Coast G50 Torch

Description

Coast G50 Torch

ANSI FL1 Torch standards explained

Buying a new torch, headlamp or lantern these days can be confusing at best. The problem is that there has not been any standardization in the reporting of performance standards of lights from the many manufacturers in the market. A variety of terms such as wattage, candlepower and lumens have been used to measure light output and the method of measuring battery run time was not standardized. This made it nearly impossible to compare features of products produced by different manufacturers.

To help alleviate the confusion, a group of the leading companies in the industry joined together to create a new standard of specifications for the portable lighting industry. The resulting ANSI FL1 torch standards spell out very specific methods of testing for each feature under controlled laboratory conditions, and will ensure that any light produced by any manufacturer that has adopted the standards can be easily compared for performance and features. Below is a set of icons that participating manufacturers will be using on their packaging and marketing materials along with a description of each specification that each one symbolizes.

FL1 Standard Light Output – Total light output measured in lumens. Lumens has become the most commonly used unit of measure for total light output in portable lighting devices such as torch, headlamps and lanterns. Wattage, on the other hand, is a measurement of power consumption, not light output. With today’s super efficient LED technology, it’s very possible to have a 1 watt LED torch with a greater light output than another torch with a higher wattage rating, particularly if the higher wattage light source is less efficient.

FL1 Standard Beam Distance – The distance, measured in meters, at which the light projects a useful amount of light, measured at 0.25 lux. (0.25 lux is approximately the equivalent of light emitted from a full moon “on a clear night in an open field.”)

FL1 Standard Runtime – Tested with fresh batteries from 30 seconds after the light is turned on until the light output reaches 10% of the initial measurement.

FL1 Standard Beam Intensity – The brightest point in the beam measured in candela. Candela is the modern unit of measure for light intensity replacing the now-obsolete unit known as candlepower. Although candlepower was replaced by candela in 1948, it is still in common use.

FL1 Standard Impact Resistance – The height, measured in meters, from which the light can be dropped onto cured concrete and still work properly. Dropped samples cannot have any visible cracks or breaks and must remain fully functional to receive this rating.

FL1 Standard Water Resistance IPX – This icon indicates an IPX4 rating which means the sample is tested against splashing water from all angles. If this test is performed it must be done after impact resistance testing is completed to ensure water resistance under real-life conditions.

FL1 Standard Water Resistance Submersion – Water submersion depth rating, measured in meters. This icon indicates at least an IPX7 rating which means the sample is submerged to a minimum of 1 meter depth for 30 minutes. If this test is performed it must be done after impact resistance testing is completed to ensure water resistance under real-life conditions.

Whether you’re looking for a light for your workshop, camping and outdoor use, emergency use, or just around the house, you’re sure to get the best torch, headlamp, or lantern to suit your needs by comparing lights that use the ANSI FL1 torch standards in their packaging and advertising.

Chris & The Forest Skills Team

Let the adventure begin!