Components for Flashlights

This flashlight has a large lamp, which is perfect for camping.

Flashlights are used to help a person see in a dark room or during the middle of the night. They are also very helpful during power outages from storms and other disasters. Knowing the components of your flashlight can help you replace a part when the light ceases to work right.

Metal Contacts

The contacts are very fine pieces of copper or brass that sit near the light, the batteries and the manual switch. The metallic contacts receive the energy from the battery and connect that energy to the light for it to shine. The contacts could be a strip or a spring depending on your make and model.

Casing and Lens

The outer shell of the flashlight consists of a thick plastic material that protects the inner parts. Some heavy duty flashlights may have rubber coated bodies or handles for comfort ability. The lens is secured over the head of the light to protect the bulb within. It is also made from plastic, although it is clear so the light below it will shine through.

Light and Reflector

The light is made from one of two types of bulbs. The light emitting diode, or LED, produces light when the diode conductor comes in contact with electricity. The tungsten light creates light in the same way as the LED, although it conducts electricity through a very fine and fragile filament. The filament wire may break easy, and when it does the bulb is simply replaced. The reflector is an aluminum coated disk that is curved beneath the bulb. This disk helps shoot the light outward at a broad range for optimal sight.

Batteries and Power Switch

Your flashlight uses specified batteries depending on the size of the light. Some flashlights only require AA batteries, yet some need four to eight of the larger D batteries. Your flashlight will most likely take disposable alkaline batteries, however some flashlights might be made for the rechargeable nickle metal hydride batteries. Likewise, you might be able to use the rechargeable battery on a common flashlight, but always check the owners manual first. To send energy from the battery to the contact strip at the light, the manual power switch is flipped on from the outside of the flashlight casing.

References

• Energizer: How Flashlights Work