Archive for the ‘LED Light Bars’ Category

LED Light Bars – Different Types and Uses

Friday, May 7th, 2010

The most common types of LED light bars are those that are seen on police vehicles. Because these are commonly combined with other visibility or safety equipment, people can find them in the catalogs or online stores that offer this type of product. That way, even if you are not a police officer you could still make use of light bars on your vehicle. In terms of visibility, they are a great tool to have on hand. Finding the best type for your needs requires looking at what the options are, which have a wide range in color and size.

Another way in which LED light bars differ from one another is in the flash patterns that they are capable of making. This is a way for law enforcement to send a message to their backup vehicles, or to civilians who may be passing by. When you are at the scene of an accident, it’s very important to make sure that other people are aware of what is happening and are able to steer clear. That is where the flashing lights of these bars come into play, as a warning or alert system.

It’s not only law enforcement officers who will make use of LED light bars, however. They are also used in the confines of different medical emergency vehicles, which will also have the same need for urgency and communication that a police car would see. With this type of car, a larger set of light bars may be needed. There are also small lights that can stick onto any surface of the vehicle, or onto the grills. A good idea may be some combination of all of these different types, for the most comprehensive coverage on your vehicle. That way, no matter what angle another car is coming at yours from, the driver will be well aware of what is going on and that they should steer clear.

To find the best deals on LED light bars, it’s a good idea to purchase them in packages. Quality should never be compromised for lights that are this important.  The right lighting can be a vital part of any officer’s toolkit, and so this is often provided for by the government or city offices. To find out more information about the different types, a good idea is to start browsing online and see what is currently for sale, to find out about new updates.

LED Light Bars – Modern Day Technology Saves Lives and Money

Monday, April 19th, 2010

When there is an emergency, response personnel need to get to their destination quickly but safely. Sometimes the difference between life and death is a matter of minutes which is why all emergency service vehicles are equipped with a warning system. This system generally includes lights and a siren that is used to signal other people on the road to make way for them. For a long time, the vehicles used by fire, police and EMS were equipped with light bars that used an incandescent lighting scheme. However, more and more of them are switching over to using LED light bars.

LED, or light-emitting diodes, is an electrical component that is frequently used in electronics like televisions, calculators, and computers. It is a semiconductor that produces light by manipulating neutrons and photons. When they were first developed, LEDs only produced enough light to illuminate a very small area. They were mainly used to replace incandescent or neon indicator lamps. However, advances in the technology have produced lights that shine bright enough to be used in lighting schemes like LED light bars. Today’s LEDs bear little resemblance to their predecessors.

Response vehicles are making the switch to LED light bars because LEDs offer a number of benefits that surpass their incandescent and strobe counterparts. Firstly, LEDs are energy efficient which means they are less of a strain on the vehicle battery. Although a little more expensive, they last longer and are more durable so in the long term they actually cost the same as other bulb types. LED bulbs are much smaller which allows for the production of smaller light bars which helps make vehicles more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. This is especially a concern for police cars which often have to chase reckless drivers and perpetrators down the road.

Overall, LED light bars helps response services save money which, in this economy, could actually save someone’s job. Since they last longer and are more energy efficient they contribute to a healthier environment because less of these lights will find their way into landfills. These light bars can be purchased anywhere warning lights are sold. However, the best place to purchase them is through an online vendor. Because an internet vendor has lower overhead costs than a brick and mortar store, they can offer a lower price on the products. However, before whipping out the company credit card, take your time to research the company you are considering buying from to ensure you are dealing with a reputable business.

Police Light Bars – Picking the Right Bars for Your Cars

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Capable of instilling fear and dread into a person at the flip of a switch, police lights are an important safety component for today’s law enforcement fleet. A police car’s flashing lights notifies other cars on the road of your presence and remind them to yield the right of way. They also signal to drivers that you want them to pull over as well as serve as a warning to other drivers to be careful when approaching your stationary vehicle. When outfitting a car with police light bars, it is necessary to get the right equipment for your needs.

There are a few types of police light bars that are placed in different areas of the vehicle. The most commonly recognized ones are the roof mounted light bars. Originally, light bars consisted of a single metal bar onto which rotating beacons and a siren would be attached. As time passed and technology improved, the rotating lights and siren were integrated into a single unit. Today, many fleets are moving the police siren to the grill of the car and attaching bars with better lighting features such as alley lights that illuminate the sides of the vehicle.

Another product in the police light bars category is the deck or dash bars. This type of light product is mounted on the dashboard and/or the rear deck of the vehicle. Sometimes they are used in conjunction with roof mounted light bars but generally they are installed alone. These types of lights are placed in undercover police cars or units that otherwise want to maintain a low profile. Since they are not out in the open like roof mounted light bars, dash and deck bars are usually more powerful and brighter. This is so they can put out enough light that people can see the car long before they come upon it.

Police light bars were first made up of rotating or strobe lights. However, more and more fleets are switching over to LED lights. Besides being more energy efficient, LED lights are brighter and longer lasting. They also offer upgraded capabilities such as takedowns, alley lights and lights that help direct traffic. To choose the right lights for your fleet, think first about the type of car you are trying to outfit. Next think about the various situations your officers might find themselves in. Rural towns may not have as much of a need for undercover police cars as a large city. Finally, purchase your lights from a reputable dealer who will give you the best deal for your budget.

Police Light Bars – Picking the Right Bars for Your Cars

Capable of instilling fear and dread into a person at the flip of a switch, police lights are an important safety component for today’s law enforcement fleet. A police car’s flashing lights notifies other cars on the road of your presence and remind them to yield the right of way. They also signal to drivers that you want them to pull over as well as serve as a warning to other drivers to be careful when approaching your stationary vehicle. When outfitting a car with police light bars, it is necessary to get the right equipment for your needs.

There are a few types of police light bars that are placed in different areas of the vehicle. The most commonly recognized ones are the roof mounted light bars. Originally, light bars consisted of a single metal bar onto which rotating beacons and a siren would be attached. As time passed and technology improved, the rotating lights and siren were integrated into a single unit. Today, many fleets are moving the police siren to the grill of the car and attaching bars with better lighting features such as alley lights that illuminate the sides of the vehicle.

Another product in the police light bars category is the deck or dash bars. This type of light product is mounted on the dashboard and/or the rear deck of the vehicle. Sometimes they are used in conjunction with roof mounted light bars but generally they are installed alone. These types of lights are placed in undercover police cars or units that otherwise want to maintain a low profile. Since they are not out in the open like roof mounted light bars, dash and deck bars are usually more powerful and brighter. This is so they can put out enough light that people can see the car long before they come upon it.

Police light bars were first made up of rotating or strobe lights. However, more and more fleets are switching over to LED lights. Besides being more energy efficient, LED lights are brighter and longer lasting. They also offer upgraded capabilities such as takedowns, alley lights and lights that help direct traffic. To choose the right lights for your fleet, think first about the type of car you are trying to outfit. Next think about the various situations your officers might find themselves in. Rural towns may not have as much of a need for undercover police cars as a large city. Finally, purchase your lights from a reputable dealer who will give you the best deal for your budget.

Interior Light Bars – Are They Necessary?

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

A constant concern for today’s police vehicles is the amount of energy needed to run them. In short, police cars are power hungry. Between the added rooftop lights, interior light bars, sirens, cameras, radars, and computers, the vehicle’s energy systems are under great strain. Even though many fleet managers modify the cars to increase their energy output, such as installing extra batteries or adjusting the alternator, the car can barely keep up with the demand for electricity. This is a serious concern because the last thing a police officer needs is for their car to die on them while they are handling an emergency situation.

The long term solution is to trim down the vehicle’s energy needs. However, most of the equipment the police car has installed is necessary for the officer to effectively do his or her job. One area that might be up for negotiation is the interior light bars. Most fully marked police cars come equipped with a generous amount of light. They have roof top light, dash and deck lights, grille lights, and front and back flashers. This is so they can generate and maintain the highest level of visibility while on the road. But when it comes down to it, are the interior lights really necessary?

While the officer may not need that much light during the day, at night, that extra light does come in handy. Therefore, in lieu of removing the interior light bars, an alternative would be to switch to LED light bars. LED light bars use about one-fourth to one-fifth the amount of electricity drawn by incandescent, strobe or halogen lights. For a police car that uses the amount of electrical juices that fleets do today, that is quite a savings and allows for the use of other equipment.

But LEDs are just for interior light bars. You can replace pretty much your entire lighting system with LED lights and save an immense amount of energy. Although they are more expensive than other kinds of lights, in the long run you will actually save money. In addition to being energy efficient, LEDs last longer, are more durable, vibration resistant and smaller than their counterparts. Yet they are able to shine bright enough to be seen in the harshest sunlight. When considering how to make your police car fleet more energy efficient, instead of trying to remove parts, look into switching over to ones that are more energy efficient. You’ll meet your vehicle’s energy needs as well as the needs of your officers at the same time.

Mini Light Bars – Mini Light Bars Work in Many Places/

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Mini light bars mostly just are a smaller version of the typical flashing lights that are located on the top of emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, paramedic vehicles, and fire trucks, and tow trucks.  They can be used in lieu of the larger lights if the vehicle’s use accommodates the lesser lighting capability.  The use of mini bars instead of the larger and longer light bars has been incorporated on many vehicles, including some vehicles used for stealth and undercover purposes.

The use of mini light bars has been around for a long time.  They are really convenient because they do not require an intense and very involved installation.  They are great for “on the fly” use.  They can be mounted outside the vehicle, but also many times are mounted on the interior of the vehicle as well.  This is common for vehicles that are not trying to look like a police car.  Sometimes they are not always mounted before their regular use and are put up on the deck interior only when it is time for a pursuit.

Another use of mini light bars is for tow trucks and other vehicles that simply need to warn surrounding traffic of an issue ahead or otherwise in the area of the vehicle with the mini light bar on it.  For example, one common use of the mini light bar is the tow truck.  A tow truck often just uses a smaller, amber light.  The purpose of this smaller light is to warn others who are driving nearby to use caution.  Sometimes, a tow truck that is in the process of towing a vehicle will use the light to keep others aware of what is happening.  Also, snow plows and other miscellaneous vehicles use them as well.

One final use- for mini light bars that is not so typical or common is for decorative or entertainment purposes.  Many people use them to decorate bars, their party basements, or just to decorate for a particular party and then put them away.  It makes a good flashing light that people can use to light up an otherwise dark area in their home during a party, such as a basement.  There are many uses for the mini light bar, from police work to emergency services, and even for those throwing a happening party.  You never know what uses people will come up with next!