Lighting the Path to Safety with Streamlight

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentIFSJ ExclusivesLightingPPE

Streamlight‘s Director of Sales, Industrial and Fire Divisions, Aaron Freund, delves into the importance of durable and dependable lighting tools for firefighter safety

Portable lighting is an essential tool in the fire sector, providing critical visibility and safety for firefighters in the most challenging environments.

Streamlight, a leader in the field of portable lighting solutions, has consistently delivered products that meet the rigorous demands of emergency services.

Aaron Freund, the Director of Sales for the Industrial and Fire Divisions, has been instrumental in this effort.

In this interview, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Freund to explore the role of lighting technology in fire safety and emergency response.

What advancements in lighting technology for the fire sector have you observed over the past decade?

When I first started, we were still discussing the need for incandescent bulbs because some end users believed they cut through smoke better than LED bulbs.

The lighting industry has evolved incredibly, as we have long since demonstrated that LEDs perform just as well, if not better, in smoky atmospheres.

Battery technology has also advanced significantly.

Our lights have become more efficient, using less energy while providing brighter and more consistent illumination.

The weight of our products has decreased dramatically by using newer lightweight batteries; example, the weight of our Survivor® X light has dropped considerably by 164 grams.

We recently relaunched our E-Spot® LiteBox® with a lithium-ion battery, reducing its weight by almost 3.6 kg.

This weight reduction is crucial for firefighters, given the amount of gear they must carry.

These advancements have been incremental but substantial over my time with Streamlight.

We’ve made steady improvements.

One such improvement is the addition of battery indicators on top of Survivor® X lights.

This allows users to see a green indicator for a full battery and a red one when it’s time to change or charge batteries.

What are the critical challenges firefighters face in low-visibility environments?

I think the obvious challenge is visibility.

At its simplest, a flashlight makes a dark area brighter, but there’s more to it.

It’s also about having the right type of light and ensuring it’s focused correctly.

For instance, in a low-visibility, smoke-filled room, using a floodlight is like driving through fog with your high beams on – the light will reflect back at you, making it harder to see.

A focused light that cuts through the smoke is crucial.

Another major aspect is visibility for others.

Sometimes, you might only see as far as your arm’s length because of the dense smoke, but someone else across the room can spot your light and locate you, which is incredibly important in fire scenarios.

Marking points of entry and exit with light also helps in navigating and identifying potential hazards.

Having the right light greatly enhances safety by allowing firefighters to see and be seen in hazardous environments.

How has the trend of hands-free operation evolved, and what innovations are emerging?

Whether it’s forcible entry, pulling hose, or handling an extrication call, the need for firefighters to keep their hands available is crucial.

We are seeing a continuous increase in the demand for hands-free lighting solutions.

This includes traditional headlamps and our helmet-mounted firefighting lights.

There has been significant growth in this category, and we are dedicating more time and innovation to developing products that allow for hands-free operation.

For example, our Vantage® 180 X light can be mounted on a helmet but also removed and used as a handheld light in a 90-degree angle.

 As demands grow for hands-free lighting, it continues to be essential for us to create advancements in this area allowing for user versatility.

Why is durability and reliability, supported by standards, important for Streamlight?

Whenever you walk into a firehouse and talk about any tool they use, they often mention whether it’s “firefighter-proof” or not.

Firefighters take pride in being tough on their products and tools.

You cannot introduce a product to the fire service that isn’t durable and made of highly resilient materials.

In the design process, durability is a key focus for Streamlight.

We ensure our products can withstand being dropped or exposed to extreme conditions, such as 500 degrees for five minutes as per the NFPA 1971-8.6 (2018).

Testing to these and other standards is critical.

We drop test our products, test for IP ratings, ensure they don’t interfere with other radio waves, as well as a magnitude of other tests, making them reliable in all situations.

Our products are tested both in-house and by third-party agencies.

This includes various laboratories to ensure we meet standards set by agencies like NFPA, UL, ATEX, and INMETRO.

Our products consistently exceed these standards, which is crucial for those in the fire safety industry.

How should fire departments select lighting tools to best meet their unique needs?

We aim to be as involved as possible in this process by meeting with departments to discuss their needs.

Flashlights are a hands-on product; you need to touch and feel them.

I always joke with our customers that they have to shine the light in their eyes to understand its brightness and have that “aha” moment of realisation about how they’ll use it.

No two fire departments are the same, and each has different applications and responses based on their unique communities.

It’s important to understand this aspect, and I believe it holds true in Europe as well.

Engaging with the department, learning about their specific needs, and then making tailored recommendations is crucial.

Additionally, we have a testing and evaluation programme where we put the product in the hands of the users at a departmental level.

This allows them to touch, feel, and test the product to ensure it meets their needs and applications before making a purchase.

How can advancements in portable scene lighting improve emergency response effectiveness and safety?

The faster you can light up a scene, the quicker you can assess the situation and respond accordingly.

Scene lighting has become vital to our product line.

We now have multiple products, including the Portable Scene Light, Portable Scene Light EXT, and Portable Scene Light II.

These products are quick to deploy, battery-operated, and fully waterproof.

This combination of features is unique to us and allows for rapid illumination of an area.

We are continually advancing in this area, creating more products within the scene lighting category because it is so essential.

On the fire ground, you don’t want cords everywhere creating trip hazards.

There’s also a growing demand from fire departments for sustainable solutions.

What emerging trends and technologies do you think will shape the future of emergency response?

I believe we will continue to see flashlights becoming brighter, running longer, and weighing less while maintaining durability and functionality.

The focus will remain on creating tools that allow firefighters to do their jobs efficiently and safely.

I foresee continued innovation in scene lighting and helmet lighting for the fire service.

We are also developing more versatile lights.

For instance, we recently launched the Survivor Pivot®, which has a head that pivots up and uses the same universal battery platform as our Survivor® X.

 This means multiple lights can run off the same battery platform.

I believe the future will bring more efficient products with diverse applications, allowing users to meet their needs in various ways.

What innovations or developments can we expect from Streamlight

As previously mentioned, our newest innovation is the Survivor Pivot®, with both spot and flood beams in the same pivoting head.

The feedback from the fire service has been tremendous.

The ability to have a light attached to your gear that can rotate and direct light where you need it is incredible.

Additionally, it can be removed from your bunker gear and attached to the side of a vehicle with its powerful magnet, illuminating areas during extrication calls.

Major departments are buying the Survivor® X for all their rigs.

The ability to now add the Survivor Pivot® with its shared battery platform as an additional lighting tool has been very well received.

We are excited about this product and believe it will be very successful.

We’ve also made improvements to our legacy product, the LiteBox®, which has been in our product line for over 40 years.

Enhancing this tried-and-true technology to make it lighter, brighter, and more efficient has been a significant achievement.

The response to these improvements has been very positive.

Streamlight will continue to innovate.

Innovation drives us, and we are constantly listening to feedback from departments around the world.

This feedback is an integral part in understanding the type of products we need to manufacture and develop for various market applications.

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

New trigalight marker features self-powered illumination technology

by Featured NewsLightingProducts

Revolutionary self-powered illumination technology launched

As reported by mb-microtec, the company has launched its new trigalight marker, a product using innovative self-powered illumination technology.

This technology provides luminescence without any external energy source, ensuring readability in total darkness and poor visibility.

The markers are encased in transparent plastic and come with a pre-attached self-adhesive film, making them suitable for use on health and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire exit signage.

The technology behind the trigalight marker utilises the world’s smallest gaseous tritium light sources (GTLS), ensuring visibility at all times.

Already employed in watches, military tactical equipment, and bulk light sources, these markers have a lifespan of over ten years.

Available in nine colours, they are easy to install and require no maintenance.

Versatile applications for enhanced safety

Mb-microtec highlights the versatility of the trigalight markers, which can be used in various environments to provide a reliable light source.

Their primary value lies in their use as a safety aid, applicable in homes, businesses, and outdoor settings.

Examples include attaching the markers to car keys, staircases, doorways, garden sheds, garages, security system controls, and medical equipment.

The markers can help quickly identify and differentiate items when visibility is minimal.

Mb-microtec emphasises: “If you invest in safety, you must invest in these new trigalight markers.”

Distribution and availability

The trigalight marker is produced by the Swiss microtechnology company mb-microtec and is available through their valued partners from the summer of 2024.

However, due to regulatory requirements, the markers are not available in every country.

Sales are limited to B2B customers, with mb-microtec developing new trigalight products and applications in-house, facilitating easier protection for homes and businesses through their existing network.

Next-level illumination: Nightstick’s INTRANT DUO

by Featured NewsLighting

INTRANT® DUO’s innovative design, safety features, and its critical role in fire and rescue missions

For years, the Nightstick INTRANT® series has been synonymous with reliability and advanced lighting solutions in the firefighting and public safety sectors.

The introduction of the INTRANT® DUO Intrinsically Safe Angle Light marks a significant milestone in this legacy, integrating historical strengths with cutting-edge enhancements to meet the evolving demands of fire and rescue operations.

Enhanced safety and certification

Continuing its tradition of comprehensive certifications, the newest member of the INTRANT® family, INTRANT® DUO is certified ATEX ZONE 0 and ZONE 20, cETLus Intrinsically Safe, and IECEx, underscoring its extensive safety in hazardous environments.

This rigorous certification guarantees that the light can be used confidently in flammable gas or dust-laden areas without possible risk of ignition.

Additionally, it adheres to the stringent requirements of NFPA-1971-8.6 (2013), highlighting its compliance with top safety standards in the industry.

Advanced lighting capabilities

Building on its predecessors, the sleek INTRANT® DUO offers three primary lighting modes designed to enhance task efficiency and safety:

Spotlight Mode: Featuring user-selectable brightness settings of 320 lumens and 100 lumens, this mode provides a beam distance of up to 297 meters.

The 22,107 candela output lends a tight, piercing beam that shreds though smoke and haze, vital for identifying hazards and navigating in low-visibility conditions.

Floodlight Mode: The DUO also incorporates a wide-area, unfocused floodlight with brightness settings of 275 lumens and 100 lumens.

Its 45° downward tilt is engineered to reduce the risk of slips and falls, providing clear visibility of the ground in treacherous environments.

In addition, the floodlight LED is strategically positioned to avoid interference with flashlight straps on bunker gear.

The integrated battery status indicator found on the top, glowing green when the battery is full and red when it is low, adds another layer of operational reliability.

Dual-Light Mode: Combining the strengths of both spotlight and floodlight, Dual-Light delivers 320 lumens, ensuring all-encompassing illumination.

This simultaneous dual functionality supercharges scenarios requiring both long-range visibility and broad-area lighting, facilitating better situational awareness and operational precision.

Durability and user-centric design

The INTRANT® DUO is constructed from durable PC/ABS materials, a blend of tough plastic (polycarbonate) and a strong, flexible material (acrylic).

This combination makes the light both strong and impact-resistant, ideal for withstanding the tough conditions of emergency operations.

With an IP-67 rating for dust and waterproof protection with a drop rating of up to 2 meters, DUO is built to endure whatever the mission calls for.

Powered by 4 AA batteries, DUO runs for 8 hours on HIGH and 15 Hours when conserving battery on LOW.

Practical applications in fire and rescue

In high-risk environments, the INTRANT® DUO proves indispensable.

Consider a scenario where a fire crew navigates through a smoke-filled building.

The spotlight beam cuts through the smoke, allowing firefighters to identify exit routes and structural hazards from a safe distance.

Meanwhile, the floodlight mode maintains awareness, preventing trips and falls over debris.

During an extrication operation, where precision is pivotal, Dual-Light showcases the superior blend of long-range and wide-area illumination.

This functionality enables rescuers to see the entire scene with a single light, facilitating the efficient extrication of victims while maintaining clear visibility of tools and surroundings without the hassle of multiple lights.

The INTRANT® DUO Intrinsically Safe Angle Light represents the pinnacle of LED angle light technology for fire and rescue professionals.

Its advanced lighting modes, extreme performance, rigorous safety certifications, and durable design underscore its status as an essential tool in hazardous and high-pressure environments.

By integrating historical strengths with innovative enhancements, the INTRANT® DUO reinforces its position as a leader in the industry and represents the next step in the family, reflecting creative cohesion and advancing the legacy of the INTRANT® angle lights.

This article was originally published in the June 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Product Spotlight: Survivor® X ATEX from Streamlight

by Featured NewsLightingProducts

The Survivor® X ATEX is an upgraded version of Streamlight’s compact Survivor® right-angle torch, now offering 250 lumens, new features for improved operation, and multiple power options to suit user needs and budgets.

The low-profile, Zone 0-rated light is available as a Rechargeable System or as an Alkaline model.

Also available is the Survivor X® USB, a budget-friendly USB rechargeable option for use in Division 2 conditions.

“The Survivor personal light, known for its toughness, compact size and reliability, just got even better with the new Survivor X ATEX, which not only offers enhanced brightness and added features but also multiple power options, including the Survivor X ATEX Alkaline model as well as the Survivor X USB which offers an economical USB rechargeable alternative and also accepts alkaline batteries,” said Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer Michael F. Dineen.

“Fire and rescue personnel, industrial firefighters, utility workers and others now have an even more powerful and versatile tool to use when operating in the trying conditions they often face.”

For more information visit: https://bit.ly/SL-SurvivorXATEX

Let there be light

by Breaking NewsLighting

We take a look at some of Streamlight’s top lighting products for the fire industry

As a provider of high-performance lighting, Streamlight has a reputation for making tough, ultra-bright flashlights, and their advances in lighting technology have resulted in many specialised products for the fire market.

As the role of a firefighter is highly varied, they have worked with countless emergency service professionals in their 50-year history to shape their products and deliver lighting tools that have been proven to help save lives.

Within this article, you can discover some of the company’s top recommendations.

Survivor® X ATEX

The Survivor® X ATEX is an updated version of Streamlight’s compact Survivor® right-angle torch, now offering 250 lumens, new features for improved operation, and multiple power options to suit user needs and budgets.

The low-profile, Zone 0 rated light is available as a Rechargeable System or as an Alkaline model.

Also available is the Survivor X® USB, a budget-friendly USB rechargeable option for use in Division 2 conditions.

The Alkaline model provides a 25 percent cost saving on batteries compared to the original Survivor, and the Survivor X USB is an economical, USB rechargeable alternative that can also accept alkaline batteries.

Fire and rescue personnel, industrial firefighters, utility workers and others now have an even more powerful and versatile tool to use when operating in the trying conditions they often face.

Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX

Next up, the intrinsically safe Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX.

The perfect lantern for working in dangerous environments such as those with smoke, industrial hazards, or inclement weather.

With its 180° triangular articulating head, firemen, first responders and other users can aim the light beam precisely where it is needed for task lighting purposes.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, it is also one of the lightest lanterns in its category.

Featuring a 32-hour run time on low, and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in thick smoke, the new model is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations.

The light uses three white powerful LEDs for extreme brightness, and three deep-dish parabolic reflectors produce a tight spot beam with optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation.

The flat base area also allows the light to stand on its own for scene lighting.

Portable Scene Light II

The Portable Scene Light II from Streamlight is a 10,000-lumen rechargeable, waterproof scene light featuring a versatile steel frame and 360° rotating head for precise aiming.

It is the perfect scene light for marking exits, post-fire investigation, fire ground clean-up, mobile triage centre lighting, etc.

With zero deployment time and a compact footprint, the Portable Scene Light II requires no set up and is easily used in rapid response situations.

Housed in a high-impact thermoplastic, the virtually indestructible alloy steel frame can be stacked up to three units, creating a bright “light tower” effect with even more lumens for multi-level lighting.

The hooked feet of the light are designed to hang on doors, framing and guard rails.

Enduro® Pro HAZ-LO® ATEX

The Enduro® Pro HAZ-LO® ATEX headlamp is ideal in dangerous environments with potentially hazardous conditions that require flexible lighting options.

For example, the flood LED is strategically placed high on the light to ensure shadow-free lighting when mounted on a hard hat, and the light’s 45° tilting head makes the headlamp easy to use in a variety of settings.

This safety-rated model is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations.

Powered by easily sourced AAA batteries, the headlamp features two power LEDs and three output modes: spot, flood and a spot/flood combination for maximum brightness.

On high, the spot beam delivers 160 lumens, 1,320 candela and a 73-metre beam distance; the flood beam offers 160 lumens and 100 candela over a 20-metre beam distance.

The combined spot/flood setting provides 235 lumens.

On spot or flood, the run time is 5 hours; in the combination mode, the run time is 4.75 hours.

Dualie® 3AA Color-Rite® ATEX

Last but not least, the Dualie® 3AA Color-Rite® from Streamlight is an intrinsically safe, high-performance LED flashlight that provides the option of bright, white light or high CRI light with Streamlight’s Color-Rite Technology® for true colour recognition.

The compact, handheld light, which is powered by easily sourced AA batteries, is safety-rated for use in Division 1 environments faced by many professionals; it is also ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations and InMetro approved.

The dual beam light includes a high-power white LED for bright area illumination and a High Colour Rendering Index (90 CRI) LED with Streamlight’s proprietary Color-Rite Technology to better see the colour spectrum.

It offers three output modes: a spot beam for distance illumination, a soft, wide flood beam to illuminate work areas and to aid in true colour recognition, and a combined spot and flood beam.
The new light’s spot beam provides 225 lumens and 8,000 candela over a 179-metre beam distance, while the flood beam delivers 175 lumens, 380 candela, and a 39-metre beam distance.

The combined spot and flood beams offer 320 lumens, 7,000 candela and a 167-metre beam distance.

The light includes separate dual head switches for easy user activation of either function.

The two beams can be activated simultaneously by depressing both switches.

Future Endeavours

Streamlight launches many new lighting products each year to multiple markets that they support, including the fire service industry, in which their innovations will only continue.

They work on products right from the very first step, to ensure that they are reliable, high-quality products that provide the latest in technology and in some models, meet the certification requirements for applications in the fire safety market.

Soon you can expect to see the new Stylus Pro® HAZ-LO®, the perfect compact light to carry with you daily, intrinsically safe and withstands the toughest of environments – definitely one to keep an eye out for.

Lighting has evolved at an exponential rate over recent years and with such evolution comes the need for better understanding.

Strategy plays a huge part in firefighting operations, and dependable lighting should be a big consideration that is never overlooked.

Tested, certified products, like Streamlight flashlights and lanterns, will provide you with the confidence and trust needed to save lives.

This article was originally published in the November 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Rosenbauer introduces guidelines for optimal light mast maintenance

by Featured NewsLighting

The need for perfectly illuminating operational sites has been a consistent concern in emergency operations.

In line with this, Rosenbauer has combined LED illuminants to produce maximum light yield, offering full flexibility, including upward illumination.

The light mast doesn’t only serve as extended scene lighting but can also highlight any point around the vehicle when positioned appropriately.

Such utility does expose the light mast to various conditions, demanding periodic care to ensure durability.

Rosenbauer’s essential care for light mast longevity

  1. Drain condensation water every 1-3 months: Depending on weather conditions, it’s advisable to drain the condensation water. The process involves extending the light mast by approximately one metre and manually draining water through the valve. One should ensure the light mast head is positioned correctly to prevent any potential collisions. This procedure can also serve as an emergency operation.
  2. Clean and maintain for smooth operation: If the light mast exhibits delayed lowering, it might be due to insufficient lubrication in the telescopic area. The solution involves extending the light mast, cleaning the telescopic section with a damp cloth (using grease remover or soap-based cleaner), and evenly applying a non-branded PTFE-based spray over the entire telescopic tube.

Rosenbauer’s practical advice for enhanced illumination

Older light mast models, especially those fitted with halogen floodlights (either 230V or 24V), can benefit from an upgrade to LED illuminants.

LEDs are known to be three times as efficient as conventional bulbs, producing significant illumination.

An added advantage is that the earlier required 230V supply is no longer necessary, with power now sourced from the 24V vehicle supply.

IFSJ Comment

Rosenbauer’s emphasis on regular maintenance of light masts underlines the significance of optimal performance in emergency operations.

Proper illumination is crucial to ensuring safety and effectiveness on the ground.

The steps highlighted by Rosenbauer not only ensure longevity but also enhanced performance.

Upgrading to LED illuminants and adhering to the suggested maintenance routines can provide a tangible improvement in emergency response scenarios, reflecting the innovation-driven approach of Rosenbauer.

Lighting You Can Trust

by Breaking NewsLighting

This year, Streamlight® Inc. is marking 50 years of manufacturing high-quality flashlight products. Since its founding, Streamlight has grown from a small company with a single product to a global manufacturer of a broad range of high-performance lights for the fire industry.

Survivor® X Right-Angle ATEX Light

The Survivor® X ATEX was recently introduced as an updated version of the compact Survivor® right-angle torch, with new features for improved operations, 250 lumens, and multiple power options to suit user needs and budgets. The low-profile light is available either as a rechargeable system or as an economical alkaline model, both approved for Zone 0.

Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO ® ATEX

The intrinsically safe Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® ATEX, is a multifunction and rechargeable high-performance lantern designed for use in hazardous environments. Featuring a 32-hour run time on low, a 180° articulating head, and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in thick smoke, this light is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations faced by many first responders.

Vulcan Clutch®

The new Vulcan Clutchâ is a rechargeable multi-function lantern that delivers 1,700 lumens and features a swivel neck and a 340° rotating head. The new light includes a versatile clamping handle, enabling first responders to attach it virtually anywhere to provide light in multiple directions.

Portable Scene Light II

The Portable Scene Light II is a 10,000-lumen rechargeable, waterproof scene light featuring a versatile steel frame and 360° rotating head for precise aiming. It is the perfect scene light for marking exits, post-fire investigation, fire ground clean-up, mobile triage centre lighting, etc.

Visit the Venari Stand Hall 5/ B130 at The Emergency Services Show at the NEC Birmingham, to learn more about these products and a variety of our other most popular lights for firefighting.

Website: Streamlight.com

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Twitter: StreamlightDE

Instagram: Streamlight_europe

LinkedIn: Streamlight-inc

Streamlight unveils Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX lantern for hazardous environments

by Featured NewsLightingProducts

Streamlight’s new lantern designed for use in hazardous situations

Streamlight, Inc. have released the intrinsically safe Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX, a multifunction and rechargeable high-performance lantern designed for use in hazardous environments.

Key features make Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX a boon for first responders

Featuring a 24-hour run time on low, a 180° articulating head, and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in thick smoke, the new model is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations faced by many first

Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight’s Chief Revenue Officer, emphasised the lantern’s versatility: “The Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX is the ideal lantern for working in dangerous environments such as those with smoke, industrial hazards or inclement weather.

“With its 180° articulating head, first responders and other users can aim the light beam precisely where it is needed for task lighting purposes. And because it is powered by a lithium-ion battery, it is one of the lightest weighing lanterns in its category.”

Streamlight integrates superior technology for extreme brightness

Including a triangular-shaped face cap and rotating head, the Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX uses three white powerful LEDs for extreme brightness.

Three deep-dish parabolic reflectors produce a tight spot beam with optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation, while two ultra-bright blue LEDs illuminate the lantern’s taillights. The flat base area also allows the light to stand on its own for scene lighting.

The product delivers 450 lumens, 25,000 candela, a 316-metre beam distance, and a run time of 16.5 hours on the high setting. On low, it provides 130 lumens, 8,000 candela, a 179-metre beam distance, and a run time of 32 hours.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX by Streamlight not only promises reliability and high-performance but also, crucially, it is designed with the needs of those working in hazardous conditions in mind. It is an important step in the right direction in ensuring the safety and efficiency of first responders and others in challenging environments.

UL Solutions adds appliance and lighting testing in Basingstoke

by Featured NewsLighting

UL Solutions’ Basingstoke branch opened its doors on 28 March 2023, to showcase its brand-new laboratory dedicated to appliance lighting and safety testing. Guests from across the manufacturing and distribution sector took a tour of the facility, exploring the Basingstoke site’s newly extended capabilities.

The modern facility, covering 175 square meters, employs cutting-edge technology and houses a team of adept UL Solutions engineers and technicians. “We’ve aimed to be as flexible as possible,” said Jordan Bucko, operations manager with the AHL team at the facility, highlighting the lab’s capacity for accommodating “high volume requirements”.

New capabilities for diverse end products

Offering a wide array of services, from environmental and materials testing to endurance and wireless electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, this new facility ensures safety and quality for lighting and appliances. With a focus on accommodating a variety of end products and components, UL Solutions can undertake multiple tasks concurrently.

The newly minted laboratory extends its services to include testing and certification for a multitude of lighting and appliance products. Whether it’s luminaires and LED modules, or control gears and lighting components, or even commercial and household appliances, the facility is open for testing and certification. Additionally, UL Solutions offers aid in safety testing, performance testing, marketing claim verification, and global market access.

Connected systems

As more and more homes adopt smart devices, UL Solutions is ready to facilitate seamless connected systems. From appliances and lighting to heating and security, each component needs to function independently and as part of a larger system.

UL Solutions’ Basingstoke facility houses a robust commercial EMC and wireless testing laboratory to support this. Their capabilities extend to a broad array of connected product development for appliances, HVAC, lighting and other categories.

True colour recognition LED flashlight launched by Streamlight

by Featured NewsLightingProducts

Streamlight Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting tools, introduced the Dualie 3AA Color-Rite, an intrinsically safe dual beam LED flashlight that provides true colour recognition, in September.

The high-performance LED flashlight provides the option of bright, white light or high CRI light with Streamlight’s Color-Rite Technology for true colour recognition in industrial, automotive and other applications.

The dual beam light includes a high-power white LED for bright area illumination and a High Colour Rendering Index (90 CRI) LED with Streamlight’s proprietary Color-Rite Technology to better see the colour spectrum.

It offers three output modes: a spot beam for distance illumination, a soft, wide flood beam to illuminate work areas and to aid in true colour recognition, and a combined spot and flood beam.

The compact, hand-held light, which is powered by AA batteries, is safety-rated for use in Division 1 environments faced by many professionals. it is also ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations and InMetro approved.

Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer Michael F. Dineen, said: “The Dualie 3AA Color-Rite provides the option of bright white light for illuminating large areas, or a high CRI beam that is ideal for auto detailing and painting, differentiating coloured wires, spotting finish imperfections or other tasks that require exacting attention to detail. With the Dualie 3AA Color-Rite, users have two lights in one.”

The light’s spot beam provides 225 lumens and 8,000 candela over a 179-metre beam distance, while the flood beam delivers 175 lumens, 380 candela, and a 39-metre beam distance. The combined spot and flood beams offer 320 lumens, 7,000 candela and a 167-metre beam distance.

The device includes separate dual head switches for easy user activation of either function. The two beams can be activated simultaneously by depressing both switches.

Run times for the Dualie 3AA Color-Rite are 8 hours in spot mode, 8.5 hours in flood mode and 5 hours when the beams are combined.

The lightweight Dualie 3AA Color-Rite is constructed from an engineered polymer resin that is impact- and chemical-resistant and features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with a scratch-resistant coating.

It offers slip-resistant grip texture that is both comfortable and easy to use with gloves. Its rugged, integrated, snag-free clip conforms to the body of the light and grabs easily onto shirts, pockets and other gear for hands-free use.

The Dualie 3AA Color-Rite weighs 187.11 grams and measures 17.78 cm in length. The light is IP67-rated for dust-tight and waterproof operation to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It is available in high visibility yellow, while the ATEX/IECEx and InMetro models are available in international safety orange.