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[Torches](/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/torches-guide), or flashlights, are small lamps that are most commonly powered by batteries or battery packs. They provide lighting for a range of applications such as small areas where the light beam reaches into smaller darker space and are ideal for maintenance as well as for outdoor activities, emergency services and general-purpose illumination in case of power failure.

### How does a torch work?

A traditional torch is battery powered and is operated by a simple 'on/off' switch to turn the light on or off. Many modern torches also include a flash or SOS feature, allowing the user to engage SOS when in distress without the need to repeatedly switch the torch on and off in sequence.

Torches have two main ways of illumination:

- An incandescent bulb with a tungsten filament - the older, more traditional torch or flashlight with a softer amber glow.
- A solid-state bulb that is normally a light-emitting diode (LED) - the newer bulb that is used in torches that emits a bright light and can come in varying colours.

### What are the key features of a torch?
- Torches have different beam distances, run time and light output so it is important to select a torch based on the application it is required for.
- The light output of a torch is measured in lumens (lm); the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light is that the torch emits.
- Some torches are impact-resistant and water resistance to ensure they are suitable for using outdoors in extreme elements.
- Size, weight and functionality are also important to ensure that it meets the requirements of the user.

#### What different types of torches are available?

There are many different types of torches available, each of them useful and beneficial depending on the application they are required for:

- Handheld torches - the most common type of torch because it is versatile enough to be used across most applications. They can range from being used as a general-purpose household torch or a rugged torch for use in harsh environments.
- Penlights or pen torches - easily carried around in the user's pocket and often feature a pocket clip. Sometimes limited in their brightness but they are ideal for when only a small area needs illumination for closer inspection.
- Compact torches - a compact torch, often under 100mm in length, is a torch suitable for everyday use. Suitable to be carried by the user in a bag or pocket but still boasting a powerful light output for the user.
- UV torches - ultraviolet torches or blacklight torches that emit ultraviolet (UV) light.


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Torches

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Tactical torches are a multiple purpose tool used for both illuminating spaces as well as helping to protect a user in any number of situations. Available in a range of sizes, from smaller compact units suitable for personal day to day use along with larger more application-specific torches.Typically made of aircraft-grade aluminium, tactical flashlights are robust and can withstand regular day to day use as well as more harsh and challenging environments. Along with their robust construction, many tactical units are finished with a tough anodised finish to add another level of protection.A tactical torch can be a personal protection tool in a range of ways. The main tactical use of this style of the torch is its extremely high powered super-bright light output. This high lumen output can be used to disorientate a person, especially at close range. Some torches have both a solid on and a flashing or strobe function, this allows the user to have the option of solid on for normal use while having the strobe option if they are in distress. The robust construction on larger torches can also provide a self-defence tool.

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Ultraviolet or UV torches are incredibly handy tools for many specialised scenarios and applications. The fact that UV torches emit ultraviolet light gives them a range of unique uses and abilities that are beyond the range - quite literally, in terms of the visible light spectrum - of standard torches and handlamps.<h2>What are UV torches used for, and how do they work?</h2><ul><li>UV torches and handlamps emit light at a different wavelength to standard non-UV flashlights - ultraviolet radiation is a type of light energy that sits outside the scope of the human eye on the light spectrum</li><li>Ultraviolet light - sometimes referred to as ‘black light' - causes certain compounds and chemicals to fluoresce vividly when it hits them, rendering them brightly visible when they typically wouldn't be under non-UV lighting</li><li>This fluorescence occurs because various types of inks, chemicals and biological agents tend to absorb certain ‘colours' of light - in this case, ultraviolet - which causes them to emit another colour of light which does fall in the visible spectrum for humans</li><li>Working under UV light therefore enables immediate visual identification of various chemicals and substances that would typically go unnoticed in daylight or standard electric torches running on regular LED or incandescent bulbs</li><li>Among the most common workplace environments where UV torches are needed on a regular basis are in law enforcement and the emergency services, as well as in laboratory, medical and pharmaceutical settings, and increasingly in commercial settings as a means of forgery detection (UV torches are frequently used for checking markings on banknotes)</li></ul>Note that ultraviolet light itself occupies a fairly broad chunk of bandwidth on the overall light spectrum, and that there are several different ‘kinds' of UV. Some are harmful to human skin when exposed for longer periods.While this isn't generally the case for ‘near-ultraviolet' light, which is most standard LED UV torches emit, the latter can be harmful to human vision if shone directly at the eyes. UV torches should always be used with caution in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, and under supervision for less inexperienced users.

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