Why create standards? While Peli was one of the first manufacturers to use quantifiable test procedures, the need was recognised to develop a common language that customers could use to select the right torch for their specific needs. As a result, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), with input from the torch industry, developed performance standards and symbols to effectively communicate a light’s features and benefits. The Resulting ANSI/NEMA FL 1 Standards include the following six criteria.

  • Light Output is the total luminous flux. It is the total quantity of emitted overall light energy as measured by integrating the entire angular output of the portable light source. Light output in this standard is expressed in units of lumens.
  • Run Time is defined as the duration of time from the initial light output value – defined as 30 seconds after the point the device is first turned on – using fresh batteries, until the light output reaches 10% of the initial value.
  • Beam Distance is defined as the distance from the device at which the light beam is 0.25 lux (0.25 lux is approximately the equivalent of the light emitted from the full moon “on a clear night in an open field”).
  • Peak Beam Intensity is the maximum luminous intensity typically along the central axis of a cone of light. The value is reported in candela and does not change with distance.
  • Water Resistant – IPX4 Water splashed against the device from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
  • Water Proof // IPX7 – Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible when the enclosure is temporarily immersed in water under standardized conditions of pressure and time. Submersible // IPX8 – Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible when the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under conditions which shall be stated by manufacturer, but which are more severe than for IPX7.