Maglite Led Flashlight
Many people think that the "mag" in Maglite®
flashlights has something to do with magnesium or some element used in making the flashlights
work, but they actually get the name from their inventor, Mr. Maglica. More than 25 years
ago, maglite flashlights were introduced as a significant improvement in the world of
flashlights. They are more streamlined and more durable than standard flash lights.
Maglite flashlights come in a variety of flashlight designs, ranging from mini flashlights
and key chain flashlight to large rechargeable flashlight. They typically feature
high-intensity adjustable beams that can narrow or widen their focus with the twist of a
dial that surrounds the lens of the flash light. Most flash lights use incandescent bulbs,
but some use LEDs, or light-emitting diodes. LEDs have been around for a long time
illuminating dials and instrument consoles, but it is only in the last few years that
high-intensity versions have been introduced. The first Maglite LED flashlight were
introduced in 2006. Among the advantages of LEDs are greater efficiency, cooler operation,
less susceptibility to breakage, a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, and lower power
demands, which help batteries to last longer. Whether they use incandescent bulbs or LEDs
to provide illumination, almost all flashlights run on batteries, which is generally what
dictates their minimum size and amount of available illumination. Maglite flashlights range
anywhere from mini flashlights that operate on one AAA cell battery to big professional
models such as those used by police officers, which operate on six D-cell batteries. It's
always wise to keep at least one LED flashlight in your emergency kit, since they can last
for 10,000 hours of use or more. Keep in mind, however, that batteries themselves do not
have an infinite lifespan. Not only can they burn out from use, but they degrade over time.
Batteries also respond negatively to extreme heat or extreme cold. When possible, if a
flashlight has been left in a hot car or in a cold area, it's wise to bring the flashlight
back to room temperature before attempting to use it. An alternative type of flash light
for any emergency kit is the batteryless flashlight (or no battery flashlight). Sometimes
also called "self-powered" flashlights, these flash lights can have one of several different
power sources. Some are solar-charged. Some generate their own electricity through a mini
dynamo that is operated by a crank. Increasingly popular are those that generate power by
friction; when shaken, they use an internal magnetic field to create an electrical current.
Shaking for 30 seconds generally creates enough power to power illumination for several
minutes. Obviously these are less than ideal for situations where you require a steady light
source, but they are an excellent item for any emergency kit because they replenish
themselves and do not require a cache of spare batteries. |
