What to Look For in Outdoor Flood Lights
If you want to illuminate your yard or garden, flood lights are the perfect choice. They are a great way to light up large areas and are an excellent deterrent against burglars.
The first thing to consider when buying outdoor flood lights is the wattage. You should assess the size of the area you wish to light up to determine what wattage is best for you.
Durability
Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs don’t experience lumen depreciation over time, making them an excellent choice for flood lights. They also consume less energy than halogen bulbs and generate much less heat, which can lower your electricity costs.
The wattage of your flood light plays an important role in its performance and how much power it uses. Higher wattages produce more bright light, but they also use more energy than lower wattages. It’s best to choose a flood light with a wattage between 50 and 100 watts.
You’ll also need to consider the type of bulb used in your flood light. Some models use halogen bulbs, while others are panel lighting equipped with LED bulbs. Many people prefer LED bulbs because they last longer than halogen ones and don’t require as much maintenance.
Another factor to consider is the color temperature of the bulb. A flood light’s color temperature can affect its ambiance and mood. Warmer colors, like 2700K, provide a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Cooler color temperatures, like 5000K, give off more of an alert and energized feeling. You should also check whether your flood light has a photocell sensor to turn on when it gets dark and off when dawn breaks. If not, you may want to consider purchasing a separate photocell for your flood light. This will ensure that your lights are only on when necessary, which can help you save money on your utility bill.
Energy efficiency
When it comes to outdoor flood lights, the energy efficiency is one of the most important features. They use less energy than traditional lighting sources, making them a cost-effective choice for commercial properties. This is especially true for LEDs, which convert electricity into light more efficiently and emit significantly less heat. They also last longer than traditional bulbs, which reduces replacement costs over time.
The ideal wattage for an outdoor flood light depends on the size of the area you need to illuminate. Lower wattage is ideal for small applications, while higher wattage is better for larger areas like stadiums and sports fields. Lumens are another factor to consider, as they directly correlate with brightness. Look for a lighting fixture with a high lumen output to ensure optimal illumination.
Other features to consider include the color temperature, beam angle and mounting options. Different color temperatures offer different ambiance and mood options. Warmer colors create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler ones are great for illuminating large spaces or highlighting architectural features. The beam angle is also important, as it determines the width and coverage of the lighting.
Finally, consider the mounting options available for your flood light. Some models feature a knuckle mount that allows you to point the lighting up or down, much like a spotlight. Others are designed to be mounted on a pole using a Slip Fitter mount, while some can be installed with a Yoke Mount and serve as wall lights. You can also find flood lights that are photocell compatible, which means they will automatically turn on at dusk and off again at dawn.
Lighting output
If you want your outdoor flood lights to illuminate a large area, choose ones with high lumen output. Lumens are a measurement of brightness, and higher lumens mean brighter bulbs. However, you also need to consider the size of the space you’re trying to light. You can find options that use two or more flood lights to provide broad coverage.
LED lights are ideal for outdoor flood lighting applications because of their energy efficiency and longevity. They can last up to 100,000 hours, which means that they won’t need to be replaced for a long time. Additionally, they don’t waste energy by generating heat and are cool to the touch.
Another advantage of LED lights is that they can be installed in hard to reach places. Many HID fixtures require a bucket truck or lift to change the bulb and ballast, but you can mount LED flood lights on walls, fences, and tree canopies. This makes them much easier to maintain and reduces maintenance costs.
There are several different mounting options for outdoor flood lights, including slip fitter, knuckle, and yoke mounts. A slip fitter mount allows you to place the fixture on a pole, while a knuckle or yoke mount enables you to point the light up or down. You can also choose from a wide range of color temperature options. Warmer colors are more inviting, while cooler colors create a more alert atmosphere.
Installation
Outdoor flood lights provide more directional illumination than other types of lighting, and can be used in many applications. They can illuminate parking lots, signs, and tree canopies, for example. They can also be used to provide safety and security for homes and businesses. Some even have motion sensors that can light up to deter potential intruders.
Before starting the installation of your new flood light, be sure to check with your local council outdoor flood lights or authorities to ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant regulations and restrictions. Depending on where you live, there may be certain requirements for the location and positioning of your flood lights. Once you have the approval, you can install the fixture. Start by cutting the power cable, then strip about a half-inch of the insulation at the junction box. Connect the wires to the flood light, matching colors and securing them with wire connectors.
It’s important to note that you will be working with high voltage and current, so it’s essential to follow preventive measures to avoid injury. You should also wear rubber gloves and use a ladder to reach the installation spot. Additionally, you should always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before you begin work. If you don’t, you might accidentally reconnect the wires and cause a short circuit.