Proper lighting is essential in any workspace to ensure your workers and the public are kept safe from any potential hazards. Since most construction worksites do not have a fixed light source, it is necessary to purchase portable work lights to illuminate the space. This guide will go over the types of work lights and their applications so you can feel confident in purchasing the best work light for the task at hand.
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The location you plan to use your work light in and the amount of light you need are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a portable work light. While many can be used to illuminate various locations, some work lights can be more useful than others for more specialized jobs.
Here are some special work light mounting styles that can help enhance your working conditions.
Magnet mount: features a heavy-duty magnetic bottom that allows the light to stick to jobsite surfaces
Yoke mount: features a flat bottom that allows the light to be installed on a wall or another flat surface
Clamp mount: ideal for mounting a light fixture to scaffolding, ladders, and other surfaces
Floor stand: provides some elevation off the ground for added stability
Tripod mount: provides more elevation off the ground than floor stands to better illuminate an area and are typically height adjustable
Lumens indicate the brightness of a light bulb, and the more lumens a light fixture has, the more light it gives off. This is different from watts, which measure energy use. Because CFL (compact fluorescent light) and LED lights use fewer watts than incandescents or halogen lights with the same brightness, it is better to look at a product's lumen output to determine how many lights you need for your workspace versus its wattage.
LED lights are up to 90% more energy efficient than halogen bulbs, making them a better choice for any jobsite. Here are some benefits of LED lights compared to halogen lights:
If you are still unsure about which work light you need for your jobsite, here are some questions to consider that may help you narrow down your options.
Is your jobsite hazardous? If you work in a hazardous location, you may benefit from selecting an explosion-proof work light with an explosion-proof extension cord for increased safety.
Is your jobsite in extreme weather conditions? If your location is exposed to extreme weather or high amounts of dust, you will need to get a work light with a high IP rating of IP65 or more.
Does your jobsite have access to power? If your location has limited or no access to power, battery-operated lights offer the perfect solution. Battery-operated lights are typically smaller and easy to transport, so they are also ideal for users that need to travel to multiple locations each day.
Do you need continuous lighting at your jobsite? If your jobsite requires lighting that needs to be left on for several days in a row, a corded work light is a much more reliable option for you and it does not sacrifice portability.
Is there any natural light at your jobsite? If you are working in dark or low light conditions, you will want to choose work lights with a high lumen output that extend light over a wide space. Tower lights and floodlights are two great options to meet this need.