On this page
A flood light and a security light are the same fixture with a different job, and flood light vs security light comes down to this: a flood light spreads bright light over a yard, driveway or garage, while a security light adds a motion sensor or a switch so the light turns on when someone moves. The LUTEC and UME lights here state motion sensors, and the Onforu pair state no motion sensor and are switch controlled. All 4 lights here state IP65, and the UME leads on warranty with 3 years stated.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change; check the product page for current details.
The quick answer: flood light vs security light
Pick a motion sensor flood light when the light has to turn on by itself when someone moves, and pick a switch controlled security light when the light has to stay on until the switch is off. The LUTEC states a motion sensor with a triggering distance of up to 69 feet and a 180° detection angle, and the UME states a PIR sensor with a max 50 feet sensing range. The Onforu pair state no motion sensor and no dusk to dawn, and they turn on and off only by wall switch.
Step 1: Decide what the light has to do
A flood light is a broad area light: it lights a yard, driveway, garage, porch, entryway or pathway so the whole space is visible. A security light is a flood light with a job: it lights a doorway, garage or yard when motion is detected or when the switch is on, so movement is visible at once. The LUTEC states 4 adjustable heads and coverage of up to 2,370 sq. ft., and the UME states 2 adjustable heads for a garage, yard, exterior, porch or driveway. The Onforu pair state 3 adjustable heads with a lighting angle of up to 270°, and the Onforu 150W states 154 ultra-bright LEDs while the Onforu 75W states 112 efficient LED beads.
Step 2: Check the lumens and the watts
Lumens state how bright the light is, and watts state how much power it draws. The UME states 2000 lumens at 19W, the Onforu 75W states 7000 lumens at 75W, the LUTEC states 9000 lumens at 80W, and the Onforu 150W states 15000 lumens at 150W. The LUTEC and UME state 5000K daylight white, and the Onforu pair state 6500K white. The UME states its 2000 lumens is equivalent to a 120W halogen light, and the Onforu pair state their output is equivalent to 400W bulbs.
| Light | Lumens | Watts | Heads | Motion sensor | IP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UME Flood Light | 2000 | 19 | 2 | Stated, 50 feet | IP65 |
| LUTEC Security Light | 9000 | 80 | 4 | Stated, 69 feet | IP65 |
| Onforu 150W Security Light | 15000 | 150 | 3 | Not stated | IP65 |
| Onforu 75W Flood Light | 7000 | 75 | 3 | Not stated | IP65 |
Step 3: Check the sensor and the modes
The sensor decides when the light turns on. The LUTEC states a motion sensor that detects moving people, vehicles and animals, with a triggering distance of up to 69 feet and a 180° detection angle. The UME states a PIR sensor that detects ambient motion, with a max 50 feet sensing range and 3 lighting times of 1 min, 3 min and 10 min. The LUTEC states 4 lighting modes, including motion-activated at 100% brightness at night, always-on at 20% brightness at night with motion-activated 100% brightness, and staying on at 100% brightness for 6 hours. The Onforu pair state no motion sensor, no solar and no dusk to dawn, and they turn on and off only by wall switch.
Step 4: Check the weather protection and the mounting
All 4 lights here state IP65, which the listings state as protection against rain, sleet and snow. The LUTEC states a durable aluminum housing with heat dissipation, the Onforu 150W states a die-cast aluminum housing with efficient heat dissipation, and the Onforu 75W states a sturdy aluminum housing with a fin type heat sink. The LUTEC and UME state a hardwire connection, and the Onforu 150W states that a junction box is not included. The UME states that its 2 dual heads and motion sensor heads can be adjusted flexibly at any angle, and the Onforu pair state that their 3 heads adjust to a lighting angle of up to 270°.
Ways to place a flood light for security
- Mount the light where the motion sensor covers the doorway or driveway: the LUTEC states a triggering distance of up to 69 feet and a 180° detection angle, and the UME states a max 50 feet sensing range.
- Aim the heads at the ground, not at the street: the LUTEC states 4 adjustable heads, the Onforu pair state 3 adjustable heads, and the UME states 2 adjustable heads.
- Pick a mode that fits the night: the LUTEC states always-on at 20% brightness at night with motion-activated 100% brightness, and the UME states lighting times of 1 min, 3 min and 10 min.
- Check the weather protection: all 4 lights here state IP65.
- Check the warranty: the UME states a 3-year warranty, and the rest state no warranty term.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Is a security light the same as a flood light?
A security light is a flood light with a job: it lights a doorway, garage or yard when motion is detected or when the switch is on. A flood light is the fixture; a security light is the use. The LUTEC and UME state motion sensors, and the Onforu pair state no motion sensor and are switch controlled.
Do I need a motion sensor on a security light?
The LUTEC states a motion sensor with a triggering distance of up to 69 feet, and the UME states a PIR sensor with a max 50 feet sensing range. A motion sensor turns the light on when movement is detected; a switch controlled light stays on until the switch is off. The Onforu pair state no motion sensor, so they suit a spot where the light should stay on by switch.
How bright should a security light be?
The lights here state 2000 lumens at 19W, 7000 lumens at 75W, 9000 lumens at 80W and 15000 lumens at 150W. A doorway needs less than a yard; the LUTEC states coverage of up to 2,370 sq. ft., and the Onforu 150W states 15000 lumens with 3 adjustable heads and a lighting angle of up to 270°.
Can a flood light stay on all night?
The LUTEC states 4 lighting modes, including always-on at 20% brightness at night with motion-activated 100% brightness, and staying on at 100% brightness for 6 hours. The UME states lighting times of 1 min, 3 min and 10 min. The Onforu pair state no motion sensor and no dusk to dawn, and they turn on and off only by wall switch.
Related solar guides
See every Solar Flood and Security Lights guide and all Solar Outdoor guides. For a solar option, see Led Flood Light vs Solar Flood Light: Which One Should You Buy?, and for head counts, see Dual vs Triple Head Solar Flood Light: Which One Should You Buy?
