LED flood lights are wide-angled adjustable lights designed to “flood” any large horizontal area with daylight-like light. LED manufacturers have designed these lights in a range of shapes suited for different purposes.

Flood lights are a significant investment for outdoor lights. It is necessary to have a plan before buying, as there is a wide variety of LED flood lights available in the market. The installation process requires proper planning as the fixture and bulb’s strategic placement ensures that it adequately covers the area, which needs light from a suitable elevation angle.

Their most significant application is the lighting of large sports stadiums, parks, then street lights and lastly, backyards or front-facing streets. They are outdoor light fixtures that conveniently light up a construction site or any industrial setup compartment. Best suited for security and mostly advertisements on billboards, all based on their design.

Uses of Flood light

LED flood lights are available for

Residential area:

Flood light fixtures for residential areas need a proper assessment before placement to light up the area for security reasons. Residential flood lights are not as big and come with various mounting options for highlighting and general lighting. Placed on street poles or boundary walls, their placement and beam angle are crucial as they shouldn’t face a neighbour’s property or the street directly instead of in a way that shines a bright light on the targeted area.

Warehouses:

Warehouses or industrial plants are usually in isolated areas where there is a higher need for flood lights for security and visibility at night. Powerful flood light fixtures integrated with motion sensors are used to enhance such places’ safety.

Construction sites:

Construction sites require temporary lights for compliance of builders and security reasons. Many powerful portable flood light fixtures are available for such uses.

Street lights:

Flood street lights are for poles and street fixtures for visibility and safety of the public at night. These are powerful fixtures available in different specifications; with several mounting options, they are operable on a direct line voltage system.

How to select outdoor flood light fixtures?

A photometric study is very helpful in determining lighting for large commercial projects. It will help assess brightness, intensity and evenness of light over a property. The following are a few factors to consider when choosing a flood light fixture.

1.    The layout of the area:

The fixture location needs to be in a place where the light can fully illuminate its target area, with no high walls getting in the way and creating shadow-filled blind spots. A proper layout for the lights is crucial: the fixtures’ number and fixtures’ spacing for adequate illumination.

First, the lights must be at an elevation of 10 feet and extend above 40 feet according to the area. This excludes the risk of potential damage to light itself and people as these lights can cause possible injury. Their primary task is to illuminate the entire area while the angle points downwards to shine directly into people’s eyes or on neighbourhood properties.

2.   Beam angle:

 Flood light fixtures are available in numerous wide beam angles depending on the bulbs used to cover a wider area for illumination. They are available in different specifications like MR 16, which has a smaller beam angle, i.e. 35 to 40 degrees or PAR lamp, with a broad beam angle of 91 – 120 degrees. Specifically, a beam angle of 25-40 degrees is typical at an elevation of 35 feet.

3.   Power output or Luminous efficacy:

When deciding on the fixtures, check for lumens or lux. At lower heights, lower lumen fixtures are suitable. High lumen fixtures in low ceiling spaces will only create bright spots and undesirable lighting quality.

LED flood lights are efficient and produce much higher lumens per watt. They are powerful compact fixtures. Different environments require different brightness depending on the desired ambience. Lumens tell us the amount of light that a luminaire creates.

Lux or foot candles give the light output measured according to the area. Flood lights have high lumen output despite their size and build. For example, a 150-watt incandescent bulb produces around 2600 lumens, whereas a 150 watt LED can produce 21000 lumens.

4.   Heat dissipation:

 This is a slightly overlooked feature, but it comes into play when the fixture has daily use for more extended periods. If the fixture doesn’t have a built-in heat sink, it will alter its functionality drastically. This isn’t a problem with an led fixture as they have built in heat sinks and produce less heat and more light.

5.   Motion sensor:

Motion sensor flood lights enhance the security layer as they light up the second anything moves past it. It is an essential factor with no delay in start up and no effect on their power and working. There is also dusk till dawn sensors, which help save energy and wastage of light.

6.   Crossover lighting

Crossover lighting is the light that comes from different fixtures. The light that is coming from different directions reduces shadows and bright spots. If positioned correctly, they don’t overlap and enhance the lighting design.

7.   Service life:

The service life of LED flood lights is over 50000 hours, which is already 5-8 times more than other counterparts. When opting for a large-scale replacement, this is an essential factor as no one wants to keep replacing bulbs. It is costly and much rather bothersome.

8.   Waterproof:

Outdoor light fixtures must be able to withstand harsh weather like rain, snow and dust. Waterproof light fixtures that can withstand heavy rain are essential to consider. LED flood light fixtures are available in several IP ratings for dust and water, and their design features compatible with freezing temperatures.

Conclusion:

The functional features of flood lights are essential for choosing the right fixture outside the home or building. LED flood lights are popular because they are available in unique designs, enhancing their functional features and helping choose from a range of different methods according to the need.