Since warning signals are emerging as a necessity in the community, it is also essential to be sure about their installation as well as the proper way to maintain these devices.
When installing hazard warning beacons, they should be placed in the most effective spot. Doing so will let allow them to provide all-round light visibility. It will also help you to maintain the Ingress Protection or IP rating of the beacon – this is the measure of sealing effectiveness levels of electrical enclosures against intrusion, such as moisture, dirt, tools, and a whole lot more.
Installation of Visual Warning Beacons
Before installing any visual warning beacon, make sure that the mounting gasket provided is among the recommended models. A mounting gasket is such a fundamental component when it comes to visual warning beacon installation, but it serves a huge part in keeping the device fit and secure. It is a seal that is provided to ensure that there is no seepage of unwanted matter into the area.
Aside from that, you must also ensure that where an ‘O’ ring is provided, it is in perfect position between the base and dome. You should also place a suitable IP rated cable gland in areas where it is necessary.
Where possible, it is also best to avoid installing visual warning beacons in areas of excessive vibration. Some beacons are designed to withstand vibration more so than others, so this is something to take into account upon product selection.
Maintenance of Visual Warning Beacons
Xenon tubes are well known for their slow deterioration. But when the device fails, you can normally observe an erratic flashing before it shuts down. The moment that this happens the tube must be replaced immediately, otherwise, it may result in electrical circuit damage.
The beacon dome should be cleaned regularly to ensure its light output performance. Aside from the fact that cleaning it will remove the dirt it holds, it also helps to extinguish the heat that the beacon accumulates. But always remember that the use of petroleum-based cleaners is not safe when cleaning these devices. Find a suitable cleaning solution, and use a soft cloth to clean the dome.
But before anything else, always disconnect the visual warning signal or the beacon light from the electricity source before doing maintenance. You should also allow approximately 15 minutes to allow the unit to self-discharge before removing the dome. This is because high voltages of electricity will still linger on the PCB during this period.
Following these tips can help you to prolong the lifespan of most visual warning devices, as well as improving their performance as a provider of additional safety in the community and other areas where extra caution is essential..
Visual warning beacons serve a vital purpose in providing additional safety, which is why it is essential to follow the necessary installation and maintenance guidelines to ensure that they work day and night correctly and for a long time. Proper maintenance of beacons also helps to reduce the cost of repairing or replacing them in the future.
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