Indicator Lights

Description

Indicator lights or pilot lights are used in instruments and machines to indicate the status (on/off) of the toggle keys and power switch. The lamp assemblies are mounted on the panel and consist of an indicator housing, internal lamp, terminals and lens. The source of light may be incandescent or LED or neon. Indicator lights are generally activated by closing of switches. With the power from fuse panel on other side, the indicator warns the operator that there is a malfunction or the existing situation should be considered. The important factors to be considered in indicator lights are voltage, size and color. They are employed for indicating process status, locating a component and warning about the abnormal operating conditions to operator.

Types

Based on their construction the following are a few types of Indicator lights:

• LED indicator lights
• Incandescent indicator lights

Based on their application the following are a few types of Indicator lights:

• Dashboard indicator lights
• Panel indicator lights
• Automotive indicator lights
• High beam indicator lights
• Warning indicator lights

Advantages

Some of the advantages of indicator lights are:

• Indicator lights attract attention of operators during dangerous or abnormal situations
• Incandescent indicator lights operates on both AC and DC circuits
• LED indicator are resistant to shock and vibrations, have average life of 100,000 hours
• Neon indicators are used in case of high voltage

Applications

Applications of indicator lights include all types of industrial control panels, status indicators, amusement equipments, indicator panels, display lighting and telephone equipment. They are an essential component of industrial automation system. Indicator lights are also used in aircrafts and automotive panels for indicating engine performance parameters, fuel levels or altitude. Dashboard indicator lights such as brake warning lights alert the vehicle conditions (parking brake has been activated) or other problems (brake fluid is low) to the drivers. Indicator lights are found on bicycles, cars, automobiles and electronic gadgets.