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Beacons: What is the meaning of each colour lens? (IEC 60073)

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What is the meaning of a Red Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

A red Ex-tech beacon light is usually associated with an emergency. This is also the case with red beacon lights on most, if not all signalling devices Atex or not. Red in the history of humanity has stood for Stop/Danger. In AVS signalling, red is no different and signals emergency, a dangerous or hazardous condition and A situation which requires immediate action. Signal lights with a red Ex-Tech beacon light are suitable for signalling system failures, values that lie outside their safe limits (e.g. temperature or pressure) or if there is danger.

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Absolutely, a red Ex-tech beacon light is a critical situation that would require swift action in any application and is Hazard-implying. The highest warning level is indicated by a red beacon light. When it lights up, it stands for the highest level of urgency and not to be used in general IEC 600073 guidelines 'for a general warning'.

For example, in a manufacturing facility where Pressure or Temperature has increased beyond the safe range and immediate shutdown is required due to the action of the protective devices (equipment failure).

Exceptions to this rule are two-colour or multi-colour signal systems with only one red and one green warning light.

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What is the meaning of a Yellow Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

These colours, renowned for their intense brightness, are employed to draw attention to specific situations. Yellow and amber Ex-Tech beacon lights signal an impending critical state that necessitates human monitoring or intervention. Devices featuring such lights are adept at indicating overloads or surpassing standard values, provided the duration remains within permissible limits. Required actions aim to forestall abnormal conditions and avert ensuing consequences. Yellow or amber Ex-Tech beacon lights are apt for cautioning against moderate dangers, serving as precautions and warnings. For example, in a manufacturing facility where Pressure or temperature has extended above the normal operating range however has not quite reached the unsafe range, but action within a line is imminently or currently taking place to return the operation of the facility to a safe range of conditions.

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An amber Ex-tech beacon light is critical in any plant operation to ensure the safety of personnel. Where toxic and/or combustible gases, dust or liquids may be released generally through a form of a vent into the atmosphere (released by a pressure relief device such as a safety or Pressure relief valve).

What is the meaning of a Green Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

The green colour simply denotes a safe normal state of operation or environment, requiring no immediate action. It's essential really to recognize green as just that- a safety colour, as opposed to a warning colour. Safety guidelines, which already indicate potential hazards, are more appropriately conveyed through blue signals.

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Commonly, machines equipped with green Ex-Tech beacon lights signal readiness for operation or seamless functioning without any glitches. For example, a green Ex-Tech beacon light in a manufacturing facility could signify pressure or temperature in a normal range and no further action is required other than seamless operation of the facility. Many plants use a green Ex-tech signalling beacon to inform other personnel simply that the plant is in operation and not the earlier information regarding what the conditions of the plant are. However, the latter is assumed otherwise operation would be put to a hold to ensure safe operation of the equipment and ultimate safety of all personnel within the facility.

What is the meaning of a Blue Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

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What does a blue Ex-Tech beacon light signify? Most linked with emergency services, these lights should refrain from usage on the road or in areas of public access. Of course, different nations operate their emergency services with different colours. However, in the UK and Europe certainly, blue is connoted to be the colour of emergency services. Many plants or manufacturers of signalling would suggest that Blue is a common alternative to red signalling. However, the true utility of the Blue Ex-Tech beacons signifies any condition necessitating a specific action by the operator, distinct from the states represented by red, yellow, orange, and green colours. Blue can be assigned various meanings beyond these.

This is best explained using an example to distinguish the true difference. For example, emergency evacuation on board a ship, a blue light could signal to an operator to abandon the ship. In manufacturing settings, a blue LED beacon often signifies a distinction, such as prompting a conditioned response to shut down safety-critical processes like switch off the line and evacuate the premises.

What is the meaning of a Clear/White Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

An Opaque/Clear/White Ex-Tech beacon really carries ambiguity. It is best explained by what it should not be used for. Many of our new clients replace their clear domes on their push buttons with stop or off functions. While clear Ex-Tech beacon lights have high light transmission without consuming light, they are unequivocally unsuitable for drawing attention to warn of danger despite their brightness. As discussed, there are standards which must be met, and each colour has its own tailored usages.

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A more appropriate selection of colour, a client would therefore have to choose specific to the application with the information provided with this article. In a nutshell, a clear beacon light carries no distinct significance. It is employed when there's uncertainty regarding the use of red, yellow, green, or blue lights. Whether employee supervision or intervention is needed for the illumination of the clear dome must be evaluated case by case.

What is the meaning of a Purple Lens Ex-Tech Beacon?

At Ex-Tech, we are committed to delivering our customers the highest quality level of customer service. Purple plays a prolific role for our Oil and Gas Clients, especially in the UAE and USA as an alternative to red. When an Ex-Tech beacon light in the purple signal colour illuminates, individuals should promptly evacuate the area or trained personnel should take immediate necessary actions.

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A more appropriate selection of colour, a client would therefore have to choose specific to the application with the information provided with this article. In a nutshell, a clear beacon light carries no distinct significance. It is employed when there's uncertainty regarding the use of red, yellow, green, or blue lights. Whether employee supervision or intervention is needed for the illumination of the clear dome must be evaluated case by case.

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At Ex-tech Signalling, we are experts in manufacturing a wide range of AVS solutions for Harsh and Hazardous areas, and offer a wide range of products and solutions. Please contact us today for further information.

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