It's snowing so heavily at the workplace that it's impossible to see the vehicles. What should we do? Can warning lights only be used at night? Generally speaking, vehicle lights can be used during the day. For low-visibility conditions in snowy weather, it's best to install warning lights on snowplows. However, sometimes, even with flashing lights installed, the visibility of the vehicle remains very low. Ultimately, either the lights are of poor quality or they are not suitable for the snowplow model. So, how do we choose the right beacon lights to protect ourselves and pedestrians?
Give priority to high-quality beacon light.
SAE Class I rating
To ensure sufficient visibility even in adverse weather conditions, snowplows should be equipped with ultra-high-brightness LED beacon lights that meet the SAE Class I standard. These lights can be clearly identified during the day and can effectively convey warning messages even in low-visibility environments such as thick fog or heavy snow.
IP67 waterproof rating
Snowplow drivers often face the problems of snow-covered roads and wet environments. So, it can be seen that flashing warning lights used must have strong waterproof capabilities. The IP67 waterproof design ensures that the lights are completely dust-proof and can be immersed in 1-meter-deep water for 30 minutes without damage. This highly sealed design not only protects the internal electronic components from snowmelt but also extends the service life of the lights and reduces the risk of malfunctions caused by moisture.
Different types of flashing warning lights
Beacon fog lights
Front fog lights: It is recommended to install them near or slightly lower than the headlights. They are yellow light sources. Front fog lights have strong penetration in fog and can make vehicles or pedestrians notice the snowplow in advance in extremely low-visibility weather.
Rear fog lights: It is recommended to install them at the rear of the vehicle. They are red light sources. The function of rear fog lights is to make it easier for the following drivers to spot the snowplow in front and avoid rear-end collisions
Beacon light bars
Light bars are long-strip LED lights that can be installed on the top of the snowplow or other prominent positions. They usually use amber or red lights sources and emit strong light continuously or in a flashing manner, significantly enhancing the vehicle's visibility. The advantage of light bars is that their length can be customized according to needs, making them suitable for large-area coverage, especially for large snow removal equipment.
Rotating Beacon Lights
Rotating beacon lights create a strong visual effect by rotating the light quickly. Their light can cover all around, broadening the field of vision. They can attract the attention of pedestrians around to the greatest extent. For snowplows, green or amber rotating beacon lights are not only eye-catching but also can convey specific working status information, such as being engaged in snow removal operations or making a temporary stop for inspection.
Types of Colors
Although white light is bright, it is less noticeable in the vast expanse of snow, so it is not the best choice. In contrast, the following colors are more suitable:
Give priority to green: Especially in snowy areas, green light stands out against the white background and is easy to recognize.
Red: Represents an emergency or danger signal and is suitable for situations where immediate attention is required, such as when the snowplow suddenly stops or encounters an obstacle.
Amber: Widely used in general vehicles, including engineering vehicles and rescue vehicles.
Conclusion
When choosing flashing warning lights for snowplows, we should consider the factors, including the light's brightness level, waterproof performance, type, and color should be comprehensively considered. By correctly configuring these lights, they can play the greatest role in protecting you and passers-by.