What Are Floodlights and When Should They Be Used?

We all understand the term floodlighting, especially when it’s in reference to sporting events. But it’s a pretty technical term, with some key features that differentiate it from other forms of lighting. In this article, we’ll look at what “floodlight” actually means, and how it can be used in practical situations.

What is a floodlight?

A floodlight can be described as a broad-beamed, high-intensity artificial light. It is designed to illuminate a large area with an even, expansive light distribution.

By contrast, other types of lighting such as spotlights concentrate their beam on a smaller area, creating a more focused lighting effect. The main differentiation lies in the coverage; while spot lights pinpoint their focus, floodlights are designed to provide clarity over wide expanses. The brightness differentiates floodlights  from other forms of wide-beam lighting, such as some forms of diffused ambient lighting.

Key features of floodlights

To explain the versatility of floodlights, let’s look at their main distinguishing characteristics:

  • Beam angle: This refers to the width of light emitted from a source. Floodlights offer a variety of beam angles, from wide (say 90°) to very wide (160°), allowing for tailored applications according to the area requirements.
  • Intensity: The lumens (lm) rating indicates the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Higher intensities are chosen for larger areas or where a strong light presence is critical.
  • Beam spread: This is how broadly the light diffuses outward from its source. The more extensive the beam spread, the larger the area that can be covered. The centre of the beam will usually be brighter than the edges, but floodlights can be designed to make the beam more uniform over its entire angle.
  • Beam shape: The shape of the beam can be oval (vertical or horizontal), round or some other shape. In combination with its position (i.e. high or low, angled or vertical), the shape lets the light illuminate certain parts of the area more than others.

Typical uses of floodlighting

Floodlighting finds itself in dozens of applications in the public and private world. Here are some of the most common uses.

Security lighting

Perimeters of buildings and public spaces often harness floodlights due to their expansive reach and intensity. Mounting them high and angled downwards ensures an area is well-lit, deterring unauthorised entry and enhancing CCTV clarity. Security lighting is often combined with motion sensors to save on energy usage and to minimise the effect on neighbouring properties.

Sports lighting

Sporting events after dusk or in poor weather conditions need floodlights that can mimic daylight conditions. Here, uniformity and control over spill light are essential, bypassing glare for athletes and spectators alike.

Workplace illumination

Industrial areas and construction sites benefit from the comprehensive coverage offered by floodlights, ensuring work can continue safely regardless of natural light availability. Overnight motorway construction would be impossible without floodlighting, and it can be directed away from motorists to prevent dazzling.

Emergency lighting

In crises, floodlights provide immediate, intense and broad-ranged visibility to assist in rescue operations or guide evacuations – crucial in managing situations in adverse conditions.

Theatrical/mood lighting

The floodlight is one tool at the disposal of theatrical lighting designers, and is great for illuminating large crowds or mimicking daylight on the stage.

Domestic uses

At home, garden parties or security can benefit from carefully positioned floodlights that illuminate without overpowering, for example when they’re mounted high with a softer intensity and wider beam spread.

Architectural/feature Lighting

To accentuate facade features or landscape elements, architectural lighting uses floodlights for emphasis – accenting shapes and textures, and transforming spaces via strategic illumination.

Mounting considerations

Mounting plays a critical role in optimising a floodlight’s effectiveness. Consider these factors when mounting floodlights:

  • It should be placed high enough to cover the desired area but should also be accessible for maintenance.
  • Angling towards the subject avoids wasteful dispersion and prevents light pollution.
  • Avoid directing towards reflective surfaces to reduce glare.
  • Use motion sensors for security lighting to improve efficiency.
  • Be considerate of neighbouring properties when floodlighting.

Guide to buying floodlights

When you’re buying floodlights, make sure you know precisely how they’re going to be used as best as you can beforehand. If you know exactly where it will be mounted and where you need to be illuminated, you can work out the beam angle, shape, intensity and spread you require. Those specifications should be on the product descriptions. Most floodlights do have adjustable angles, so there will always be the opportunity to fine tune the illumination once it’s mounted.

If your floodlight is for outdoor use, make sure it’s a waterproof model and that all your wiring and connections are fully sealed.