LED lighting is an essential part of any commercial vehicle build. Not only do they ensure compliance with homologation regulations, but they improve road safety by enhancing a vehicles visibility. In this post, we will break down the different types of LED lights and their features, helping you determine which lighting is best suited for your vehicle.
Why install LEDs?
Commercial vehicles are large and can be difficult to see, especially in low-light or poor weather conditions. Insufficient visibility can lead to accidents or dangerous situations on the road.
Installing LED lights improves your vehicles visibility, making it easier for other road users to see you, reducing the risk of accidents. LEDs are designed to last longer than halogen lights and are more energy efficient, drawing less power from the battery, prolonging battery life. Built for durability and high-performance LEDs can withstand the stresses of the external environment.
Type of LED lighting for Commercial Vehicles
There are different types of LED lights designed to cater to different parts of a commercial vehicle, each serving a specific function.
Marker Lights - Typically placed at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, marker lights enhance the visibility of the vehicle.
Rear Lights - Essential for signalling manoeuvres such as braking, reversing, and turning.
Interior Lighting - Providing efficient illumination for the vehicles cab, interior lights ensure drivers have proper visibility inside small spaces.
Work Lights - Designed to provide powerful lighting, work lights are ideal for vehicles used in construction or other service industries. Depending on the type of work, work lights come in two main beam patterns, flood lights and spot lights.
Reflectors - Unlike other lights, reflectors reflect light from external sources, like the headlights of other vehicles. These are especially useful at night or in low-visibility conditions, offering a simple yet effects mean of visibility.
Warning Lights – Enhance safety by signalling presence or hazards. Used in various settings, products like beacons and lightbars flash to alert others, often during emergencies or dangerous situations.
Explaining LED Lighting Features
When choosing the right LED light for your vehicle, it’s essential to understand the key features that can directly impact road safety and vehicle visibility.
Beam Pattern
The beam pattern defines how the light is distributed across an area. There are three main types.
• Flood – A wide, short-range beam, ideal for illuminating nearby areas.
• Spot –A focused, long, narrow beam designed for distance, offering a laser-like output.
• Combination – A mix of flood and spot, providing all round illumination.
Light Output
• Lumens - Measure the total light output of an LED. The higher the lumen number, the brighter the light.
• Watts- Measure the energy consumption of an LED. Lower watts mean less energy consumption.
Colour Temperature
LED lights come in various colour temperatures, warmer and cooler lights typically range from 3000k to 6500k.
IP Rating
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicates how durable an LED light is against elements such as dust, water, and extreme temperatures.
An IP67 rating means the light is fully protected against dust ingress (number 6) and can withstand temporary immersion in water (number 7).
An IP68 rating offers enhanced protection, it is fully dust tight (number 6) and can withstand prolonged immersion in water (number 8). This makes it suitable for more demanding or harsh environments.
Always check the IP rating to ensure the light is suitable for your operating environment.
LED lighting is essential to ensuring your commercial vehicle is visible, regulatory compliant and safe on the road. With a wide range of options available, there is an LED solution to meet your need. Explore our range of LED lights today.
Alternatively get in touch with the team on [email protected], or call the office on 01922 471 000.