When it comes to ensuring safety and communication in industrial and commercial settings, and public places such as schools and offices, sounder beacons play an important role. They combine visual and audio signals to convey important information and alert individuals about specific events or conditions. They emit both sound and light signals and can be used in noisy or visually challenging environments.
They consist of two components – a sounder unit which produces audible signals and a beacon unit which emits light. They’re designed to seamlessly integrate with existing safety and alarm systems and can be connected to various monitoring systems, fire defence systems, security systems and more.
Their purpose is to make everyone aware of the dangers promptly, so they can evacuate safely. To ensure reliable operation, you can buy an LED beacon, which combines LED lighting with sound for effective multi-sensory alerts. It’s a long-lasting and easy-to-install solution that utilises energy-efficient LED lights for both visual and audible signalling.
What You Need to Know About LED Beacons
They’re a form of low-energy lighting suitable for various conditions. They combine the benefits of LEDs with the safety that comes from installing rotating beacons, flashing strobe lights and alarm lights. Most of them are suitable for harsh environments and can be used outside.
Different Colours
Beacons come in many different colours, and they all have different meanings. Whether the colour matters or not depends on the application, and here are a few things you should know that can help you make the right decision.
Red
The visual impact of red is very powerful, and often, red beacon lights mean strong warnings or dangers. This colour is associated with emergencies and is widely accepted as appropriate for emergency workers and vehicles, including hospitals, fire fighters and police. In industrial settings, red beacons can be used to warn of an ongoing hazardous process. Also, it can be used to warn individuals to stay away from a hazardous area.
Amber/Yellow
This is a popular beacon colour for many applications. Amber and yellow beacons are commonly used to signalise public and private road construction, as warning lights for slow-moving vehicles, on construction sites and more. They’re appropriate for building warning light applications, too.
Green
Green is a colour that’s often associated with safety and green beacons are often used to signal that an area is ready and clear.
Blue
Most often, blue beacons are used by the law enforcement. In some cases, they can be used by emergency medical technicians and firefighters.
How to Choose the Right LED Beacon
Finding the ideal beacon depends on several factors related to your specific needs and the environment where it will be used. Here are a few tips that may help you make the final decision.
Consider the Needs of Your Application
To begin with, think about what works most for your application. Fire alarm beacons are designed for fire defence systems, while others are better suited for industrial hazards or evacuation systems.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Think about whether your beacon will be installed indoors or outdoors. For outdoor environments, choose a beacon that’s designed for reliable performance under challenging weather conditions and can withstand rain, dust and other environmental factors.
Volume and Tone
Evaluate the ambient noise in your facility before making a purchase. Sounder beacons come with varying decibel levels and multi-tone capabilities, from low frequencies to high frequencies and industry-standard frequency patterns. Consider the environment and the desired level of audibility when selecting the volume and tone settings.
Ambient Noise Levels
The ambient noise in your facility is an important factor to consider. If it’s consistently high, you can choose a beacon with adjustable volume settings, so you can set it accordingly. That way, you can ensure audible alerts are not drowned out by the ambient noise levels.
Common Applications for LED Beacons
Industrial Facilities
In manufacturing plants and industrial facilities, they contribute to the overall workspace safety. They’re used to alert about potential hazards, equipment malfunctions, emergencies and more.
Warehouses
In logistics and storage facilities, these devices enhance safety by overcoming ambient noise levels. They signal loading dock alerts, security breaches, equipment malfunctions or other warehouse operations.
Commercial Buildings
From offices to malls and other commercial facilities, sounder beacons are essential parts of their fire defence systems. They ensure clear and immediate alerts during fire emergencies, helping in evacuating occupants safely.
Healthcare Facilities
In hospitals and other healthcare settings, beacons play a big role in alerting staff about emergencies, patient alarms, or security issues. They can help medical professionals respond promptly in urgent scenarios.
Educational Facilities
In schools and universities, LED beacons are used as a part of their emergency response systems. They can help ensure the safety of students and staff by providing alerts during drills, lockdowns, or other critical situations.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it’s important to remember that an effective audible and visible signalisation in your facility, whether it’s an industrial siren alarm or a beacon, can enhance safety and security as it alerts everyone on the premises of the emergency. To make sure the system stays reliable and efficient, it needs to undergo regular maintenance and inspections. This includes checking all the parts, including the sounder beacons.