Light

A Light is a lamp that directs its beam specifically in certain directions to illuminate a traffic, driving or working area. The light produced by the light source is shaped by optical components such as reflectors or lenses. This creates a beam pattern specific to the respective application.

The total amount of visible light emitted by a headlamp is described by the luminous flux in lumens. For practical illumination purposes, however, what is crucial is how this light is distributed and what illuminance is achieved in the relevant area.

Headlights and work lights

Depending on the application, different types of headlamps can be distinguished. Two groups are particularly relevant to automotive engineering:

• Headlights form part of the vehicle lighting system for road traffic. They produce defined light distributions for functions such as low beam and high beam and are subject to the relevant statutory and international requirements.
• Work lights, on the other hand, are used to provide targeted illumination of work areas. Depending on the application, different light patterns are used, for example off-road or close-range illumination, spot lighting or specialised solutions such as the telescopic mast light pattern.

Which headlamp is suitable therefore depends not solely on its light output, but above all on the intended application and the required light distribution.