January 26, 2023

Why the LightRanger is the best portable light for electrical blackouts

What is the best lighting solution for electrical blackouts?

The Department of Energy's Office of Electricity estimates that there were between 200-400 large-scale blackouts in the US over the last 12 months. A power outage or blackout can happen at any time, leaving you and your family in the dark. Whether it's due to extreme weather, grid overload, or a simple power surge, it's essential to have an emergency blackout kit ready at all times. One of the most essential items in any emergency kit is a portable lighting solution.

With all the portable lighting options that exist, what is the best lighting solution for your electrical blackout / emergency preparedness kit? We’ll examine a number of reasons why the Devos LightRanger is the perfect solution for emergencies and some of the often overlooked features that every LightRanger customer should be aware of in these stressful emergency situations.

Light Height

The LightRanger is not your typical lantern. It includes a telescoping pole and 2 different base options (tripod and ground stake) that allow you to elevate the light up to a height of 9 feet indoors or outside. This feature is particularly useful during a blackout when you need to light up a large area. Using the Tripod base and telescoping the LightRanger up to an 8-foot or 9-foot ceiling allows you to effectively light up a whole room and you won’t be blinded by an eye-level lantern on a table or countertop.

90, 180, or 360 Degrees of Lighting

The LightRanger has 3 lighting modes, providing you with directional lighting options. With one press of the button, the light is on full power with all 4 sides on and lights up a 360 degree area. Press the power button twice for two sides on (180 degree lighting), press three times for one side on (90 degree lighting) and press four times to turn off the light. Directing the light to only the area you need ensures you can maximize the battery run time. If you’re using the LightRanger in a setting outside of an emergency like camping, you can keep the light directed into your site and don’t upset any neighbors.

Customize based on the amount of light you need to extend run time

The LightRanger is Dimmable

Dimming the LightRanger allows you to customize the amount of light for your exact needs and further extends your run time, making it even more versatile. With the power on, hold down the button for 3 seconds to begin adjusting the brightness, then release the button to select the optimal level of brightness for your space. The dimming feature works on all 3 lighting modes (90, 180, or 360 Degrees of Lighting.

Run Time

The LightRanger’s built-in battery is rechargeable and loses very little life if stored at room temperature. If using the LightRanger on a lower setting (1 side on and/or dimmed), it has a run time of 14 to 16 hours plus, giving you peace of mind that you’ll have plenty of light for multiple nights if needed. If you have a portable battery bank, you can extend the run time even further and use the LightRanger at a higher setting for longer periods.

Run time hack: Many users don’t know this, but you can actually run the LightRanger while it’s charging! The LightRanger USB-C version charges the battery faster than it uses the power to run the LED’s even at full power. The LightRanger micro-USB version can charge faster than it depletes when running at half-power (2 sides on).

Battery-level Indicator

To be prepared in an emergency you want to make sure you are storing your LightRanger with some battery life. The LightRanger’s 3.7 Volt / 10,400 milliampere hour (mAh) Li-ion battery will hold a charge for up to 10 to 12 months but for optimal long-term battery care, you should charge at least once every 4 to 6 months. Some battery experts recommend keeping your Li-ion battery charged between 40% and 80% for optimal battery longevity. To check the battery level, with the lantern off, simply hold the button for 3 seconds, the LED indicator will blink to indicate the battery level with color.

Flashing Red indicates 0-33% charge,
Flashing Yellow indicates 34-66% charge
Flashing Green indicates 67-95% charge
Solid Green indicates 100% charge

Charge Your Cell Phone or Other Electronic Devices

In an emergency communication is critical for safety and peace of mind, the ability to charge a cell phone or smart watch from the LightRanger is an extremely valuable feature. On the LightRanger micro-USB version there is a USB-A port that allows you to charge out to other devices. On the USB-C version there is only one port and it charges in or out depending on the battery level and charging protocol of your other electronic device. Most mobile phones and smart watches typically only accept a charge and do not charge out so the USB-C programming in the LightRanger knows to charge out to those devices.

The LightRanger can be used to charge other devices in an emergency

Rechargeable via Solar Panel

Want additional peace of mind for keeping your LightRanger battery charged? Keep a portable solar panel with your LightRanger (in the main pocket inside the optional LightRanger Heavy Duty Carry Case) so you can charge your LightRanger during the day using just sunlight. Charge times vary based on size of solar panel, time of year and how direct the sunlight is. Optimal solar output for North America occurs April through October, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky and the days are longest. We recommend using a solar panel 20 watts or more with USB outputs to charge the LightRanger. Devos offers a 20 watt panel that has a molded receiver to integrate directly with the top of the LightRanger so you can set it outside as a complete unit. During the high-output solar months this unit can fully charge the LightRanger USB-C version in as little as 4 hours of direct sunlight.

20 watt solar panel integrates with the LightRanger

Perfect For Your Go-Bag

The LightRanger isn't just useful during power outages or blackouts, it is also a great addition to your emergency go-bag. In case of a natural disaster, you may need to evacuate your home and leave in a hurry. Weighing less than 5 lbs for the complete kit, taking the LightRanger with you will ensure that you have a reliable source of light no matter where you need to go.

Overall, the LightRanger is an essential item to have in your home emergency kit. Its powerful illumination, versatility, and long run time make it a reliable source of light in any situation. Its sleek and modern design makes it a stylish addition to your home or outdoor gear. Don't wait until the next power outage or blackout to invest in a LightRanger, make sure you have one ready for any emergency.