Pilot Lights
Pilot lights, also known as pilot lamps or power indicator lights, are essential components for providing visual feedback in electrical and industrial applications. They can be used to indicate when a machine or industrial process has started or stopped.
Pilot lights are available in a wide range of configurations, including different colours, sizes, and mounting styles, to suit various needs. This could be done by changing the colour of illumination (red/green) or by momentary blinking or flashing. Pilot lights can usually be found on the machine or an easily accessible control panel to allow them to be operated easily.
RS offers a comprehensive range of pilot lights from leading brands, featuring both traditional incandescent bulbs and modern LED pilot lights, known for their energy efficiency and long operational life, lasting many thousands of hours. These lights can be replaced and are available in various shapes, colours and sizes and are compatible with various voltages.
What is the Purpose of a Pilot Light?
Pilot lights serve as visual indicators, conveying crucial information about the status of electrical systems, machinery, or industrial processes. They act as a simple yet effective communication tool, providing immediate feedback to operators and technicians. They can be used to signal:
- Power On/Off: A pilot light may illuminate to indicate that a device or system is powered on and functioning correctly.
- Operational Status: Different colours or flashing patterns can indicate various operating modes or stages of a process.
- Faults or Alarms: A change in colour or a flashing light can alert operators to potential issues or malfunctions.
By providing clear and immediate visual cues, pilot lights enhance safety, improve efficiency, and simplify troubleshooting in a wide range of applications. They are an indispensable tool for monitoring and maintaining the health of electrical and industrial systems.
Types of Pilot Lights
Pilot lights are available in various configurations to meet different requirements:
- Mounting Type: Panel mount, DIN rail mount, PCB mount, and more.
- Light Colour: Red, green, amber, blue, white, and others.
- Cutout Diameter: Varies depending on the size and design of the pilot light.
- IP Rating: Indicates the level of protection against dust and moisture.
- Voltage Rating: AC or DC, with various voltage options available (e.g., 12V pilot light, 24V, 120V, etc.).
- Current Rating: Specifies the maximum current the pilot light can handle.
- Operational Life: LED pilot lights typically have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.
Features of Pilot Lights
- Bright Illumination: Ensure clear visibility even in well-lit environments.
- Long Lifespan: Especially true for LED pilot lights, reducing maintenance needs.
- Energy Efficiency: LED pilot lights consume less power than incandescent bulbs.
- Variety of Colors: Offer flexibility for different signalling applications.
- Robust Construction: Many pilot lights are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments.
Typical Applications
Pilot lights are versatile indicators used in a wide range of applications to provide clear visual feedback. In industrial settings, they play a crucial role in monitoring the status of machinery, control panels, and processes. For example, pilot lights can indicate the operational status of motors, pumps, valves, or conveyors, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. In hazardous environments, pilot lights with high IP ratings, like IP67, are essential for safe operation.
Beyond industrial use, pilot lights are commonly found in:
- Automotive: Dashboard warning lights, turn signal indicators, and brake lights.
- Consumer Electronics: Power on/off indicators, charging status lights.
- Appliances: Oven preheat indicators, washing machine cycle status lights.
- Commercial Buildings: Emergency exit signs, elevator indicators.
Buying Pilot Lights: Ordering & Delivery Information for Australia
RS Australia is a trusted supplier of high-quality pilot lights from renowned brands like RS PRO, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Eaton. We offer a vast selection of electrical and industrial supplies like threaded standoffs and coaxial cables for your unique needs.
Our online platform offers a seamless ordering experience. Browse our extensive selection, filter by specifications, and easily add the pilot lights you need to your cart. We offer secure payment options and fast delivery throughout Australia. For more information on our delivery options and associated fees, please visit our delivery information page.
Our knowledgeable customer service team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns. Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect pilot light indicators for your unique needs.