Whether you are lighting up a commercial or residential space, an LED flood light can provide the illumination you need. Compared to traditional metal halide lights, these fixtures can save energy and lower your power bills, all while providing bright light that’s perfect for general area or security lighting.
How to Choose an LED Flood Light
When selecting the right flood light for your application, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important is color temperature. Generally, it’s recommended to replace metal halide fixtures with LED flood lights in 5000K cool white or 4000K natural white. However, it’s also possible to find lights in a warm white of 3000K if you have a particular setting where you need the color to match.
Beam Angle – The type of beam angle that your fixture uses will determine how far it can shine light. Typically, a narrower beam will reach a greater distance than a wider one. This is especially important if you have a specific target that needs to be illuminated from a long distance away, such as a building wall or an athletic field.
Base – The base of your LED flood light will also impact how it dissipates the lighting it produces. There are a variety of options, including Trunnion mounts that allow the light to cast illumination from one side to the other, as well as Slip Fitter mounts that attach the fixture to a pole.
Lens – The type of lens that your fixture uses will also influence how much light it dissipates. Common types include clear or frosted lenses.
Thermal Management – LED flood lights are often designed with a cast aluminum heat sink that controls the buildup of thermal energy inside the LED assembly to keep it at a safe operating temperature for maximum performance. The aluminum heat sink also keeps the driver and other control circuitry cool, reducing electrical and electronic wear and tear that may occur with high power LED lighting applications.
Photocell Compatible – Some LED flood lights are also available with photocells, which automatically turn on the light when it detects movement within range. This makes them ideal for use in areas where security is a priority, such as parking lots or warehouses.
Motion Sensor Compatible – LED flood lights that feature motion sensors are an excellent choice for outdoor lighting because they will automatically turn on and off when a person moves near the fixture. This can help to increase visibility and improve security, which is vital for any business.
Dusk to Dawn Compatible – Some LED flood lights are also compatible with a dusk to dawn sensor, which will automatically switch on at night and turn off when the sun rises. This can be particularly useful for parking lots, since it will reduce the likelihood of someone leaving their vehicle in the dark when they arrive for work or shopping.
There are a few more factors to consider when choosing the right LED flood light for your application, including mounting options, wattage, and color temperature. All of these will affect the brightness of your light and how it looks. In addition, it’s important to select the correct type of LED flood light for your project, so you can get the most out of your investment.