How is LED lighting evolving?
CVW hears from HELLA about the latest lighting technology in its upgraded LED marker and position lamp range.
High visibility all around the vehicle is crucial to help operators make their vehicles as safe as possible from end to end, and with this in mind designer and manufacturer of commercial vehicle lighting solutions HELLA has upgraded its range of easy-mount DuraLED marker and position lamps.
“As technology continues to evolve,” explains Dave Clark, product manager, “light sources right across the vehicle can be continually enhanced. Brighter and better marker and position lamps can only improve safety for everyone working around the vehicle, which is why we have continued to evolve the range, pushing the envelope when it comes to LED output, as well as bringing in new materials.”
Suitable for commercial vehicles, buses and tractors, HELLA’s upgraded easy-mount DuraLED marker and position lamps feature a dual-coloured lens, a black surround, and a high impact resistant acrylic optical section. “We have worked to make the light more vivid and the unit itself far more durable than ever before,” continues Clark.
The range includes 12 part numbers including four front position/end outline lamps, four side marker lamps and finally four rear position/end outline lamps, with spare parts also available. “The new slimmer design offers a thickness of just 9mm,” comments Clark.
Low energy consumption
The new lights are also said to offer very low energy consumption, and a practical alternative to bulb lamps. “With the combination of efficient LEDs and precision optics,” says Clark, “HELLA lights achieve the statutory light distribution with over 90% less power consumption compared to bulb lamps.”
Units in the range also come complete with reverse polarity protection, are claimed to offer considerable vibration resistance and are fully sealed to withstand high-pressure cleaning. “Tested to IP 6K7 and IP 6K9K ingress protection (IP) international standard ratings,” says Clark, “these lights are protected from dust and water ingress under constant immersion.”
For operators, the company hopes, its upgraded LEDs mean one less thing to think about. “The units within the range are designed for a fit and forget service life, proving an optimum signal pattern with low power consumption,” adds Clark.
“There is no need for a change of light source either, and no need for maintenance. Due to the optimal thermal management, which is designed in, they offer operators an extremely long operating life. The components are arranged in a way that optimises the temperature conditions, preventing overheating of the LEDs at high ambient temperatures. This extends the life of the light, which should last as long as the vehicle.
“We want to set the bar higher for everyone when it comes to the use of LED technology in this setting,” concludes Clark.
