Spotlights vs Flood Lights: What's the Difference?

If you’ve landed on this page, then chances are you are interested in learning the difference between spotlights and floodlights. Interestingly enough, both sets of lights are extremely similar, but also have a wide variety of differences. Don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place to become educated.

First, it’s important to understand that the type of vehicle you drive, as well as where you’re located will ultimately determine which type of lights could be best for your needs. Again, there are pros and cons to both LED spotlights and LED floodlights. In order to learn more, discover the facts here!

Spotlights vs Flood Lights: What’s the Difference?

Two types of light patterns, spotlights and floodlights, refer to how light is being projected. Specifically, A spotlight has a narrow light beam that is about 45 degrees, which results in a more concentrated light beam and easier control. In contrast, a floodlight can have a light beam of up to 120 degrees. Because of this, it allows larger spaces to be illuminated with the same lumen output and wattage as a spotlight.

In a manner of speaking, these lights are completely opposite of one another. Particularly, A spotlight is designed to project a long and more narrow beam, whereas floodlights are shorter and generally used to illuminate a wide area.

What does all of this mean, though? And, more importantly, which type of light is better?

Police and municipal vehicles are common applications of spotlights. In particular, it is important for police cruisers to illuminate narrow areas at long distances, which ultimately allows them to help see individuals or locations. However, commercial equipment applications also find great use in spotlights. Commercial vehicles may install spotlights as a general utility light which can be used to see and identify objects in the path and warn approaching pedestrians. Generally, most vehicles could probably use at least one spotlight and depending on the specifics, even more than one.

Floodlights are also highly useful in a wide range of work light applications. It is not uncommon to find floods on slow-moving vehicles or those performing tasks at night, like street-sweeping, roadwork, or harvesting.

The Benefits of Using LED Spotlights:

It goes without saying that there are many benefits to using LED spotlights. Below, we’ve listed most of the common ones.

Efficiency

There has never been any other technology more energy efficient than LED lights. LEDs consume 90 percent less energy than the traditional bulbs. This allows for low maintenance costs of both the bulbs and the vehicle power battery.

Durability

The manufacturers make very strong LED spotlights meant to serve the users for many years without problems or issues. Most of them are sealed in an aluminum casing which is both waterproof and shockproof. Once they are fixed in vehicles, the LED lights can remain intact without requiring much maintenance attention, meaning the driver saves on both time and money.

Lifespan

One aspect that has shocked many people is the number of hours LED lights can and do last. Most LED spotlights average 50,000 hours of full consistent lighting without any sort of trouble. This means that a LED can serve you for over 20 years, which is a very long time. You’ll save time, money, and energy, not having to replace your lights.

Safety

Most spotlights made from the ordinary bulbs can overheat and sometimes blow out. This can be highly risky and dangerous. On the other hand, the overheating bulbs can cause burns if touched with bare hands. However, the LED spotlights are known to remain cool through their lighting. This makes them safe both to people and the environment—which is extremely important.

The Benefits of Using LED Flood Lights:

There are also many benefits to using LED floodlights. Below, we’ve provided most of the common and popular benefits associated with LED floodlights.

Long Lasting

Known for their durability and long life, LED floodlights are very long lasting in comparison to standard bulbs. You do not have to worry about replacement for a very long time once you install the light. LED lights don’t burn out abruptly but rather just dim gradually once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan.

Energy Efficient

Once you install LED flood lights, any bulb replacements you may think you’ll need will not be necessary. These lights also consume very little electricity and as a result, you can save a huge amount on electricity costs.

Easy to Maintain

LED flood lights are known to be very tough and long-lasting, which can save the individual a large amount of time, money and effort. Encased in unbreakable coverings, the bulbs are very hard to break. These lights may seem expensive, but due to the fact that they last so long, you will be saving money in the long run.

Extremely Safe

One of the safest lighting options, you can’t go wrong with LED floodlights. The absence of heat emanation and fragile filament reduces the risk of electric and fire accidents. Further, because the lights are so illuminating, it is safe for everyone on the road when floodlights are being used, as everything is much more visible.

White Light

The white beam of light produced by LED flood lights is very much similar to daylight. This makes it very easy to see everything that is on (and even off) the road.

Unaffected by Weather

LED flood lights are not negatively affected by weather or environmental conditions. They are able to remain stable and can function in cold conditions, which makes them ideal for extreme climates. Therefore, depending on your location, you may want to consider these lights.

Both spotlights and floodlights can be used for more than just vehicles—and they routinely are!

Other Uses for Spotlights and Floodlights

As mentioned above, spotlights are generally used to highlight smaller areas and points. For times when you need to see further down the path ahead, a spotlight will cast a narrow, long beam of illumination. Theaters, gardens, search vehicles, and above garage doors are common places where these types of lights are found.

Spotlights were originally used in the entertainment industry, highlighting the stage for a performer. Spotlights are still found in theaters and concert venues. Spotlights are commonly also found in museums and art exhibits.

Further, spotlights are also found inside and outside of the home, depending on what the individual wishes to illuminate.

On the other hand, a floodlight or beam cast covers a larger surface area by allowing you to see at a much closer distance. Therefore, a floodlight can be an ideal choice when you want to illuminate larger areas like warehouses, driveways, parking lots, or any other area that needs coverage. It can also serve as a security light. Many businesses often choose to install a floodlight for safety measures.

Floodlights are extremely useful in assisting vehicles driving through fog. In addition, boats tend to have floodlights because they can also be used to illuminate underwater areas.

The best way to remember a flood light is that is used for larger areas.

Now that you understand more about LED spotlights and floodlights, you’re probably likely wondering which light you should choose. The answer: it depends.

Choosing the Right Light

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you which light is best for you and your needs. Every individual is different. All we can do is present you with the appropriate information, allowing you to make the best judgment call.

However, after having read this blog article, you should feel more comfortable choosing the right light.

Before you decide to buy a spotlight or floodlight, you need to ask yourself what you need the light for. Knowing the purpose behind the light should allow you to choose the best one for your specific needs.

Light Features

As with other lights, when it comes to choosing between an LED spotlight or floodlight, you will need to consider the various features often offered with both lights. More times than not, these specific features include the following:

• Size
• Shape
• Color
• Durability
• Beam Pattern

Again, before you can honestly answer which features you want, you will need to know what you plan on using the light for. Only then can you decide on the size, shape, color, durability, and beam pattern of your light.

It is important to know that these features can and usually do affect the price of your light. You may need to consider your budget before you start shopping for an LED spotlight or flood light.

Though every individual is different, size is generally one of the most important features to consider. After all, size notably comes into play, regarding where you are going to use the light, and what you are going to use the light for. For example, is the light for your vehicle? Or is the light for your property? If the light is for your property, will you be using the light inside or outside?

Before you make a purchase or even start researching lights, it’s recommended that you make a complete list of what you need and why you need it. In doing so, you will be more prepared for the shopping process.

Enjoy Your New Lights

Regardless of the specific lights, you choose to purchase and install, both are great purchases. You can’t go wrong with either a spotlight or floodlight. As you’ve seen, both offer a myriad of benefits. Therefore, enjoy your new lights! We’re sure that however you plan to use them, you will find them to be extremely useful and helpful.

Sources:

https://www.ledequipped.com/flood-spot-lights/

https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a10124/how-to-install-your-own-driving-lights-16543999/

https://betterautomotivelighting.com/2017/05/03/15-brands-led-headlight-bulb-shoot-ones-best/

http://www.electroniclights.co.za/feature.php