LED Floodlights vs Halogen – Which Is Better for South African Homes?
Why Floodlights Matter for South African Homes
Outdoor lighting is a key part of home security in South Africa. Whether for driveways, gardens, or perimeter walls, floodlights provide bright, wide-area illumination that helps deter intruders and improves safety.
For many years, halogen floodlights were the standard choice. But in recent years, LED floodlights have become the preferred option. They last longer, consume less power, and comply with new South African efficiency regulations.
What is a Halogen Floodlight?
Halogen floodlights are traditional lamps that use a filament encased in halogen gas to produce bright white light.
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Available in wattages ranging from 150W to 500W
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Produce high brightness but generate significant heat
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Relatively inexpensive to buy initially
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Shorter lifespan, typically 2,000–5,000 hours
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Consume large amounts of electricity
What is an LED Floodlight?
LED floodlights use light-emitting diodes to produce illumination.
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Available in a wide range of wattages from 10W to 200W, but much more efficient than halogen
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Lifespan of 20,000–50,000 hours depending on brand
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Low heat output and safer for long-term use
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Higher upfront cost, but pay for themselves through energy savings
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Fully compliant with South Africa’s lighting efficiency standards
Key Differences Between LED and Halogen Floodlights
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Energy use: Halogen consumes 4–5 times more electricity than LED for the same brightness
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Lifespan: LEDs last up to 10 times longer than halogen lamps
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Heat output: Halogen gets very hot, while LED stays cool
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Brightness options: Both are available in high-output versions, but LEDs achieve the same brightness with far less wattage
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Maintenance: Halogen bulbs need frequent replacement, while LEDs require little maintenance
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Cost: Halogen is cheaper upfront, but LED is cheaper over the long term
Why LED is Better for South Africa
South Africa faces both high electricity costs and strict efficiency regulations. Since May 2024, low-efficiency lighting products have been banned. Only LED floodlights comply with the minimum lumens per watt requirement set by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
LED floodlights also provide better security performance because:
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They switch on instantly with full brightness
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Motion sensor models are readily available
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Options in cool white or daylight enhance visibility
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Long lifespan reduces the risk of lights failing unexpectedly
Common Uses for LED Floodlights
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Driveway and garden lighting
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Perimeter walls and fences
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Security lighting with PIR motion sensors
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Commercial outdoor areas such as car parks and workshops
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Sports courts and recreational spaces
FAQs
Are LED floodlights brighter than halogen?
Yes. A 30W LED floodlight can produce the same brightness as a 150W halogen.
Do LED floodlights last longer than halogen?
Yes. LEDs last 20,000–50,000 hours, compared to 2,000–5,000 hours for halogen.
Are halogen floodlights still legal in South Africa?
No. Since 2024, only efficient LED lighting products meet South African standards.
Do LED floodlights work with sensors?
Yes. Many models include PIR motion sensors or can be paired with external sensors.
What colour temperature is best for security lighting?
Cool white (4000K) or daylight (6000K) are best for maximum visibility.
Buy LED Floodlights Online with Lite-Glo
Lite-Glo stocks a wide range of LED floodlights for residential, commercial, and security use. Options include:
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10W to 200W LED floodlights
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Cool white and daylight colour temperatures
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Motion sensor and standard models
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Weather-resistant IP65-rated designs
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Trusted South African and international brands
Shop LED Floodlights
⚠️ Safety & Compliance Notice
All electrical installations in South Africa must comply with SANS 10142-1 (Wiring Code) and the Occupational Health & Safety Act. Work must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.
This article is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace professional advice, and Lite-Glo accepts no liability for how this information is used. Always obtain a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for any electrical work.
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