Flashlight Glossary
Flashlight 101 - Glossary of Terms
Get educated and learn the technology and meanings with our flashlight 101 Glossary of Terms.
1
18650 Lithium Ion Battery - 2200–3400mAh (Capacity), 3.7 volts, 18.6 +0/-0.7mm (Diameter), 65.2 +0/-1.0mm (Height), 45 ± 2.0 grams (Weight)
16340 Lithium Ion Battery - 700-1200mAh (Capacity), 3.6 volts, 17mm (Diameter), 34.5mm (Height), 14 grams (Weight)
17670 Lithium Ion Battery - 1800mAh (Capacity), 3.6 volts, 17mm (Diameter), 67mm (Height)
A
AA Battery - mAh CAPACITY 2700 (alkaline), 1100 (carbon–zinc), 3000 (Li–FeS2), 1700–2900 (NiMH), 600–1000 (NiCd), HEIGHT 49.2–50.5 mm, DIAMETER 13.5–14.5 mm, WEIGHT 15-31 grams
AAA Battery - mAh CAPACITY 1200 (alkaline), 540 (carbon–zinc), 800–1000 (NiMH), HEIGHT 44.5 mm, DIAMETER 10.5 mm, WEIGHT 7.6-15 grams
Ansi Lumen - Standardized measurement of light, particularly brightness.
B
Beam distance - Sometimes referred to “throw distance”, it is the distance a flashlight will effectively light up an object.
Bezel - a rim that holds a transparent covering like on the head of a flashlight for the lens.
C
Clicky Switch - It is a special kind of switch that clicks at a certain point when pressed, activating or deactivating the circuit. Comes in forward and reverse switches.
CR123A Battery - mAh CAPACITY 1500 (lithium), 700 (Li–ion rechargeable), Nominal voltage 3 (lithium), 3.6 (Li-ion), 34.5mm (Height), 14 grams (Weight)
CREE - Cree Inc. is a company engaged in the manufacture of semiconductor light-emitting diode (LED) materials and devices that are used for LED flashlights.
E
EDC (Every Day Carry) - are tools, equipment and supplies one carries on a daily basis to aid one for everyday situations.
EagleTac - AKA EagleTac-EAGTAC designs and produces precision tactical flashlights. EagleTac LED flashlights have electronically-controlled output regulation and highly efficient multiple level brightness output control. Emitter - exudes signals like for beacons, lights, odours, liquids, fragrances, ionizing particles or any other type of signal.
F
Fenix - outdoor sports lighting brand known worldwide as a premium LED lighting brand committed be one of the best outdoors sports lighting brands in the world.
Flashaholic - Somebody who is really addicted to flashlights
Flood Beam - Light is spread instead of focused.
Focused Beam - Light is concentrated in one spot.
H
HID - means “high-intensity discharge” and this is commonly associated with lights/lamps.
I
Incandescent bulb - electric light bulb that produces light with the use of a filament wire which is heated up to a high temperature making it glow.
J
JETBeam - brand of high-end flashlight, the company specializing in advanced LED flashlights.
L
LED Lumen - Ansi measure for brightness.
Lens - an optical device which transmits and refracts light, concentrates or disperses light.
Lithium Battery - composed of lithium or lithium compounds as an anode.
Lithium Ion Battery - rechargeable battery that moves lithium ions from the negative electrode to the positive during discharge and back when charging.
Lumens - measure of light brightness
M
Momentary ON/OFF - switch that automatically turns off after being turned on.
N
Nitecore - Brand of flashlight established in 2004 that has now become a stable performer in the market today.
NiMH Battery (Nickel Metal Hydride) - rechargeable battery that uses positive electrodes of nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) and negative electrodes are hydrogen-absorbing alloys.
O
Olight - flashlight company aimed at providing their flashlight to as many hands as possible.
Orange Peel Reflector - projects a smooth beam of light with little or no rings and holes.
P
Primary Battery - a battery that cannot be recharged.
R
Run time - the amount of time a flashlight will run on a specified lumen power.
Rechargeable Flashlight - a flashlight that you can recharge without having to take out the batteries.
Reflector - part of a flashlight that redirects or focuses the light.
S
Secondary Battery - a battery that you can recharge.
Smooth Reflector - projects a beam of light that has holes and rings.
Strobe - produces regular flashes of light.
T
Tactical Flashlight - illumination tool used in combat tactics to attain a goal.
Tail Cap - bottom of the flashlight and is usually the where the flashlight is opened and closed for battery insertion.
Tail Switch/Tail Button Switch - switch located at the tail cap that operates the flashlight.
Textured Reflector - another term for an orange peel reflector.