110V or Rechargeable Site Light? Lumens, Tripods and IP Ratings

Dark mornings on site, a yard with no sockets or a bay full of shadows: the wrong site light leaves you squinting at the job or waiting on a charger.

Choose the power source first, then the stand, lumens and IP rating. PartsForMachines stocks 20 Sealey, Draper and Defender lights in its site lights range, from 110V lamps to pocket rechargeables.

110V, 230V or Cordless: Which Site Light Suits the Job?

Match the light to the supply where you work: 110V where the site runs a 110V system, rechargeable where there are no sockets, and 230V in a workshop or yard with mains. On building sites in Great Britain, for example, safety guidance favours cordless tools or a 110V centre-tapped supply, which limits the voltage to earth to 55V.

The 90097 110V 360° site light connects with a 16A 110V plug and gives 2,800 lumens. If you want to reuse a mains light on a transformer, check its rating plate covers 110V first.

Tripod, Standing or Fold-Flat: Which Avoids Shadows and Glare?

Height and position matter as much as the stand type: a lamp close to your line of sight dazzles, and one in the wrong place throws your shadow across the work. Raising the lamp above eye level and setting it to one side of the work helps on both counts.

The LED60230V 360° standing floodlight stands 1500mm tall and lights all round, which suits a crew working in a circle. For one task, aim a single head instead: a tripod kit such as the LED1500PBKIT extends from 0.66m to 1.5m. Fold-flat floodlights sit on the ground or a bench for work near the ground, such as a wheel change.

How Many Lumens Do I Need to Light a Work Area?

Multiply the floor area by the light level the job needs, because one lux is one lumen per square metre. Safety guidance puts general movement and outside areas at around 20 to 50 lux, while work that needs you to see detail calls for 200 lux or more.

So a 15m² repair bay at 200 lux needs about 3,000 lumens landing on it; pick a lamp rated comfortably above that. The 03185 30W rechargeable folding site light gives 3,300 lumens across a 100° beam, with 100%, 50% and 30% settings; the LED60230V gives 6,600. If shadows remain, add a second light from another side.

Rain, Dust and Knocks: What IP Rating Does a Site Light Need?

IP44 copes with splashes, but for heavy rain or hosing look for IP65, and IP67 if the light may stand in water. The first digit rates protection against dust and solids, the second against water: 4 copes with splashes, 5 with water jets from any direction and 7 with short immersion. A 0 means no special water protection, so keep those lights indoors.

Our range includes indoor-only models, such as the LED1200E emergency floodlight, as well as fully sealed IP67 lights. For a light that may end up in a puddle, the LEDFL10W fold-flat floodlight is built for wet or dusty conditions. Knocks are rated separately by the IK code, explained below.

What Should I Check Before I Buy a Site Light?

• the supply on the job: a 110V system, 230V sockets or none at all
• lumens against the area you need to light, and the runtime at the setting you will really use
• the stand and height: tripod, 360° standing, fold-flat, hook or magnetic base
• the IP rating for the weather, and the IK rating where knocks are likely
• the plug, charger and cable length for where you will use it

Browse the site lights range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with the area you need to light and the supply you have.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I daisy-chain 110V site lights or run a tool from one?

Some lights allow it. The 90097 has a 110V 16A take-off socket that can power a 110V tool or the next lamp in a chain. Keep the total load within what your transformer and leads are rated for.

How long will a rechargeable site light run?

It depends on the setting. The LED1500PB floodlight and power bank runs about 3 hours at 1,500 lumens and up to 25 hours at 150 lumens. Check the runtime at the brightness you need; for a full shift, a corded light avoids the question.

Can a site light charge my phone?

Many can. The Draper folding lights have a USB output for a smartphone, and the LEDFL10W and LED1500PB double as power banks for USB devices. Check the light has enough charge left for the job afterwards.

Which plug and charger do the 230V site lights use?

Check before you order. The Draper 230V folding lights come with a UK three-pin plug, so where sockets differ you will need a suitable adaptor. The LEDFL10W charges through its supplied micro USB cable instead, so check you have a USB charger to suit.

What do IK06 and IK07 mean?

IK is the impact rating. IK06 withstands an impact energy of 1 joule and IK07 of 2 joules, so a higher number takes a harder knock. The Draper folding lights are rated IK06, and the 03186 tripod light IK07.

Cool white or warm white: which is better for work?

It comes down to the job and your preference. The Draper folding lights give cool white to daylight at 6,000 to 6,500K. For a warmer tone, or to switch between the two, the 03186 tripod light adjusts from 2,500K to 7,000K.

Is a solar floodlight any use for a yard or compound?

Yes, as motion-triggered security lighting. The LED16S charges from its solar panel, stays off in daylight and switches on for 30 seconds when its PIR sensor detects movement up to 6 metres away. For work, the LEDFL15WS portable floodlight also charges by solar panel.

Which light comes on by itself in a power cut?

An emergency floodlight. The LED1200E switches on automatically when its power is cut and gives up to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. It charges from a 230V supply, taking 20 hours for a full charge.

Can I fit a site light to a tripod I already own?

Some lights have fixings for it. The 90097 has tripod fixing holes, and the LED1500PBKIT tripod has an M6 top-mounting thread with a clamping knob. Check that the fixing on your tripod matches the light before you order.

Can I use a rechargeable site light while it charges?

Some allow it. The 03186 tripod light can be used while it charges from its 2m USB lead. If you need to work and charge at the same time, check the product page or ask our team before you order.