades of light.
Why?
That way there will be sufficient illumination and clarity during the game or around your premise.
On the other hand…
If the fixture is for decorative purposes or merely a garden light, warmer shades of light will be the most suitable.
Note:
In both cases, the intensity of the light will depend on how much space needs to be lit as well as the height of the installation.
The higher the installation the lower the intensity.
Three Simple Tips on How to Install an LED Floodlight
1. Test Your Fixture before Installation
Testing is always a vital part of the installation process.
The last thing you want when installing an LED light fixture is realizing it’s not working after you’ve finished installing.
Testing saves you a lot of time and effort.
2. Power-On Your LED Flood Light before and during Installation
A lot of people don’t know how important this is.
Basically, when you power-on your LED fixture before and during installation, you benefit in three ways:
- You’ll know that your fixture is working properly.
- You will also know that there are no problems with the circuitry.
- And lastly, you’ll be able to position the fixture correctly for maximum efficiency.
3. Ensure that Your Placement is Correct
With LED flood lights, the height of the installation is always an important factor to consider.
If you place the fixture too high, the light intensity decreases thus lowering the clarity and visibility of the space being lit. On the plus side, you’ll be able to illuminate a large area.
But:
If you place the fixture too low, the light intensity will be too high; sometimes uncomfortably high. Plus, it reduces your field of illumination.
Get it?
Therefore, the placement of the fixture has to be right to achieve maximum efficiency and the desired outcome.
And boom!
It’s a wrap.
That’s about everything you need to know about LED flood lights in 2020. Not only are they high-performance lighting fixtures but also highly applicable e.g. LED floodlights sports.
Did I miss something?
Or would you like to add some meat to the topic?
If so, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
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