Beacons & Warning Lights

Light Pattern Guide: Steady, Flashing, Strobe, or Rotating

The light pattern sets how urgent the signal looks. Many sites reserve flashing, strobe, and rotating patterns for conditions that need action, and use steady light for status.

Selection by Application

Ordering Notes That Prevent Returns

• Voltage input or CAN? Patlite GL7 and GL7T part numbers with "C1" (for example GL7-M1NC1-T) are CAN-controlled. Without "C1" (GL7-M1N-T) the beacon is controlled by 12 to 24V DC voltage inputs and runs fixed flash patterns.
• Check the supply before the color. The GF7-48N-Y is 48V DC, while GL7, GL7T, GL10, and LPT models listed here run on 12 to 24V DC. Sprecher + Schuh beacons are offered in separate 24V AC/DC, 120V AC, and 240V AC versions, so match the part to the panel supply.
• Sprecher + Schuh size and mounting. The second letter sets the function (L steady, F strobe, R rotating mirror) and the last letter sets the size (S small, M medium, L large). Each size is listed in several mounting versions (horizontal, M20, and NPT), so confirm the mounting style before ordering.
• WTL50-D beacon elements are tower modules. Sprecher + Schuh WTL50-D steady, flashing, and strobe elements mount in a WTL50-D tower stack, not as stand-alone beacons.
• Batteries are not included. Patlite PFH-BT battery warning lights need 4 AA batteries ordered separately.
• Bulb-type beacons need the right lamp. For older incandescent or halogen beacons, match the base, voltage, and wattage in Replacement Bulbs, or ask about an LED replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a flashing beacon, a strobe, and a rotating beacon?

A flashing beacon switches its light on and off in a repeating pattern. A strobe produces a very short, intense flash from a xenon tube or high-output LEDs, which stands out in bright areas. A rotating beacon sweeps a beam around 360 degrees, either with a rotating mirror (Sprecher + Schuh MRS, MRM, MRL) or with sequenced LEDs that simulate rotation without moving parts (Patlite GF7).

Which beacons are rated for washdown and outdoor use?

The Patlite GL7, GL7T, GF7, and GL10 series carry an IP69K rating, which covers dust and high-pressure, high-temperature washdown. The Patlite LPT series is rated IP68 for wet and outdoor locations. Confirm the rating on the individual product page before specifying a beacon for food, beverage, or vehicle washdown.

Can a beacon be controlled over a CAN bus?

Yes. Patlite GL7, GL7T, and GL10 beacons are offered in CAN-controlled models that select up to 13 flash patterns and 4 brightness levels over the network. GL7 CAN models support the SAE J1939 protocol used on construction, agricultural, and material handling equipment. Voltage-input models of the same series run fixed flash patterns from discrete wiring instead.

Can one beacon show more than one color?

Yes. Patlite NE multicolor beacons can display up to 7 colors from a single LED, and some NE models add a buzzer. Patlite GL7, GL7T, and GL10 three-color models switch between red, amber, and green. For three or more permanent status colors, a signal tower is usually easier for operators to read.

Is there a warning light that does not need wiring?

The Patlite PFH-BT is a battery-operated LED warning light that runs on 4 AA batteries, so it can be placed where no power is available, such as temporary work zones or portable carts. Batteries are not included. It is available in red and amber.

Should I use a beacon or a signal tower?

Use a beacon when one condition needs to be seen from a distance, such as a moving vehicle, an open door, or an active hazard zone. Use a signal tower when operators need to read several machine states at once, such as run, warning, and fault. Many machines use both: a tower for status and a beacon or horn and strobe combination for alarms.