When it comes to lighting up a jobsite, outdoor event, or emergency scene, it is not just about how bright the light appears—it is about how effectively that light works for the space you are trying to cover. To truly understand what makes a light tower effective, you need to know two key terms: lumens and lux. If these terms sound unfamiliar or you have forgotten what they mean, do not worry—we have got you covered.
Lumens: How much light you are getting
- A standard home lightbulb typically emits 800–1,600 lumens.
- Atlas Copco’s light towers, on the other hand, can emit tens of thousands of lumens.
This level of brightness is essential for large-scale applications like construction sites, outdoor events, or emergency response scenarios. The sheer power of lumens ensures that you have enough light to illuminate vast areas effectively.
In applications such as construction sites, outdoor events, mining operations, or emergency response scenarios, having sufficient lumens is essential to maintain safety, productivity, and visibility. Without enough lumens, critical areas may remain underlit, leading to potential hazards, reduced efficiency, and compromised work quality.
For example, in a construction site at night, workers need bright, consistent lighting to safely operate heavy machinery, read plans, and perform detailed tasks. Similarly, at an outdoor event, high-lumen lighting ensures that attendees can navigate the space comfortably and safely. In emergency situations, such as disaster recovery or roadside assistance, powerful lumens are vital for creating a well-lit environment that allows responders to work quickly and effectively.
Lux: How that light lands
While lumens measure the total light output, lux measures how that light is distributed and how intense it is when it hits the surface. Lux is defined as lumens per square meter.
Here is why this matters:
- A light source with a high lumen count might not be effective if the light is spread too thin over a large area.
- Lux ensures that the light is concentrated where it is needed most, providing usable lighting for specific tasks or spaces.
For example, a light tower with high lumens but poor light distribution might leave critical areas underlit while wasting light in less important zones.
M S4 | M S5 HiLight solar light towers
Why this matters for light towers
Understanding the difference between lumens and lux is crucial when selecting a light tower. It is not just about brightness—it is about usable light in the right places.
At Atlas Copco, we design our light towers to maximize both lumens and lux. This means:
- High lumen output for overall brightness.
- Smart light distribution to ensure optimal lux levels where they are needed most.
Our light towers are engineered to provide maximum coverage, efficiency, and intensity, ensuring that every corner of your jobsite or event space is well lit.
Smart lighting by design
Atlas Copco’s light towers are built with real-world applications in mind. Here is how we ensure efficiency and effectiveness:
- Optimized Light Distribution: Our lighting towers are designed to minimize light waste and focus illumination where it is needed.
- Adjustable Mast Height: The height of the mast plays a critical role in how light is distributed across space. By adjusting the mast height, you can control the coverage area and intensity of the illumination, ensuring that light reaches where it is needed most. For example, raising the mast to a higher position allows the light to cover a broader area, making it ideal for large-scale applications such as construction sites, outdoor events, or emergency response scenarios. Conversely, lowering the mast can concentrate the light on a smaller, more focused area, which is particularly useful for tasks that require precision or when working in confined spaces.
- Precision Beam Focus: By carefully designing the beam angle, we ensure high lux levels in key areas without sacrificing overall brightness.
The result? Efficient, effective lighting that meets the demands of any application.
MS 4 HiLight solar light towers in field application
Atlas Copco light tower models
Whether you are lighting up a construction site or keeping an event running after dark, Atlas Copco has a range of light towers to suit your needs:
- HiLight H7+: A high-performance LED light tower designed for maximum efficiency and durability. It is ideal for use in tough environments, including construction, mining, events, and rental applications, thanks to Atlas Copco’s innovative HardHat® body.
- HiLight MS 4 | HiLight MS 5: Solar-powered light towers for sustainable and cost-effective lighting solutions. MS 4 offers a robust alternative to temporary lighting, making it ideal for end-users and rental companies operating in infrastructure, construction projects, mining, oil and gas, and event sites. With the ability to operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C and perform reliably at high altitudes without derating, it is also well-suited for remote work sites.
- The HiLight MI+6 is the latest innovation in portable lighting solutions from Atlas Copco, designed to redefine efficiency and performance. Featuring advanced hybrid technology, it seamlessly combines battery and diesel power to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and extend autonomy — making it the perfect choice for operations that demand both sustainability and reliability. This cutting-edge light tower is designed to meet the challenges of construction sites, infrastructure projects, and outdoor events, delivering high-quality illumination with minimal environmental impact. Its compact design, robust construction, and intelligent control systems ensure ease of use, low noise, and maximum up time. Stay tuned for the official launch and discover how the HiLight MI+ 6 can elevate your operations with the power of hybrid innovation.
When it comes to light towers, understanding the basics of lumens and lux can help you make smarter decisions. At Atlas Copco, we combine cutting-edge technology with practical design to deliver light towers that perform in the field as well as they do on paper. From theory to application, we have got you covered. Ready to find the perfect light tower for your needs? Explore our full range of products and see how Atlas Copco can illuminate your next project
