Rotating Beacons

Rotating Beacon Series Guide

Patlite SK and RLR beacons pair LEDs with a brushless motor and a dual reflector. Patlite notes that the brushless motor runs cooler and lasts longer than a conventional brushed motor, and the LEDs have no bulb to replace.

Rotating Beacons with Built-In Sound

When people need to hear the warning as well as see it, a combined unit saves wiring and mounting a separate horn. Choose built-in alarm tones for standard alerts, or MP3 voice for spoken messages such as "Forklift approaching" or "Line 3 stopped."

The RFT and RFV fit smaller cells and lines. The RT-E and RT-VF use a large horn to cover a whole production floor or warehouse aisle. For louder or stand-alone sounders, see Audible Signals.

Ordering Notes That Prevent Returns

• RFT and RFV are not 120V AC. The AC versions are built for 100V AC or 220V AC supplies. On a 120V AC circuit, use the RT-E or RT-VF 120V models, or an RFT or RFV 24V DC model with a 24V supply.
• RLR mounting pitch. RLR models with "-P" in the part number (for example RLR-M1-P-R) mount on a 120 mm bolt circle. Models without "-P" use a 140 mm bolt circle. Match the existing hole pattern when replacing a beacon.
• SK part numbers. SKS is 80 mm, SKH is 100 mm, and SKP is 150 mm. M1 is 12-24V DC and M2 is 100-240V AC. J is cable, T is terminal block, and a B at the end of that code adds a buzzer (SKH-M1JB-R, for example).
• IP65 on SK beacons needs a gasket. SK beacons are IP23 as shipped. The optional SZW-102 rubber gasket (SKS) or SZW-103 (SKH) raises them to IP65; SKP has no IP65 option. For a wet or outdoor location without a gasket, choose the IP66 RLR.
• Mounting direction. SK beacons can be mounted upright, inverted, or sideways indoors, but only upright outdoors. The RT series installs upright only.
• RFV needs an SD card for custom messages. The card is sold separately.

Sprecher + Schuh M Series Replacements

Sprecher + Schuh MRS (90 mm), MRM (120 mm), and MRL (160 mm) beacons spin a mirror around a halogen lamp. They are listed here for like-for-like replacement of existing installations. Auer Signal, which builds this line, now offers LED Series R multifunction beacons with a rotating mode as the successor.

Match the mounting too: M Series beacons come in horizontal base mount and pole base mount with an M20 or 1/2 in NPT thread. Halogen lamps need periodic replacement; spares are in Replacement Bulbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an LED rotating beacon work?

In Patlite SK and RLR beacons, a brushless motor turns a dual reflector around the LEDs to throw a sweeping beam. Patlite rates the SK at 120 rpm. Because the light source is LED, there is no bulb to replace, and the brushless motor runs cooler and lasts longer than a brushed motor. Older halogen rotating mirror beacons, like the Sprecher + Schuh M Series, spin a mirror around a halogen lamp that needs periodic replacement.

Which rotating beacon should I use on a forklift or vehicle?

The Patlite RLR is built for it. It is rated IP66, and its rubber base absorbs vibration up to 110 m/s² on the DC models (RLR-M1). The 162 mm dome is large enough to see across a warehouse or yard. For a compact, washdown-rated alternative, see the Patlite GF7 in Warning Lights.

Can a rotating beacon play a spoken message?

Yes. The Patlite RFV (100 mm, up to 95 dB) and RT-VF (162 mm, up to 105 dB) play MP3 voice messages on 4 input channels, so each fault or event can trigger its own announcement. RFV messages load from an SD card, sold separately. For standard alarm tones without recording, the RFT and RT-E each offer 32 built-in sounds.

Are rotating beacons rated for outdoor use?

It depends on the series. The Patlite RLR is IP66. Patlite SK beacons are IP23 as shipped and reach IP65 with the optional rubber gasket (SKS and SKH only), and they must be mounted upright outdoors. The Pfannenberg PMF LED-HI is IP55. Check the protection rating on the product page against the location before ordering.

How do I replace a Sprecher + Schuh rotating beacon?

Read the part number on the existing beacon. The first three digits give the size (417 MRS, 418 MRM, 419 MRL) and the last three give the voltage (405 for 24V AC/DC, 310 for 120V AC, 313 for 240V AC). Then match the mounting style and lens color. To move to LED instead, a Patlite SK or RLR of similar diameter is a common choice; check the mounting holes before switching brands.