When it comes to the industrial sector, automation is becoming commonplace. The key is to ensure that there are protocols in place that keep things safe, keep operators informed, and streamline the process. One tool may be surprising in terms of how effective it is in achieving those things.
For that reason, beacons play a critical role. These lights, often using LED technology, can alert workers about what process is happening with a particular machine. In order to keep an effective, efficient workplace, these lights are a must for a variety of industrial machines and processes.
Key Features
Though they are quite simple – LED lights, in essence – signal beacons serve a greater purpose. For starters, they convey information as it relates to operations, safety, and any potential hazards that may be at play.
They are color coded, making it easy to understand what is happening based on the color flashing. They also act as a visual alert, often using different patterns – including flashing – to signal that there is a problem, that maintenance is required, and more.
They have industrial applications, including construction, automation, and manufacturing, helping to ensure greater efficiency and safety. They can also be part of fire systems and act as safety features in other situations. Because they come in different sizes and have different functionalities, they are one of the most versatile safety features out there.
Color Options
Though they are predominantly in the industrial sector, signaling beacons are effective in communicating what is happening with a machine. That said, they come in different colors to make it simple to understand what is happening.
Red. Red is almost universally indicative that the machine is stopped or that there is an issue of some sort. Red is one of the most common signaling beacons out there, and the color is highly visible because when it is active, something needs to be addressed immediately.
Green. Green typically indicates normal operations. A green light is a good way to know that the machine in question is not only operating but doing so in its intended manner.
Yellow. Yellow – sometimes Amber – lights indicate that there may be a minor problem, an irregularity, or may be a warning of some kind. Machines may not necessarily stop when the yellow light comes on, but it could be the precursor to a red light.
Blue. Blue is more often than not used to signal the need for maintenance or intervention. It may also be coupled with red lights depending on the feature or the machine. Solid blue beacon signals indicate that there is a need for service, either now or in the near future, while blinking may indicate the need for urgent maintenance.
White. In rarer instances, white lights can indicate things like shift changes, completion of a production run, or some other kind of useful information. These are far less common than the others mentioned.
Signaling Beacon Uses
There are three primary uses for signaling beacons, particularly within the industrial space. As automation becomes more a part of the industrial process, these simple tools become essential.
Machine status. With automation becoming more involved, signaling beacons allow workers to know what the status of a machine is. Red typically indicates that there is some kind of issue or error, green signals normal operation, blue calls for maintenance, etc.
Process indication. In order to drive efficiency, automation needs to be continuous. Signaling beacons tell the operator when it is time to begin the next process, make a change, etc.
Safety alert. Finally, signaling beacons can indicate that there are potential safety hazards. This allows workers to act accordingly to prevent damage, injury, etc.
