Important Information On LED Obstruction Lighting

By Brian Bailey


Usually, warning lights in aircrafts are fitted on tall structures in order to ensure that such structure are visible. The lights serve to notify to the aircraft availability of a tall structure at a given point. While such lights are commonly used at night, they are used during the day as well. These lights should be sufficiently bright such that the structure can be viewed from miles away. It is for this reason that LED obstruction lighting serve an important purpose.

Obstruction lights generally come in various types and fall into three general categories. The first classification is the low-intensity light which is usable in places where the intensity of objects as well as structures remain few. Under such circumstances, objects, as well as structures in these areas normally stand at 45 meters or less above the ground level.

The other category of obstruction light is referred to as medium intensity lights. This is usually used in cases where the structures and even other object are distributed quite extensively. On the other hand, the heights of structures, as well as objects in such areas stand above 45 meters from the ground levels to allow such lights to be applicable. The final category or classification is the high-intensity obstacle lighting that remain usable as an indication of the existence of structures or objects standing 150 meters above ground level.

Currently, it is outlined by regulations that red lights to be used at night and white strobes to be applied in the day. This is owed to the fact that aviators will spot red lights more easily at night and especially when they are in urban areas. White strobes remain widely relied on in locations with sparse populations.

On the contrary, it remains a challenge for pilots to spot white strobes as they fly at night. This gives a good explanation on their preferred use only during the day and not at night. In addition, they present various health concerns to people who may be around them. Medium-intensity white strobes usually are fitted on structure standing at heights of 200-500 feet above the ground. When medium-intensity lights are used on structures above 500 feet from the ground, such structures usually need to have some paintwork done.

The high intensity white strobes are used on structures that extend to 700 feet or more, to ensure that the structure can be easily noticed. They can also be used at any time, whether during the day or at night. Also, the aircrafts are fitted with warning lights for other aircrafts to see them. Such lights are such as landing lights, wingtip strobes, white flashing beacons, and wingtip navigation lights.

Mostly, the obstruction lighting are designed such that the maintenance team receive warning in case of malfunction. They usually contain an in-built alarm that produces a sound if there is a problem. Apart from safety, these types of lights are also eco-friendly. They do not have any negative effect to the environment.

In addition, an obstacle light is designed using components that feature high-quality. In consequence, minimal maintenance, as well as replacement costs will be needed. The quality materials relied on in their crafting elongates their lifespan. Because such lights remain very efficient, their electric energy consumption is usually low hence translating into low power bill.




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