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INDUSTRY & MARINE VISUAL
A few tips to assist you in selecting the right Visual signalling takes place by means of
visual signalling devices colour, light intensity and lighting duration.
Doubling the distance reduces the light power by Four types of beacons with different signalling
75% to 1/4 of its strength. effects are essentially offered in signal
technology
If the distance is quadrupled, the light power is
reduced to 1/16. Visual alarms are ideal when Continuous lights – lowest signalling effect
there is a direct (unobstructed) line of sight The light intensity of the continuous light
between the beacon and the observer. changes with the power of the lamp and the use
of different colours and types of lenses. This type
Reflected light can be perceived inadequately. In of beacon is normally used to display a status
an alarm area (dangerous condition, immediate and serves to a lesser extent as a means of an
action), the beacon will also be perceived without alarm.
direct visual contact provided that the light
intensity of the alarm device is 10 times brighter Blinking lights – increased signalling effect
than the ambient light. The observer’s attention is increased by means
of switching the lamp on and off with a blinking
In a warning area (critical condition, intervene), frequency of normally 1 to 2 Hz. This type of
the signal will be perceived adequately via direct beacon is used, for example, as a warning signal.
visual contact or reflection provided that the light
intensity of the warning device is 5 times brighter Rotating mirror lights – high signalling effect
than the ambient light. A rotating light cone is generated by means of
diverting the light using the internal rotating
mirror. Higher attention is gained at faster
rotary speeds. Smooth lenses are used for these
beacons in order to exploit the light effect to
its fullest and to avoid scattering effects. As
opposed to flashing beacons, the dazzling effect
is reduced with rotating mirror beacons.
Flashing lights – highest signalling effect
The charged capacitor discharges its energy into
the gas-filled glass tube and forms a light arc.
This very short and very intensive light effect
generates the highest signal attention. Among
other things, this type of beacon is used as a top
priority alarm.
