powerful flashlights

A flashlight or torch is a hand-held portable electric spotlight. It is known as a flashlight mainly in the United States and Canada and as a torch in most Commonwealth countries.

General information

A typical flashlight consists of a small incandescent lightbulb with associated parabolic reflector, powered by electric batteries, and with an electric power switch. The components are mounted in a housing that contains the necessary electric circuit and provides ease of handling, a means of access to the batteries for replacement, and a clear covering over the lightbulb for its protection. Garrity Flashlights.

Although a relatively simple device, its invention did not occur until the late 19th century because it depended upon the earlier invention of the electric battery and incandescent light bulb. The batteries in the first ones were of such short useful life that the common method of operating them was to flash them just long enough to discern the environs, and only as needed; hence the term "flash-light". It is, however, reminiscent of the far-earlier "bullseye" lantern.

LED flashlights

Recently, flashlights which use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of conventional lightbulbs have become available. LEDs have existed for decades, mainly as low-power indicator lights. Flashlights by Energizer.