SPARKS | LED FLOODLIGHTS
YOUR GUIDE TO LED FLOODLIGHT FITTING
“USING A DOMESTIC FLOODLIGHT IN A COMMERCIAL SETTING… IS A FALSE ECONOMY”
Simon Shenton, Head of LED Lighting Development at Luceco Lighting, looks at some of the common mistakes when selecting and installing LED floodlights, how to avoid them and ultimately maximise the lifespan of the product.
DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL?
When specifying an LED floodlight, the first consideration is where it will be installed. Using a domestic floodlight in a commercial setting, where the light will be left on for longer and often encounter more arduous conditions, is a false economy and will shorten its lifespan, so it’s important they are specified correctly.
CORRECT POSITION
While LED floodlights are IP rated, which ensures they can be used outdoors safely, IP testing is conducted on the fitting as it should be installed. It does not account for incorrect installation. This is why even with a waterproof IP rating, it’s vital that a floodlight is installed in the position it’s designed to suit.
TOP TIP
For more info visit: www.castra-floodlights.uk
Floodlights must be installed from the horizontal. Wrong positioning can cause water to pool, which can lead to the failure of the fitting due to water ingress.
WHAT FEATURES?
There are certain features to look for when specifying an LED floodlight. For example, fins on the back of the unit to help dissipate the heat generated by LEDs. Also, it is vital that the floodlight is installed in the correct position, otherwise the effectiveness of the fins to cool the LEDs is compromised, reducing the lifespan of the fitting.
LIGHT POLLUTION
The final consideration is that floodlights pointed into the sky contribute to light pollution. Correctly fitted LED floodlights reduce the amount of light spilling into nearby properties, ensuring better neighbour relations. The good news is there are ways to overcome the rigidity of the required installation. The new Castra range of residential LED floodlights have been redesigned with innovative features to aid installation. Floodlight positioning can be adjusted with the use of a unique, patentpending, ‘fit, turn and tilt’ rotatable ball joint bracket, which enables not only up and down adjustment but side to side. Both the floodlight and PIR are IP65 rated.
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| WINTER 2022 > WWW.SPARKS-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
