Signal Towers

Signal towers, also known as stack lights, are devices used in industrial and commercial settings to provide clear visual and audible signals on the status of machinery, processes and operational conditions. They typically consist of multiple signal tower lamps of different colours, which are stacked vertically in a tower-like structure. Each light colour in a signal tower represents specific meanings. For example, green may indicate that a machine is in normal operation, while yellow may indicate that attention or caution is needed. Flashing red lights, on the other hand, may indicate a critical condition that requires immediate attention. Some signal towers also include loud alarms or sounders to provide additional warning cues, making them effective even in noisy environments.

Signal towers are often used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centres, and other industrial settings. They help monitor machine status, signal maintenance needs, and alert workers to potential hazards or emergencies. These devices can be automated to respond dynamically to process changes in machinery or manually controlled. Overall, signal towers are an important tool for maintaining workplace safety and efficiency in busy industrial settings by providing vital communication of information to workers.

Features and Benefits of LED Light Towers

• Energy Efficiency: Modern signal towers, or stack lights, utilise highly efficient LED lighting, which consumes about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This results in lower energy costs and reduces environmental impact.
• Bright and Uniform Illumination: LED signal towers also provide bright and uniform illumination for visual feedback, so that workers are aware of any changes in status even in busy and noisy working environments.
• Instant On/Off: Unlike incandescent bulbs that need to warm up before reaching maximum illumination, efficient LED bulbs light up and power off instantly, allowing for immediate signaling of statuses without delay.
• Durability: As signal towers are made for regular and continuous usage, they are constructed with long-lasting LEDs and robust materials able to withstand harsh industrial environments.
• Easy Transport and Set Up: Despite their heavy-duty construction, signal towers are highly portable, as well as easy to install and assemble, enabling flexible deployment across various industrial sites.
• Flexibility: The modular design of signal towers allows for customisable configurations tailored to specific operational requirements, including the number and colour of light elements, sound modules, and mounting options.
• Low Noise Levels: The sound modules of signal towers can be adjusted to emit low noise levels, for critical processes where a quiet environment is paramount. Simply select the acceptable decibel range for your usage case to filter signal towers by their noise level.

Types of Signal Towers

Signal towers come in a variety of types and configurations designed to meet diverse signalling needs of industrial and commercial environments. Application, environmental and communication complexity requirements should be carefully considered to ensure that the correct type of signal tower is selected for your use case.

LED Signal Towers

The most common type of tower lights available today, LED signal towers use energy-efficient, long-lasting LED modules that provide bright, uniform illumination. LEDs allow for instant on/off operation and are highly durable, making these towers suitable for continuous industrial use. LED towers typically feature multiple colours such as red, green, yellow, blue, and white, each directly corresponding to a specific status.

Stackable (Modular) Signal Towers

Modular or stackable signal towers consist of individual light and sound modules that can be easily assembled, rearranged, or expanded to create customised signalling sequences. This flexibility is ideal for evolving operational needs. Many modern modular towers use quick bayonet locks for fast installation and maintenance.

Audible Alarm Signal Towers

These signal towers incorporate sound modules such as buzzers, horns, or voice annunciators alongside warning lights. Audible alarms enhance alert effectiveness in noisy industrial settings where visual signals alone may be insufficient. Sound levels can often be adjusted to meet environmental noise restrictions or operational preferences.

Monochrome and Multicolour Signal Towers

• Monochrome towers emit a single colour and are suited for simple, straightforward signalling tasks, involving machine stoppages or normal operation.
• Multicolour towers combine multiple coloured light elements in one tower, enabling more complex, detailed communication of machine or process statuses.

Signal Towers by Supply Voltage

Signal towers are available in a wide range of supply voltages, including low-voltage DC (12 V, 24 V) and standard industrial AC voltages (110 V, 220 V). Choosing the correct voltage ensures compatibility with your electrical system and reliable operation.

Mounting Style

Signal towers come with diverse mounting options compatible with specific applications:

• Built-in mounting for integration into machinery or control panels.
• Wall-mounted using brackets for vertical surfaces.
• Pole or bracket-mounted for freestanding or elevated installations.
• Compact models (e.g., 50 mm diameter towers) for space-saving applications.

IP Rating

IP ratings indicate the tower light’s resistance to dust and water ingress:

• IP54/IP55: Protection against dust and splashing water, suitable for most indoor environments.
• IP65/IP66 or Higher: Dust-tight and water jet resistant, ideal for outdoor or washdown applications.

Selecting the appropriate IP rating ensures durability and reliable signalling in your specific environment.

Light Effects

• Signal towers may feature various lighting effects to enhance communication clarity:
• Steady light for normal or stable conditions.
• Flashing or blinking to draw attention to warnings or status changes.
• Strobe or pulsing for critical alarms requiring immediate response.

Industrial Applications of LED Signal Towers

Manufacturing Plants

Signal towers are indicators that provide visual and audio cues on a machinery or process's status. Colour-coded lamps are used to denote if a machine is operating normally, or to convey that there is a problem or malfunction that requires attention.

Warehouses and Distribution Centres

Signal towers are an effective way of communicating operational status in busy and noisy industrial environments such as warehouses and distribution centres. For example, they can be used to convey when a loading dock is occupied, or when a shipment is ready for pickup.

Transportation and Logistics

You'll also find signal towers being used to indicate the status of traffic lights, railway signals, or airport runways. Airport beacons, which help pilots locate airports during nighttime or low-visibility conditions, are increasingly LED-powered, for durability and efficiency reasons.

Food and Beverage Processing

Signal towers provide an intuitive way of communicating machinery and process statuses in busy food and beverage processing plants. They can show when a production line is in operation, or flash warning lights if there is a problem with a piece of equipment.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Signal towers are also used in Life Science and Healthcare applications to indicate the status of medical equipment, such as a sterilisation device like an autoclave, or an X-ray machine, supporting safe and efficient operation.

Singapore's Trusted Source of Quality Signal Towers

RS is Singapore's source for high-quality signal towers and stack lights. We stock reliable products from industry leaders like Patlite, Werma, and Banner. Our selection includes signal towers of various IP Ratings with up to 21 light elements at cost-effective prices, for industrial, commercial and other use-case scenarios.

We also carry other essential signalling and testing equipment peripherals, such as RF signal generators and decade boxes, for your all electronics lab needs. For more details on our ordering process, delivery services, and delivery fees, please refer to our delivery page.