Understanding ANSI/NEMA FL1 Flashlight Standards

The ANSI/NEMA FL1 Standard addresses six different performance measurements and establishes consistent definitions and simple icons used to report the following performance measurements.

These standards make comparing flashlights and lanterns from multiple manufacturers a cinch for consumers...if you know how to use them. Here's a quick chart that has helped me understand how each standard is measured:

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	Light Output Measured in lumens, the flashlight brightness is measured after 30-120 seconds. If the lumen output changes after 30 seconds, the lumen rating is unaffected.
	Run Time Run Time is the continuous runtime from when the flashlight is initially activated, until the output drops to 10% of the Light Output rating.
	Peak Beam Intensity Light intensity in candela (cd) at the brightest part of the light beam. Candela is calculated based on lux and distance, and reads the same regardless of the distance from the light-source.
	Beam Distance The distance at which the light produces an intensity of 0.25 lux (about the same as a full-moon).
	Impact Resistance Height, in meters, from which the light (including batteries) can be dropped onto concrete without cracking or breaking and still function. For ratings over 1 meter, each light is dropped six times onto different faces.
	Water Resistance Rating (IPX4) Water Resistant: Can be splashed with water from all directions without water getting inside.
	Water Resistance Rating (IPX7) Waterproof: Can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Water may leak into the light, but not to areas with electronics or batteries. The light still works after being removed from the water, and is tested again 30 minutes later.
	Water Resistance Rating (IPX8) Submersible: Can be submerged for 4 hours in a specified depth greater than 1 meter. The depth is specified (i.e. IPX8 30 meters).