Do you work in traffic safety, emergency services or organize events with lighting? If yes, you must have noticed fast-flashing lights used to alert or guide people. They are actually strobe lights.
In today’s guide, we will explain strobe light, its types and major uses. We will also talk about how you can pick the right one for your needs.
Strobe Light Meaning
The strobe light is a special kind of light device. It flashes very fast. Hence, you will see it turning on and off many times in a second. These quick flashes make moving things and you will feel like objects are moving slowly or stopping.
You can find strobe lights in clubs, emergency vehicles, construction sites and fire trucks. These lights are useful for you to notice things quickly.
Components of Strobe Light
Strobe light has many parts which work together to create bright, illuminating and flashing light.
- Light Sources include strobe light LED or bulb.
- Flasher Circuit controls how fast the light turns on and off.
- Power Supply gives electricity to the light so it can work properly.
- Flash Tube holds the gas which lights up when electricity passes through.
- Lens functions to protect the light and focus the beam.
- Reflectors direct the light to make it brighter and cover a large area.
- Housing is the outer cover that keeps all parts safe and secure.
Strobe Light Example
You can see strobe lights in many places. For example: emergency vehicles like police cars, ambulances and fire trucks use them to alert people. Some safety equipment also works with these lights to keep you safe on roads.
What is Strobe Light Used For?
Strobe lights are useful for you in many places and for different purposes. Below we mentioned the application of strobe light.
Strobe Light on a Flashlight
A strobe light on a flashlight is used to warn you in emergencies. You can use it to signal for assistance or alert others. It also makes it easier for you to see in the dark or in dangerous situations.
Strobe Light in Aircraft
Aircraft use strobe lights to stay visible in the sky. They flash bright lights to alert other pilots, so they can avoid collisions. Moreover, strobe lights are also useful for you to see the plane’s position during takeoff, landing, and night flights.
Strobe Light in Photography
Photographers use strobe lights to take clear & accurate pictures of moving objects. The bright flashes of light freeze motion and reduce blur. You can also use them to add special lighting effects to your photos.
How to use strobe lights for photography?
Firstly, you need to place the strobe light near your subject and adjust the flash power. Use it to freeze motion and make sure the light does not shine directly into the camera lens.
Strobe Light in Car
When you want to stay visible on the road, you can use strobe lights in your cars. Plus, emergency and security vehicles use them to warn others. But, some car owners install strobe lights for decoration or to make their cars stand out.
You can see this Reddit discussion where people have shared their experience about strobe lights’ presence on vehicle.
Buses Strobe Lights
Buses use strobe lights to keep passengers and other drivers safe. The flashing lights make the bus easy to see in rain or at night. They also warn nearby vehicles when the bus is stopping or moving.
Types of Strobe Lights
There are different types of strobe light, which are classified on the basis of their design and to meet specific requirements.
Xenon Strobes
Xenon strobes use a xenon gas tube to make bright flashes of light. These lights create very strong and clear beams which are easy to see in daylight. You can find xenon strobes in emergency vehicles and warning equipment. Below are some subtypes of xenon strobes lights.
- Light Bars: It is a long light which is installed on police cars and emergency vehicles like fire trucks & ambulances.
- Beacons: These are very bright lights. You will find them on construction and airport vehicles.
- Grille Lights: These lights are placed in the front grille of a vehicle.
- Dash and Visor Lights: You will find them inside the car, on the dashboard or visor.
- Hideaway Lights: Hideaway lights are hidden inside a car’s headlights or taillights.
LED Strobes
LED strobes use LED bulbs to make quick and bright flashes. Actually, they use less power and last much longer than other types. Further, you can see LED strobes on emergency vehicles, warning signs as well as stage lighting. Due to their energy-saving feature and durability, these lights are more popular than other strobe lights.
- Surface-Mount Lights: These lights are small in size, so you can fix them on flat surfaces of a vehicle or machine.
- Directional Lights: Directional lights flash in one direction to guide you or show movement of cars. You often notice them on road safety vehicles.
- Emergency Light Kits: Emergency light kits include sirens and control switches. They are used in fire, police or rescue vehicles.
- Off-Road Strobe Lights: These lights are made for rough and dark areas. They are useful for you to see better on trails or construction sites.
Mini Strobes
If we talk about mini strobes, these lights are small-sized. That’s why you can carry and install them in an easy way. Well, they have compact size but still give bright flashes. You can use them for personal safety, small vehicles, or decoration. In short, mini strobes are light, handy, bright, and perfect for quick warning signals.
How Does a Strobe Light Work?
The working of strobe lights is simple as they flash bright light again and again. To function properly, it uses a power source, a flasher circuit and a bulb or LED. The power sends electricity to the circuit, which makes the light turn on and off very fast. Also, you will find some strobe lights use xenon gas tubes, while others use LEDs.
Moreover, you can control how fast the light flashes. The whole process of charging and flashing completes in only a few milliseconds. This makes the light flash very quickly and create the strobe effect.
What is External Strobe Light?
A regular strobe light is usually built into a device or machine, but external strobe light is a separate device. You can attach it to a vehicle, camera, equipment or machine when you need.
These strobe lights are generally brighter, more flexible, flash quick and easier for you to replace. Furthermore, you can use them in more open areas where visibility and attention are important.
Strobe Light vs Flash
A strobe light and flash light both produce bright beams. But, they work in different ways.
| Main Features | Strobe Light | Flash Light |
| Light Pattern | Strobe light flashes quickly | Flashlight shines all the time |
| Brightness Level | Very bright but short flashes | It has continuous brightness but less intense light |
| Power Source | Strobe light uses higher power for short & quick flashes | Flash light operate on battery for longer use |
| Operation | It works automatically or by control circuit | This light works manually by switch |
| Applications | You can use it for emergency vehicles, photography studios & clubs | Flash lights are mostly used in homes, camping and outdoor use |
Strobe Light Price
The price of a strobe light depends on its type and purpose. Small LED strobes for cars or bikes are usually cheap but medium strobe lights used for safety or warning cost you a bit more. The estimated price range is between $6 to $300 per piece. However, it can be increased to $500 for professional or industrial strobe lights.
Strobe Light Colors
What color strobe lights are legal? The legal colors for strobe lights depend on where you live and how you use them. In most places, you can use white and amber strobe lights for public use. These colors are safe and legal for cars and work vehicles.
However, red, blue & green strobe lights are only allowed for emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, rescue vehicles and fire trucks.
If you use these colors on private vehicles, it can cause confusion or be against traffic laws. Hence, you should always check your local rules before using colored strobe lights to stay safe and legal.
How Bright is a Strobe Light
When we talk about strobe lights, joules show how much energy the light uses to make one flash. For example: smaller strobes for regular use may use around 10 to 150 joules of energy. On the other hand, stronger industrial strobes can go up to 25 joules or more and give very bright as well as short flashes.
JACKWIN’s Advice For Strobe Light Selection
Finally, you are now familiar with the importance of strobe lights. But, when you are going to buy them, we recommend you to compare features of various types. Then also see brightness levels and major use case.
You need to make sure it fits your vehicle or workspace. If you want high quality strobe lights for your project, you can contact us now. You will get a quick quote and we also offer you customized strobe lights.
Answers To Your Important Questions
Can I Use Strobe Lights Without a DMX Controller?
Yes, you can use strobe lights without a DMX controller. In many strobe lights, you will find built-in settings which let you control the flash speed and brightness directly. And, you can adjust them by simple knobs or switches on the light itself. However, if you use a DMX controller it gives you more control.
What is the Best Way To Position Strobe Lights Indoors?
To position strobe lights indoors, you need to place it where the light spreads evenly. Firstly, you should set it at an angle instead of pointing directly at people’s eyes. You can place them behind or above the subject to avoid harsh shadows.
Why Do Strobe Lights Cause Seizures?
These lights can cause seizures in some people because of their fast flashing. When the light flashes very quickly, it can confuse your brain and lead to seizure. This happens because the brain cannot manage fast flashing lights.
What is a Hideaway Strobe Light?
A hideaway strobe light is a small strobe light that you can place inside a vehicle or device. It is not visible when turned off but flashes brightly when required. Mostly, you will see hideaway strobes in police cars, emergency vehicles or undercover vehicles.
What Color Strobe Light Cuts Through Fog?
Amber or yellow strobe lights work best in foggy conditions. These colors can pass through fog better than white or blue light. These colored lights help you see clearly and make your car more visible to others.
