What Is a Flood Beam Angle?
A floodlight is a type of outdoor lighting system with a wider beam angle to cover more open space than indoor or decorative lights. The term “flood” refers to the way in which the emitted light fills the area.
LED Floodlights can utilize metal halide, sodium vapor, halogen or light emitting diodes as a light source that usually comes in the form of a PAR lightbulb or LED strip. PAR lightbulbs produce more intensified light by combining a reflective component within its casing. Depending on the size and structure of the PAR lightbulb, some LED floodlights can provide wide ranges of illumination for more than 40 feet.
A flood beam angle spreads light widely, usually between 45 and 120 degrees. This wide angle allows the light to cover a large area, making it great for situations that need a lot of coverage..
The LED flood light is utilized in a variety of scenarios:
There are several different types of LED floodlights that are constructed for specific applications:
- A landscape or bullet flood light can be angled in an up or down direction to produce a narrow spot of light depending on the size. Most bullet floodlights can come in sizes ranging from 6-13 inches and is usually placed on the ground in front of an outdoor structure for highlighting purposes.
- Mounted LED floodlights can be installed on a wall or ceiling to provide a wide beam of light at the direction of your choice.
- Recessed Can LED floodlights are a form of high bay lighting that is usually installed within the ceiling. These lights are tilted within their casing to provide light at a specific beam angle.
- Security floodlights are a type of area light that produces a very wide beam angle to increase visibility in the area. Security floodlights can have multiple heads or tilting mechanisms that ensure your lighting needs are met.
What is a Beam Angle?
A beam angle refers to the angle at which light is emitted from a light source, such as a bulb or LED. The beam angle can change with adjustments to the light source, allowing for tailored lighting solutions. There are several classifications of beam angles. Each one affects the amount of light distributed in a space:
- Spot Beam Angle:A spot beam angle ranges from 10-20 degrees. It concentrates light into a focused area, making it perfect for highlighting or accentuating features within a space.
- Narrow Beam Angle: Narrow beam angles are defined as 30 degrees or less. It offers a slightly broader light distribution but still provides focused illumination for specific tasks or features.
- Medium Beam Angle:Medium beam angles span from 30-60 degrees. It is suited for general lighting needs, offering a balanced spread of light that's neither too focused nor too broad.
- Wide Beam Angle:Wide beam angles over 60 degrees are ideal for spaces that need soft, diffused lighting. These angles softly illuminate large spaces or offer background lighting in smaller to medium-sized rooms.
- Very Wide Beam Angle:Very wide beam angles, measuring from 90-120 degrees or more, distribute light even more broadly. This spread of light, rather than spotlighting, improves visibility. This makes it ideal for outdoor floodlights, security, or lighting up large areas where overall light is required.
What is the Standard Beam Spread?
Many LED lights, allow for adjustable beam angles, enabling users to customize the spread of light based on their specific needs. The light spread from an LED floodlight is usually wider, reaching up to 120 degrees or more, depending on the maker. The beam spread of your light fixture can be measured by multiplying the angle of the beam by the distance of the light source. Understanding the beam spread can allow you to determine other possible factors that could affect the overall production of light in the area.
The number of lights within your space will affect the amount of coverage that the beam spread of each light fixture produces. The degree beam should be considered if you decide to place multiple light fixtures around each other. The combined effect of each beam of light could increase the intensity and color temperature of the overall light. The use of multiple light fixtures can also decrease the occurrence of shadows by overlapping in areas where more light is needed.
The lumen output of the LED bulb will also play a part in determining the intensity of the light in the area. Most LED floodlights are constructed with a reflector that is made to increase the amount of given light.
How do you Choose a Beam Angle?
To select the right beam angle for your lights, understand the space and what lighting effects you want. For interior spaces, the ceiling height and the size of the area can help determine the level light required.
In most residential settings, a beam angle of 40-60 degrees is generally best for an even spread of light. In contrast, larger commercial buildings, with higher ceilings often require a beam angle of more than 60 degrees.
For outdoor lighting, the choice of beam angle should be tailored to the specific requirements of the landscape design:
- A narrow beam angle of 10-15 degrees is best for highlighting tall trees and small features, creating a dramatic and focused look.
- Outdoor spaces and paths get good lighting with a 25-45 degree beam angle, balancing focused and ambient light.
- For broader objects or features, a beam angle of 55-60 degrees can ensure adequate coverage without sacrificing intensity.
- Big outside walls or wide open spaces need a beam angle over 120 degrees for the best light spread.
In Conclusion,
The LED floodlight stands as a powerful tool for providing extensive and even lighting coverage. Its versatility and wide range of applications make it an indispensable element in various lighting solutions.
Understanding the flood beam angle helps you choose the right lighting for your backyard, architectural highlights, or event safety!
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