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Which construction lamp should you choose?

With a professional construction lamp, you always have good light to work on at any place. If you are considering purchasing a construction lamp, it is wise to assess the space where you will be working and the type of jobs you will be doing in advance. Construction lamps come in different versions, and the task determines the model you need, the light intensity and other properties.

LED instead of halogen

The halogen construction lights of the past have been replaced everywhere by LED construction lamps. An LED construction lamp consumes significantly less energy and lasts much longer. Most LED construction lamps have a COB or SMD chip. The difference is mainly in the placement of the small LEDs.

COB stands for Chips On Board and indicates there are many LED lights in one place, making a COB LED very powerful and suitable for areas where you need a large light beam. The disadvantage of this chip is that the construction lamp gets hot quickly, and when one LED is broken, the other LEDs no longer work either.

SMD stands for Surface Mount Devic — all LED lights are soldered on one printed circuit board. The LEDs are spread over the plate, so the lamp does not get very hot — a considerable advantage, especially when you move the lamp often. This chip also does not immediately break if one light fails.

The light output: Lumen and Lux

Lumen and Lux are two terms that demonstrate the amount of light a lamp gives. Lumen is the measure of the total amount of light emitted by a light source. Lux stands for the amount of lumen per m2. If you’re looking for a bright lamp, buy one with a high lumen or lux. A lamp with 1000 lumens will usually provide enough light for indoor jobs. In addition to the strength of the lamp light, the colour temperature is also essential. Colour temperature is expressed in Kelvin (K). The higher the colour temperature, the cooler the light. Construction lamps usually have a high K-value and give a cold white light. At this colour temperature, you can best see the details of your work, and it is easier on your eyes than in a warmer light.

Where are you going to use the construction lamp?

In addition to the light intensity, the model and the power source are important considerations in your choice. For a lamp that will be permanently placed in your workshop, you should opt for a model that works on mains power and is equipped with a mounting bracket for mounting on the wall. If you want a lamp you can take on a job, a portable battery version with a handle is the right choice. Or you can opt for a battery-construction lamp on a tripod. It is easy to move, and you can adjust the height of the light source.

Makita construction lamp on tripod

The IP classification is crucial to consider, especially when you plan to use the lamp outside. This rating indicates how dust and moisture-resistant the lamp is. The IP65 rating means the housing is dust-tight and resistant to splashing water. If you occasionally intend to use the lamp for an outdoor job, you can also opt for a model with a lower classification, such as IP44. With this IP value, the lamp can also withstand a rain shower.

If you’re considering opting for a headlamp instead, read our article about choosing a headlamp.

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