Blue LED Hazard Beacon

Description

A new warning beacon with blue and white LEDs and a unique twin lens design that maximises the 360 degree light output rivalling the performance of much more expensive and difficult to obtain electronic LED flares (often abbreviated to e flares) at a price that makes this  an attractive cost proposition for large scale operators.

The multiuse flare has a single push button operation which operates its 3 modes:-

Mode 1 – Rapid Pulse

Mode 2 – Solid/Constant light

Mode 3 – Torch – White light

The lens design maximises the light output of the 8 LEDs that provide the main 360 degree light function whilst a powerful lens magnifies the output of the single white LED that provides a useful wide area torch function.

For aviation this white LED function can also be used to indicate to pilots that they are directly above a designated landing zone which has proven useful for drone operations as drones have become commonly deployed.

Visible at over 1km distance subject to ambient lighting conditions, this warning beacon matches the visual performance of any of the lights we have so far tested.

It uses 2 x C cell batteries and so is a compact and lightweight unit which is particularly relevant for emergency vehicles where space and weight considerations limit the kit a vehicle can carry. Total weight including batteries is 229 grams per unit.

Impact and water resistant the multiuse hazard flare is a robust unit and cleans very easily, a minor point but one of importance to operators in the military and emergency services sector where cleanliness is an indicator of professionalism.

Having a sealed push button operation, the LED flare opts for simplicity having no moving components which reduces maintenance concerns. In comparison to a popular brand which had a rotating lens cap, we received feedback of o-ring seal wear and tear with consequences of dirt and moisture ingress that impacted performance and the physical rotation action.

Going back to a more basic form of operation might not be as ‘technically exquisite’ but it helps reduce cost and prolong life expectancy with no maintenance overhead.

A rubber base mounting accessory is available which has projections and anchor points so that the light can be stood upright on any surface and firmly secured where ground conditions permit.

A traffic cone rubber mounting accessory is also available which allows it to be located on top of traffic cones, noting however that some emergency services operators using collapsible traffic cones need to consider weight implications prior to purchase (some cones are very lightweight and will not support items placed on top of them – for a more robust collapsible traffic cone follow this link)

With branded C cell batteries expect to obtain 30 hours continuous use from a pair of batteries if on flash setting, the LED’s are high efficiency and we have opted for a sensible mix of power output/visibility with practical use considerations. Other products designed principally for aviation might have higher output but to the detriment of power consumption, this is a highly balanced blend in our view that satisfies a wider mix of operators.

Unlike the twist action of some similar products where there is a tendency for the light to slip when wet, or the lens cap to jam with dirt ingress making operation less smooth a simple power button offers superior performance every time regardless of weather and dirty working conditions

The LED Hazard beacon is sealed offering superior performance in adverse weather conditions and is made of a resilient polycarbonate lens and tough ABS handle which makes it resistant to shock and damage.

We have had many officers comment on how useful these are when deployed on fast highways or rural areas, having a bright blue LED light source provides effective signalling at a distance from emergency services vehicles, without the weight and bulk of more traditional emergency hazard beacons.

 

Applications

• Police
• Military
• Fire Service
• Ambulance

Summary

• Modes blue flash, Blue constant, White nose cone LED
• Torch function
• Large single button operation ideal for gloved operation with raised contrasting colour power button
• Effective at distance 300m +
• Standalone and handheld design
• Efficient power consumption over 30 hrs use subject to setting (2 x C cell batteries not incl.)
• Light weight & compact, easy to operate, deploy, carry

Yellow LED Hazard Beacon Flare

KB20B Performs a similar emergency services function but in the form of a traffic wand. Ultra compact using 3 X AAA batteries it can be used to direct traffic and can be worn as a powerful personal piece of PPE kit having accessories that will attached to police and fire service docks. Another model that has both Blue and Red LED functionality, longer length and 3 X AA batteries so longer endurance is the KB37RB Red Blue Police Traffic Wand click the link for details

Blue PPE Safety Light

Take a look at our PPE safety light that is a worn safety light for Police KB03