Knowledge Base

Grote's Answer

Work lamps use lumens as a measurement of brightness whereas warning lights use classifications as per SAE.

SAE Class 1 Warning Lights are most often used for emergency response vehicles such as police, fire, and ambulance. SAE Class 1 lights are four times more intense than SAE Class 2 lights and ten times more intense than SAE Class 3 lights.

SAE Class 2 Warning Lights are commonly used on utility and service vehicles moving at or below the speed of traffic. SAE Class 2 lights are approximately two and a half times as bright as SAE Class 3 lights.

SAE Class 3 Warning Lights

Because SAE Class 3 Warning Lights have the lowest light intensity of the three SAE classes, they are typically used inside of buildings where there is little or no ambient sunlight. Class 3 warning lamps may be used on forklifts.