Spec sheets for portable lighting equipment use a specific vocabulary that isn't always self-explanatory — this glossary collects the terms that come up most often, in plain language, with links to a deeper guide where one exists.
Lumens — a light source's total output in every direction. See our lumens vs lux guide for the full explanation.
Lux — light intensity actually falling on a surface at a specific point, distance, and angle.
Stepless dimming — output that scales continuously from off to maximum, rather than jumping between fixed brightness levels.
Runtime — how long a unit operates on a charge; varies by brightness mode. See our reading runtime claims guide.
Dual-power / AC-capable — a unit that supports both battery and mains AC power, as distinct from battery-only equipment.
Hot-swap — replacing a depleted battery pack with a charged one without powering down connected equipment.
IP rating — a two-digit Ingress Protection rating (e.g. IP66) under IEC 60529, covering dust and water protection. See our IS Standards guide and IP65 vs IP66 guide.
Wind rating — a tested wind-resistance figure (e.g. Level 8) that applies only under specific setup conditions. See our wind load ratings guide.
Hazardous area certification — a distinct, separately-tested category (ATEX, IECEx) for equipment used in classified explosive-atmosphere zones; not the same as an IP rating.
Single-person deployment — equipment one operator can set up and move without assistance. See our single-person deployment guide.
Fitting weight — a unit's weight excluding battery packs, which add their own weight on top.
Telescopic mast — an extendable pole mechanism that raises a light head to a set height and locks in place.
AMC — Annual Maintenance Contract, a service agreement covering scheduled maintenance and response times, distinct from a manufacturer's defect warranty. See our AMC guide.
TCO — Total Cost of Ownership, the full cost of owning equipment over its working life, not just the purchase price. See our TCO modeling guide.
Lumens is a light source's total output; lux is how much of that light actually reaches a specific surface point.
Replacing a depleted pack with a charged one without powering down connected equipment — no interruption during the swap.
No — an IP rating covers dust and water ingress protection; hazardous area certification (ATEX, IECEx) is a separate, distinctly tested category for classified explosive-atmosphere zones.
A warranty covers manufacturing defects for a set period; an AMC is a broader service contract covering scheduled maintenance and response times, and is purchased separately.
A plain-language explanation of two commonly confused lighting figures.
Read More →What the difference in water protection rating actually means.
Read More →A practical checklist for evaluating equipment before you commit.
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