Lumens, IP ratings & Kelvin – your guide to work light specifications

Choosing the right work light doesn’t have to be complicated – our concept is built so you don’t need to know about lumens, IP ratings or kelvin. Still, you might be curious about what these terms actually mean. And knowing the basics can be useful when comparing different lights. Here’s a clear guide that explains the key specs in simple words.

Lumens – brightness in numbers

Lumens (lm) measure how much visible light a work lamp produces. In other words: lumens = brightness.

  • A low-lumen work light works well for smaller, focused jobs.
  • A high-lumen work light is better for large spaces or tasks that need strong illumination.

Example: A 150-lumen inspection light is ideal for checking details under the sink. A 2400-lumen work light can brighten an entire garage or garden.

Rule of thumb: The larger the area, the more lumens you’ll need.

IP ratings – protection against dust and water

“IP” stands for Ingress Protection. It’s an international standard that shows how well a work light is sealed against dust and water. An IP rating is written as two numbers, for example IP44 or IP65.

  • First digit (0–6): dust protection:
    • 0 means no protection.
    • 6 means the device is fully dust-tight.
  • Second digit (0–9): water protection:
    • 0 means no protection against water.

7 or 8 means the device can be submerged in water without damage (for a specific period or depth).

Examples:

  • IP44 = protected against splashing water – fine for most indoor use.
  • IP65 = completely dust-tight and resistant to rain or water jets – great for outdoor or workshop conditions.

Rule of thumb: Indoors, IP44 is often enough. For outdoor use, or dusty/dirty environments, look for IP65 or higher.

Kelvin – the color of the light

Kelvin (K) describes the color temperature of a work light – whether the light looks warm, neutral, or cool. It doesn’t affect brightness, only the tone of the light.

  • 2700K – 3000K: warm, yellowish light (like classic bulbs).
  • 4000K: neutral white – balanced and natural.
  • 5000K – 6500K: cool, bluish light – similar to daylight.

Why it matters: Warm light creates a softer, cozy feeling. Neutral to cool light is better for detailed tasks, since it helps you see colors and contrasts more clearly.

Rule of thumb: For precision work such as painting or inspections, a higher Kelvin is often best. For general, relaxed lighting, a lower Kelvin works well.

Putting it all together

  • Lumens = brightness – more lumens for bigger areas.
  • IP rating = durability – the higher the numbers, the more resistant the light is to dust and water.
  • Kelvin = color tone – warm for ambiance, cool for detail work.

You don’t need to master these terms to find the right work light in our range – our naming, icons and packaging already guide you there. But if you like to dig deeper, understanding lumens, IP ratings and Kelvin gives you a clearer picture of why different lights are designed the way they are.