Signaling, Lighting & Displays

Selection Guide: Match the Device to the Job

Most signaling problems map to one device type. Use this table to pick the right subcategory before narrowing by series.

Patlite LR Signal Tower Size Comparison

The Patlite LR series is the core of this category. All four sizes use the same "Twist and Lock" modular design, offer red, amber, green, blue, and white LED units, and carry an IP65 and NEMA Type 4X, 13 rating. Pick the diameter by viewing distance and the voltage you have at the machine.

Need a ready-to-install LR7? Shop LR7 pre-assembled towers or build your own from LR7 components and modules. For the other sizes, use Complete Signal Towers for assemblies and Modular Components & Tiers for base units, LED units, and buzzers.

Networked and Wireless Status Options

If the tower needs to talk to a controller, SCADA, or a monitoring PC, choose the connection method first. Each option below changes which base unit you order.

Ordering Notes That Prevent Returns

• Components only fit their own diameter. LR5 LED units, buzzers, and base units do not fit an LR6 tower. Match every component to the series of the base unit.
• Read the buzzer letter. In an LR part number, B means the buzzer is included and N means no buzzer. Example: LR7-302WJBW-RYG has a buzzer; LR7-302WJNW-RYG does not.
• Check voltage before you check color. The LR7 is 24V DC only, and AC versions are offered on the LR4 and LR6 only. The "02" voltage code in an LR part number means 24V DC.
• Color order is top to bottom. The suffix RYG means red on top, amber in the middle, green at the bottom.
• Some network monitors ship without a power supply. NHB6 models with "N" after the tier number (for example NHB6-3N-RYG) do not include the ADP-001 power supply.
• WD transmitters are tower-specific. Each Patlite WD transmitter is built for a specific tower series and diameter, and every transmitter needs a WD receiver.
• Replacement bulbs: match base, voltage, and wattage. Bulb-type beacons use different bases (for example BA9s, E14, E27). Order by the original lamp spec, or consider an LED module where the series offers one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size signal tower do I need?

Choose the diameter by viewing distance and voltage. The Patlite LR series comes in 40 mm (LR4), 50 mm (LR5), 60 mm (LR6), and 70 mm (LR7). Larger diameters are easier to see across a large floor, while the LR4 and LR5 suit compact machines. The LR7 is 24V DC only, so use an LR4 or LR6 if you need 100 to 240V AC.

Can I add or change colors on a signal tower after it is installed?

Yes, on modular towers. Patlite LR towers use a "Twist and Lock" design, so LED units and buzzer modules can be added, removed, or swapped in the field without replacing the tower. Order replacement units in the same diameter as the existing base unit.

How loud is a signal tower buzzer, and when do I need a separate horn?

Patlite rates the LR buzzer at 85 dB for the LR4 and LR5 (80 dB on 12V DC LR5), 88 dB for the LR6, and 90 dB for the LR7, measured at 1 m. In loud areas, or where people are not near the machine, a dedicated sounder is the better choice. Pfannenberg PATROL flashing sounders such as the PA X 1-05 reach 105 dB(A) and combine the sounder and a flashing light in one pre-wired unit.

Can a signal tower connect directly to a PLC network?

Yes. The Patlite LR5-LAN series is offered in EtherNet/IP models and in Ethernet models that support HTTP(S) and Modbus/TCP, so a controller or host system can set tower states over the network. Patlite also offers IO-Link (LR6-IL) and USB (LR6-USB) versions of the LR6. Network control reduces discrete output wiring from the PLC to the tower.

Which signal devices are rated for washdown?

Standard Patlite LR towers are IP65 and NEMA Type 4X, 13, which covers dust and water jets in indoor use. For high-pressure, high-temperature washdown, look for IP69K-rated devices, such as Patlite IP69K LR tower options and the GL7 and GF7 beacons. Confirm the rating on the individual product before specifying it for food, beverage, or pharmaceutical washdown areas.

How can I collect machine status data without rewiring my PLCs?

Patlite's WD wireless data acquisition system adds a transmitter to an existing Patlite signal tower and sends the tower's light and buzzer status to a WD receiver on your network. The data can be logged to CSV and used for downtime and OEE analysis. Because it reads the tower rather than the controller, it works on machines of any age or brand that already have a compatible Patlite tower.