LED Flood Light Information Center
What Are Flood Lights?
Flood lights are a common type of outdoor lighting fixture that’s used for many applications. The name comes from the fact that the fixture is designed to “flood” the area with illumination. Flood lights are commonly used to provide security around the perimeter of a building; they are also commonly used for parking lot lighting and general outdoor illumination.
These fixtures are often square or rectangular shaped and operate similarly to a spot light in that aim the light where you wish to cast illumination.
There are many variations for this broadly used lighting fixture and it can be fitted with various mounts and accessories depending on your individual lighting needs.
LED Flood Light Applications
Flood lights are one of the most versatile options available for outdoor lighting. These lights have a wide variety of mounting options and can be adjusted to fit virtually any lighting needs. Common uses for these lighting fixtures include:
- Parking lot lighting
- Building perimeter lighting
- Yard and landscape lighting
- Roadway & street lighting
- Flagpole lighting
- Billboard & Signage
- Soccer and football fields
- Outdoor sports arenas
- Construction sites
- Pathways and walkways
Selecting Wattage and Lumens
Choosing the correct wattage and lumens will depend on individual lighting needs. For example, 15 watt lights are ideal for smaller lighting applications such as illuminating a walkway or door while 400 watt lights are necessary for larger industrial sized applications such as highways, airports, or stadiums. We've prepared a chart below to give you an idea of different wattage and lumen levels for LED flood lights and when they're applicable. The chart also has HID wattage equivalents if you're replacing existing fixtures.
Dusk to Dawn Flood Lights
The use of dusk to dawn photocells have been an increasingly popular choice for flood lighting, thanks to the improved energy efficiency these provide. While most existing systems utilize a set timer schedule to turn lighting on and off, this can result in inefficiencies.
This is particularly true over the long term with seasonal time changes, which requires regular adjustments to ensure the lights come on and off at dawn and dusk. With a photocell, this guesswork and continued maintenance is no longer required, saving both time and electricity.
We carry a variety of parking lot lights with integrated photocells as well as individual photocells as an accessory. It’s important to check each product for photocell compatibility.
LED Flood Light Components
LED floodlights contain several components that work together to produce high-intensity light. These components may include:
LED Chips: The LED (light-emitting diode) chips are the key elements that produce light. They emit light when an electric current is applied. The number and type of LED chips can vary depending on the specific design and intended use of the floodlight. LED chips come in different colors and intensities, providing various options for different lighting needs.
Heat Sink: LEDs generate a considerable amount of heat during operation, and if this heat is not managed properly, it can shorten the lifespan of the light. A heat sink is used to dissipate this heat and maintain the temperature of the LED chips at safe levels. Heat sinks are usually made of materials with high thermal conductivity, like aluminum.
Driver: The driver is an important component that supplies power to the LED chips. It converts incoming AC power to the DC power required by the LEDs, and also regulates the current flowing to the LEDs to prevent them from burning out due to overvoltage or overcurrent.
Lens or Reflector: The lens or reflector helps to direct the light produced by the LED chips. This can be important in a floodlight, as these are typically used to light large areas. The lens or reflector helps to spread the light evenly across the desired area.
Housing: The housing provides a physical structure for the floodlight. It protects the internal components from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and physical impacts. It also often includes mounting features, like brackets, for installing the floodlight.
Circuit Board (PCB): The printed circuit board (PCB) holds the LED chips, connects them to the driver, and allows the electrical current to flow between them.
Wiring and Connectors: Wires and connectors are used to provide an electrical connection between the different components of the floodlight.
Seals and Gaskets: Seals and gaskets are used to keep the inside of the housing moisture- and dust-free, protecting the electronic components within.
The specific components can vary depending on the design of the floodlight. Some LED floodlights, for example, may include sensors (like motion or light sensors), dimming capabilities, or special features for color-changing or smart connectivity.
LED Flood Light Standards
Illumination standards for LED flood lights can vary based on the specific use case and the jurisdiction's regulations. However, there are a few general factors to consider when determining the appropriate illumination level for LED flood lights:
Luminous Flux (Lumens): This measures the total quantity of light emitted by a source. For LED flood lights, the required lumens can range widely depending on the area to be illuminated. For instance, a small backyard might only need a flood light of around 700-1500 lumens, while a large parking lot could require fixtures that output 20,000 lumens or more.
Color Temperature (Kelvins): This measures the color of light, which can range from warm (yellowish) to cool (bluish). For outdoor flood lights, a daylight color temperature (5000-6500K) is often used to provide clear, bright illumination.
Beam Angle: This is the angle at which light is distributed from the fixture. A smaller beam angle will focus the light on a smaller area (spotlight), while a larger beam angle will spread the light over a larger area (floodlight). The appropriate beam angle depends on the area and purpose of the lighting.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): This measures how accurately the light source reveals the true colors of objects compared to a natural light source. A higher CRI is generally desirable for outdoor lighting to ensure colors are accurately represented.
Energy Efficiency: LED lights are known for their energy efficiency, but this can vary between products. Look for Energy Star certified products for guaranteed energy savings.
IP Rating: For outdoor flood lights, it's essential to have fixtures with a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates the degree of protection against dust and water.
Foot-Candles: In some cases, local regulations might specify the required illumination in foot-candles. One foot-candle is the illuminance cast on a 1 square foot area by a one-candela light source from a one foot distance.
Always consult with a lighting professional or local regulations to determine the appropriate lighting standards for your specific project. We have professional engineers and lighting experts on staff to assist you with your lighting needs.
LED Flood Light Layout Design
Using specialized software, our Professional Engineers and lighting experts construct LED flood light layouts for various applications.
This example uses LED flood lights to achieve 15-20 footcandles outside a 10x80ft target wall. These lights are 30 feet apart and positioned 26 feet from either end of the building and mounted 10 feet high
This example uses 4 350W LED floodlights at 45-degree vertical and 35-degree apart angles to sustain 0.5 footcandles midway between 15ft poles spaced 200ft apart
Types of Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs
Flood light fixtures have been designed to use several types of light bulbs over the years. Here are some of the most common types:
Incandescent Flood Lights: Incandescent bulbs were the traditional bulbs used for many decades. They're less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan than modern alternatives, so they're less commonly used today.
Fluorescent Flood Lights: Fluorescent bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. They're often used in older flood light fixtures. However, they contain mercury, which is hazardous and requires special disposal.
HID Flood Lights: High-Intensity Discharge (HID) is another category of light bulbs. This category includes metal halide flood lights, high-pressure sodium flood lights, and mercury vapor flood lights. These types of bulbs were often used in outdoor lighting fixtures due to their high light output and efficiency. However, they have some drawbacks, including slow warm-up times, color rendering issues, and the need for special ballasts.
Halogen Flood Lights: Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent that are more efficient and longer-lasting. They provide a bright, white light, but they also produce a lot of heat and can be more costly to run than other options.
CFL Flood Lights: Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are a type of fluorescent bulb that is smaller and generally more efficient than traditional fluorescent bulbs. They're often used as an energy-saving alternative to incandescent bulbs.
LED Flood Lights: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs are the most recent development in lighting technology and are now commonly used in new flood light fixtures. They're extremely energy-efficient, have a very long lifespan, and offer good light quality. They also turn on instantly and can be easily controlled and dimmed.
LED Flood Light Pricing
The price of LED flood lights can vary widely depending on several factors including brand, power output (watts), features (like motion sensors or smart technology integration), the quality, and whether the light is designed for residential or commercial use.
Lower-powered residential LED flood lights, suitable for small areas like driveways or small yards, generally range from $50-$100 per unit.
Higher-powered commercial LED flood lights, which are intended to illuminate larger areas like parking lots or sports fields, range from $100 up to several hundred dollars each.
We sell high quality commercial quality flood lights for residential, commercial, and industrial use. The LED flood lights offered at our store range from $69.99 all the way up to $1,000.
LED Flood Light Brands
Keystone Technologies - Keystone's LED flood lights are designed for high performance, energy efficiency, and durability. They are typically used to illuminate outdoor spaces like parking lots, building facades, sports fields, or other large areas. Keystone is known for the XFit Series which encompass several lighting categories including flood lights. These flood lights offer substantial SKU reduction with universal mounting and color adjustability.
Commercial LED - Commercial LED’s Flood Lights are engineered for superior performance. These outdoor lighting fixtures provide clear and vibrant illumination perfect for large areas. The strong durable construction of these fixtures ensures longevity and reliable performance in all weather conditions. These lights are ideal for parking lots, sports fields, and building exteriors.
Venas Lighting (EPC) - Venas Lighting, also known as EPC, designs heavy industrial quality fixtures that are designed for the harshest environments. Their STA2 Series explosion proof flood light is a Class I Division II certified lighting fixture that provides excellent illumination as well as durability in hazardous areas. The fixture is protected against extreme environments that may cause regular fixtures to accidentally ignite due to built up gasses or combustible dust. Additionally, this product is IP67 waterproof rated and protected against saltwater corrosion.
Topaz Lighting - Topaz Lighting is a recognized manufacturer of high-quality and energy-efficient lighting solutions, including LED flood lights. Topaz's LED flood lights are designed to offer high performance, exceptional energy efficiency, and durable construction. They're typically used in various outdoor applications like parking lots, building perimeters, landscapes, and signs.
Straits Lighting - Straits LED flood lights offer exceptional performance and energy savings in a compact design. The most notable type of flood light that Straits offer is their Broadcast Series. This brand of floodlights are divided into three subcategories (FLK, FLF, and FLL). This division is based on individual uses and needs. The high output LED chip for the Broadcast Series provides uniform illumination to any office building, retail store, school, or security lighting application. The durable bronze finish and long-lasting LEDs ensure durability in the most demanding environments while saving energy and maintenance costs.
Commercial LED Lights (CLL) - At Commercialledlights.com we also carry a variety of self branded flood lights including our ever-popular LED parking lot flood light which comes with virtually every major mounting option along with photocell and motion sensor capabilities.
LED Flood Light Brackets & Adapters
Tenon Adapter for 4 Inch Square Poles - Allows you to mount a standard 2-⅜” slipfitter on top of 4 inch square poles.
Tenon Adapter for 4 Inch Round Poles - Allows you to mount a standard 2-⅜” adjustable slipfitter on top of 4 inch round poles.
Tenon Adapter for 5 Inch Square Poles - Allows you to mount a standard 2-⅜” adjustable slipfitter on top of 5 inch square poles.
Tenon Adapter for 5 Inch Round Poles - Allows you to mount a standard 2-⅜” adjustable slipfitter on top of 5 inch round poles.
Side Tenon for Square Poles - Allows you to mount a standard 2-⅜” adjustable slipfitter on the side of square poles.
Lens and Light Distribution
Type III Beam - The Type III LED light distribution throws light forward and to the sides, producing a filling light flow. This is popular for roadways, general parking areas, and perimeter lighting.
Type IV Beam - Type IV LED light distribution produces a semicircle of forward light, with minimal back lighting. This is typically used for fixtures that are mounted on the sides of buildings and walls illuminating the perimeter of both public and commercial parking areas.
Type V Beam - Type V LED light distribution produces a square umbrella lighting pattern for interior pole locations. It is intended for fixture mounting at or near the center of roadways, center islands of parkway, and intersections. This is a perfect pattern for areas where even light distribution is necessary, such as large commercial and industrial parking lots.
Accessories And Mounting Options
We have a wide variety of accessories and mounting options available for our LED flood lights. This makes our lighting fixtures highly versatile and well equipped to provide high quality illumination for any of your outdoor or security lighting needs.
Knuckle Mount - The knuckle mount is an adjustable mounting option that allows for aimable illumination. A knuckle mounted LED flood light is easily installed in outdoor settings at the ground level and is typically used to provide lighting to signage, trees, or other areas that require upward illumination.
Extruded Arm Mount - The extruded arm mount for flood lights are a standard mounting option that’s L-shaped. This mount allows you to hoist up the lighting fixture and provide targeted lighting to a fixed area.
Slip Fitter Mount - A slip fitter mount is used for pole lighting. In this case, the mounting bracket is used to attach the flood light to a pole and provide illumination over a wide outdoor area. This type of mounting is ideal for parking lot lighting and other applications which require a pole mounted fixture.
Trunnion Mount - A Trunnion Mount uses a pivoting point to allow the flood light to cast illumination from side-to-side. This is a great option if the flood light will need to be tilted or shifted.
Floodlight Photocell - A photocell uses a sensor to detect the level of lighting available outside and turn on if necessary. In other words, once it becomes dark, the light will turn on. Lighting fixtures that use this technology are commonly referred to as “dusk to dawn lights.” We have photocells available for our LED flood lights to enhance security around outdoor areas.
Yoke Mount - The Yoke Mount allows you to attach the flood light to the wall of an outdoor and project illumination to a desired area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where do you buy LED flood lights?
An LED flood light is a fairly common type of outdoor lighting fixture and is available through various lighting retailers. At Commercial LED Lights, we stock some of the highest quality LED flood lighting fixtures on the market. Most customers find us to be a reliable one-stop-shop for their outdoor and commercial lighting needs.
Q. How long do LED flood lights last?
The lifespan of a lighting fixture depends on several factors such as wattage, lumens, manufacturer, style, etc. With that said, LED flood lights tend to have a long life cycle when compared with metal halide or HID flood lights. In fact, many of the LED flood lights we carry come with a 5 year warranty and are rated for around 50,000 hours. You can check a specific flood light’s product specification sheet for further details.
Q. How do you install outdoor LED flood lights?
For detailed information on how to install specific outdoor LED flood lights, check the individual product’s specification sheet and installation guide. However, generally speaking it is as simple as attaching the lights in their appropriate locations via the chosen mounting bracket or arm, then routing the wiring to a power source. Some mounts will have enclosed wiring options such as slip fitter and knuckle mounts and others will have exposed wiring such as yoke and trunnion mounts.
Q. What is the difference between flood and spot LED lights?
The difference is primarily in the beam pattern these lights produce. Flood lights, as their name implies, flood an area with light thanks to their broad beam angle. Spot lights on the other hand produce a highly focused beam pattern in order to project intense light from as far away as possible. In many cases these two types of lights are used in conjunction with each other in order to provide a complete lighting setup for a specific application.
Q. What wattage is ideal for outdoor led flood lights?
There is no ideal one size fits all wattage for LED flood lights. Instead, the wattage chosen is dependent on the specifics of the application, namely the distance from the light, as well as the size of the area to be illuminated. Lastly, the desired intensity of the light will affect which wattage is chosen.
Q. What are the best outdoor flood lights?
The best option for outdoor flood lighting will depend on your individual lighting needs. For example, if you’re looking for a simple light that mounts on the ground and provides directional illumination toward a desired area, we typically advise to go with a yoke mount LED flood light. These fixtures are mounted on a simple U-shaped bracket and are highly flexible as they can mount on virtually any flat surface. For most lighting applications, you can use a yoke mounted flood light with watts ranging from 80-150 watts; this will be bright enough to provide sufficient illumination to most residential and small commercial applications.
LED Flood Lights v.s. Metal Halide Flood Lights
LEDs offer several advantages over traditional lighting options. For instance, LEDs turn on instantly and don't require time to warm up. LEDs also aren’t susceptible to wear out overtime due to harsh outdoor conditions or continued use and thus require little to no maintenance costs.
LED Flood lights also provide more environmentally friendly lighting, higher energy efficiency, and are generally more easy to install than their metal halide counterparts.
In fact, there was a case study conducted by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) on Lynwood Honda after they upgraded their lighting system from metal halides to LEDs. According to the study,
“He selected new LED luminaires of 239 W and 110 W to replace the existing 1000 W and 400 W metal halide lighting. In addition to the main show lot lighting, the dealership also used some 40W LED wallpacks and two building flood lights of 70W, and two 120W area lights… the owner says the new LED lighting definitely makes the area seem brighter and enhances the appearance of the vehicles on the show lot”