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.
Portable safety torches are an essential bit of kit for emergency response teams, and thanks to their consistent use in high risk environments they need to be both powerful and easy to use. Streamlight Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance flashlights for fire and rescue and industrial professionals, recently introduced its new Survivor X ATEX at Interschutz 2022.
Based in Eagleville, Pennsylvania, USA, Streamlight has been around for more than 45 years, developing tough, durable, long lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialised needs of fire safety professionals. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/ laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications.
Its latest product is an updated version of its 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 light is available as a Rechargeable System or in an economical Alkaline model and is pending approval for use in Zone 0 gas and Zone 20 dust atmospheres. Also from Streamlight is the Survivor X USB, a budget-friendly USB rechargeable option for use in Division 2 conditions.
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. Whether fighting fires, investigating fire scenes, signalling others in emergencies, or conducting rescues, Streamlight has been working to meet the needs of the fire industry by developing and manufacturing products built with precision and performance, featuring the latest technology, top tier performance, and durability that can be depended upon.
“The Survivor personal light, known the world over 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 which provides a 25 percent cost savings on batteries, as well as the Survivor X USB which offers an economical USB rechargeable alternative and also accepts alkaline batteries,” says 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.”
User-friendly design
The new torch features several improvements in response to user feedback, including:
An easy-to-operate battery door that provides a tight, dust-resistant seal.
A battery status indicator in the switch that turns red when the battery is nearing low voltage, flashes continuously when there is 15 minutes of battery life left and turns green when the battery is fully charged.
An improved charge cradle design that locks the light securely in place, while also featuring a quick release latch to permit one-handed “grab and go” removal, even with gloved hands. In addition to energising the new Survivor X ATEX, the new charger also charges all existing Survivor models.
The Survivor X ATEX features the latest power technology for extreme brightness and offers microprocessor-controlled high and low intensity and emergency flash modes. The Rechargeable System model operates on a 2.6Ahr Lithium-Ion battery pack which can be recharged up to 1,000 times. The Survivor X ATEX Alkaline uses three AA alkaline batteries.
On high, all models deliver 250 lumens and 50,000 candela over a beam distance of 447 meters. The torch’s custom optic produces a narrow beam, ideal for cutting through smoke, fog and mist, while also providing optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation. Operating run times for all three models range from 3.75 hours on high to 15 hours on low, with 8 hours on the flash setting.
Rechargeable System models are available with AC and DC chargers. An indicator in the charger turns red when charging and green when the light is fully charged. A bank charger accessory that charges five units simultaneously is also available. An eight-unit SL-B26 Li-Ion USB battery bank charger that charges eight USB batteries simultaneously is available as an accessory for the Survivor X USB model.
The Survivor X ATEX features a low-profile, compact bezel designed to eliminate snagging when putting on equipment or other gear. The torch’s reinforced, built-in attachment D-ring and updated spring-loaded clip offer superior retention, ensuring the torch consistently hangs forward, and conveniently latches to belts and harnesses. Its rubber dome push-button translucent switch is easy to use, even with gloves, and its super-tough nylon housing provides exceptional durability.
All openings are O-ring sealed to resist moisture, including the torch’s unbreakable polycarbonate lens with silicone anti-scratch coating, assembled in a heavy-duty bezel. The torch has an IP67-rated design for dust-tight use and waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes; it also is impact resistance-tested to 2 meters. In addition to the Division 2 Survivor X USB, Streamlight also offers a Survivor X model that is Class 1, Division 1 rated.
This article was originally published in the August edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Whether for fighting fires, investigating scenes, signalling others in emergencies, or conducting rescues, lighting appliances are an essential piece of equipment for fire and rescue teams in order to navigate hazard-filled environments. Stream light, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, offer a range of high-quality products built with precision and performance works to meet the needs of the fire market.
The company has developed its insights over decades of open communications and has a user-centric approach in developing new ideas and innovation for the fire market which, combined with their knowledge, experience and technical capabilities has seen them become a market leader in the industry.
Streamlight’s product development and compliance teams have been making a continuous effort to develop and evolve its ATEX product lines – the European certification given to equipment tested and approved to be intrinsically safe for use in or around explosive atmospheres – with the assurance that its flashlights are all safe, reliable, and a good fit for the job. International Fire and Safety Journal looks at a selection of Streamlights solutions for the fire market.
Advanced Lighting
A clip-on flashlight is depended on by firefighters and so needs to be tough, compact in size, and reliable. Streamlight has developed specialised products for the fire market, including its clip-on flashlight Survivor Right Angle ATEX Light which possesses the latest in high-lumen LED technology for extreme brightness. The Survivor has four lighting modes that include high and low intensity, emergency flash, and a moonlight mode for low-level lighting that runs for 15 days.
The Survivor’s custom optic produces a narrow beam which is designed to cut through smoke, fog, and mist whilst also providing optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation. To ensure reliability, it operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery than can be recharged up to 1,500 times and permits firefighters to insert a spare pack of four AA alkaline or four AA lithium batteries to reduce the likelihood of being caught in the dark with a dead battery.
Avoiding hazards
Another key feature of any lighting device used by firefighters is that it needs to be safe for use in hazardous location. Streamlight’s high-performance Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX headlamp is IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations – places in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapours are present continuously – which are regularly faced by many fire fighters in their role as first repsonders.
The headlamp features a 45 degree tilting head and has three lighting modes to cover a variety of tasks: spot for a focused beam, flood for soft area illumination that will prevent eyes becoming tired and spot/flood combo for even more light output. The light also includes an adjustable elastic head strap and comes with two additional options: a rubber head strap and 3M Dual Lock re-closable fasteners for mounting on hard hats.
Streamlight’s Dualiefamily of lights are designed to be fundamentally safe and feature multi-directional lighting. Also ATEX and IECEx-certified is the Dualie 3AA flashlight which features a bright light that shines both ahead and downwards, helping firefighters avoid slips, trips, and falls. Powered by AA batteries, the Dualie 3AA features two powerful LEDS and three output modes: spot, flood, and spot/flood simultaneously for maximum brightness.
The 3AA model also has a case constructed from a durable, non-conductive, corrosion-proof polymer resin and unbreakable polycarbonate lenses with scratch-resistant coating and includes an integrated, snag-free clip for use on shirts, pockets and mounting on to gear for hands-free use.
Power and precision
Many situations faced by firefighters will need precision, task-oriented lighting. Streamlight’s Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX is a multifunction and rechargeable high-performance lantern featuring a 24-hour run time on low, and features a 180-degree articulating head and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in difficult environments – whether from smoke, inclement weather, or other hazards. Firefighters and first responders can aim the light beam precisely where it is needed for task lighting purposes.
Portability and durability in poor conditions are another important design consideration, which is why Streamlight developed The Portable Scene Light II: a 10,000-lumen rechargeable, waterproof scene light. Featuring a versatile steel frame and 360-degree rotating head for precise aiming, this scene light is particularly beneficial for marking exits, post investigation, ground clean-up and mobile triage centre lighting.
Also from Streamlight is the recently introduced BearTrap: is a multi-function, rechargeable, 2,000-lumen work light, featuring both spot and flood beams. The BearTrap can rotate 270 degrees in its frame and it clamps to most surfaces without scratching or stands alone for hands-free task illuminations. It also features a magnetic base and a hanging hook and has an IPX4 rated design for water-resistant operation and is impact resistant tested to one meter.
Informing On Innovations
As lighting technology continues to evolve, the range of options for firefighting professionals worldwide continues to grow thanks to advances in portable lighting technology from innovators like Streamlight.
Streamlight is working with fire departments and training facilities to educate them on the latest technology innovations in lighting, spreading the word about the importance of light at a fire scene, and detailing the use of actual products in the training sessions. The company also offers an extensive video showcase on its website, which provides product and training information for fire personnel.
Streamlight President and CEO, Ray Sharrah comments: “Streamlight is a pioneer in rechargeable lighting with one of the largest range of safety-rated lights. We are revolutionising LED lights, making them brighter, safer, and incredibly durable.” He adds, “After we’ve met the challenges involved in designing and engineering a light, we put it through the most demanding industry testing to ensure the highest levels of performance and dependability”.
This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, have introduced the BearTrap®, a multi-function, 2,000-lumen work light designed for law enforcement and first responder uses such as providing emergency scene lighting, illuminating traffic stops or servicing agency fleets.
Featuring both spot and flood beams, the BearTrap can rotate 270 degrees in its frame. The light clamps to most surfaces without scratching or stands alone for hands-free task illumination. The BearTrap also features a magnetic base and a hanging hook for additional hands-free lighting options.
“With its bright white light and hands-free options, the BearTrap is a versatile light for law enforcement – for anything from fleet vehicle servicing to emergency lighting,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “Fleet maintenance technicians can use it to illuminate hard-to-reach areas when making vehicle repairs, and police can clamp it to a patrol vehicle hood or use it on a stand-alone basis for scene lighting. And its rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows for extremely low operating costs.”
This new work light provides six output modes, including three spot and three flood settings The BearTrap’s flood mode fills work areas with soft, bright light, ranging from 2,000 lumens on high with a 2.5-hour run time to 575 lumens on low, with an 8.75-hour run time. In spot mode, the light provides a white concentrated beam for specific task lighting, ranging from 1,000 lumens on high for 4.5 hours to 325 lumens on low for 12.5 hours.
The BearTrap has an easy access, multi-function push-button switch with a battery life indicator. The indicator changes from green to yellow to red and then flashing red when the battery is in need of recharging. The new light uses a 7.26-volt, 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged in 5.5 hours, including when the light is in use.
Manufactured from tough thermoplastic construction, it also features a gasket-sealed lens that is impervious to the most common automotive fluids and chemicals. It has an IPX4 rated design for water-resistant operation and is impact resistance tested to 1 meter.
Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, have launched the Portable Scene Light II, 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 center 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 for 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.
“The Portable Scene Light II is the brightest, waterproof, rechargeable scene light on the market today,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “The steel frame is virtually unbreakable and offers powerful brightness at the scene of a structural fire, or in any situation involving water or smoke. This versatile new tool is also ideal for tactical and industrial uses such as lighting triage centres; accident scenes and vehicle check points; and inspecting construction sites, and remote equipment.”
The Portable Scene Light II can be stacked to create a tower effect
Featuring five intensity levels, the Portable Scene Light II has a toggle switch on the digital display that allows users to adjust up or down for brightness intensity and run time. The user can change the output any time as needed.
The light offers a range of brightness and run times, including a maximum setting for 100% brightness (10,000 lumens) with a run time of 2 hours and a low setting of 20% (2,300 lumens) for 11 hours. Featuring 18 power LEDs within wide-pattern parabolic reflectors, the light provides a smooth, high lumen flood pattern. The light is IPX7 rated and waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes.
In the latest product spotlight, International Fire and Safety Journal reviews the Dualie®2AA flashlight by lighting experts Streamlight
For on-scene responders, the importance of good quality lighting that delivers in the right areas cannot be understated. The equipment used needs to provide quick, reliable solutions that still maintains optimum performance whilst on scene. In terms of lighting solutions, quality lighting can often be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful mission.
In this article, we will review the Dualie®2AA, manufactured by lighting experts Streamlight. For this product, we firstly wanted to set out what would be important to the end user. Features such as operability, flexibility, reliability, run time and beam distance are just some specifications that are key for responders. Firstly, lets take a look at operability.
Dualie®operability
Firefighting crews are often faced with environments that require them to think, work and react fast in fire grounds that bring added danger to their role. For this reason, having equipment that is easy to use and handle is imperative for a successful mission. On this end, the Dualie®2AA seems to deliver an excellent solution for users. The flashlight has been built with one-handed operation in mind, and the end user has clearly been thought of from design to manufacture.
Dual head switches on either side of the body make the Dualie a versatile option for users. The beam selection and operation of the Dualie® 2AA also make it a versatile solution. Both beams are able to be used at the same time, further improving scene lighting and improving the field of vision whilst in operation. This feature is something Streamlight have designed to help operators avoid slips, trips and falls, and with the dual lighting, it is easy to see how user safety is improved whilst using the flashlight.
An integrated magnet at the tail end of the of the flashlight also means that hands-free operation is an option when maneuverability is key. For operability, the Dualie’s design and features means it gives users flexibility and the confidence that they are aware of their surroundings and its dangers, whilst also being able to carry out their task.
Dualie 2AA durability
A flashlight is one of the most common pieces of equipment used by responders, therefore it must be able to operate in dangerous environments and remain durable during operations. One thing that immediately sticks out when testing the flashlight is how lightweight, yet durable that it appeared. Weighing in at 3.90 ounces, it would be easy to sacrifice durability for a lighter product, but this is not the case with the Dualie® 2AA.
The 2AA comes with impact and chemical resistant Engineered Polymer resin v-ring sealed and vented, an unbreakable polycarbonate facecap and side lens with scratch resistant coating. The general feel of the Dualie® 2AA is sturdy yet light and small enough to carry on missions that need versatility. Overall, the compact design means that the flashlight is easy to operate and hold, whilst also still providing reliable lighting that can last through harsh environments.
Dualie 2AA performance
The previously mentioned dual lighting of the Dualie, which widens vision, uses both spot and flood light LED. With high lumens of 175, it should have come as no surprise that the flashlight shines bright. Even at its lowest lumen of 115, the flashlight delivers on its key objective of providing light when it matters most. For measure, the average iPhone flashlight has high lumens of 50. The beam distance is also something that stands out. Shining ahead at 111 meters, the Dualie® 2AA allows the user to see in to the distance, further improving visibility and safety on-scene by delivering extended lighting.
Final thoughts
Going back to some of the key specifications that users look for such as operability, flexibility, reliability, run time and beam distance, the Dualie delivers on all fronts. Its compact design makes it an essential tool for responders that are tasked with dealing with dangerous, hazardous environments. With an Operating temperature of between -20°F to 130°F, its flexibility reflects the true nature of the changing role of firefighters. The water resistant design means that floods and other incidents can be attended.
The run time of 24 hours means that for incidents in the darkest environments, the flashlight remains a vital tool throughout the mission. The design, which makes one handed operation easy, doesn’t sacrifice on quality despite its light weight feel.
Upon opening the Dualie® 2AA, many things stood out, but its versatility in its performance is perhaps its greatest asset. The Dualie® is one of the many lighting solutions provided by Streamlight, and with the company continuing to engage with end users to develop lighting solutions, user friendly solutions like the Dualie® 2AA are just the latest in a long list of products off the Streamlight line that have developed. For more information on the Dualie® 2AA and more lighting products produced by Streamlight, visit: https://www.streamlight.com/en
Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting for firefighting uses, has launched the Vantage 180 X USB rechargeable system. The light, which can be mounted to full-brim fire helmets, and also used as a handheld or right-angle light, comes with a Streamlight SL-B26 USB rechargeable lithium ion battery with an integrated micro USB port and a charge cord. A Vantage® 180 X model with two CR123A batteries is also available.
The multi-function light securely attaches to helmets by means of an integrated stainless steel clip, designed for a variety of attachment methods and mounting positions. The “quick release” helmet bracket allows for easy detachment of the light from helmets, so that it can be used as a handheld or pocket light, or hooked to turnout gear. Featuring a main beam that delivers up to 250 lumens, the light’s 180-degree rotating head automatically changes an ultra-bright blue safety taillight to a white safety flood down light when the head is set at a 90-degree angle.
“The Vantage 180 X USB gives firefighters and other first responders a truly compact and versatile tool for operating in smoke-filled or extremely low light conditions, with flexible battery options for every situation,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “Users can charge the light’s SL-B26 lithium ion battery from any USB source, transforming it into a rechargeable system. Or they can use disposable cell batteries when a power source is not immediately available.”
Using either battery source, the Vantage 180 X USB provides 250 lumens, 7,200 candela peak beam intensity, and a 170-meter beam distance on the high setting. Run times range from 4-15 hours, depending on battery source and light mode. The light features a custom optic to provide a narrow beam with optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation. It is operated by using a body-mounted, push-button switch that allows for one-handed constant “on” operation.
Measuring 5.2 ounces high, the Vantage 180 X USB weighs 5.5 ounces using CR123A batteries and 5.9 ounces with a Streamlight SL-B26 USB rechargeable battery. It features a body constructed of high-impact, super-tough nylon, chemically resistant engineered polymer for exceptional durability and a sure grip. Featuring an IPX7 rated design for waterproof operation to one meter for 30 minutes, the light is also one-meter impact resistance-tested.
Product Features:
Lumens:
High: 250 lumens; Low: 100 Lumens
Battery:
Uses one Streamlight SL-B26™ protected Li-Ion rechargeable USB battery pack; also accepts two CR123A lithium batteries
Size:
5.20” (13.20cm)
Weight:
5.5oz. (156g)
Colour:
Orange or Black
The Vantage 180 X USB and the Vantage 180 X are available in safety orange with black tail cap and trim or all black. They have MSRPs of £108.48 and £93.89, respectively. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, have launched a new intrinsically safe version of its Enduro Pro HAZ-LO headlamp, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX. The new safety-rated model of the high-performance headlamp is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations faced by many first responders.
“The Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX is ideal in dangerous environments with potentially hazardous conditions that require flexible lighting options,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “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.”
Powered by easily sourced AAA batteries, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX features two power LEDs and three output modes: spot, flood and a spot/flood combination for maximum brightness. On high, the headlamp’s 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.
The Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX uses three AAA alkaline batteries, easily replaceable without tools by opening the light’s rear cover. The light features a case constructed from tough thermoplastic material with elastomer over mould and unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. The light includes an adjustable elastic head strap, and also comes with two additional options: a rubber strap and 3M Dual Lock re-closable fasteners for mounting on hard hats. The light is IPX7 rated and is waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It is impact-resistance tested to 2 metres.
Product Features:
Lumens:
High: 235 lumens (spot/flood combo)
Battery:
AAA Alkaline x 3
Size:
2.19” (5.56 cm) x 2” (5.08 cm) x 1.5” (3.81 cm)
Weight:
3.5oz. (99.22g)
Colour:
Orange
Available in in international safety orange, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX headlamp has a MSRP of £44 and includes the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Streamlight Inc, a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, explains how to effectively deployscene lighting in emergency scenarios when failure is not an option
Most of us can walk around our own homes in the dark with relative ease, but when you’re navigating somewhere you have never been before it’s a whole different story – especially if you’re against the clock and lives are at risk. For those tasked with protecting and saving individuals from accidents and disasters, from road traffic incidents to floods and fires, getting lighting to the right places quickly is vital. What you can’t see can hurt you and others. Shedding light on the task at hand can put professional and emergency services at a big advantage.
During night-time operations, professional lighting allows firefighters and other emergency services to work around the scene fast, alleviating the potential for secondary incidents from otherwise hidden obstacles and trip hazards like fire hoses. In fact, the benefits of scene lighting are endless, including highlighting potential structural failures, smoke conditions, and alerting the general public to keep their distance in a dangerous situation.
Whether you’re in the fire service, law enforcement or other first response services, potential hazards need to be recognised at a scene as quickly as possible. A common misconception about lighting is that deploying as many lights as possible at a scene will make things clearer, but in practice, this approach can cause confusion. Different lighting types have different roles to play and too many of them can be highly disorientating.
If you take into account the functionality of LED beams, for instance, some will have focused beam patterns for highlighting specific areas. Others will have more diffused beam patterns, better suited to illuminating wide areas. Some scene lights are adjustable and capable of both, but it’s important to understand how they function and the basic principles of lighting before rushing to a scene.
www.matthowell.co.uk 07740 583906
Imagine you’re at the scene of a car accident whereby police have deployed floodlights on one side of the incident, while ambulance services have deployed focused spotlights on the opposite side. The combination of different beams aimed in various directions, mixed with the flashing vehicle lights can be distracting and confusing. While spot beams offer intense light in a particular area, they can also produce shadows, sometimes causing more harm than good. Utilising area lights with an extendable pole, like the Streamlight Portable Scene Light, in this type of scenario would allow responders to properly direct the light to illuminate the scene with less shadows and distractions. Decisions could be made more quickly, and potential hazards may be averted, ultimately helping to save lives.
The combination of different beams aimed in various directions, mixed with the flashing vehicle lights can be distracting and confusing
In smaller spaces, including building interiors, scene lighting can be more effective than multiple handheld flashlights. For example, a tool like the Streamlight Portable Scene Light II is lightweight, cordless and compact, making it easy to transport and store. Additionally, this light can be stacked tightly up to three lights high to form a light tower. These can be used by firefighters to throw a large amount of elevated light onto the target area of interest. The rapid deployment of multiple devices like the Streamlight Portable Scene Light and Scene Light II can help further illuminate the zone for critical site exploitation and analysis.
Scene lights can vary considerably and should be deployed in different ways depending on the scenario, so personnel should work out what’s relevant to the task in hand. When choosing the right scene light, consider these factors:
• Deployment time
• Stability
• Size and weight
• Beam type
• Water resistance
• Recharge time
• Brightness vs run time
• Reliability
• Illumination height
• Versatility
• External power source facility
For professional users of scene lighting, the above factors can be critical in certain circumstances and can influence the success or failure of an operation. Indeed, one important factor for the firefighting community is the waterproof rating of lighting and other devices. Defined by their innovation in delivering effective, efficient and high-performance lighting tools, Streamlight’s research and development team puts in the necessary time and effort to make sure their products help save lives and protect firefighters on the job. As such, the Portable Scene Light and Portable Scene Light II are IP67 and IPX7 certified respectively.
The importance of IP ratings
What do the ratings actually mean? IP stands for International or Ingress Protection and classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion (e.g. someone purposefully sticking a paper clip into their device for whatever reason), dust, accidental contact, and of course water. As the name suggests the system is used internationally and, in this case, for flashlights or lanterns.
IP rating denotes three key metrics:
• Resistance to ingress, accidental or otherwise, by the user
• Resistance to ingress from foreign bodies (dust, dirt etc.)
• Resistance to moisture ingress
In general, an IP rating will consist of two digits, occasionally followed by a letter denoting specific materials, hazards or testing scenarios. The most common way you’ll see such a rating given will be in the format ‘IP43’, ‘IP67’, or similar.
The X factor
If the rating uses an ‘X’ instead of a digit, this signifies that the manufacturer considers that rating is not important to the user, for example where a radio is designed to be used in a wet setting, the rating for solid particle ingress is largely irrelevant, so that number may be replaced with an X, e.g. IPX7.
The first digit
This will be a number between 0-6, and indicates the degree of protection from ingress of solid objects (the user themselves, and other potentially harmful particulates such as dust or dirt).
The second digit
This is a number between 0-9, denoting the quality of resistance to moisture ingress at varying intensities, angles, depths and pressures of exposure or immersion, the higher the number the better protection.
Thus, when purchasing lighting tools for use in life and death scenarios, IP ratings are very important. The Portable Scene Light (IP67) is certified for full protecting against dust and other particulates, including a vacuum seal, tested against continuous airflow and is fully waterproof for up to 30 minutes at depths of up to one metre. The Portable Scene Light II (IPX7) is not considered necessary to be tested for particle ingress to effect performance but will withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at depths of up to one metre. As such, both devices will more than cater for the rigours of firefighters and other emergency services.
Portable Scene Light
A bright 5,300 lumen, portable and collapsible flood light that is available in either a 72” or 84” extension pole which can be rapidly deployed and easily stowed. The device features a 90° swivel neck to shine light into the most out-of-the-way places and a narrow footprint that lets you bring the light almost anywhere. It offers a run time of 4 hours when set to high intensity and 18 hours when operating on low. It can also withstand 40mph wind speeds when fully extended and is fitted with stabilisation legs for deployment on uneven surfaces. This can be powered by a zero maintenance, sealed lead acid rechargeable battery or AC/DC power source.
Portable Scene Light II
18 LEDs produce 10,000 lumens to light up an entire scene. With a zero-deployment time, compact footprint, 360° rotating head and hooked feet for hanging on door frames, fences, ARMCO barriers etc. the PSL II is a highly versatile lighting tool for emergency service operatives. It also benefits from a high impact thermo plastic housing and virtually indestructible alloy steel frame making it very durable. It is powered by lithium-ion rechargeable battery with five intensity settings with a run time of 2 hours on high.
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.
With a history of providing high quality emergency lighting solutions, Streamlight have once again delivered excellence with the Dualie® 2AA flashlight. The multi-functional flashlight allows users to see what’s ahead of them as well as right in front of their feet. Its bright light, which shines both ahead of you and downward, helps you avoid slips, trips and falls.
The Dualie® 2AA is an intrinsically safe, high performance, battery powered multi-function LED flashlight. The flashlight features a forward-facing LED spotbeam and a side facing LED flood light that can be used individually or at the same time for enhanced safety. The flashlight has opposing switches for easy user activation of desired function(s). Includes removable, reversable clip and integrated magnet for hands free use. The light’s spot beam delivers 115 lumens, 3,100 candela over a 111m beam distance; flood light offers 115 lumens, 75 candela and 17m beam distance. The combined spot/flood setting offers 175 lumens and a run time of 15 hours.
The Dualie® 2AA also comes with two white LEDs and three lighting modes, spot, flood and the spot/flood combo. Two beams that intersect for optimum path illumination and no blind spots gives the user a better field of vision.
The flashlight offers dual head switches on either side of the body for easy beam selection and one-handed operation, it is also durable, non-conductive, corrosion-proof polymer resin; rocky stipple texture for a sure grip.
For operations that pose a risk to equipment, the flashlight is built with unbreakable polycarbonate face cap and side lens with scratch-resistant coating, IPX4 water-resistant; 2m impact resistance tested and an unbreakable pocket clip.
For ease of use the Dualie® 2AA has an integrated magnet on the tail end for hands-free use.
Product specifications
High Lumens – 175 Run Time on High – 15.00 hours Run Time on Low – 24.00 hours Beam Distance – 111 meters Max Candela – 3,100 Battery Type – AA Alkaline Battery Quantity – 2 Length6.10 inches – (15.49 centimeters) Weight – 3.90 ounces (110.56 grams) Colors – Yellow, Black
For more information on the The Dualie 2AA visit the Streamlight website.
