Beacons and Strobes are flash warning lights fixed on vehicles. This is to disclose or convey a specific warning or message to other drivers. 

We’ll discuss the Amber Warning Light, which is the most common warning light that you’ll come across.  

What Is The Purpose Of Using Amber Warning Lights?

Amber warning lights are usually used to distinguish and warn about potential hazards.

This includes:

• Construction and maintenance activities take place on the roads.
• Warning about vehicles that are slow and stopped on the road.
• Vehicles that have been broken down or parked.

Amber lights are also used to alert drivers when an oversized vehicle is on the road.

Amber lights come in different forms. But, the most common types of lights that you’d come across are;

• Warning lights
• Beacons
• Strobes
• Lightbars
• Utility bars
• Lightboxes

These lights can be permanently fixed or temporarily on your vehicle according to your preference.

Amber lights can be mounted on vehicles, including roadside construction vehicles, tow trucks, road trains, utility and agricultural machines, recovery vehicles, and other vehicles that carry out essential services.

Using amber warning lights does not prioritize your vehicle during traffic, and it simply signifies its presence.

An amber beacon or strobe is designed to notify the other drivers on the road about the obstruction caused to the traffic flow.

Since amber warning lights are mainly used to indicate a potential hazard, they should not be used unless the vehicle or the other vehicles around it are in a hazardous situation.

The driver or operator of the vehicle must refrain from operating the warning lights if the situation is under control and no damage is caused.

What Are The Differences Between a Rotator, a Beacon, And a Strobe?

Rotators, also known as rotary or revolving beacon lights, are a set of three or four halogen spotlights attached to an electronic motor through gears or rubber belts that rotates the whole arrangement. 

Initially, these lights were fairly effective but not efficient. They were heavy and prone to damage due to heat, accidental falls or impacts, and vibrations. 

While technology evolved, so did these warning lights. The rotator was replaced by a central halogen globe which consisted of rotating lenses or mirrors. This form of beacon light is still widely used. 

However, as these halogen beacon lights are pretty large and less reliable and are inclined to impair by heat and vibration, they are more likely to be replaced by modern LED strobe light technology. 

LED strobes are now popular in the modern industry. Strobes are more solid and reliable. They use a series of acute and long-standing LEDs that can be programmed to operate in various combinations and at a brightness level that you can specify according to your preference. 

The LED consists of innovative reflector optics to increase its efficiency. Strobes do not contain moving parts and therefore offer a service for a long time. 

Which Type Of Technology Should You Choose – LED Strobes Or Halogen Beacons? 

You cannot find a conclusive answer to this question. Even in similar situations or identical areas, the responses you receive would differ,

However, you can narrow it down to one type of light with the aid of specific criteria. To be able to choose the right light, you should contemplate the following questions : 

• What method would you use to switch on and off the light?

• How often and competently would the light be in use?

• Which is more important to you, the initial or life-standing cost?

• Where would you be using the light at?

• How much brightness is demanded in the area you chose to use your light?

If you use the warning light often, using LED strobes would prove to be more beneficial to you since they do not require maintenance and come with a comparatively longer lifespan than halogen beacons. 

In addition, you wouldn’t have to replace the globe or other moving parts. 

A beacon that is hardwired and switchable from inside the vehicle is preferable to both a magnetic battery and a 12-volt auxiliary outlet powered beacon. 

You’re now able to switch on and off the light from inside the vehicle, and you can secure your light from being stolen or lost accidentally as well.  

It is a common acknowledgment that the quality is worth the price paid. If you compare the cost between a halogen beacon and an LED beacon, the LED would cost you more. This is due to their advanced technology and surpassing the cost of designs. 

Yes, LEDs are considerably expensive, but their advantages are plenty. 

The benefits you gain by using a LED beacon are ; 

• They have a longer life span. 
• They do not require additional services 
• There is no need to replace globes 
• LEDs can withstand major vibrations 
• Resistance against heat, water, and dust. 

To Whom Is a Flashing Beacon Or Strobe Useful?

As discussed earlier, flashing beacons and strobes are used by an extensive range of professionals across various fields. 

There are specific colors related to particular services. Unless you are an authorized member of emergency service, you’d only be able to implant a flashing beacon or strobe in the color of amber on your vehicle.

In instances during which you’ve embedded a flashing beacon or strobe, you must be accountable for the safety of other drivers and road users, the security of the load you’re carrying, and the way you handle yourself as a professional driver. 

The beacon or strobe flashing amber is a warning sign, and it can either be used as a warning sign on stationed vehicles or on moving vehicles. It is permitted to be used only to warn while work is in progress or in an area where an accident has occurred.  

Amber lights may also be used to point out a slow-moving vehicle or warn drivers of uncommon lengthy and comprehensive roads. 

Who Can Use An Amber Flashing Beacon Or Strobe As a General Warning Light?

• Security guards and patrols
• Construction crews
• Escort and pilot vehicles
• Long vehicles
• Tow trucks
• Agricultural machinery
• Vehicles that carry out municipal and utility services
• Snow and other alpine services
• Any stationed, broken down or accident-damaged vehicle depicting a hazard.

Which Is The Ideal Location To Embed A Flashing Beacon Or Strobe On A Vehicle?

The ideal location to fit a flashing beacon or strobe is where it can be seen from 360 degrees at a radius of 25 meters. If you find this impossible, you should probably place more than one warning light. 

Ensure that the warning lights illuminate the same amount of light throughout. The light source should not be dimmed or fade away after using it for an extended period, and this is why you need to pay attention to the quality of the light.  

Note that the guidelines provided here are standard in nature. Each state and territory of Australia has its own set of guidelines. It’saboutg the fitting and operation of flashing beacons and strobes. 

When fitting and operating a warning light on your vehicle, you must pay attention to these guidelines.  

Be aware that in certain instances flashing beacons or strobes must be accompanied by red and white safer markings complying with the DIN 30 710 standards, including the waste collection and maintenance vehicles. These, too, vary in different states.