Battery, 230V or both? It seems like a small choice, but it decides whether your light cuts out after a few hours or whether you keep tripping over an extension cord. I'll walk you through all the options: which work light suits which job, how much light you need, what IP and IK on the sticker mean and what to look out for when using it outdoors.
In short
- Battery = no wall socket needed. Expect 3 to 8 hours of light per charge, depending on the setting.
- 230V = unlimited runtime and the most lumens per euro, but you're tied to a cable.
- Hybrid = battery and plug. More expensive, but you can switch work spots without hassle.
- Look at lumens, not watts. Lumens tell you how much light you get. For outdoor use you want at least IP54, for rain and spray water IP65.
Already know what you're looking for? Jump straight to the right type:
What is an LED work light?
An LED work light (or site light) is a robust lamp that gives plenty of light where there's no fixed fitting: building site, garage, shed, driveway, garden or during a party. They're shock-resistant, splash-proof and often adjustable. Compared with old halogen work lights, LEDs have three big advantages: they use far less power, they don't get red-hot and with 25,000 to 50,000 hours of life they last for years.
That last point is more than a nice number. A 500 W halogen work light uses several times as much power for the same light and can get so hot that it burns your fingers. A 50 W LED lamp delivers the same light output and you can simply hold it in your hand. LED also contains no mercury. You can read more about that difference in LED vs incandescent, halogen and energy-saving bulbs.
Battery, 230V and hybrid at a glance
🔋 Battery
You don't depend on a wall socket and can work anywhere. You accept the limited runtime (3 to 8 hours) and the charging.
🔌 230V
Unlimited runtime and always full power. The downside: the cable length and a socket nearby.
⚡ Hybrid
Plug in where there's power, battery where there isn't. You pay a bit more for the versatility.
| Battery | 230V | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | Built-in or replaceable battery | Wall socket (plug) | Both |
| Runtime | 3 to 8 hours per charge | Unlimited | Unlimited on the plug, hours on battery |
| Freedom of movement | Completely free | Limited by cable | Free on battery |
| Light output per euro | Average | Usually the highest | Average to high |
| Weight | Heavier because of the battery | Light | Heavier because of the battery |
| Ideal for | Building site without power, jobs on location | Workshop, garage, driveway, fixed spots | Changing work spots, professionals |
| Price indication (our lights) | from 37.95 euros | from 7.95 euros | from 69.95 euros |
Battery work lights: freedom with a bit of maths
You can simply take a battery work light with you, with no cable reel or extension cord. Perfect for a job in a crawl space, on the roof, under the car or in an unfinished house. There are two kinds: lights with a built-in battery that you charge via USB, and lights that run on a separate 18V power tool battery (like those from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Metabo). Already have such a battery in the shed? Then the light without a battery costs a lot less.
How long does it last? A rule of thumb: battery capacity in Wh divided by the power of the light. An 18V battery of 5 Ah has about 90 Wh (18 × 5). On a 20 W light that lasts about 4.5 hours in theory. Dim the light to half and you get roughly double. So don't just look at the maximum lumens, but at the dimming settings too.
230V work lights: unlimited light for fixed spots
On 230V you get the most lumens for your money and a light that can't run flat. For garage, workshop, driveway, garden and carport this is usually the best choice. There are two kinds: a work light on a stand that you place in the room, and a floodlight that you mount on a wall or pole.
The biggest pitfall: watts are not the same as lumens. A 30 W LED floodlight can give as much light as a 270 W halogen, but the packaging sometimes only states the “replaces” figure. So look at the lumens and compare lights by lumens per watt. You'll find more explanation in What are lumens?.
Work light on stand, 10W = 90W900 lumens, 180 cm cable, IP44, daylight whiteView ›
LED floodlight 10W, IP65900 lumens, 120° beam angle, black, daylight whiteView ›
LED floodlight 20W, IP65Replaces 200W, 120° beam angle, daylight whiteView ›
LED floodlight 30W, IP65Replaces 270W, 120° beam angle, blackView ›
All 230 Volt work lights › · All tripod work lights ›
Hybrid work lights: the best of both worlds
A hybrid work light runs on the plug and on a battery. On a building site with power you plug it in and it burns for as long as you like. If you have to go up the ladder or to a corner without a socket, you switch to battery. Handy for contractors, painters, installers and anyone who works in changing places.
The downside is the price and the weight. You pay a fair amount for flexibility you may only use now and then. Do you work 90% of the time in the same place with power? Then a regular 230V light is smarter. Do you also regularly work where that isn't possible? Then hybrid pays for itself.
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How many lumens do you need?
Never choose by watts, always by lumens. Multiply the amount of light you want on the work surface (in lux) by the area (in m²). That's a rough minimum: better to allow 20 to 30% extra, because light is lost to walls, shadow and a dirty or ageing fitting.
| Situation | Guideline | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Safe walking, driveway, garden path | 10 to 50 lux | One 900-lumen floodlight at a height of 3 metres |
| General jobs in the garage or shed | 100 to 300 lux | 20 m² × 200 lux = 4000 lumens |
| Precision work, painting, installing | 300 to 500 lux | 10 m² × 400 lux = 4000 lumens, aimed at the work surface |
| Building site or renovation | 200 to 300 lux | Tripod of 2500 to 4000 lumens per room |
Calculation example: your garage is 5 × 4 metres (20 m²) and you want 300 lux. Then you need 20 × 300 = 6000 lumens, plus a 25% margin makes 7500 lumens. You can get that with one or two lights of 4000 lumens, spread across the room so you don't get harsh shadows.
Which light colour should you choose?
For working you want bright, neutral light, not a cosy yellow. Daylight white (6000 to 6500K) gives the sharpest view, handy for outdoor work and precision work. Cool white (4000 to 5000K) is a little easier on the eyes and fine for workshop and garage. A warmer light (2700 to 3000K) is nice for a garden party, but less suitable for the job itself. You can read more about colours in LED colour temperature: 2700K, 3000K, 4000K or 6500K?.
IP and IK: how to recognise a light that can handle the outdoors
On the sticker you'll find two codes that look technical but are easy to read. The IP code tells you how well the light withstands dust and water. The IK code says how many knocks it can take.
IK07 or IK08 means the light can take a solid knock, for example if it falls or bumps into tools. For a building site you want at least IK07. All the details, including bathroom zones, can be found in IP rating explained: IP20, IP44, IP65 and IK08.
Which work light suits your job?
🏗️ Building site and renovation
A tripod with 2500 to 4000 lumens lights up a whole room without harsh shadows. No power? Choose a hybrid or an 18V light.
View tripod lights ›🔧 Garage and workshop
One or two 230V lights on the wall or on a stand give constant light. Working under the car? Use a portable battery light with a magnet or hook.
Read about garage lighting ›🌳 Garden, driveway and security
An IP65 floodlight of 900 lumens or more lights up a driveway or garden path. With a motion sensor you scare off unwanted visitors and save power.
Read about sensors and PIR ›🎉 Party and event
A garden party or outdoor party needs atmospheric, warmer light. Use work lights as accent lighting alongside the garden lighting, not as the main source.
Read about installing outdoor lighting ›Using and maintaining it safely
- Read the manual. Check the IP code, the maximum mounting height and the connection instructions.
- Use a suitable extension cable. Outdoors you need a splash-proof cable and you always unroll it completely. A coiled cable can overheat.
- Make sure there's an RCD. When using 230V outdoors or in a wet place, one should always be in place.
- Keep the light and sensor clean. Dust and dirt reduce the light output. Wipe with a damp cloth, never while it's live.
- Charge your battery properly. Don't let it run completely flat and store it in a dry, cool place. That extends its life.
Unsure about connecting a fixed 230V floodlight? Have an installer do it. You'll find more general tips in The Ultimate Guide to Installing LED Lighting.
Goes with this article
Rechargeable work light 100W USB2400 lm, IP65, 3 settingsView ›Work light on stand 10W900 lumens, IP44, 180 cm cableView ›
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a “bouwlamp” and a “werklamp”?
How long does a battery work light last on one charge?
Can I use a battery work light while it's charging?
Is an IP44 work light suitable for outdoor use?
Can I connect a work light to a dimmer?
My work light flickers or buzzes. What now?
Are LED work lights good for the environment?
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Further reading
- LED lighting for your workshop: how many lux and which lights?
- Garage lighting: which IP rating do you need?
- IP rating explained: IP20, IP44, IP65 and IK08
- Installing outdoor lighting: from wall lights to floodlights
- What are lumens? Lumens, watts and lux explained
- The Ultimate Guide to Installing LED Lighting