Beacons

Beacons, also known as beacon lights, are electronic devices used as signalling devices to alert people of a hazardous area or potentially dangerous situation e.g., for a fire alarm system. These visual alarm devices are extremely important in industrial and automation applications as they keep people informed of what to expect and how to respond safely. There are many different types of beacon lights, and they all have a specific role to play in safety depending on their colour, light effect, and duration of signal or alarm.

What Are the Meanings of the Colours in the Beacon Lights?

Beacons lights are equipped with lenses of various colours, each signifying specific meanings. Selecting the appropriate colour is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and, most importantly, maintaining safety for personnel during their workday.

• Red: Indicates danger and requires immediate action. It is the highest warning level, often associated with emergencies such as fires or hazardous conditions that necessitate a swift response. LED beacon lights with red lenses are commonly used in emergency vehicles and industrial settings to signal critical alerts.
• Amber/Yellow: Serves as a cautionary signal, indicating that a dangerous situation may arise if not monitored. It requires human intervention and is commonly used to alert personnel to potential issues like equipment overheating or abnormal sensor readings. Flashing beacon lights in amber are often used in traffic control and construction zones to warn of potential hazards.
• Blue: Typically, signifies a change that requires defined action from an operator, such as shutting down machinery or initiating specific procedures. While less common, blue lights can also indicate maintenance requests or other operational changes.
• Green: Represents normal operating conditions, indicating that everything is functioning correctly without any immediate concerns. It is essential to recognise green as a safety colour rather than a warning.
• White/Clear: Generally used for illumination purposes rather than conveying specific warnings. While they provide visibility, clear lights lack distinct meanings and should not be relied upon for signalling danger.

What Are the Different Types of Warning Beacon Lights?

Beacons can be categorised into five main types based on their operation:

• Rotating: These types of beacons have a motor-driven reflector that revolves around a bulb that is continuously lit. They produce a powerful beacon range of 360 degrees.
• Flashing: This type of beacon technology uses internal circuitry that cycles the bulb on and off continuously.
• Static: These are permanently illuminated with a steady light output once the beacon is energised.
• Xenon: Xenon beacons contain a discharge capacitor that operates through a converter circuit inside the beacon housing. This ignites the Xenon gas inside the tube creating a bright flash of light.
• LED: These types of beacons contain a semiconductor device called a light-emitting diode. The beacon will illuminate when an electric current passes through it.

Selecting the Right Beacon Light

Beacon lights serve as highly visible warning or signalling devices in a variety of applications, from industrial facilities and construction sites to emergency vehicles and security systems. When choosing one, consider the following factors:

Purpose of Use

• Warning: Beacon warning lights alert personnel to potential hazards, such as moving machinery, dangerous areas, or emergencies.
• Signalling: Beacon lights can signal the start or end of a process, indicate a change in status, or guide traffic flow.
• Security: Flashing beacon lights can deter unauthorised access or alert security personnel to potential intrusions.

Light Type

• LED: LED beacon lights offer energy efficiency, long life, and high visibility in various colours.
• Strobe Light: LED beacon strobe lights provide intense, pulsating light for maximum attention-grabbing capability.
• Rotary Light: Rotary beacon lights utilise a rotating reflector or light source to create a sweeping beam of light.

Visibility Distance

Consider the range at which your light needs to be visible. Take into account factors such as ambient light, obstacles, and the desired warning or signalling range.

Mounting Options

• Permanent: Beacon lights can be permanently mounted on walls, ceilings, vehicles, or machinery.
• Magnetic: Portable beacon lights with magnetic bases offer flexibility for temporary applications.

Power Source

• AC: Beacon lights powered by AC (alternating current) are suitable for fixed installations with access to mains power.
• DC: 12v beacon lights are commonly used in vehicles or systems with DC (direct current) power sources.
• Battery: Solar beacon lights or battery-powered portable beacon lights provide wireless operation and flexibility.

Flashing Patterns

Different flashing patterns can convey specific meanings or increase the beacon light's effectiveness in certain situations. Some examples of flashing patterns include:

• Steady On: A continuously illuminated beacon light, often used for general signalling or marking a location.
• Single Flash: A single, repetitive flashing beacon light, commonly used for warnings or attracting attention.
• Double Flash: Two quick flashes in succession, followed by a pause. Can be used for more urgent warnings or to differentiate from single flash signals.
• Triple Flash: Three quick flashes, similar to double flash but with higher urgency.
• Rotating: A rotating beacon with a sweeping beam of light, often used in lighthouses or to cover a wide area.
• Strobe: An intense, pulsating light that grabs attention. Ideal for emergencies or situations requiring high visibility.
• Customisable: Some beacon lights offer customisable flashing patterns to suit specific needs.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the beacon light should be appropriate for the intended application and mounting location. Compact and lightweight portable beacon lights can be placed anywhere and offer greater versatility.

Durability and Material

Beacon lights come in a variety of materials. These include:

• Polycarbonate: A tough, impact-resistant plastic commonly used for beacon light housings. Offers good UV resistance and weatherability.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Another durable plastic with good impact resistance and resistance to many chemicals.
• Aluminium: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor applications. May be anodized or coated for added protection.
• Stainless Steel: Highly durable and resistant to corrosion, impacts, and extreme temperatures. Ideal for harsh environments.
• Glass: Used for the lens to provide optimal light transmission and clarity. Tempered or impact-resistant glass is often preferred for durability.
• Seals and Gaskets: Proper sealing prevents water and dust ingress, ensuring reliable operation in various weather conditions.

Some durability features to look for when choosing a beacon light are:

• IP Rating: Indicates the level of protection against dust and water ingress (e.g., IP65 for dust-tight and water jet resistant).
• UV Protection: Prevents fading and degradation of the housing and lens due to sunlight exposure.
• Impact Resistance: Ensures the beacon light can withstand accidental impacts or vibrations.
• Operating Temperature Range: Consider the temperature range the beacon light will be exposed to and choose a model that can operate reliably within those limits.

Applications That Use Beacons

• Manufacturing and Warehousing: Beacon lights on forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) alert workers to their presence, preventing collisions in busy environments.
• Mining and Construction: Heavy machinery and construction vehicles utilise beacon warning lights to enhance visibility and ensure worker safety on active sites.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Beacon lights play a crucial role in oil and gas operations, marking hazardous zones and signalling equipment status on rigs and platforms.
• Transportation and Logistics: Emergency vehicles rely on beacon lights for high visibility, while beacon warning lights on tow trucks alert drivers to roadside incidents.
• Power Generation and Utilities: Beacon lights are vital for marking high voltage areas and signalling maintenance activities in power plants and utility facilities.
• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry: In chemical and pharmaceutical plants, beacon lights warn of hazardous materials and indicate the status of critical processes.

Order Beacon Lights from RS Malaysia

RS offers a comprehensive range of high-quality beacon lights in Malaysia at competitive prices to meet diverse industrial and commercial needs. Whether you require LED beacon lights, strobe lights, or rotating beacon lights, you'll find a wide selection from top brands like Werma, Schneider Electric, and AUER Signal. Explore our online catalogue today and discover reliable beacon warning lights with various mounting options, power sources (including 12v beacon lights and solar beacon lights), colours, and flashing patterns to ensure optimal safety and signalling in your applications.

For more information on our delivery options, please visit our delivery page.