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Current NFPA standards require that the minimum flash rate be 75 flashes per minute (NPFA 1900 13.8.11.1). Based on the charts above, a single emergency vehicle blocking a right-of-way could have as many as eight warning lights flashing 75 times per minute with different colors and levels of intensity, as well as different flash patterns and synchronization.

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Most apparatus lighting manufacturers will provide photos, customer reviews, compliance information and performance and design tools that make decision-making a bit easier.

Contact an experienced Pierce Manufacturing representative to discuss all of your apparatus lighting options that best support you, your crew, and your equipment.

Today, lights used on apparatus as a warning signal during right-of-way, and when parked, have reached a new level of reliability, efficiency and output thanks to ever-advancing LED technology. For fire crews, recent trends and advancements mean a new dependence on warning light packages that can deliver the longevity needed to meet equipment, service and budgetary goals.

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However, working with an experienced apparatus manufacturer, dealer, and lighting provider will offer invaluable guidance to help make sure the warning lights selected best serve the department’s needs.

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On fire apparatus, warning light systems are positioned throughout the required zones identified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1900 Standard, and in areas that support the needs of individual fire departments.

When you are working with an apparatus manufacturer, one of the most important considerations is the NFPA lighting requirements for each zone of the apparatus to ensure the vehicle meets the standard.

When firefighters respond to an emergency situation, the iconic rotating red and white lights catch the attention of drivers and pedestrians alike. But how have these lighting systems evolved and what should you consider as you look to upgrade your fire apparatus lighting system?

Low intensity emergency response lighting offers fire departments the flexibility to adjust the light output of a warning light to a lower level that is still within the NFPA required levels. The use of low intensity warning lights is ideal in low light or dark conditions because it may actually improve safety.

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At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® S-Series™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

New lighting trends first caught the attention of apparatus manufacturers and firehouses about 20 years ago after police vehicle light bars became equipped with the seemingly trouble-free, attractive, and more noticeable light-emitting diode technology known as LEDs. Over the years, LED products have continued to evolve. They now produce illumination approximately 90-percent more efficiently, and in the end, cost less than traditional bulbs.

Pierce Manufacturing prides itself on creating custom fire apparatus, including the latest advancements and technology to keep firefighters and their respective communities safe. Learn more below about industry standards and trends in apparatus lighting systems so you can make the right lighting choice for your department.

The chart above shows the required total output values for each zone on both upper and lower lighting systems based on either calling for right-of-way, or blocking right-of-way positioning. The output values help dictate light intensity requirements and the associated visibility of apparatus. These values are important to understand as you select the right warning light options and adjust settings to balance your fire department’s needs with the minimum and maximum standards.

As apparatus technologies and design elements continue to expand the boundaries of safety and efficiency for departments across the country, there will likely be advances in warning light synchronization, combinations of warning light and scene light in a single housing and lighting that takes up less space on the apparatus.

Apparatus owners now have the opportunity to select lights based on department preference, outfitting apparatus with customized lighting options. In fact, the options available when configuring warning light packages seem endless, including color, size, shape, depth and mounting styles.

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Fire truck warning lights will continue to evolve as manufacturing innovation develops and new safety regulations are announced. The team at Pierce will continue to be on the leading edge of new advancements in warning lights, and will be sure to share these new trends as they emerge. What warning light features do you want to see on your department’s apparatus?

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Additionally, custom warning light options should be considered that address the individual requirements of a fire department and its community. The major warning light manufacturers have created tools that provide an easy way to validate if a combination of lights will meet all NFPA requirements.

There are many resources available for departments that are either in the new fire apparatus design process or looking to upgrade an existing warning light system. Most apparatus owners or fleet managers let price and brand loyalty steer their choices.

Private and government agencies are now studying the effects of this high level of visual light intensity to understand what levels are most effective to aid approaching motorists. In fact, it is anticipated that the next NFPA standard may address these concerns directly and alter flash patterns and intensity minimums to reduce visual overload for motorists, thereby improving safety.

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Warning light systems are designed to provide enhanced visibility to enable motorists to detect and safely react to the presence of emergency response vehicles. The trouble is, the current light intensity combined with the flash pattern minimums can actually confuse motorists and lead to collisions and accidents with emergency response vehicles.

About Pierce ManufacturingPierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

Updating warning light systems has also become a vital strategy for fire departments that need to address road safety concerns or for those facing changes within the community they serve that may require an upgraded system. While there is an investment associated with upgrading apparatus warning lights such as beacons, light heads and lightbars to an LED light source package, the overall value realized by a department is often much greater. Updating and adding warning lights ensure that a fire truck will be seen, helping to prevent secondary accidents from occurring.

The NFPA segments an apparatus based on four zones with upper and lower warning light requirements for each zone that address the needs of:

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