Introduction
As lamps designed with protection against water, dust, and corrosion, tri-proof lights are commonly used in environments such as industrial lighting, warehouses, underground parking lots, etc. When people are making a choice, they may find that these lights come in different wattages and are not sure which one is suitable for them. So, what are the differences among tri-proof lights of different wattages, and how should we make a choice? In this article, Toppo will answer these questions one by one for you and help you avoid the pitfalls in purchasing.
The Significance and Influence of Wattage
Wattage, that is, power, is measured in watts (W) and is used to reflect the electrical energy consumed by the lamp within a unit of time. It mainly affects the following aspects of the lamp:
• Brightness: Generally speaking, the higher the wattage, the higher the brightness (lumen value). However, it specifically depends on the luminous efficacy (lm/W).
• Energy Consumption: The higher the wattage of the tri-proof light, the greater the power consumption, which will lead to higher electricity bills.
It should be noted that the wattage has nothing to do with the protection performance of the tri-proof light. When lights of the same wattage have different IP protection ratings (such as IP65, IP69k), they are often used in different environments.
The Main Differences among Tri-proof Lights of Different Wattages
|
Comparison |
Low Wattage (20 - 50W) |
Medium Wattage (50 - 100W) |
High Wattage (Above 100W) |
|
Brightness |
Low - illumination area |
Uniform illumination for medium - sized areas |
Strong illumination for large spaces / high ceilings |
|
Energy Consumption |
Energy - saving but requires multiple lamps for coverage |
Balances energy consumption and brightness |
High power consumption but a single lamp has a wide coverage area |
|
Applicable Area |
< 20㎡ (Small warehouses, corridors) |
20 - 50㎡ (Workshops, parking lots) |
> 50㎡ (Factories, stadiums) |
|
Installation Height |
2 - 3 meters |
3 - 5 meters |
Above 5 meters |
|
Heat Dissipation Requirements |
Low, longer lifespan |
Requires additional heat dissipation design |
Must be equipped with an efficient heat dissipation structure |
What to Consider When Choosing the Wattage of a Tri-proof Light
(1) Environmental Requirements
Area and Floor Height:
Large industrial plants have a large area and a relatively high vertical space, and often require the installation of high-wattage lights to provide sufficient brightness. According to the calculation formula:
Total Lumen Requirement = Area (㎡) × Target Illuminance (lux) ÷ Luminous Efficacy of the Lamp (lm/W)
We can calculate that in a 50㎡ workshop with a target illuminance of 200lux and a luminous efficacy of the lamp of 100 lm/W, the required total lumen = 50×200÷100 = 10,000 lm. If we choose a 100W tri-proof light, we only need 1 lamp (10,000 lm/lamp). If we choose a 50W LED tri-proof light (5,000 lm/lamp), we will need 2 lamps.
Ambient Light and Darkness: If the area where the tri-proof light is installed is relatively bright itself, such as being close to a window, we can choose a lamp with a lower wattage. However, in a dimly lit area with a damp or dusty environment, we need to increase the actual brightness of the space by increasing the wattage for compensation.
(2) Functional Requirements
Basic Lighting: Uniform and comprehensive light can meet people's basic activities in the space. In this case, we often choose multiple medium-wattage lamps (50-80W) and install them dispersedly.
Accent Lighting: At this time, we need to highlight specific areas or objects, including the goods on the display shelves and the loading and unloading areas of the factory. By using high-wattage (100W+) lights for concentrated illumination, we will obtain clear and bright lighting.
(3) Energy Consumption and Cost
The energy consumption of low-wattage tri-proof lights is definitely lower than that of high-wattage ones, which can save on electricity bills. But under the same brightness requirement, you may need to purchase more low-wattage lamps, which will increase the wiring cost. Therefore, we need to make a decision based on the lighting effect of the lamp and its lifespan.
(4) Special Requirements
Explosion-proof requirements: Places such as chemical plants and gas stations have a large number of flammable and explosive gases or dust, and may require tri-proof lights to have special explosion-proof certifications, such as Ex d IIC T6. This can prevent explosions caused by the electric sparks from the short circuit of the lamp.
Stroboscopic Sensitive Areas: In operating rooms and precision instrument workshops, we should choose tri-proof lights without stroboscopic or with low-frequency stroboscopic. Because stroboscopic can affect people's vision and cause errors when people are suturing wounds or assembling electronic components.
Common Misconceptions among Users
Misconception 1: The Higher the Wattage, the Better
Many users believe that the higher the wattage, the better the lighting effect. In fact, if we use a high-wattage tri-proof light in a small space, the light will often be too dazzling and make people feel uncomfortable. It is best to choose according to the calculation of the actual illuminance requirement.
Misconception 2: Only Focusing on Wattage and Ignoring Luminous Efficacy
Luminous efficacy refers to the luminous flux emitted by the lamp per unit of electrical energy consumed, and the unit is lumen/watt (lm/W). The higher the luminous efficacy, the higher the efficiency of the lamp in converting electrical energy into light energy. Under the same wattage, a lamp with a higher luminous efficacy is brighter. Therefore, we also need to compare the lumen values of the lamps instead of just looking at the wattage.
Misconception 3: Ignoring the Installation Method
In addition, the installation method of the lamp will also affect its lighting effect. Among them, the light of the tri-proof light installed on the ceiling shines directly downward, and the lighting range is relatively concentrated. While for the lamp installed with a suspension rod, the light is more evenly distributed and the lighting range is wider. A good example is that in a large-area workshop, a 40W LED tri-proof light installed on the ceiling may have lighting blind spots, while a 60W LED tri-proof light installed with a suspension rod can make the light cover the entire workshop more evenly.
Conclusion
The lighting effects and applicable scenarios of tri-proof lights of different wattages vary. When making a choice, we need to comprehensively consider environmental, functional, energy consumption and cost, as well as special factors. Only in this way can we find a tri-proof light that can provide efficient lighting while being energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
Toppo Lighting - The Best Tri-proof Lighting Solution Provider
As a leading LED tri-proof light manufacturer in the industry, Toppo Lighting provides you with tri-proof lighting solutions ranging from 20W to 80W. All of our tri-proof lights meet the IP65 and IK10 protection standards, and have customization options for size, installation method, material, etc. If you are interested, please contact us to obtain professional LED technical support.