Our Complete Guide to Tower Signal Lights

Perhaps no other single kind of specialized lighting is as ubiquitous in commercial and industrial systems and infrastructure as signal lights. Whether it’s for traffic and air control, the display status for industrial machinery, or lighting used in construction settings, these pieces of equipment are essential for maintaining the safety and orderly operation of a myriad of different businesses and industries.

In this guide we will cover all of the basics when it comes to tower signal lights and systems, including what they are used for and the general installation process, as well as recommendations on featured brands that we carry right here in our store for those who are looking to purchase.

What Are Tower Signal Lights?

Tower signal lights are lights that are mounted on tall structures, such as towers or poles, to indicate the status of various systems or processes.

These lights are often used in industrial settings, such as factories or oil rigs, to indicate the status of equipment or machinery, such as whether it is running, in need of maintenance, or in an emergency shutdown state. They may also be used in traffic control systems, to indicate the status of a particular intersection or road. The lights are typically color-coded and can be controlled remotely or by automated systems.

Various operations are dependent on these lights and the meaning behind them, not only to maximize industrial efficiency, but to protect the workers and those who may be traversing the location where the lights are being used.

In many instances, tower signal lighting systems are put in place to direct people on site as to what to do and where to go. This can be for their own protection and safety, or to address certain pieces of equipment at certain times.

As we will detail more about below, these lighting systems are also often used to direct streams of traffic, both on the ground and in the air.

Lately, LED technology has revolutionized tower signal lighting in general, as these lighting options are energy-efficient and often give off a much brighter, more eye-catching light than older counterparts. This is important because the very heart of the functionality and purpose behind tower signal lighting is the ability for those on site to be able to see what is going on at a glance. Whether this means making sure a piece of equipment is functioning correctly, or if a runway is clear, matters a great deal. This is why having high-quality tower signal lights for your industrial and commercial processes is critically important.

General Guidelines For Installing Tower Signaling Systems

Tower signal lights are installed on tall structures such as towers or poles, using a variety of methods depending on the specific application and location. Some of the key considerations when installing tower signal lights include the height of the structure, the specific environment in which the lights will be located and used in, and the electrical power requirements of the lights themselves, which can vary.

Here is an overview of the general steps for installing tower signal lights:

• Site preparation: The first step is to prepare the site where the lights will be installed. This may include clearing any obstacles, leveling the ground, and ensuring that the structure is stable and secure.
• Mounting: The lights are typically mounted on the structure using brackets or other hardware. This may involve drilling holes in the structure to attach the brackets, or welding the brackets onto the structure.
• Electrical wiring: The lights are connected to a power source using electrical wiring. This may involve running conduit or other wiring protection up the structure to the lights. The wiring should be properly grounded and protected to prevent damage or electrical hazards.
• Testing: After the lights have been installed and wired, they should be tested to ensure that they are functioning properly. This may include testing the lights for power, proper grounding, and proper function.
• Maintenance: Tower signal lights require regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly. This includes inspecting the lights, cleaning the lens, and replacing bulbs as needed.
• Safety: Safety should be a top priority during installation, testing, and maintenance. It is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations to protect workers and ensure that the lights are installed and maintained correctly.

It's worth noting here that depending on the complexity of the project, specialized equipment and professional installation might be required, especially when working with high-voltage equipment or in hazardous environments.

Where Are Tower Signal Lights Used?

These specialized signal lights are used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and infrastructure settings. Here are a few examples of where tower signal lighting is commonly used:

• Oil and Gas Facilities: Tower signal lights are used on oil rigs, drilling platforms, and other oil and gas infrastructure to indicate the status of equipment and processes, such as whether a pump is running or if there is an emergency shutdown in progress.
• Manufacturing: These lights are often used in factories, warehouses, and other industrial facilities to indicate the status of machinery, conveyor belts, and other equipment. They can be used to indicate when equipment is running, when it needs maintenance, or when it has been shut down.
• Traffic Control: Tower signal lights are used at intersections, on bridges, and along highways to control traffic flow and indicate the status of traffic lights. They can also be used to indicate when construction or maintenance is taking place.
• Airports: Tower lights are also used at airports to indicate the status of runways, taxiways, and other areas of the airport. They can be used to indicate when a runway is active, when a plane is taxiing, and when an area is closed for maintenance.
• Power Plants: These lights are also used in power plants to indicate the status of generators, boilers, and other equipment. They can be used to indicate when a generator is running, when it needs maintenance, or when there is an emergency shutdown in progress.
• Construction Sites: You will also find signal lighting used at construction sites to indicate the status of heavy equipment and to warn workers of potential hazards. They can also be used to indicate the location of underground utilities or other important information to workers and vehicles on the site.

Purchasing High-Quality LED Tower Lights For Your Facility

Regardless of the specific use, we carry various tower signal lights for just about every industrial and commercial purpose here at ProductsForAutomation.com. Featuring industry staples such as Menics and Qronz, you are sure to find what you need for your facility right here. We also carry quality beacon lights as well as key tower and beacon light accessories. If you have any specific questions about our selection or if you are looking for something and can’t find it, please give us a call at 800-966-2345 and we will gladly assist you!