Lux and lumen figures are frequently quoted when describing light performance, but what does each actually mean and how can they be used to help you purchase driving lights, light bars and even globes?

In simple terms, lumen is the total volume of light emitted from a source, such as a driving light. Lux, on the other hand, is the intensity or brightness of this light when it hits a specific area or object away from the source.

Raw versus effective lumen

Firstly, there are two types of lumen figures – raw and effective. Raw lumens refer to the maximum potential light volume of LEDs and is often a calculated or theoretical figure rather than measured. It should therefore be taken with a grain of salt when comparing light performance. Effective lumens are much more relevant because they are measured from an actual running light that is affected by its design, including how hard the
LEDs are driven, its heat management and optics, as well as real world conditions like ambient climate and electrical current available. Effective lumen figures are therefore always less than raw counterparts, but much more representative of real-world performance and a better comparison of volume from light to light.

Lux – what does it have to do with newspapers?

The lux figure is usually combined with a measure of distance to give an idea of how visible something mightbe at that distance. For example, a driving light’s beam may shine 1 lux at 900 metres. 1 lux – said to be bright enough for someone with 20/20 vision to read a newspaper – is a fairly standardised level of brightness, so differences in performance between brands and models are usually seen in the amount of distance the light can throw 1 lux at. A less powerful light may produce 1 lux at only 400 metres. And yes, this means you could theoretically sit 400 metres away from the driving light with a newspaper and be able to read it.

There’s more to the story, though. When comparing lux and lumen from light to light, it’s important to understand their relevance and limitations for your specific application, as well as some other factors that impact how well a light performs for you.

Variables affecting light brightness and intensity

Beam pattern is one such area. A laser pointer may provide 1 lux of brightness on a concentrated spot at a very long distance, but isn’t particularly useful for finding your way through the dark because of the tiny amount of volume (lumens) being produced with an incredibly focused beam pattern. Conversely, a bedroom lightglobe with no reflector – and therefore an unfocused beam – will emit plenty of light volume (lumens) around
you but struggle to illuminate anything more than a stone throw away.

Within automotive lighting applications we find more of a balance between volume and intensity and shift the beam pattern for various situations. Take a standard 55w/60w H4 halogen globe that is fitted to a headlamp; These output around 1,500 lumens, most of which is directed from the headlamp onto the road. In most cases both the High and Low beams produce about the same number of lumens, yet most of us would describe the High beam as brighter than the Low; this is because the Low beam spreads the light over a wider area, while High focuses the light into a narrower beam to give distance. Both have similar lumens, but the High beam will have a higher lux at long distances and the Low beam will have higher lux out to the sides where it throws more light.

Which brings us to an important point about lux: we can also use it to indicate how wide a light beam can shine. Afterall, width is a measurement of distance too, just out to the side. For example, if a driving light can produce 1 lux at 60 metres width, measured at 400 metres, it means we should have newspaper quality illumination sitting 30 metres either side of the vehicle’s centre, at a point 400 metres down the road.

Combined with an effective lumens figure and/or beam diagram pattern, we start to get a fuller picture of light performance in applications such as 4WDing or unsealed and country roads, where early warning signs of kangaroos and track illumination will benefit more from a large and uniform spread of light than telescopic distances of penetrating light or hotspots.

This doesn’t mean you have to compromise, though. Premium LED driving lights such as NARVA’s Ultima MK2 series utilise a hybrid beam pattern that offers the best of both worlds, combining precision optics and high-powered LEDs for enormous volumes of light to the sides and down the road (15,410 effective lumens and 1 lux at 1093m). NARVA’s driving lights are developed and tested at their facility in Knoxfield, Victoria, where an in-house photometric light lab plays an integral part – measuring lumen and lux figures and beam patterns – allowing NARVA’s engineers to optimise performance for real world conditions.

Additional details can be found by visiting the Narva website or on Facebook.

Leave the weekdays behind with the Q-Box Camping module

The Q-Box Camping Module prepares your work van for a weekend getaway in minutes, organising your favourite camping essentials within a portable, well-thought-out frame.

Simply grab the handles then stock and you’re on your way.

Inside you’ll find a cosy fold-out 100mm-thick foam mattress, a slide-out for your personal cooker, a slide-out for your fridge, a 20L drinking water vessel plus benchtop and storage.

It’s light yet tough, handmade in Germany from aluminium, steel and waterproof multiplex and tested in Europe for more than a decade.

Check out the product here.

The newest Intellisat Autosat S2 finds satellites faster thanks to new tracking technology

Finding TV reception out on the tracks was always easy with the Intellisat Autosat S2 automatic satellite tracking dish but with the latest model update it’s faster, again.

That’s because the latest model now incorporates a newer generation of satellite tracking technology that helps the satellite search mechanism lock onto a signal with greater assurity.

Indeed, it’s a beautiful thing to watch as you set yourself up for an afternoon catching your favourite programs van-side alongside a serve of happy hour nibblies.

The Intellisat Autosat 2S features a full automatic search of up to 10 satellites, is compatible with VAST, Autostar and Foxtel and enjoys Australia-wide coverage.

It’s compact to carry, too, folding down to 200mm deep.

When you’re heading off-grid, it’s truly reassuring knowing that you can tap into a surplus power supply to relieve your caravan’s 12V system.

And thanks to the compact, ultra-quiet EF2200iS from Yamaha, you can do this safely from the convenience of your mobile phone.

YAMAHA EF2200is, TAPPING INTO A PROVEN QUIET SYSTEM

Employing a Smart Throttle, the YAMAHA EF2200iS will vary its engine speed according to the load optimising fuel economy and minimising noise.

What’s more, you can double your power capacity with a second unit using the TwinTech connection.

SAFE FOR SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The high-power 12V DC outlet is compatible with a broad range of devices including fridges. And because it uses inverter technology, its safe for sensitive devices like laptops and smart phones.

Super compact, it measure just 55.5 x 30 x 47cm, providing fuss-free power for up to 10 hours on a 4.7L tank.

Narva’s all-new range of 12V Colour L.E.D Strip Lamps are the perfect solution for a range of interior and exterior applications and provide the added bonus of offering two different coloured lights to best suit the situation.

There are three models available providing the following colour combinations: White/Amber, White/Red and White/Blue. All models are fully sealed to IP66 and resistant to sea salt spray, making them suitable for use on boats as well as in four wheel drives, campervans and caravans. SMD L.E.D technology also ensures the new lamps are extremely reliable.

While all three models provide a crisp white light output at 6200°K (72 Lux at two metres) making it easy to locate items around the campsite or inside the four wheel drive canopy, it’s the ability to switch to alternative colours at the push of a button, that makes these L.E.D Strip Lamps extremely flexible.

Amber and red light is ideal for camping situations as they attract fewer insects while also being less harsh if you’re planning on just sitting by the campfire and relaxing. For use in marine applications, the red and blue colour options are better for navigation with less reflection off the surrounding water than traditional white lights.

On the inside of caravans and motorhomes, the blue coloured option is great for providing mood lighting and even for use as a night light.

With only a 13mm profile and a length of 285mm, the Dual Colour L.E.D Strip Lamps provide a compact and sleek design that makes them easy to position on a caravan, boat or four wheel drive. For easy fitment, all lamps come with stainless steel fixing screws and snap on end covers. 

For added convenience, the White/Red and White/Blue variants also feature a touch switch to turn them on and off. The lamps also benefit from an extremely low current draw of 0.41A at 12V (White) and 0.19A at 12V (Amber/Red/Blue) and proven SMD L.E.D technology makes them extremely reliable.

Narva’s new Dual Colour L.E.D Strip Lamps are backed by a 5-year L.E.D warranty and available from leading automotive, four wheel drive, camping and boating outlets around the country.