A Complete Guide to Understanding Red LED Flood Lights

Understanding Red LED Flood Lights

Red LED flood lights have become increasingly popular in recent years for both commercial and residential applications. But what exactly are they and what benefits do they offer compared to traditional lighting options? This article provides a detailed overview of red LED flood lights, their key features and benefits, and some of their common uses.

What Are Red LED Flood Lights?

Red LED flood lights are powerful, energy-efficient lights that emit a red light. As the name suggests, these lights are designed to flood a large area with red illumination. The light is produced by dozens or even hundreds of small red LED (light emitting diode) bulbs clustered together in the flood light fixture.

The red light emitted is monochromatic, meaning it is made up of just one wavelength in the color spectrum. The specific shade of red depends on the exact composition of the LED semiconductors used inside the flood light. Some common shades are deep red, blood red, cherry red, or ruby red.

Key Features and Benefits

Red LED flood lights offer a number of benefits that make them desirable options for security, commercial, and residential lighting applications:

• Energy Efficiency - LED technology is highly energy efficient compared to older lighting like metal halide or high pressure sodium. Red LED flood lights can save 50-80% on power costs.
• Long Lifespan - Properly installed red LED floods can have a lifespan of 50,000 hours or longer before needing replacement. This reduces maintenance costs.
• Safety Certified - They often have safety certifications from organizations like ETL when properly designed and manufactured.
• Instant On/Off Capability - Unlike older lights, LED floods turn on and off instantly with no warm up or cool down time required.
• Durable Design - Thanks to solid state technology with no moving parts or fragile filaments, LED flood lights can withstand vibration, moisture, and impact.
• Controlled Beam Angle - Their optics produce a wide but controlled beam angle optimized to flood a space effectively.

Common Uses of Red LED Flood Lights

Thanks to their unique red color output and versatility, red LED flood lights have emerged as solutions for security lighting, commercial spaces, residential areas, and more. Some of the most common applications include:

• Perimeter Security Lighting - Their red illumination preserves natural night vision for security cameras better than white light.
• Nighttime Work Lighting - Red light helps workers see essentials without ruining night vision adaptation for driving home later.
• Decorative Landscape Lighting - A vivid yet unobtrusive red glow can create mood ambience in gardens, patios, or building facades.
• Hunting Preparation - Red light adaptation helps hunters prepare gear before dawn without losing natural ability to see in the dark.
• Emergency Vehicle Lighting - LED floods in police colors like red can supplement warning beacons on fire trucks or ambulances.

What to Look for When Buying

With many red LED flood light models and specifications to consider, it helps to know what features to evaluate when picking the right lights. Important criteria include:

Total Lumens Output

A flood light's brightness is measured in total lumens - the higher the lumens, the brighter the emitted area of red light. Match lumens output to the size space needing illumination.

Beam Angle

The beam angle indicates the width of the cast red light. Narrow spot beams concentrate light while wide floods distribute it. Choose beam angle based on coverage area and mounting height.

Color Temperature

Color temperature measures the shade of red from warmer deep reds to cooler ruby tones. Pick appropriately for security, safety, or ambiance needs.

IP Certified Waterproof Rating

Check for waterproofing ratings like IP65 or IP66 to use flood lights in wet outdoor conditions while preventing shorts.

Safety Certifications

Reputable LED flood brands have ETL/UL certifications to meet North American safety standards for fire/shock hazards and overheating.

Warranty Length

Multi-year warranties protect against early bulb failure or manufacturing defects. 3-5 years coverage is common for commercial-grade units.

Recommended Placement Locations

Properly positioning red LED flood lights is key to maximizing illumination coverage for the intended application while minimizing glare or light pollution.

Security Lighting

For perimeter intruder deterrence around commercial buildings, space flood lights 10-15 feet apart with overlapping beams angled outward and downward around the property.

Work Area Lighting

Look for overhead mounting points 15-20 high to illuminate workshops, construction zones, or outdoor processing areas. Angle slightly downward.

Accent Lighting

Use narrow spot beams to highlight architectural details on houses, gardens, monuments, or product displays from 25-40 feet distant.

Area Lighting

For large spaces like parking lots, parks, or recreation fields, install floods 20-40 feet up on poles in a grid pattern ensuring consistent light distribution.

Safety Tips

While very safe when used properly, basic precautions are advised when installing and handling LED flood lights:

• Carefully follow all electrical wiring instructions or hire a qualified electrician.
• Use weatherproof outdoor grade mounting hardware.
• Wear protective eyewear when looking directly at illuminated flood lights.
• Take care when working at heights using ladders or lifts.
• Check local regulations and homeowner association rules before permanent installation.

With versatile lighting capabilities plus electrical and physical durability, red LED flood lights are ready to take on demanding security, commercial, industrial, and residential illumination tasks. Just take care when positioning and wiring them, and they will provide years of intense red lighting with minimal upkeep or running costs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.