EnLIGHTening Information

Technical Terms Explained 

Lumens 

Lumens is a measure of visible light power – the visible light emitted by a source in all directions. Lumens measure the light that is visible, regardless of how it’s focused or where it goes. A higher lumen rating means a brighter light overall - but it doesn’t tell you how that light is distributed. 

Think of it as: Similar to how a water meter measures the flow rate of water through a pipe, a light meter measures the flow rate of light through an opening, or aperture, in units of lumens. Lumens can be increased by using a larger aperture (like a wider pipe) or by using a source with higher brightness (like having higher water pressure). 

Lux 

Lux measures illuminance at a surface, or how much light actually lands on a surface. It’s defined as 1 lumen per square meter. This is important because a light with high lumens might not be useful if it spreads too wide and doesn’t concentrate enough light where you need it. 

Think of it as: How brightly a specific area is lit - like how wet the ground gets under a sprinkler. 

Candela 

Candela measures the intensity of light in a specific direction. It tells you how concentrated the beam is. A narrow, focused beam (like a spotlight) will have a high candela value, even if it doesn’t have high lumens. This is crucial for long-distance visibility. 

Think of it as: The pressure of water coming out of a nozzle — more pressure (candela) means the stream goes farther. 

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Color Temperature 

Color temperature describes the color appearance of the light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Lower values (e.g., 2700K–3500K) appear warm and yellowish, while higher values (5000K–6500K) appear cool and bluish-white. In off-road lighting, 5000K–6000K is common because it mimics daylight and offers good contrast and visibility. 

Think of it as: The “mood” or tone of the light — warm like a campfire or cool like daylight. 

Beam Patterns

The way off-road lights project light can make a big difference in how well you see and drive. Beam patterns determine how light is distributed in front and around your vehicle, whether you're crawling over rocks, cruising forest trails, or flying across the desert. Here's a breakdown of the most common beam types and what each one is best suited for. 

Choose the right light for the job!

Power Draw & Electricity 

Keeping your LED light’s amp draw in check is key to maintaining a safe, efficient, and long-lasting setup. By understanding how much power your lights require and matching them to your vehicle’s electrical capacity, you can avoid overloading your system. Whether you're lighting up the trail, a job site, or a campsite, properly installed and managed LED lights offer outstanding brightness and reliability - without compromising your vehicle’s performance. 

Electricity Terminology 

Wattage (Watts) 

Wattage tells you how much power a light consumes to produce illumination. Generally, a higher wattage means a brighter light, but it also means more energy draw from your vehicle’s electrical system. While wattage gives a rough idea of brightness, it doesn’t account for efficiency — especially with LEDs, which can produce more light with less power.

Voltage (Volts) 

Voltage is the measure of electrical potential in your system - essentially, how much "push" your electricity has. Most vehicles run on a 12-volt system, powered by a battery made up of six 2.1-volt cells. A fully charged battery typically reads around 12.6 volts or higher. Maintaining proper voltage is key to ensuring your lights and other accessories operate reliably.

Amperage (Amps) 

Amperage reflects how much electrical current your lights require to operate. It’s calculated using the formula Amps = Watts ÷ Volts, but this can be misleading with LED setups. In comparison to conventional incandescent bulbs and halogen downlights, LED lights are known for their low voltage and relatively low current, which leads to lower power consumption and improved efficiency.

Compatibility Across Voltage Ranges 

RIGID lights are engineered to perform reliably across a wide voltage range — from 9 volts to 36 volts — making them a perfect fit for both 12V and 24V electrical systems. Whether you're outfitting a rugged off-road rig, a heavy-duty work truck, a motorcycle, or even a snowmobile, these lights are designed to adapt seamlessly to your setup without compromising performance or efficiency.

EV Compatibility 

Many EVs operate on a high-voltage system (48V), while some have additional 12V systems that are compatible with aftermarket LED lighting systems and other auxiliary systems. RIGID lights not currently compatible with 48V systems. Check to see if your EV has a 12V system that is compatible with RIGID lights, or consider installing a 12V battery with DC-DC charger.