Emergency Lighting Market Analysis: The LED revolution
- February 15, 2024
- 9:19 am
Iain Hoey
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IFSJ delves into the market of emergency lighting solutions and the latest innovations for frontline firefighters
This analysis delves into the latest trends and technologies in emergency lighting tools specifically used by firefighters, including handheld torches and scene lighting.
These tools are vital for ensuring firefighters’ efficiency and safety during operations.
Effective lighting is crucial for firefighters to have complete situational awareness, enabling them to respond effectively to crises and save lives.
This analysis will cover different types of lighting tools, such as right angle lights, helmet lights, and portable scene lights, and their applications in firefighting scenarios.
Market drivers and growth factors
Technological evolution: Emergency lighting systems have evolved significantly, transitioning from basic handheld torches to advanced LED lights.
This evolution is driven by the need to adapt to the continually changing requirements of emergency services, especially in challenging visibility conditions.
LED lighting: The shift to LED technology marks a significant breakthrough in emergency scene lighting.
LEDs offer better energy efficiency compared to traditional incandescent lights and are safer, with lower fire risks and longer lifespans.
This advancement contributes to both the safety of responders and the effectiveness of emergency response.
Portable lighting solutions: Innovations in portable lighting, such as handheld or helmet-mounted lights, have provided firefighters with more flexibility.
These portable solutions allow for quick and easy movement of lights to enhance visibility in dark or hard-to-reach areas.
Smart lighting technology: The emergence of smart lighting in emergency response offers the ability to remotely control brightness and colour temperature.
Smart lights can be programmed to respond to various criteria, enhancing scene illumination without manual intervention, thereby improving safety.
Regulatory requirements: Compliance with regulatory standards is a key driver in the development of emergency scene lighting.
Different regions have specific regulations that guide the implementation of emergency lighting systems, including lumens requirements and durability standards.
Specific trends in firefighter emergency lighting tools
Right angle lights: A mainstay in fire services for decades, these lights feature a powerful, tight beam, ideal for long-range searches and penetrating thick smoke.
They have a compact, easy-to-hold design, even when wearing fire gloves.
Helmet lights: Essential for task lighting and directional focus, helmet lights are lightweight and compact, improving situational awareness in dark environments.
They come in front-mounted and side-mounted varieties to suit different needs.
Portable scene lights: These battery-powered lights offer fast deployment and repositioning flexibility.
They can be staged around fire scenes to illuminate hazards and provide overall scene lighting, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Key features of lighting tools include: high light output with ranges from 3,000 to 16,000 lumens for effective scene illumination, beam adjustability offering both area/flood beams and focused spot beams; waterproof design which is essential for fire scenes with water or in water rescue scenarios; and speed of deployment ensuring quick and easy setup without the need for generators or cords.
Durability and compact design: Right angle lights must withstand extreme conditions, including heat, impact, and water.
They should be made of materials like heavy-duty nylon for durability and have a compact design for ease of use.
Helmet light features: They provide a bright, broad beam for close-range task lighting and situational awareness.
The fit of the light on the helmet is critical for stability and effectiveness in stressful situations.
Lumens based on task: The brightness requirement varies based on the task, with different lumen ranges specified for short-range tasks, mid-range searches, and area scene lighting.
Water and impact resistance: Lights must be waterproof and able to withstand the rigorous conditions typical in firefighting, including water exposure and physical impacts.
Challenges in developing firefighter emergency lighting tools
The development of firefighter emergency lighting tools faces several challenges, primarily concerning the transition to LED technology.
LED lighting intensity and distraction risks: The shift to LED emergency vehicle lighting has raised concerns about its intensity and the potential blinding and distracting effects on drivers and other individuals in the vicinity.
This has necessitated a reevaluation of fire apparatus lighting standards to mitigate these risks.
Environmental and operational durability: Firefighter lighting tools must withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, water exposure, and physical impacts.
Developing materials and designs that can endure such harsh environments without compromising functionality is a significant challenge.
Battery life and performance: Ensuring long battery life and consistent performance in emergency situations is critical.
Developing battery-powered tools that can operate for extended periods, especially in situations where access to power sources is limited, remains a challenge.
User-Friendly design and ergonomics: Creating tools that are easy to handle, even with limited dexterity due to fire gloves, and ensuring that they do not interfere with the movement or become entanglement hazards is crucial.
The design must balance compactness, ease of use, and effective illumination.
Future outlook and trends
Advancements in LED Technology: Ongoing research and development in LED technology will continue to address challenges such as light intensity control and power efficiency.
Integration of smart technologies: The future may see the integration of smart technologies in lighting tools, enabling features like remote control, adjustable intensity, and automated response based on environmental conditions.
Enhanced durability and battery life: Continuous improvements in materials and battery technology will aim to enhance the durability and operational life of lighting tools, making them more reliable in prolonged emergency scenarios.
Ergonomic and user-friendly designs: Future designs are expected to focus on ergonomics, ensuring that lights are comfortable to use over extended periods and do not hinder firefighters’ movements or operations.
Expert comment
The firefighting lighting market has seen a move towards LED technology over the last decade.
“LED lights are preferred for their energy efficiency, durability, and brightness,” says Donato Sasso, Director of International Business Development at Streamlight.
Another important aspect is the weight and portability in close spaces.
“There’s an increasing focus on lightweight and portable lighting solutions to enhance mobility for firefighters in challenging environments,” Sasso notes.
The most sought-after features in lighting tools today are the need for durable products, with a long battery life and quick charging capability, alongside products with different levels of brightness to adapt in different firefighting scenarios.
The main challenges facing manufacturers in the firefighting lighting market, says Sasso, include meeting stringent international industry standards for durability, safety, and performance: “The opportunities for a company like Streamlight lie in its strong and well-established distribution network with relationships in every fire department all over the world.
“Regulations and standards (like ATEX and IECEx) have influenced the firefighting lighting market.
“Some standards can limit performance of a light such as brightness of the light while meeting the stringent testing of the light.
“Streamlight is staying abreast of any upcoming regulatory changes to ensure compliance and by doing so adapt our products accordingly.”
