Beacons, also referred to as warning beacons or beacon lights, are signalling electronic devices designed to warn, alert, or inform people during unfavourable, hazardous, and dangerous circumstances for immediate safety response. These devices act as alarming devices as in fire alarm systems to protect people from unpredictable situations by triggering flashing, steady flashing, multiple tones etc. The nature of the warning message depends on the colour variation of the beacon lights, which are supplied with pushbuttons for convenience. Furthermore, the duration and light effects of the alarm or signals also determine the type of warning signals.
What is the Main Function of Beacons?
Beacon lights are primarily designed to keep people safe by preventing unnecessary accidents resulting from poor communication, poor visibility, and other factors.
What are the Advantages of Beacons?
Beacon lights provide multiple benefits, which include:
- Provide safety by informing people of potential hazards.
- They consume low power and are energy-saving.
- Durable with long life.
- Available in multiple packages and colour options.
- They are economical and reliable.
- Offer excellent colour stability.
- Allow accurate display.
- Come in excellent designs and beautiful appearances.
What Are the Two Essential Factors When Choosing the Right Beacon?
Choosing appropriate beacon lights requires consideration of the following:
- Colours’ implied messages
- Type of light used.
Different Colours and Colour Indications of Beacons
Beacons come in varied colour lens varieties with specified indications that keep people safe during emergencies or hazardous scenarios. The different colours include red, white, yellow, opal, green, clear, blue, and amber, which imply different signals, such as:
- Red - A red light usually indicates an emergency for emergency vehicles and workers, especially police and firefighters. It is also appropriate to use for safeguarding people to keep them away from risky areas.
- Blue - This usually involves a defined action by the operator, such as shutting down the equipment or machinery and indicates an essential sign for change in the situation.
- Amber - Indicates the sign of awareness during a dangerous situation that requires human monitoring and intervention.
- Green - The colour green shows that the conditions are normal, and everything is running smoothly without any problems.
Beacon Light Types
Beacons are classified into the following main categories and include:
- LED Beacon Lights: These beacons comprise semiconductor LEDs which illuminate upon passing electric currents through them.
- Rotating Beacon Lights: These beacon lights produce 360 degrees of powerful beacon illumination by revolving a motor-driven reflector around their bulbs continuously.
- Static Beacon Lights: As the name suggests, these illuminate on a permanent basis and output steady light upon energisation.
- Flashing Beacon Lights: These beacon lights use integrated circuits that function to turn the bulb ON and OFF continuously.
- Xenon Beacon Lights: Xenon beacons consist of discharge capacitors operating using integrated converter circuits that ignite the gas (xenon) to produce bright light flashes.
Where are Beacons Used?
Beacons find their applications in automation and industrial settings to ensure people's safety. These warning devices are also used in multiple buildings, vehicles (ambulances, fire vehicles, and police vans), and aircraft.
