A robust and reliable THW torch for your operations
The 90,000 or so THW personnel in Germany clock up around 1,000,000 hours of service every year. In 2021, this figure was over 3.7 million hours. As well as the enormous manpower required for every operation, equipment is of paramount importance to the THW. Here you can find out what matters most in a THW torch and which features will really benefit you during operations.
What makes a good THW torch?
A reliable THW torch must be robust, dustproof and waterproof, and explosion-proof where necessary. It should be able to withstand temperature fluctuations, be easy to operate whilst wearing gloves, and be attachable to equipment or a helmet when required.
Robust construction of the THW torch
During THW operations, the torch is sometimes subjected to a number of stresses: drops, knocks, temperature fluctuations and exposure to moisture. When choosing a torch, therefore, look for these key features:
- Sturdy, impact-resistant casing made of aluminium or shatterproof plastic
- High IP rating; recommended: IP68 (dust-tight and permanently waterproof, even when submerged)
- Chemical-resistant, resistant to operating fluids, petrol, diesel, oil, etc. Explosion-proof
- if required (ATEX-certified)
Tip: The first digit of the IP rating indicates the protection class against foreign objects and dust, the second digit indicates protection against water. IP68 therefore means:
- Dust-tight 6: fully protected against the ingress of dust.
- Waterproof 8: protected against continuous submersion in water, up to a depth of 1.5 metres for 30 minutes.
→ You can find explosion-proof ATEX products here.
THW torch with adjustable light settings
You should be able to easily adjust the torch’s light to suit changing situations:
- Focusing, i.e. concentrating the beam of light on a point in the distance
- A wide beam for illuminating a large area of the immediate surroundings
With a concentrated beam, you can search fields, embankments or riverbanks for missing persons. It can also be used to search buildings or facilities for entrances or damage.
With a wide beam, you can illuminate what is directly in front of you: your equipment, technical gear, or injured persons.
Tip: When choosing Ledlenser torches for the THW, look out for the Advanced Focus System and Flex Sealing Technology, which work together to ensure you can switch seamlessly between spot and floodlight modes without compromising IP protection.
In the shop, you can set the filter to these technologies.
Operating THW torches whilst wearing gloves
The position and size of the switches on the THW torch must be such that you can operate them even whilst wearing thick gloves. The following features are helpful for this:
- Switches on the long side and back
- An easily accessible dimming function, as you do not always need full power and can therefore extend the battery life.
- Smooth-operating focus system for switching between near and far light
- A memory function so that the torch starts immediately in the last mode set after being switched off.
THW torch with helmet mount & attachment options
To keep your hands free, your THW torch should also be able to be attached to your helmet.
The torch can be stored easily and securely in a suitable holster for your belt, jacket or vest.
THW torch with rechargeable battery or standard battery
During long operations, there is no time to recharge a torch. The rechargeable battery should therefore have a high capacity and thus a long runtime.
Choose a torch whose battery you can swap for a fully charged one. This allows you to easily double the runtime.
Battery life must always be considered in relation to brightness. For example, it is advantageous if you can access a luminous flux of 900 lumens in boost mode, but the battery lasts for six hours on medium power at 240 lumens.
Where are THW torches used?
Flashlights are used by the THW when damage to buildings, vehicles or technical and industrial facilities needs to be assessed. Only once the damage has been assessed can measures to limit or repair the damage begin. This requires a flashlight with high luminous flux and a long range, so that the assessment can be carried out from a safe distance if necessary.
For technical work, such as that carried out by the THW on vehicles, emergency generators, drinking water systems, etc., you need a torch with a wide and bright beam so that you and your colleagues can work quickly and safely. It is helpful if the beam can be adjusted continuously. A dimming function is also very useful here to avoid dazzling yourself and others.
During THW operations, a powerful torch is used to search for missing or buried people, or for any clues as to their whereabouts. Such search operations also take place in rough terrain, fields, embankments, woods, scree, rubble or building complexes. It is therefore particularly important that the torch can withstand being dropped or knocked about.
THW torch models
THW P5R Work Torch The P5R
Work’s casing is chemical-resistant, features protective elements on the front lens and edges, and is fully dust- and waterproof to IP68 standard.
The torch has a transport lock to prevent it from being switched on accidentally. This ensures the battery does not drain unintentionally.
The memory function sets the torch, if required, to start in the last used light mode when switched on.
The 750 mAh battery is quick to replace. Furthermore, you can dim the torch continuously.
A wide range of clips and mounting adapters are available for this torch, allowing it to be attached to equipment or a helmet.
| Luminous flux | 480 lumens on the highest setting |
| Battery life | 25 hours on the lowest setting |
| Weight | 124 grams |
| Drop height | 3 metres |
| Water resistance | IP68: dustproof and waterproof, even when submerged |
| Additional features |
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THW P6R Work Torch
The P6R Work’s casing is also chemical-resistant, features protective elements on the front lens and edges, and is fully dust- and waterproof to IP68 standard.
This torch’s Backup Mode gives you an extra hour of battery life, even when the battery is low.
- Transport lock to prevent accidental switching on
- Memory function: torch starts in the last selected mode
- 3,000 mAh battery, easily replaceable
- Dimmable light
- Natural Light with a CRI of 90, so that colours and shades can be perceived as they would under natural light.
A wide range of clips and mounting adapters are available for this torch, allowing it to be attached to equipment or a helmet.
| Luminous flux | 850 lumens on the highest setting |
| Battery life | 45 hours on the lowest setting |
| Weight | 187 grams |
| Drop height | 3 metres |
| Water resistance | IP68: dustproof and waterproof, even when submerged side auxiliary light |
| Additional features |
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THW EX7R Explosion-Proof Torch
The EX7R is an explosion-proof torch certified for the highest possible gas and dust groups, IIC and IIIC, in Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 (Ex ib op is IIC T4 Gb, Ex ib op is IIIC T135°C Db).
The EX7R’s housing is fully dust- and waterproof to IP68. It features a mounting clip for attaching to clothing and equipment.
Thanks to the Magnetic Switch, the torch can be operated easily whilst wearing work gloves.
| Luminous flux | 220 lumens on the highest setting |
| Battery life | 45 hours on the lowest setting |
| Weight | 228 grams |
| Waterproofing | IP68: dustproof and waterproof, even when submerged |
| EX Gas Zone | 1 |
| EX Dust Zone | 21 |
THW P7R Work UV Torch
The unique selling point of this THW torch is its UV light function. This allows leaking chemicals, operating fluids and other liquids to be made immediately visible.
The P7R Work UV’s casing is also chemical-resistant, features protective elements on the front lens and edges, and is fully dust- and waterproof to IP68.
- Transport lock to prevent accidental switching on
- Memory function: torch starts in the last selected mode
- 4,800 mAh battery, easily replaceable
- Dimmable light
- Natural Light with a CRI of 90, so colours and shades can be recognised as they would under natural light.
A wide range of clips and mounting adapters are available for this torch, allowing it to be attached to equipment or a helmet.
| Luminous flux | 1,200 lumens on the highest setting |
| Battery life | 60 hours on the lowest setting |
| Weight | 219 grams |
| Drop height | 3 metres |
| Water resistance | IP68: dustproof and waterproof, even when submerged |
| Additional features |
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Tip: Here you’ll find our guides to torches for the fire service and lighting for civil protection.
THW Torches – Frequently Asked Questions
IP68 is recommended for THW torches. This means: dust-tight and permanently waterproof against splashing water, water jets and complete submersion. For use in potentially explosive atmospheres, an ATEX certificate (explosion protection) may also be required.
The memory function ensures that the torch starts in the last mode used when switched on. This means the correctly set light is immediately available, without having to cycle through all brightness levels and functions.
Protective gloves are almost always worn during operations. A torch must therefore be designed so that the switch, focus and dimming can be operated safely even when wearing thick gloves.
THW torches are designed for professional use. They must be extremely robust, weatherproof, shock-resistant and reliable, even under difficult conditions such as rain, cold or during search operations in the field.