Moflash - Types of Signal

Rotating Beacons - 'R'
A parabolic reflector, driven by an electric motor, revolves around a continuously illuminated bulb on the vertical axis of the beacon creating a powerful beam of light travelling through 360 degrees. These units are available with either a filament or a tungsten halogen bulb. In general this type of beacon has a greater degree of light output than other models but this is reduced as the parabolic reflector only illuminates one given point at a time.

Flashing Filament Beacons - 'FF'
Operating through an internal circuit, which simply cycles the bulb On, and Off. These type of beacons generally give a much lower light output as it takes longer for the bulb to fully illuminate itself. These units are available with either a filament or tungsten halogen bulb. The light output can be improved by the use of a Dioptric (Fresnal) lens which is placed over the bulb capturing the light emitted, magnifying and directing it to increase the brightness of the visual signal. In terms of light coverage this type of beacon is more efficient as it illuminates the whole surface of the beacon constantly through 360 degrees.

Static Filament (Continuous) Beacons - 'SF'
These units are identical to Flashing Filament beacons with the exception that they do not operate through an On, and Off cycle. When the unit is energised the light source stays permanently 'On'. The main advantage of this type of beacon is that the light can be controlled by a separate source i.e.. a control panel, giving the unit more flexibility. These units are available with either a filament of tungsten halogen bulb.

Xenon (Strobe) Beacons - 'X'
A discharge capacitor operating through a converter circuit ignites xenon gas inside a tube creating a brilliant flash of light. Xenon gas ignites virtually instantaneously so maximum brightness is obtained immediately. This signal can be improved further by the use of a Dioptric (Fresnal) lens as described earlier. In some Moflash models a 'Double Flash' option is also available which extends the signal duration making it more noticeable to the human eye.
see X88, X201/200, X401/400 & 501/500.
Xenons have an added advantage of low current consumption combined with long life. The tube life of a xenon beacon is approximately 5 million flashes.
These units are the most efficient available incorporating a 360-degree light output with the brightest and most effective visual signal.

Light Emitting Diode Beacons - 'LED'
A light emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. The four major benefits of LED technology incorporated into warning beacons are:

Moflash offer a range of LED options, from beacons containing 8 off LEDs up to 144 off LEDs in a single enclosure. They can be set in various modes of operation from Flashing, Static and Rotating. Some beacons have a combined Audible and Visual option. Ethernet compatible and PLC controllable beacons also make up the range along with high 'Ingress Protection' enclosures.

Either Electro Mechanical type where the diaphragm is deflected by a moving magnet which is triggered by a make and break contactor or the Piezo type where the diaphragm is controlled by an electronic circuit. The Mechanical versions offer medium/high dB output with low frequency sound and are of robust construction. Piezo versions are relatively low dB and high frequency and are only suitable for local signalling applications.

Electronic Sounders

The electronic sounder is a versatile acoustic signal incorporating 8 individual tones. It incorporates a medium dB output with a distinctive multi-tone frquency option to indicate various processes, a second one can be remotely switched via a third wire. This type of signal is suitable for fire alarm use and conforms to current EC regulations.

Air horns are non-electrical devices that only operate from a compressed air supply. They offer very high dB output with very low frequency sound making them ideal for very noisy environments. Moflash offers an industrial and marine range. Being non-electrical they can be used in hazardous area Category 1 use.

Bells are a cost effective trafitional signalling device with a wide range of signalling applications. They offer medium dB output with a unique sound. Moflash offers two type: solenoid driven for industrial applications where they are under constant daily use, and a motor driven type more suitable for fire alarm applications.

Hooters are powerful motor driven horns producing the unique and never forgotten 'Klaxon' sound used the world over. A serated rotor driven against a hardened steel diaphragm stud creates a high dB output with low frquency sound. These types of signals are ideal for indoor or outdoor applications where a rugged and durable sounder is required