By Bob Vaccaro

This year, emergency vehicle lighting manufacturers have all jumped on the LED bandwagon. LED (light emitting diode) technology has been around for a while, but now manufacturers are applying it to emergency vehicles.

LEDs typically draw only 0.32 amps per module, which is substantially lower than the halogen and strobe lights currently used in all types of applications on fire apparatus and ambulances throughout the country. This low current draw eases the workload you place on your alternators and batteries.

LEDs are also rated for 100,000 hours of use. This relatively long life span can provide significant savings in routine lamp-replacement costs, and it virtually eliminates service and maintenance down time.

The lights provide great output straight ahead and off center. You can surface-mount them and place them in light bars, brake, tail and turn lights, and dash and deck lights.

These lights are also NFPA-compliant for fire apparatus and meet federal motor-carrier regulations for over-the-road type trucks. The lights are manufactured in various colors applicable to emergency vehicles: red, blue and amber.

If you are currently planning an emergency vehicle replacement or addition, look into designing your vehicle with LED warning lights.

Apparatus Editor Bob Vaccaro has 27 years of fire-service experience. He has served as a firefighter, line officer and chief of department with the Deer Park Fire Department on Long Island. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office®, evaluating public protection in the southern New York State region, and for the New York Fire Patrol—the only existing insurance fire salvage operation in the country.

He has a bachelor of science degree in business management and economics, with a concentration in fire protection administration.
E-mail: apparatus.editor@jems.com