An indicator light is an important component of an industrial automation system. You can use indicator lights for indicating process status, locating a component or warning the operator about abnormal operating conditions. You can also use indicator lights in automotive panels and aircrafts for indicating various engine performance parameters, altitude or fuel levels.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing an indicator light are:

1. Current and voltage rating for the indicator light
2. Purpose of the indicator light: monitoring or warning lights
3. Required color variations: Single, dual or multiple color indicator lights
4. Average life hours specified by indicator light suppliers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy an indicator light from indicator light manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, research different indicator lights to find one that suits your application. You can also buy indicator lights manufactured for a particular application such as an industrial automation system or an automotive panel.

I recommend: LAMPTRONIX provides low voltage indicator lights that are suitable for aerospace applications. Federal Signal Corp. is another indicator light manufacturer that offers tri or quad color models. Oxley offers industrial indicator lights such as panel indicator lights and replacement lamps. You can also buy indicator lights for panels and push buttons from Altech and OMRON.

Buy indicator lights from indicator light distributors or retailers

You can compare different indicator lights, their specifications and prices before you make your choice. You can also ask for a discount for bulk orders.

I recommend: You can buy suitable indicator lights from Action Electronics, a retailer of pilot lights and panel mount lights. Galco Industrial Electronics is another supplier of electronic instruments that also offers indicator lights for safety systems. You can select panel or pilot lights with a range of lens colors, sizes or voltages from DigiKey. You can also select an indicator light from a broad array of products offered by Specialty Bulb and Lamp Technology.

Buy a specialty or customized indicator light

Buy a customized indicator light if standard products available in the market do not match your requirements.

I recommend: DDP Engineered LED Solutions designs and manufactures customized panel lights for instrumentation, medical and aerospace applications. Kingbright Corp. is a custom manufacturer of LED indicators for circuit boards. GC Electronics supplies customized light emitting diode (LED) indicator lights and panel lights. Interface Displays & Controls is another indicator light manufacturer that provides customized indicator lights for the aviation industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For extreme operating temperatures and inflammable environmental conditions, install proper enclosures for the indicator lights.
• •  You can ask the indicator light supplier for additional features, such as vibration resistant filaments for special applications like shaker unit monitoring.