Multitool.org Forum
Non Tool Forum => Flashlight Forum => Topic started by: nate j on August 31, 2019, 05:10:16 PM
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Well, not exactly. But one with no exposed metal parts. My new(ish) job has me looking into/working in live electrical enclosures, and I'm looking for a light that can't short anything out if I accidentally drop it into the panel.
Criteria:
- No exposed metal parts. This is the key requirement.
- Size: Since I'll be carrying it a lot more than using it, smaller would be better, but tempered by decent run time.
- Brightness: As this light will be for up-close work, a light with lower or adjustable brightness (and ideally more flood than spot) would be ideal.
- Batteries: Nothing too exotic. Probably AAA, AA, or CR123A.
Options seem pretty limited. I'm probably looking at a Streamlight Propolymer or Polytac. Maybe a Pelican 19XX, but run times seem really short. Other suggestions?
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For electrical inspections, using only flashlights, I have a few favorites. In AA I prefer Underwater Kinetics , either a Herculite or Z2. I run AA eneloops in both.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oEaHH-KSxUQ
I have carried a CR123 powered Tekna Splash-Lite in my pocket for over 3 decades. Used for HVAC, electrical and locksmith work. I've added a warm white, 222 led lamp. Tiny, waterproof, non conductive and with this led lamp, extremely long running. It provides a broad, cozy, incandescent tinted beam.My favorite pocket back up and close quarters inspection light.
http://www.tek-tite.com/proddetail.php?prod=TEKNA_SPLASH-LITE
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-LED-WARM-WHITE-EPISTAR-222-Bulb-E10-112-EDISON-BASE-3-VOLT-2cell-60-LUMEN-/223351717688?redirect=mobile
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Heat shrink sleeving 😉
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UK made some good ones, and I remember both Streamlight and Pelican also made some that are good for various environments. I remembered owning Pelican 4AA xenon light from long ago, and it was a good reliable light. But if you are lugging it around more than using, maybe there are better choices out there than a 4AA.
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Streamlight Polytac; the pocket clip can be removed.
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Inova Radiant.
I am a huge fan of headlamps. I bought a fairly cheap energizer model from Walmart that I have been using for years. When camping, I set it on the lowest power setting and it is pretty much good to go all night. High power can really light up the night. When I go on trips on the motorcycle, I make sure to pack the light along too. Having both hands free is nice if you have to work on anything, set up a tent or a multitude of other tasks.
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Thanks for the input, folks. I've ordered a Streamlight Polytac X, as it just seemed to have a lot more capability than the others, though I will have to lose the pocket clip to get metal-free.
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No problemo. Didn't know 18650 was in the running. :cheers:
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No problemo. Didn't know 18650 was in the running. :cheers:
Having the capability to back up the 18650 with CR123As is critical; I wouldn't have gone for something that took 18650 only.