Emergency Strobe Lights

Emergency strobe lights are equipment commonly used in emergency situations. Occupations that require search and rescue rely on this for the success of their operation. Strobe lights are effective in these situations due to its versatile features. It can be used in providing a steady stream of light which is useful during search of dark areas. With its several flashing patterns, it can also serve as a functional communication tool.

The power of emergency strobe lights varies depending on the type. Some strobe lights are xenon-powered with as low as 1.5 volts of battery power and can produce a beacon power of as high as 7500 volts. This can be easily seen even from a distance of 3 miles. It has a flashing speed of 60 times per minute and can last up to 60 hours. The flashing speed slows down though after reaching the 12-hour mark but will still continue to flash until the battery dies down.
Another type of emergency strobe lights is the one used in life jackets. These strobe lights are small in size and can be easily attached to life jackets of all kinds. It is usually activated with a string that can be pulled with ease.

Once activated, these lights have a life of 8 hours. As long as factors that normally affect visibility –such as mist, fog, heavy rain, etc,--are not present, lights are still able to be seen to as far as 2 miles. Due to the function to which these strobe lights are used, they are often built with several additional features not common with other strobe lights. They usually come with protective casings made up of non-corrosive materials resistant to water and extreme temperature. For a life jacket strobe light to be legally used, it has to meet the safety standards imposed by the IMO or more commonly referred to as International Maritime Organization.

Another variation of emergency strobe lights is the VIP safety light or Visual Identification Pendant. It has an amazing list of features-- such as flashlight, SOS survival beacon (controlled by a microprocessor) and emergency flasher--that makes it stand out from other strobe lights. Another feature that differentiates it from other strobe lights is its LED light. LED light bulb can last for as long as 100,000 hours or more than 10 years. Flashing rate is as fast as 140 times per minute or more than 2 flashes per second. Visibility range varies depending on the line of sight and visibility factors. On nights when factors that affect visibility are absent, the VIP safety light can be seen horizontally to as far as 3 miles and vertically to as far as 5 miles. Visibility range on foggy nights or sand storm (if used in a desert) is lower. VIP strobe lights can be used in land and water. It is waterproof to as deep as 300 feet or 91.44 meters. It is also equipped with other features that enable it to withstand harsh environmental conditions. It uses lithium batteries which enables it to function even at a low temperature. It is also attachable to almost anything with its all purpose clip.

Laser flare emergency strobe lights are also used for various search and rescue missions. It has a signaling distance of 20 miles and can be functional even if used continuously for as long as 72 hours. These lights are designed with the harsh outdoors and weather conditions—rain snow or intense heat-- in mind. Often used for sending signals at night, laser strobe lights have farther range at night than during the day. They are compact and portable and can be attached to various survival kits and equipments such as lifejackets and lifeboats.