ELECTRICALS ONLINE • OUTDOOR LIGHTING GUIDE
Choose the light your space needs.
Shopping for an LED floodlight for your garden, driveway or garage? Start with the area you want to illuminate, then compare lumens, beam spread and controls. Wattage tells you how much power the fitting uses, but it cannot tell you on its own whether the light will suit your home.
Quick answer: a compact, lower-output floodlight can suit a small entrance; a larger open area may need more lumens or several carefully positioned fittings. A 10W, 30W or 50W label is a useful way to browse, but always check the actual light output before buying.
Compare 5 LED floodlightsThis LED floodlight buying guide explains wattage and lumens in everyday language, with real examples from our outdoor lighting range. Whether you need a garden floodlight, a driveway security light or commercial exterior lighting, the aim is useful illumination with sensible energy use.
Watts vs lumens: what is the difference?
Compare lumens to compare light output. More lumens means more light leaving the fitting. The beam and installation determine where that light lands. This is why two outdoor LED floodlights with the same wattage can give different results.
Watts also help you estimate running costs. If two fittings deliver the required illumination, the lower-wattage option uses less electricity while operating. Lumens per watt (lm/W) describes efficiency: divide the listed lumens by the wattage.
A real example: 10W vs 50W LED floodlights
Eterna KFLD10: 10W → 900 lumens
BELL Skyline Slim+ 10983: 50W → 6,000 lumens
Bars compare listed lumen output only. They do not show beam coverage or perceived brightness.
The Eterna 10W model provides 90 lumens per watt; the BELL 50W model provides 120 lumens per watt. Here, five times the wattage gives about 6.7 times the listed lumen output. Different fittings have different efficiencies, so compare lumens as well as watts. More output does not guarantee proportionally more usable coverage.
What size LED floodlight do I need for my outdoor space?
Use the examples below to build a shortlist. These are starting points for comparison, not guaranteed coverage recommendations. The shape of the area, mounting height, obstacles and beam direction all affect the result.
| Your space | Example to consider | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Small entrance or side passage | 10W / 900lm Eterna | Light the approach without flooding nearby windows. |
| Doorway and nearby approach | 17W / 1,000lm Timeguard twin PIR | Adjustable heads and automatic motion activation. |
| Patio or driveway | 30W nominal / 4,230lm ROBUS | Beam coverage and the appearance of the light. |
| Wider driveway or open yard | 50W / 6,000lm BELL | Mounting position, even coverage and glare control. |
| Commercial yard or larger perimeter | 80W / 14,000lm Ansell at 4000K | A planned layout and appropriate beam distribution. |
How many lumens do I need for a driveway or garden?
First decide what you want to see. Finding your keys at the back door is different from illuminating a broad parking area. Measure the space, identify the darkest areas and consider whether one light can reach them without shining into somebody’s eyes.
A compact 900-lumen fitting is worth considering for localised lighting. The 4,230-lumen ROBUS and 6,000-lumen BELL examples below offer progressively higher output for broader outdoor areas, where that output is needed. For demanding commercial spaces, choose fittings using a lighting design that checks the illumination on the ground.
A useful concept is that one lux equals one lumen reaching each square metre. However, dividing a floodlight’s total lumens by the size of your garden does not give a reliable installed lux level: some light falls outside the area, and illumination is rarely perfectly even.
Beam angle and mounting height: where does the light go?
A wide beam spreads light over a broader area. A narrower beam concentrates it more tightly. With the same lumen output, changing the beam can change how brightly a particular area is lit.
Mounting a floodlight higher can broaden its footprint, but the extra distance can reduce illumination at ground level. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting guidance and aim the light towards the surface you want to illuminate. A fitting pointed out towards the horizon can create glare and waste useful light.
For an L-shaped garden or a driveway beside a garage, two appropriately positioned lower-output fittings may give more even coverage than one powerful floodlight. Twin-head security lights also let you aim each head separately.
5 LED floodlights from Electricals Online
These five examples feature one floodlight each from Eterna, Timeguard, ROBUS, BELL Lighting and Ansell, showing how power, light output and features differ across the range. Each is an individual fitting. Prices shown include VAT and were checked on 8 September 2026; prices and availability can change. Follow the product link for the latest details.
1. Eterna KFLD10 10W LED Floodlight
900 lumens • 4000K • IP65 • 110° beam
A useful starting point for a small entrance, side passage or a localised area near a shed. Its 900-lumen output makes it easier to keep the light focused on the area you actually use.
The optional KFLDPIR sensor is sold separately; this is not an integrated PIR floodlight.
£2.05 inc VAT • single fitting
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2. Timeguard 17W Twin PIR LED Floodlight
1,000 lumens • 4000K • IP55 • Twin adjustable heads
Consider this white twin-head security light when you want to direct light towards two nearby areas, such as a doorway and the approach to it. The integrated motion sensor and manual override give you control over when it operates.
Its 17W rating is the total for both heads. Choose it for the adjustable coverage and controls, rather than assuming 17W means much more light than every 10W fitting.
£54.20 inc VAT • single fitting
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3. ROBUS SELEST RST30CCT3-04 30W LED Floodlight
4,230 lumens • 3000K / 4000K / 5000K • IP65 • 110° beam
Consider this black ROBUS floodlight for a driveway, patio or outdoor approach where you want selectable colour temperature. The adjustable bracket helps position the beam, and the fitting comes prewired with 1m of flex.
This is the standard non-PIR version. It is sold as a 30W model; the product specification lists total power as 28.2W. Check the instructions before selecting the colour temperature.
£25.50 inc VAT • single fitting
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4. BELL Skyline Slim+ 10983 50W LED Floodlight
6,000 lumens • 4000K • IP65 • 110° beam
This BELL Lighting floodlight is an option for a wider driveway, service yard or commercial building exterior. Its marine-grade aluminium housing and broad beam make it worth considering where output and durable construction are priorities.
The fitting is non-dimmable. Its 6,000-lumen output needs careful aiming to keep light on the intended area and away from neighbouring windows.
£30.55 inc VAT • single fitting
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5. Ansell Aztec 2 80W Asymmetric Floodlight
14,000 lumens • 14,000lm at 4000K • Selectable CCT • Photocell
A commercial LED floodlight to consider for a yard, loading area or larger building perimeter. The asymmetric optics offer a different distribution from a conventional broad symmetrical beam, helping direct output towards the intended area when correctly installed.
Choose this as part of a considered lighting layout. Its high output is not a default choice for a small domestic garden. Listed CCT options are 3000K, 4000K and 5000K.
£80.00 inc VAT • single fitting
Shop NowPIR, photocell or standard floodlight?
A PIR floodlight switches on when its sensor detects movement. It is useful for entrances, side paths and driveways where you need light on arrival. Check the detection range, adjustment options and whether manual override is included.
A photocell responds to ambient light levels. It can provide automatic operation as daylight fades, depending on its settings. This is different from movement detection: a photocell does not by itself mean a light will only operate when somebody walks past.
A standard non-PIR floodlight needs suitable switching or external controls. Where a fitting is described as PIR-ready or compatible with an optional sensor, check what is included before ordering.
Warm white, cool white and CCT explained
Colour temperature, measured in kelvin (K), describes the appearance of the light. It is separate from wattage and lumen output.
- 3000K warm white: a warmer appearance to consider around patios and domestic seating areas.
- 4000K cool white: a neutral-looking option for practical outdoor lighting around garages, entrances and driveways.
- 5000K–6000K: a cooler, daylight-like appearance, where offered by the product.
- CCT switchable: lets you select from the fitting’s specified colour temperatures. Check the instructions for when and how it should be set.
A higher kelvin number does not automatically mean more lumens. Compare the stated output at the colour setting you intend to use.
IP ratings: choosing an outdoor floodlight
An IP rating describes resistance to dust and water ingress. IP65 fittings are dust-tight and protected against water jets under the rating’s test conditions. IP55 fittings have dust protection and protection against water jets, but are not dust-tight. Neither rating means a light can be submerged.
Check that the fitting and installation method suit the location. Coastal exposure, physical impact and corrosion resistance are separate considerations. An outdoor rating also does not replace the need for appropriate cable connections and correct installation.
How much does an LED floodlight cost to run?
Use this calculation: watts ÷ 1,000 × operating hours × electricity unit rate = running cost.
At the same example rate and operating time, a 10W floodlight costs approximately 1p per day. Motion sensing and timers can reduce operating hours, although actual savings depend on activation frequency and any standby consumption.
Before you buy: 6 things to check
- Area: measure the space and identify what needs illuminating.
- Output: compare lumens alongside watts.
- Coverage: check beam distribution, mounting position and obstacles.
- Controls: choose motion sensing, photocell operation or suitable switching.
- Environment: check the outdoor rating and suitability for the location.
- Comfort: choose a suitable colour temperature and avoid light spill into neighbouring properties.
LED floodlight FAQs
Is a 10W LED floodlight bright enough?
It can be suitable for a small, localised outdoor area, depending on the fitting and installation. The Eterna KFLD10 produces 900 lumens. Check where the light needs to reach before choosing it for a whole driveway or garden.
Is a 50W floodlight too bright for a garden?
It may be excessive for a small garden or a position close to neighbouring windows. It may be useful for a wider area. Check lumen output and beam direction, and consider whether lower-output fittings would distribute light more comfortably.
Do all 30W LED floodlights produce the same lumens?
No. Efficiency and optical design vary. The featured ROBUS SELEST is sold as a 30W model and lists 4,230 lumens with 28.2W total power in its specification. Always read the data for the exact model you are buying.
Does more wattage always mean a brighter floodlight?
No. Wattage measures electrical power. Compare lumens for total light output, then beam distribution for how the light is directed. Controls, diffuser design and efficiency can also differ between products.
What LED wattage replaces my old halogen floodlight?
There is no single conversion that fits every product. Compare the old fitting’s light output, where available, with the replacement’s lumens and beam. Avoid choosing a replacement solely from a claimed wattage equivalent.
How many square metres will a floodlight cover?
There is no dependable area figure from wattage alone. Mounting height, beam angle, aiming and the required illumination all matter. Use the manufacturer’s photometric information for a planned layout, especially for commercial lighting.
Can I install a mains-powered floodlight myself?
Have a qualified electrician assess and install mains-powered outdoor lighting. They can check the circuit, cable connections and mounting arrangement as well as position the fitting for useful coverage.
Find the right floodlight for your space
Compare LED garden floodlights, PIR security lights and commercial outdoor floodlights at Electricals Online. Check lumens, controls and beam coverage to choose a fitting that suits your property.
Shop Outdoor FloodlightsProduct specifications, images and prices: linked Electricals Online product listings. Further reading: Federal Trade Commission guide to watts and lumens. Application examples are general buying guidance; they are not a lighting design.