Skip to content 
Which LED Warning Lights Should You Choose
If the available lighting options are compared, LEDs are considered best. This is true when the comparison is between LEDs, HIDs, and Halogens.
The light given by LED is bright and sharp. When the switch is clicked, a super bright and instant light turns on.
The brightness of the LED light doesn’t require a lot of energy. LEDs are super energy-efficient lights. These lights give a clear view ahead on the roads with the use of less power.
There are no health hazards linked with LED lights making them environment friendly. Thus, out of three, LEDs light is user-friendly as well.
The benefits of LED Warning lights
The life of the LED lights is healthy. These can stay active for 50,000 hours and are durable. In one day, LED light can be used for as long as 12 hours at stretch. It makes them durable and functional for a decade at least.
It is thus wise, to choose LED lights over others. You probably need to check the model and the installation procedure. You can check our guide to get an insight on both installation and models when selecting.
Laws on LED Warning Lights
The market is full of different LED lights. The variation is based on configuration and styles. You have the liberty to choose any model for your vehicle.
Every city has specific laws for LED lights on vehicles. Regulations concern colour, configuration, placement, and beam patterns for the lights.
If your LED lights are not street legal, you might face Police/legal complications. Also, the wrong selection of lights can be dangerous for you and others on the road.
Thus, before finalizing a purchase, check local rules regarding LED in your area/city.
Types of LED Warning Lights
Conventional Beacon lights
These lights have magnets for temporary mounting purposes. In the category of beacon lights, there are different series of amber lights. The details are as follow:
1) W13 Series:Rotating Beacon lights:
The type has 4 mode rotations with 3 flash patterns. The type comes in dual voltage, i.e., 12 V and 24 Volts. It is available in amber colour and is water-resistant to IP67.
The product is capable of sustaining high temperatures, between the range of -40 to +65 degrees. T
he lens is made in polycarbonate that is resistant to damage and cracks. The rotating beacon lights come with a 1-year warranty.
2) W15 series Optics-Tech LED Lights:
The new low profile lights with a black housed beacon. The design of the lights is unconventional and unique. The diameter of the light is 153mm. Its height is around 69 mm.
The specifications are ideal for height restricted vehicles. The beacon lights are also slim in size. LED beacon comes with no classical dome.
There are 4 mode rotations with 3 flash patterns. It also works in dual voltage, i.e., 12 Volts and 24 Volts. Due to the polycarbonate lens, it is resistant to damage and cracks. The warranty is for 1-year and the available colour is amber.
Screw Mount
Magnetic Mount
Pipe Mount
Rechargeable Beacon Lights:
There are different categories for rechargeable beacon lights. Some known are as follow:
1. The wireless remote control version:
It is a wireless type and can be takenup to a height of 100 feet. It means at least 30 meters away from the main control system.
The safe mounting speed gets to 120km/hr. There is a suction cup made up of a magnet that ensures the speed.
Since there are no cables attached, thus the storage is easy. This design comes with 4 simulating rotating patterns.
There are as many as 3 flash patterns. It has a vacuum mount with a slightly stronger magnetic base.
The switch can both be turned on and off. The design is compact with a low profile.
2. Rechargeable Portable Version:
It comes in combination with a lithium battery feature. The performance and power of the upgraded version make it portable and versatile.
The additional feature of rechange makes it durable for 6 hours of operation. The battery timing is 6 hours and the recharging time is 4 hours.
It is mounted with a PVC suction cup and a strong magnetic base.
Wireless Remote Control Version
Rechargeable Version
Wireless Remote Control Version
Wireless Rechargeable Version
The Geomax Slimline LED Emergency Light Bar – W18 Series
Designed to keep you safe on the road, the Geomax warning light bar includes 13 high-performing, attention-getting flash patterns for added visibility for operators.
Takedown and alley positions are also configurable to fit your needs.
Standing a mere 25mm tall, the Geomax light bar is packed with NV exclusive technology and options to provide a superior multicolor warning.
Mini LED Light Bars
These lights are also used for emergency purposes. Mainly trucks, emergency vehicles and police vans use the lights.
There are different flashing patterns available with the mini LED light. These lights can provide coverage of 360 degrees.
Corner LED warning lights
For approaching vehicles, these lights are considered excellent. As the name indicates, these lights are attached to one side of the vehicles.
Thus, these cover 360-degree warning coverage for the vehicle. The lights are lightweight and economical as compared to other available options.
Directional LED warning lights
The lights are mounted on a horizontal surface. It is available in many colours, like red, white, blue, green and dual colors.
The directional lights warn the other vehicle about any warning. It could also indicate the change of circumstances or plan for a vehicle.
Forklift safety LED warning lights
Forklift safety warning lights are for pedestrians safety in the warehouse. It warns the employees who otherwise would ignore the warning signs.
The lights are mounted on the top of the vehicle and can be seen from a distance.
The Mounting Brackets You May Need
The method of mounting is also essential besides where to mount the warning light. There are some universal brackets available for almost all drivers.
- Temporary Mounting: For fixing the LED light, magnetic or suction cups is used.
- Tab Mounting:It is a tab on the cargo bar or roof racks.
- Clamp Mounting:It means LED on the bumper, root top or grill. There are some fasteners (heavy duty) for hard fixing.
- Flush Mounting:For discreet lighting solution, it is placedin a recessed area.
- Specialized Mounting:Vehicle specific hardware or custom fabrication is usedfor the purpose.
Which Amber Light do you Need
The choice of the right lights means finding the right fit for your vehicle. It is all about asking yourself the following
- How much do I need?
The right answer could be “as much as one like”. Practically, more brightness means the use of more energy sources.
The measuring unit for amber light is Lumens and Watts. Thus more Lumens and higher watts mean more brightness of the amber lights.
- How directional does the light need to be?
Getting hold of the TIR lens is best if you intend to brighten the road ahead. TIR, being a focused beam can allow a driver to see from a distance.
Its brightness clears the road and avoids anything on the pathway. TIR lens is available in different options depending upon your requirement.
It also includes surface-mounted LED and which is within one’s budget as well.
3. Do I need a flash pattern?
The flashlight is mainly found across all amber lights. Mainly pattern is created by the flashing of individual bulbs.
Such a pattern helps in awareness and can assist in situations like directing traffic. In case of no flashlight pattern, the light could remain static.
The static version of light can be of less use for the vehicle. For strobe light, one can have many options to choose from. One is the Blaze core, the 40 LED Lightbar.
It comes in as many as 26 different flash patterns. All-flash patterns are of higher quality.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then go for the TIR LED Mirage 12 option. It is considered a mini light bar and comes in 12 different flash options.
If you are still not sure of your choice, then better choose flash compatible light. These lights are both static and solid and can very well meet your requirements.
4. Do I need the light waterproof?
Most of the lights come with a waterproof rating of IP-67. Some even have 100 percent waterproof features, i.e., type 912 48 full size.
In case of full waterproof requirement, better check all given instructions. Select those amber lights, that fulfill your requirements.
Conclusion:
When buying any kind of light, one may become confused owing to the presence of many choices.
The guide is helpful for those who have no idea what and how to choose.
Thus, next time when you plan, do your homework and go through the guide for an easy decision.
Thanks for letting me know that police vans often use LED light bars since they allow different flashing patterns and a coverage of 360 degrees. I imagine if you work as a police car driver, it would be wise to make sure the light bars you use for your police vehicle are from a trusted lighting supplier so you can be assured of the quality. I’ll keep this in mind if I ever need emergency vehicle lighting in the future.
I appreciate you sharing the various LED caution lights in your post. My favorite light you mention is the rechargeable beacon light. It has a rotating pattern, is wireless, and is controlled by a remote. This feature can be good for the custom heavy truck lighting a truck driver here in Fredericksburg, VA, should have.