Proper lighting is crucial on jobsites, especially during nighttime or in low-visibility conditions. While portable light towers deliver powerful illumination across large areas, portable light stands—such as LED or halogen models—are perfect for targeting specific zones, ensuring crews can work safely and efficiently.
Illuminating walkways, stairways, and work areas helps reduce the risk of trips, falls, and injuries like cuts or abrasions.
Use this guide to select the most suitable light stand for your worksite and specific application.
Types of Light Stands
Light stands differ in their bases, the number of lights they hold, and the type of bulbs they use. Stands with multiple lights deliver greater illumination and allow you to direct light in different directions. LED light stands have become the industry standard, while other bulb types include metal halide, quartz, halogen, and incandescent—the latter of which is being phased out.
Balloon light stands feature an inflatable globe surrounding the light source. They produce soft, diffuse, 360-degree illumination, reducing shadows and glare. This type of lighting is particularly effective for nighttime road construction and precision work.
Light stand bases also vary:
· Tripod bases are lightweight and easily adjustable for uneven surfaces.
· Weighted flat or circular bases support heavier lights and taller stands, providing stability in windy conditions.
· Wheeled bases are ideal for indoor use or smooth outdoor surfaces when frequent relocation is required.
When selecting a light stand, keep in mind OSHA's Illumination standard, which sets minimum lighting requirements for construction sites. General construction areas require at least 5 foot-candles (5 lumens per square foot). For example, a 100-square-foot work area would need at least 500 lumens.
Light Stand Bulb Types
Here's a closer look at the different types of bulbs commonly used in light stands.
LED Bulbs: The Energy-Efficient Standard
LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are the most popular choice for light stands—and for good reason. They are highly energy-efficient, using up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and boast exceptionally long lifespans. LEDs stay cool to the touch and produce a directional beam, making them ideal for spot lighting.
LED light stands are perfect for nighttime roadside construction, task lighting on construction sites, and large indoor facilities such as factories.
Metal Halide Bulbs: High-Intensity Light for Large Areas
Metal halide lamps are suited for applications requiring bright light over large distances. They typically provide higher lumen output than LEDs, and their neutral light color helps workers see colors accurately. These bulbs are usually mounted on heavy-duty stands built to withstand outdoor conditions.
Drawbacks: Metal halide lights require 5–15 minutes to reach full brightness and are less energy-efficient than LEDs, though more efficient than incandescent and quartz bulbs.
Quartz and Halogen Bulbs: Immediate Bright Light
Quartz and halogen bulbs use a filament inside a halogen gas-filled casing to produce intense light, making them ideal for floodlighting. Unlike metal halide lamps, they reach full brightness instantly.
· Halogen bulbs are encased in silica glass.
· Quartz bulbs have a fused quartz casing, which allows them to burn hotter and resist breaking under stress or high temperatures. Quartz lights tend to be slightly brighter and produce a color closer to daylight.
Both types emit bright, white light and are compact, durable, and suitable for harsh conditions.
Drawbacks: Quartz and halogen bulbs become extremely hot, are less energy-efficient than LEDs and metal halides, and can shatter if exposed to water or handled improperly. Always avoid touching these bulbs with bare hands.
Explosion-Proof Light Stands
According to OSHA and the National Electrical Code, hazardous locations require explosion-proof light stands. These lights are specifically designed to prevent sparks, heat, or electrical discharge from igniting nearby flammable substances. OSHA identifies Class I, Class II, and Class III locations where such lighting is necessary.
Hazardous locations can include oil and gas sites, industrial facilities, factory floors, mining operations, tunnels, and other confined spaces where flammable or combustible gases, dust, vapors, or fibers are present. Even fine, food-based dust in a processing plant can ignite and cause an explosion.
On construction sites, hazardous conditions may arise when painting, insulation, flooring, grinding, or cutting work is performed near flammable substances.
To protect against explosions, explosion-proof light stands feature:
· Sealed casings to prevent hazardous substances from entering the fixture
· Housing designed to contain and cool a bulb explosion
· Impact-resistant glass
· Heat-sink technology to dissipate excess heat
· Nonreactive, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant materials, such as aluminum or plastic, to protect the lights from the elements
Perfect Placement: Where to Place Light Stands on Construction Sites
After acquiring your light stands, the next step is deciding where to place them. To ensure even coverage without dim areas, the light from at least two stands may need to overlap. Elevating lights on a telescoping stand helps illuminate a broader area and reduces shadows.
For sites that require both wide-area coverage and focused lighting on smaller workstations or high-traffic zones, consider combining towable light towers for general illumination with light stands for targeted lighting.
When lighting a road work site, position lights carefully so they do not shine into oncoming traffic.
Outdoor placement also requires consideration of weather conditions. Lightweight or flimsy stands may tip over in gusty winds. Using sandbags on tripod bases or selecting stands with sturdier bases can improve stability. Choose outdoor-rated or weatherproof LED work lights, or ensure quartz or halogen light stands are rated for wet environments.
If you are unsure which type of light stand is best for your worksite, consult with portable lighting experts for guidance.
