A flashlight is a necessary device in any household. The need to illuminate a dark space may also arise in the process of moving along the street at night, and when performing repair work in hard-to-reach corners. There are also specialized modifications designed for mining workers, tourists, emergency workers, etc. On the technology market today you can find a rechargeable LED flashlight, which has many significant differences from traditional models.
Key Features
Any flashlight is evaluated by two main parameters: glow range and brightness. Often these characteristics are interrelated and flow from each other, but there are also special versions in which this connection does not work. As for the first parameter, powerful LED rechargeable flashlights with a lens can provide a rangeabout 150-200 m. But even the lens does not always help to maintain the width of the light coverage. To ensure a long range, the beam must be focused when it is narrowed. Accordingly, the beam will be "long-range", but modest in diameter. Most often, models with a range of 50-120 m are used. In this case, even flashlights of modest power without a lens can provide a significant light spot in diameter.
The situation with brightness, which is expressed in lumens (Lm), is also ambiguous. The initial segment represents models for 300-350 lm. Such devices rarely provide a range of more than 100 m, and also do not have large patches of light. Professional devices have LEDs of 900-1800 lm. This allows, at a minimum, to expand the light coverage area, but in relation to the range, the number of diodes used will play a significant role. For example, a rechargeable LED flashlight with two glow elements is quite capable of delivering light at a distance of 150 m with a small size, despite the fact that its brightness will be no more than 350 Lm. Is exchanging high brightness for a second LED justified? In cases where it is important to optimize the power supply, this configuration really saves money.
Battery Specifications
Traditional flashlights with 2-3 batteries are still on the market, but they are increasingly being replaced by rechargeable models. Actually, two versions of this type of batteries are produced - modern Li-Ion and obsolete Ni-Cd. Average voltage in both casesis 4-6 V. The volume on which the duration of the device depends is in the range of 1-4 Ah. Depending on the performance, the same brightness and the number of LEDs, the battery can maintain performance from several hours to a day in continuous glow mode. And here the battery itself, which is equipped with a rechargeable LED flashlight in a specific design, is of considerable importance.
Nickel-cadmium blocks are characterized by resistance to temperature fluctuations, high charge speed, but at the same time, short service life. More in demand are lithium-ion cells, which, with their compact dimensions, can have a large volume. But they cost more. By the way, you should not completely abandon battery models if they are suitable for other characteristics. They can be improved by replacing the power supply system - professional LED rechargeable headlamps are often subjected to such an operation. Upgrading at home will be limited to the removal of the battery compartment and the installation of a battery holder. The latter can be taken from the line of conventional mobile devices.
Protective qualities of LED flashlights
Even if we are not talking about specialized applications, flashlights can be exposed to various environmental factors - from high humidity to unexpected mechanical shocks. And yet, rechargeable LED headlamps designed for work in mines are the most advanced in this regard. They are characterized by the level of protection class IP68,which means high resistance to physical damage. There are also special versions for tourists. In this case, the emphasis can be placed on the properties of water resistance. Modifications of this type, for example, can be submerged in water to a depth of about 1-2 m.
Producers
In the budget version, you can find interesting offers from domestic manufacturers of lighting equipment. Under the brands "Bright Luch" and "Svetozar" inexpensive, but high-quality models for home use are presented. As for special versions, modifications for construction and industry should be looked for in the Camelion, Dew alt and Bosch families. Noteworthy are the hybrid LED rechargeable Police flashlights from Hangliang. In particular, the HL-W110 modification is not only a flashlight, but also a baton. This is a model characterized by a high-strength body and a powerful stream of light. Devices with combined functionality are also offered by JTC, Enkor and others.
How much does a rechargeable LED flashlight cost?
The most affordable LED flashlights cost up to 500 rubles. This is the simplest version of a home device without any special operational advantages. The goods market also offers medium models available for 1-1.5 thousand. At the same time, a lot depends on the manufacturer that produces LED rechargeable flashlights. China is the most democratic in this respect - for example, multifunctional versions from TrustFirecost up to 1000 rubles, but at the same time they demonstrate the same power as individual modifications from Bosch worth 2 thousand
How to choose the right flashlight?
In addition to the characteristics described above, one should not forget about functionality, adjustment possibilities and additional equipment. For domestic needs, a model with minimal settings will suffice. But the professional environment may require the device to have multiple modes of operation, high energy savings and auxiliary means of attachment.
So, LED rechargeable flashlights with a lens for a powerful stream in a mine or under water are usually supplemented with special clamps - wrist or the same headband. As for the adjustment possibilities, depending on the application conditions, the user will be able to optimally adjust the beam delivery distance and spot diameter.
Conclusion
The modern market of LED devices is developing steadily both in terms of optical filling and ergonomic properties. A successful combination of several technical and operational parameters distinguishes even budget LED rechargeable flashlights. China also contributes to the popularization of such products because of attractive and low prices. Another thing is that the quality in this case is inferior to European, and often domestic products. External attractiveness and functionality come to the fore, butthe durability of battery cells and LEDs still leaves much to be desired.
