How to choose a work light: lumens, IP rating and power supply

To light a workbench or a workpiece up close, a few hundred lumens are enough; for a building-site area or a warehouse you need at least 1,000 lumens, and the cordless lights in the collection go up to 4,000. Watts tell you how much power the lamp draws, not how much light it gives: to compare two lights, look at the lumens. Then check the IP protection rating (from IP20 for dry indoor use to IP67 for wet environments) and the power supply: 230 V mains, low voltage or tool battery.

The types

• LED bulbs. They replace an existing bulb: base, voltage and wattage matter, and must match the lamp holder.
• Bench and articulated lamps. They have an adjustable arm and often a clamp to fix to the work surface. Some have a magnifying lens, such as the Fervi 0366 LED lamp with 2x lens or the Fervi 0530 version with a 3x lens. There is also the simple Fervi 0344 articulated lamp.
• Site lights and cordless floodlights. Rechargeable or powered by tool batteries. Examples: the Stanley Fatmax 1,000-lumen site light, the M12 Packout 1,400-lumen spotlight and the M18 Packout floodlight, which runs on battery or mains.
• LED torches. For inspecting and lighting where a focused beam is needed, such as the DeWalt dual 4,000-lumen torch.
• Floodlights and ceiling lights. For lighting larger spaces, indoors or outdoors. There is a dedicated collection for fixed warehouse floodlights.
• Solar and decorative lights. Solar ones need no cables; decorative ones are for decor, not for working.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Luminous flux (lumens). This is the real light output. In the collection it ranges from a few hundred (180-490) up to 1,000-4,000 for site floodlights.
• Power (W). From 3 to 500 W. It helps you understand consumption and power supply, but on its own it doesn't tell you how much light it gives: with LED technology the same light needs far fewer watts.
• IP protection rating. IP20 dry indoor use only; IP44 resists splashes; IP54 also partly resists dust; IP65 water jets and dust; IP67 also temporary immersion.
• Voltage (V). 230 or 240 V is the mains; 12 and 24 V low voltage; 12-18 V tool batteries; 3.7 V the internal battery of small torches. The voltage must match the source you connect the lamp to.
• Material and weight. Aluminium, ABS, polycarbonate, stainless steel. Aluminium dissipates heat better; polycarbonate withstands impact better.
• Dimensions. From bulbs 35-50 mm in diameter to floodlights over 300 mm: look at where you need to install or store them.

Common mistakes

• Comparing lamps by watts. Two 10 W lamps can give very different light. Compare the lumens.
• Ignoring the IP rating. An IP20 lamp outdoors or in a damp room takes in water and fails.
• Getting the voltage or base wrong. A bulb with a base or voltage different from the lamp holder won't work, and may damage the fitting.
• Buying a cordless floodlight without checking the platform. A light designed for M12 batteries doesn't take M18 batteries, and vice versa.
• Placing the solar light in the shade. The panel must receive direct light, otherwise it doesn't charge.

Frequently asked questions

How many lumens do I need to work on site?

For close-up work a few hundred lumens are enough. To light an open area or a dark room, start from about 1,000 lumens and go up with the surface area.

What does IP65 mean?

That the fitting is protected against dust and water jets. It is the reasonable minimum for outdoor use and in damp rooms.

Can I connect a 12 V lamp to the mains?

No, you need a suitable power supply. The lamp's voltage must match the source, otherwise you burn it out or it won't switch on.

Cordless or mains lamp?

Cordless if you work where there is no power and move around often; mains if the area is fixed and you want continuous light without worrying about runtime.

In the lamps collection you will find bulbs, floodlights, torches and bench lamps: if you have doubts about power or protection, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.