Warning Signal Environments

The environment in which a warning signal is installed will determine the most suitable product selection.

Moflash supplies audible and visual warning signals for a wide range of applications, from heavy industrial environments and vehicle signalling through to fire evacuation, aerodrome marking and potentially explosive atmospheres.

Choosing the right signal for the environment

A signal designed for heavy industrial applications, incorporating a high decibel rating and high light intensity, would not be suitable for local signalling at a control panel.

Alternatively, a low decibel rating and low light intensity would be ineffective in a large factory environment.

Moflash can supply warning signals to cover a wide range of applications. The main market areas include industrial and marine, automotive, fire, obstacle marking for aerodromes and explosion proof signalling.

Audible & Visual Warning Signals

The environment in which the warning signal is to be installed will determine the product selection.

A signal designed for heavy industrial applications, incorporating a high decibel (dB) rating & high light intensity (20J) would not be suitable for local signalling at a control panel. Alternatively a low dB & light intensity (2J) would be ineffective for a large factory environment. Moflash can supply warning signals to cover all applications. Listed below are some of the main market areas

Industrial & Marine

Warning beacons for heavy duty, high light output applications such as foundries, factory shop floors, large warehouses, docks, ports and general offshore use.

Automotive

Warning beacons for use on commercial and private vehicles, agricultural vehicles, off-road vehicles and forklift trucks.

Fire

Warning signals designed to comply with the latest European standards for use in commercial buildings as fire evacuation signals.

Obstacle Marking for Aerodromes

Visual warning signals that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements for the marking of objects in and around aerodromes.

Explosion Proof

Warning signals designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and built to comply with the latest global standards.

These products are typically used on oil rigs, refineries, chemical plants and grain storage sites where, in normal operation, the atmosphere may be flammable or ignitable.

Environmental factors determining selection

When selecting a warning signal, the installation environment should be reviewed carefully. The following factors can all affect product choice:

Safe atmosphere or potentially explosive atmosphere
Ambient level of noise and/or existing light
Ambient temperature
Duration the beacon has to operate for
Ingress Protection required of the signal enclosure
Electrical supply available

Installation and maintenance of visual warning beacons

When installing a hazard warning beacon, care should be taken to position it in the most effective location to allow for all-round light visibility and to maintain the IP rating of the beacon.

The following points should be noted when installing and maintaining visual warning beacons.

Maintain the IP rating

Always fit the mounting gasket provided, where applicable, and ensure the O-ring is in place between the dome and base.

Fit a suitably IP-rated cable gland where appropriate.

Keep the beacon dome clean

Regularly clean the beacon dome to improve light output and help dissipate heat build-up in the beacon.

Do not clean the dome with petroleum-based cleaners.

Avoid vibration where possible

Areas of vibration should be avoided. If this is not possible, an anti-vibration mount should be used where compatible.

Position Xenon beacons carefully

void positioning Xenon beacons close to communication aerials, equipment and power lines that may be subject to high voltage transients.

DC voltage Xenon beacons should only be run on a smoothed and rectified supply.

Monitor Xenon tube performance

Unlike incandescent lamps, which fail instantly, Xenon tubes deteriorate slowly.

Erratic flashing can indicate impending tube failure. Once this is recognised, the tubes should be replaced immediately to help avoid damage to the electrical circuit.

Disconnect before maintenance

Always disconnect the beacon from the supply before attempting maintenance.

Xenon beacons should be allowed at least 15 minutes to self-discharge before the dome is removed, as high voltages can remain on the PCB for this period of time.

Need help selecting the right warning signal?

If you’re unsure which warning signal is suitable for your environment, contact the Moflash team for support with product selection.

Contact our team