Steady & Flashing Beacons

Series Guide

Selection by Environment

The protection rating usually narrows the choice faster than anything else. Match the rating to the worst condition the beacon will see, not the average one.

Multicolor and Networked Beacons

A multicolor beacon replaces several single-color units when you need to show more than one state but do not have room for a tower. Patlite NE multicolor models select up to 7 colors from one 56 mm unit, and some add a buzzer or a touch sensor that lets an operator acknowledge the signal. The NE-IL connects over IO-Link through a 5-pin M12 connector, so the controller sets color and pattern without separate output wires. Patlite GL7 and GL10 CAN models (part numbers with "C1") switch red, amber, and green over a CAN network, and GL7 CAN models support SAE J1939 for mobile equipment.

Ordering Notes That Prevent Returns

• Reading Patlite SL and SF part numbers. SL08, SL10, and SL15 are 80, 100, and 150 mm (SF08 and SF10 for the SF series). M1 is 12-24V DC and M2 is 100-240V AC. J is a cable type with 3-screw mounting, rated IP23. KT is a terminal-block type with hole mounting, rated IP66. The last letter is N for no buzzer or B for buzzer. Example: SL10-M1KTB-R is a 100 mm, 12-24V DC, terminal-block beacon with buzzer, red.
• Cable types can reach IP65 with a gasket. SL and SF cable types are IP23 as shipped. The optional SZW-102 (80 mm) or SZW-103 (100 mm) rubber gasket raises them to IP65. For wet locations without a gasket, choose a terminal-block (KT) model.
• Reading Sprecher + Schuh M Series part numbers. The first three digits give the size (817 MLS 90 mm, 818 MLM 120 mm, 819 MLL 160 mm). The next two give the mounting: 10 for horizontal base mount, 30 for pole base mount with M20 thread, 31 for pole base mount with 1/2 in NPT. The sixth digit is the lens color (1 amber, 2 red, 4 clear, 5 blue, 6 green, 7 yellow), and the last three are the voltage (405 for 24V AC/DC, 310 for 110/120V AC, 313 for 230/240V AC).
• Halogen beacons need spare lamps. Sprecher + Schuh M Series steady beacons ship with a halogen bulb. Keep spares from Replacement Bulbs, or switch to an LED beacon of similar size to avoid lamp changes.
• CAN or voltage input. Patlite GL7, GL7T, and GL10 models with "C1" in the part number are CAN-controlled. Models without "C1" run from 12-24V DC voltage inputs.
• Batteries are not included with the Patlite PFH-BT. It takes 4 AA batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use a steady beacon instead of a flashing beacon?

Use a steady beacon for status that operators should be able to check at a glance, such as power on or process running. Use a flashing beacon when the signal needs action, such as a fault, an open guard, or moving equipment. If one location needs both, a multi-function beacon such as the Patlite SF or Pfannenberg QUADRO LED-HI can switch between patterns.

What is the difference between the Patlite SL and SF series?

The SL is a flashing beacon with multiple flash patterns, available in 80, 100, and 150 mm. The SF is a multi-function beacon with 22 selectable light patterns, including LED animations that simulate rotation, in 80 and 100 mm. Both come in cable and terminal-block versions, with or without a buzzer.

Which beacons are rated for washdown?

The Patlite GL7, GL7T, and GL10 are rated IP69K for high-pressure, high-temperature washdown. The Patlite LPT is rated IP68, and Patlite SL and SF terminal-block models and the LFH are rated IP66. Confirm the rating on the product page before specifying a beacon for food, beverage, or vehicle washdown.

Can one beacon show more than one color?

Yes. Patlite NE multicolor beacons display up to 7 colors from a single 56 mm unit, and the NE-IL version is controlled over IO-Link. Patlite GL7, GL7T, and GL10 three-color models switch between red, amber, and green. For three or more permanent status colors that operators read together, a signal tower is usually clearer.

Is the Patlite LFH suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. Patlite rates the LFH IP66 and NEMA Type 4/4X/13 for indoor and outdoor use, with vibration resistance of 9G and night-time visibility of about 150 m. It is UL 1638 listed and available in 12V, 24V, and 48V DC and AC versions, in red, amber, green, blue, and white.

Do I need a rotating beacon or a strobe instead?

A rotating beacon sweeps light 360 degrees and is easiest to read from any direction, which suits moving equipment and open areas. A strobe produces short, very bright flashes for bright or visually busy spaces. See Rotating Beacons or Flashing Strobes to compare.