Visibility Meets Durability: Patlite’s Explosion-Proof Signal Towers

Patlite, a specialist in all types of industrial light indicators, has recently launched two versions of explosion-proof signal towers. These signal towers are capable of being used in dangerous environments where a single spark could cause an explosion. Special equipment is designed to function in these environments, which bear the label of “explosion-proof,” meaning they will not cause an explosion in harsh environments.

The new REF (left) and EDLR (right) light tower and beacon. Image used courtesy of Patlite

Signal Towers

When you want to convey equipment status to an operator, signal towers present a clear indicator of what the equipment is doing. A typical signal tower includes three bright lights: red, yellow, and green (and sometimes there are variations of this scheme).

Similar to a traffic light, red typically means the machine has stopped, yellow means there is a warning that the operator needs to address, and green typically means the system is performing as expected. Additional signals can be issued by flashing the lights at a fast or slow rate, depending on the signal you are trying to send.

The EDLR light tower. Image used courtesy of Patlite

EDLR Light Tower

This signal tower model comes in 24 VDC or 100-240 VAC (50/60Hz), and can function in ambient temperatures of -20 to 50°C at less than 90% humidity. The tower is designed to be mounted upright, indoors or outdoors, and weighs 9 kg. The enclosure is made of rugged aluminum die-cast, hard-tempered glass with a flame-proof rating of “d.” The EDLR is certified for use in gas arrears of Zone 1 or Zone 2 and requires a certified Ex Cable gland when mounted. Each EDLR can be ordered with a red, yellow, and green light, and the arrangement is specified in the part number.

The REF series of LED beacons in both red and amber. Image courtesy of Patlite

REF LED Beacon

A beacon is another way of getting people’s attention within a factory. Often, operators cannot see the light tower from where they are, so a beacon that flashes and rotates to move the light around can draw attention to the hazard much more efficiently.

The REF beacon from Patlite is an explosion-proof beacon available in red or amber, 24 VDC or 110-240 VAC, and has the same rugged flame-proof enclosure as the EDLR light tower with the same gas ratings.

The beacon patterns are configurable to triple-flash, dimmed triple-flash, continuous, and rotating at 120 RPM. The configurations are set by connecting CH1 or CH2 to a common terminal and can be used to signal different types of hazards.

A light tower on process automation equipment, notifying operators of equipment status. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock

Getting The Operator’s Attention

Operators are often out in the facility performing multiple jobs and cannot sit and monitor every gauge, dial, and meter to verify proper operation. In the oil and gas industry, a failure to promptly notify operators of potential hazards could cause serious injury or even death. For these reasons, light towers and beacons are often used together to notify operators and signify the status of equipment.

Ultimately, any device (including lights) that uses electricity can cause sparks, which in some environments could lead to an explosion. Thankfully, the new explosion-proof light towers and beacons offered by Patlite are designed to function in harsh environments without causing an explosion.