22 Light Patterns and Motorless Construction
While the SL and SK Series Beacons are specialized for flashing and rotating indications respectively, the SF Series Beacons can display a variety of light patterns, and are perfect for applications that need multiple levels of visual indications. The SF Series are multi-functioning beacons equipped with 22 different light patterns. The visual patterns of the SF Beacon are produced using LED animations, meaning that the beacon has a motor-free construction. This makes maintenance easy, as there is no need to worry about replacing old motors.
The light patterns of the SF Beacon include simulated rotation, flashing, and pulsing effects. Other LED functions include a dimming mode and half-side emitting mode for use in darker environments. In addition, these versatile beacons have 3 different flash and rotation speeds which can indicate levels of danger or degrees of urgency. The light pattern settings can be configured easily by adjusting the rotary switch located on the side of the beacon.
The SF Series Beacon is available in 4 color options (Red, Amber, Green, Blue) and 2 size variations (80mm and 100mm diameter). For applications that require audible signaling, there is also an option to include an 88dB buzzer. Similar to the SL and SK Series Beacons, the SF Beacon can hold a protection rating of IP65 when using the optional rubber gasket. With the many options that the SF Beacon has, it is possible to choose the variation that best suits your unique application.
Alerting Nearby Pedestrians
The SF Multi-function Beacon is installed outside of this parking structure of a lumber facility, where dozens of large trucks pass in and out on an hourly basis to transport material. Many pedestrians pass right in front of the parking structure, making it crucial that proper safety measures are in place to warn the passerby when a truck is about to enter or exit the gate. And because the area is loud from surrounding traffic and city noises, a clear visual indication is needed in addition to audible alarms to ensure that pedestrians notice the warnings and have enough time to clear the way.
When a truck approaches the gate, the SF Beacon displays a rotating light pattern. Once the gate begins to open, the light pattern of the SF Beacon changes to a triple-flash, and its 88dB buzzer is also activated. The loud buzzer and ultra-bright LED indication can instantly be recognized by the pedestrians, even during the daytime. During night hours, a timer switch is used to activate the dimming mode of the beacon to avoid blinding drivers and pedestrians.
Differentiate Machine Statuses
At this food manufacturing plant, an SF Beacon is being installed on a filling machine. During normal operation, the SF Beacon displays a pulse pattern to indicate that the machine is currently in motion, and that the machine is operating normally. However, when the machine experiences a jam or other mechanical failure that requires immediate attention, the triple-flash pattern of the SF Beacon is activated to give a clear and recognizable alert to operators.
Because the SF Beacon is equipped with long-life LEDs and has a motorless construction, the machine operators do not need to worry about replacing old motors or bulbs. Additionally, with the wide range of display patterns that the SF Beacon has, other light patterns such as double flash and rotation can be used to differentiate between operation statuses or machines. Changing the flash patterns of each beacon can be done quickly and easily by any operator, just by adjusting the rotary switch.
Featured Distributor
Marshall Wolf Automation, Inc. has been a PATLITE distributor for over 20 years. Established in 1984, Marshall Wolf Automation is a family-owned industrial automation distributor that has 3 divisions serving their customers: eCommerce, OEM Sales plus a UL508 panel shop.
Located in Illinois, they are an authorized, stocking distributor for a wide range of manufacturers and product categories. Their growing online catalog of over 50,000 products includes signal lighting, switches, sensors, variable frequency drives, motors and more. You can find many of PATLITE's most popular products at www.wolfautomation.com.
