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Distribution Types for NEMA Floodlights

NEMA, or the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, is responsible for developing and maintaining safety standards for the proper manufacturing of electrical-based equipment, including the production of lighting, wire, cable and power-generating equipment in the United States. NEMA has developed a floodlight lighting specification, which categorizes floodlights according to the specific amount of light distribution.

  1. Classifications

    • Hand-held light.

      There are seven types of NEMA flood lighting classifications, which are rated according to the beam spread degree, or amount of light distribution. Type 1 is classified as very narrow, with a beam spread of 10 degrees up to 18 degrees. Type 2 is classified as narrow, with a beam spread of 18 degrees up to 29 degrees. Type 3 is classified as medium narrow, with a beam spread of 29 degrees up to 46 degrees. Type 4 is classified as medium, with a beam spread of 46 degrees up to 70 degrees. Type 5 is classified as medium wide, with a beam spread of 70 degrees up to 100 degrees. Type 6 is classified as wide, with a beam spread of 100 degrees up to 130 degrees. Type 7 is classified as very wide, with a beam spread of 130 degrees or more.

    Manufacturers

    • There are more than 60 manufacturers operating in the United States, producing NEMA-certified floodlighting, spotlights and other high forms of intensity lighting. Some well-known examples include: Siemens Corp., Americord, New Pig Corp., Ruud Lighting Inc. and Bulbworks, Inc. Common examples of floodlights include: portable clamp lights, fluorescent lights, spotlights, stick lights, tripods and retractable lighting.

    Applications

    • NEMA-certified floodlighting, spotlights and high-intensity lighting are typically used by emergency-response vehicles and personnel in large-scale emergency situations, such as search and rescue missions, large-scale auto collisions and emergencies. Floodlights are often used to increase the visibility of construction workers while stationed on bridges, highways, parking lots and other night-time work sites.

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