Torches for dark winter days
20.9.2016
Translation: machine translated
Winter arrives faster than you think. It gets dark quicker, and torches are back in use. But how do they work, and what should you look out for before buying them?
What does LED stand for?
LED stands for light-emitting diode. It is a light-emitting semiconductor with the electrical properties of a diode. If current flows through it in the forward direction, it emits light, infrared or ultraviolet. The wavelength of the light depends on the semiconductor material and the doping.
High-end LED flashlights
Over time, many manufacturers are offering high-end torches with high light output. Usually the LEDs are installed separately, but due to their shape they allow passive cooling which ultimately benefits the lighting power. The latter is given in lumen and is, for us, indicated in the product title. You can also choose this criterion to filter items in our online shop.
Construction and function
Flashlights are bulbs with a special configuration. In general, a torch delivers a narrow beam of light. The housing usually consists of an elongated cylindrical handle, which contains the batteries or the battery pack. Some torches today are recharged by solar or dynamo power.
Batteries
Battery
Dynamo
Areas of application
The areas of application for torches are diverse. They range from emergencies, a fuse change during a power failure for example, to deep-sea diving or caving, camping and night-time hiking.
For caving
Flashlights are also part of the basic equipment of rescue forces, emergency workers, firefighters, police and security services.
For emergencies
Concept of use
With conventional torches, the switch is often located on the front of the handle - like a hifi remote control. However, there are also torches where the switch is located at the end of the torch - like a biro. Another, rarer, alternative for turning on the torch is to turn the head of the flashlight.
Switch on the front of the handle
Switch at end of flashlight
Turning the torch on and off by turning its head
Functions
Always more torches are equipped with functions (not just turning on and off) such as multi-level intensity control. In addition, there's often an SOS and flash function. Some models also have interchangeable colours. You often switch from one mode to another by pressing the on/off button halfway or fully.
Accessories
To ensure that the torch can be used properly, there are various accessories for many torches.
A bit of humour: the "National Flashlight Day"
This very special holiday exists only in the United States (Flashlight Day). This takes place on 21 December, the shortest day of the year. Although it's not really clear how this day should be celebrated, you can take the opportunity to check how bright your torch is. You can also use it as part of your Christmas decorations. In short, 21 December is the day to let your imagination run wild.
Pascal Biri
Retail Sales & Service Professional
pascal.biri@digitecgalaxus.chWhether on the bike, to explore new trails off the beaten track, or just to stretch my feet up in the air - I prefer to spend my free time outdoors in nature. This is a great balance for me. But it's also a lot of fun for me to do a DIY project. In such projects I can refresh or further deepen my knowledge of the building sector. Some funny projects have already been created!