Types of Flood Lights
A well-lit home is a safe home. Installing flood lights around your property can help you achieve a good level of security. Flood lights are lighting fixtures designed to produce large quantities of very bright light. They are typically used outdoors, and may be found in both residential and commercial applications. Several different types of flood lights are available to suit a variety of needs, ranging from security to safety. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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High-intensity discharge (HID) lights are one of the most commonly used types of flood lights. They use an internal ballast to create an electric arc through the bulb, which glows to produce light. Traditional fluorescent bulbs are used in some flood light applications, and contain mercury gas that heats up when exposed to electricity. The mercury causes a phosphorescent coating on the bulb to glow and produce light. Low-pressure sodium lights are also widely used, and use sodium vapor rather than mercury. Finally, quartz halogen bulbs that contain halogen gas and tungsten can also be used as flood lights.
Benefits
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HID lights have the longest expected life of any type of bulb, which means fewer replacements and less maintenance over time. According to Energy Savers, they are also 75% to 90% more efficient than incandescent lights. Halogen bulbs are used in flood lights because of the very bright, white light they are able to produce. Fluorescent bulbs are very affordable, and are about 25% to 35% more efficient than incandescent lighting. Sodium lighting is the most energy efficient of all lighting technologies, and will provide the lowest operating costs over time.
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Drawbacks
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Both HID and sodium lighting take several minutes to warm up after being switched on, making them unsuitable for use with motion sensors. Sodium lights also produce a very yellow, unnatural light that many find undesirable. Halogen bulbs tend to get very hot over time, and are not as efficient as HID or sodium lights. Fluorescent bulbs have the shortest life of any of these types of lights, and require frequent replacement and maintenance.
Considerations
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When choosing flood lights buyers should consider not only the upfront costs of each type, but also the cost of operating the light. It can also be helpful to compare the expected life of each unit to the cost of maintenance and replacement over time. New solar powered bulbs may be an effective way to minimize operational costs, though these lights tend to be more expensive upfront. One must also consider the lighting requirements of each application along with local building or safety codes.
Uses
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Flood lights are often used in exterior spaces around buildings to add security. They may also be found in parking lots, garages, and highways. Most outdoor sporting arenas use flood lights to allow players to safely participate in games at night, and also to allow spectators to see the action. These lights may also be used indoors in large rooms like auditoriums and assembly halls. This can allow occupants to exit safely during an emergency. Finally, flood lights may be used around the home to provide security or as part of the landscaping.
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