Lighting & Torches

About Lighting & Torches

Professional lighting and torches are essential tools for tradespeople, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need reliable illumination in challenging work environments. Whether you're working on a construction site, carrying out electrical installations, performing vehicle repairs, or tackling home improvement projects, having the right lighting solution can dramatically improve both safety and productivity. Our comprehensive range includes everything from compact pocket torches and inspection lamps to powerful LED work lights and site floodlights, ensuring you have the visibility you need for any task.

Modern work lighting has evolved significantly with LED technology offering exceptional brightness, energy efficiency, and durability compared to traditional halogen alternatives. Today's professional lighting solutions feature robust construction to withstand the rigours of site work, with many models offering IP-rated weather resistance, impact protection, and rechargeable battery systems. From versatile tripod lights that illuminate entire work areas to focused inspection lamps perfect for detailed tasks, our range covers all professional and domestic lighting requirements.

Many of the leading power tool manufacturers including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch have developed extensive lighting ranges that integrate seamlessly with their existing battery platforms. This means tradespeople can use the same rechargeable batteries across their entire tool collection, reducing costs and improving convenience on site. Alongside these cordless options, we also stock mains-powered area lights, traditional hand torches, and specialist lighting for specific applications.

Jargon Buster

• Lumens (lm) - The standard measurement of light output. Higher lumens mean brighter light, with compact torches typically ranging from 100-500lm, whilst professional work lights can exceed 3,000lm or more for illuminating large areas.
• IP Rating (Ingress Protection) - A two-digit code indicating protection against dust and water. The first digit (0-6) shows dust protection, the second (0-9) shows water resistance. IP54 offers splash protection, whilst IP67 means fully dust-tight and waterproof for temporary immersion.
• LED (Light Emitting Diode) - Energy-efficient lighting technology that produces bright, cool light with minimal power consumption and exceptional lifespan, often 50,000 hours or more compared to traditional bulbs.
• Colour Temperature (K) - Measured in Kelvin, this indicates the colour tone of the light. Cool white (5000-6500K) provides bright, clinical illumination ideal for detailed work, whilst warm white (2700-3000K) offers softer, more natural light.
• Run Time - How long a cordless light operates on a single battery charge. This varies considerably based on brightness settings and battery capacity (Ah rating), with many models offering multiple power modes to balance brightness against battery life.
• CRI (Colour Rendering Index) - A measurement (0-100) of how accurately a light source reveals true colours. Professional work lights with CRI above 80 help tradespeople distinguish wire colours, paint shades, and material finishes accurately.

Who Uses Lighting & Torches?

Professional lighting solutions are indispensable across numerous trades and industries:

• Electricians - Require hands-free inspection lights and bright work lights for installations in loft spaces, under floors, and electrical enclosures
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers - Need compact torches and inspection lamps for working in confined spaces, under sinks, and in boiler cupboards
• Builders and General Contractors - Depend on robust site lights, floodlights, and festoon lighting to illuminate construction areas safely
• Motor Mechanics and Auto Electricians - Use inspection lamps and magnetic work lights for engine bay work and underneath vehicles
• Painters and Decorators - Benefit from even, high-CRI lighting to assess surface preparation and colour accuracy
• Maintenance Engineers - Require portable, durable torches and task lights for equipment inspections and repairs
• Security and Facilities Management - Use powerful spotlights and torches for property inspections and emergency situations
• Outdoor Workers and Landscapers - Need weather-resistant lighting for working during shorter daylight hours
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners - Benefit from versatile lighting for home repairs, vehicle maintenance, and outdoor projects

How to Choose the Right Lighting & Torches

Selecting appropriate lighting equipment depends on several key factors related to your specific requirements:

Power Source: Cordless rechargeable lights offer excellent portability and convenience, particularly models compatible with existing power tool battery systems from Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee. Mains-powered options provide unlimited run time for extended projects or fixed workshop installations. Consider 110V site lights for compliance with UK construction site electrical safety requirements.

Brightness and Coverage: Match lumens output to your application - compact torches (100-300lm) suit inspections and general use, work lights (500-2,000lm) provide focused task lighting, whilst area lights and floodlights (2,000lm+) illuminate entire work zones. Consider whether you need focused beam patterns for precision work or wide flood patterns for general illumination.

Durability and Protection: Professional environments demand robust construction. Look for impact-resistant housings, protective roll cages, and appropriate IP ratings. IP54 or higher ensures protection against dust and water ingress essential for outdoor use and dusty site conditions. Rubberised grips and reinforced lens covers add durability for demanding applications.

Mounting and Positioning: Consider how you'll position the light. Tripod lights offer adjustable height for area illumination, magnetic bases provide hands-free positioning on metal surfaces, hooks and stands enable versatile placement, whilst head torches and clip-on inspection lamps keep both hands free for detailed work.

Features and Functionality: Multiple brightness settings extend battery life, whilst red or UV light modes suit specific applications. Some models include USB charging ports for mobile devices, others feature adjustable colour temperature. Emergency flashing modes and battery level indicators add practical value.

Budget Considerations: Entry-level options from manufacturers like Einhell provide good value for occasional use, mid-range models from established brands offer reliability for regular professional use, whilst premium Festool or specialist lighting delivers exceptional performance and longevity for demanding daily applications.

Popular Accessories

• Spare Batteries and Chargers - Essential for cordless lighting systems to ensure uninterrupted operation throughout the working day. Higher capacity batteries (4.0Ah-6.0Ah) extend run times significantly.
• Tripods and Stands - Height-adjustable supports for work lights and floodlights, providing stable positioning and wide area coverage. Many extend from 1-2 metres for versatile placement.
• Replacement Bulbs and LED Modules - Spare lamps for traditional work lights, though LED units typically require complete head replacement rather than individual bulbs.
• Carry Cases and Storage - Protective storage solutions that keep lighting equipment safe during transport and prevent damage from impacts or moisture.
• Extension Cables and Cable Reels - For mains-powered lighting, heavy-duty 13A or 16A extension leads rated for site use provide flexibility in positioning. 110V transformers required for site compliance.
• Mounting Brackets and Clamps - Various fixing solutions allowing lights to be secured to scaffolding, ladders, workbenches, or vehicle bodywork for hands-free operation.
• Diffusers and Filters - Attachments that soften or colour light output for specific applications, reducing glare or creating specialist inspection lighting.

Safety Information

When using professional lighting equipment, observe these important safety considerations:

Electrical Safety: Ensure all mains-powered lighting complies with UK electrical standards (BS EN 60598) and uses correctly rated 230V domestic or 110V site voltage as appropriate. Construction sites typically require 110V equipment to comply with HSE guidance on reducing electric shock risks. Never use damaged cables or plugs, and ensure RCD protection is in place for outdoor use.

Heat Management: Although LED lighting generates significantly less heat than halogen alternatives, some high-output work lights still become warm during extended operation. Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid placing lights in contact with flammable materials. Allow hot lights to cool before packing away.

Temporary Lighting Arrangements: When installing festoon lighting or area lights on construction sites, ensure cables are routed safely to prevent trip hazards and protected from damage by vehicles or equipment. Use appropriate cable management and maintain clear access routes in accordance with HSE workplace regulations.

Battery Safety: Lithium-ion batteries require proper care. Use only manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures, and store partially charged (40-60%) in cool, dry conditions when not in use. Never attempt to dismantle or modify battery packs.

Working at Height: When positioning tripod lights or elevated floodlights, ensure stable placement on level ground and maintain safe working practices. Consider using weighted bases or securing tripods to prevent toppling in windy conditions or high-traffic areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between lumens and watts for work lights?

Watts measure power consumption whilst lumens measure actual light output. With modern LED technology, lights produce far more lumens per watt than older technologies. A 20W LED work light might produce 2,000 lumens, whereas a 500W halogen would be needed for similar brightness. Focus on lumens when comparing brightness, and watts only for understanding running costs and power requirements.

Are cordless work lights bright enough for professional use?

Absolutely. Modern cordless LED work lights from manufacturers like Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt deliver exceptional brightness, with many models exceeding 3,000-4,000 lumens - more than adequate for professional site work. Battery-powered lights offer the advantage of portability without compromising on illumination, though run time varies depending on brightness settings and battery capacity.

Do I need 110V lighting for site work?

UK construction sites typically require 110V equipment to reduce electric shock risk in accordance with HSE guidance. Whilst not legally mandated in all situations, 110V lighting (used with appropriate transformers) is standard practice on commercial building sites. Cordless battery-powered lights provide an excellent alternative, offering similar safety benefits without voltage transformation requirements.

What IP rating do I need for outdoor work lights?

For outdoor use in typical UK weather conditions, look for minimum IP54 rating providing protection against dust and water splashes. IP65 offers better protection against jets of water from any direction, making it suitable for pressure washing environments. For lights that may be temporarily submerged or used in very dusty conditions, IP67 provides comprehensive protection. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the specific rating.

Can I use my existing power tool batteries with work lights?

Most major manufacturers including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch produce work lights compatible with their respective battery platforms. This allows tradespeople to use the same batteries across their entire cordless tool collection, offering significant convenience and cost savings. Check compatibility carefully as battery systems vary between voltage ranges (10.8V, 18V, 36V) and manufacturers use proprietary connections.