How to choose inspection lighting
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which inspection light you need: whether you inspect with white light or UV-A light, how far the light must reach and whether you need both hands free, and whether the lamp must work in a hazardous or wet area. Answer those first.
Which light?
| Need | Light | Typical in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Quick general inspection, tight budget | LED flashlight | Zoomable LED flashlight |
| Hands-free work in confined areas | LED headlamp | SL3100 adjustable UV-A headlamp; UV LED headlamp |
| UV-A for fluorescent inspection, handheld | UV-A lamp | DG-50 UV-A lamp; DG-70 UV-A lamp |
| UV-A, rechargeable, high output | Rechargeable UV-A lamp | DG-100D rechargeable UV-A lamp |
| Dual AC/DC UV-A lamp | Dual-operation UV-A lamp | DG-4020 dual-operation UV-A lamp |
| Area lighting for bench or overhead work | Desktop or overhead UV LED lamp | SL8804 desktop lamp; SL8108 overhead lamp |
UV-A and fluorescent inspection
Fluorescent methods need UV-A light at 365 nm, and the intensity at the surface decides how well indications show. Check the lamp output with a UV-A meter, keep the area dark, and keep the lamp at the distance its specification gives. Use eye protection, because UV-A is harmful to the eyes.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: flashlights from about R750; headlamps from about R8,800; UV-A lamps from about R14,300; desktop, handheld and overhead UV LED lamps from about R25,400 to R47,700. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the batteries and charger each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us whether you inspect with white or UV-A light, the distance and area to light, whether you need hands free, whether the work is on site or in a workshop, and the method and standard your procedure follows. With that we can recommend a light and provide pricing.