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When are flashing amber beacons used?
Amber beacon lights have many uses, and we differentiate between mobile and fixed uses. Fixed amber beacons are mounted, for example, on:
- Gates that move or open and close automatically.
- Machines with moving parts.
The amber beacons warn people when the machine is operating, or the gates are moving. Fixed amber beacon lights are often operated using the existing 230 V mains current.
However, in practice, mobile use of amber rotating beacons in the 12/24 V voltage range is the most common. Rotating beacons with amber flashing lights can often be seen on the following vehicles:
- Tow trucks and roadside assistance
- Rescue vehicles
- Municipal vehicle fleets
- Construction vehicles
- Agricultural vehicles
- Heavy goods vehicles
- Slow-moving vehicles
An extensive range of StVZO-approved 24 V or 12 V amber beacons operated with a voltage of 12 volts or 24 volts are available for these vehicles.
Which vehicles are permitted to use flashing amber beacons?
The use of flashing amber beacons is regulated in § 52 of the German road traffic regulations (StVO). StVO and StVZO permit the use of flashing amber beacons on the following vehicles:
- Breakdown vehicles, e.g., tow trucks or roadside assistance vehicles
- Construction vehicles, e.g., trucks, cranes, diggers, etc.
- Refuse and highways services vehicles
- Road sweepers, e.g. winter road clearance or street cleaning
- Vehicles with oversized length, width and height
- Vehicles transporting unusually wide and long loads and heavy goods vehicles
- Escort vehicles for abnormal loads
- Large agricultural vehicles
Technical features of the rotating amber beacons
The rotating amber light can be generated using different lighting technologies: LED, halogen bulb or xenon tube. LED light is the most up-to-date technology available for rotating beacons. LED amber beacons are characterised by their extreme durability and low power consumption. The amber colour is produced by amber-coloured LEDs or, for other light sources (halogen or xenon bulbs), an amber light cover. Halogen rotating beacons feature inexpensive, simple and robust rotor technology and are reasonably priced. Rotating amber beacons with xenon tubes (gas discharge lamps) are increasingly being replaced by LED beacons and are now scarcely available. All rotating amber beacons emit a 360° light so they are visible from all directions and can warn other road users in good time.
Three different options are available for installing flashing amber beacons. The quickest and easiest method is using a built-in magnetic base. The magnet in the base holds the amber beacon securely in place on both stationary and moving vehicles. They must be positioned on a magnetic surface. Amber beacon lights can also be operated with an electric cable with a plug for connecting to the cigarette lighter. A magnetic base is the first choice for occasional use of the beacon. The plug-in base is the second option for a removable amber beacon. A plug-in base can be permanently fixed to the vehicle to hold the amber beacon and the amber beacon is simply attached to it if required. The plug-in base contains the switched contact for supplying power to the light. However, if warning lights are going to be in constant use, it is advisable to mount them permanently on the vehicle. In this case, the amber beacon light should be screwed directly onto the roof, as high up as possible for better visibility. The light is then operated by pressing the corresponding switch inside the vehicle.
Buy flashing amber beacons in the ProLux online shop
You will find a wide range of rotating amber beacons in our shop. We offer different designs, mounting types and models, such as flashing amber beacons with amber or clear covers, as well as elegant models with black housings. In the beacon lights section of our online shop, you will also find many lightbars.
Flashing amber beacon
Flashing amber beacons are distinctive warning lights that are used for different purposes. Their amber flashing light and 360-degree visibility make them particularly effective as a warning device. When mounted on vehicles, rotating amber beacons warn other road users of hazards, accidents and breakdowns.
§ 52 of the German road traffic regulations (StVZO) regulates use of amber beacons and which vehicles are allowed to use them. It goes without saying that our ECE R65-compliant rotating beacons fulfil all the prescribed StVO conditions of use.
