As an auto electrical engineer, you know the critical role that lighting plays in construction and plant machinery. Beacon lighting is essential for safety and compliance, to enhance visibility, and protect lives on-site.

In this post, we’ll focus on the practical details you care about:

1. Why beacon lighting matter in construction
2. Understanding beacon colour codes
3. What to look for when installation beacons

1. Why beacons matter in construction?

Construction vehicles are a safety hotspot on busy sites. HSE statistics show that 23% of workplace injuries involve vehicles or machinery, many due to poor visibility. Beacons are your clients’ frontline defense against accidents, providing clear signals in hazardous or low-light conditions.

For you, installing and upgrading these lights isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about equipping your customers’ vehicles with dependable solutions that last in tough environments.

2. Beacon colour codes: What do they signal?

A quick refresher on what the colours mean and when they’re used:

• Amber Beacons:
  A standard across the industry, amber lights are mandatory for slow-moving vehicles or machinery on public roads. They warn site workers and road users of operational equipment, ensuring safer interactions.
• Green Beacons:
  Green beacons are gaining traction as a health and safety measure, signalling that the driver or operator is wearing their seatbelt.
• Other Colours:
  • Red: For emergency stop situations or restricted areas.
  • Blue: Rarely used in construction but may indicate special site conditions or emergency services.

3. Installing beacons: What you need to know?

When a client asks for beacon installations or upgrades, these are the critical factors to consider:

a. Regulations

• Verify that the beacon type and placement comply with local and site-specific requirements. For example, amber beacons are mandated for road use in many regions.

b. Build quality

• Durability is everything in harsh environments. Opt for:
  • IP Ratings: IP65 or higher ensures resistance to dust, water, and vibration.
  • Shock Resistance: Essential for plant vehicles subject to constant movement and impact.

c. LED vs. Halogen

• LED beacons are now industry standard, offering:
  • Longer lifespans (up to 50,000 hours).
  • Reduced energy consumption (up to 80% less than halogen).
  • Superior brightness and visibility, even in adverse conditions.

d. Installation and power

• Choose versatile mounting options (e.g., magnetic, bolt-on) for quicker installations.
• Ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s power system—12V or 24V—without overloading the circuit.

e. Maintenance

• Recommend low-maintenance, sealed units to minimize downtime for your clients.

Maximising your installations

When you install a beacon, you’re not just meeting a requirement—you’re ensuring the safety of the operator, their crew, and everyone on-site.

At Daltec, we understand your need for reliable, high-quality products. That’s why our beacon range is designed with engineers in mind:

• IP-rated for durability.
• LED technology for performance and longevity.
• Easy installation to streamline your workflow.

Ready to kit out your customers with the best? Explore beacons here. 

Quick facts to share with your clients:

• Beacons reduce on-site vehicle incidents by up to 30%.
• LED beacons outlast halogen by a factor of 10x, saving on replacements.
• Green beacons are now requested by 3 in 4 major construction companies to enhance safety protocols.
  

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