Smooth vs. Ribbed Lenses on Beacons/Flashing Lights

An Insight from AEB

At AEB, with over 60 years of experience in vehicle signaling, we understand the importance of choosing the right components for optimal visibility and safety. A crucial aspect of this is the decision between smooth and ribbed lenses on beacons. Our specialists have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of both lens types to help you make an informed decision.

Smooth Lenses

Advantages:

  • Optimal Light Projection: Smooth lenses provide a direct and intense light beam, essential for priority vehicles such as ambulances and police cars.
  • Easy Maintenance: The flat surface prevents the accumulation of dirt and water, making the lens easy to clean while maintaining light quality.
  • Modern Aesthetics: A smooth lens offers a sleek and professional look, enhancing the vehicle's image.

Disadvantages:

  • Potentiële Verblinding: De directe lichtstraal kan in sommige situaties verblinding veroorzaken bij andere weggebruikers.  Als oplossing biedt AEB vele soorten zwaailampen aan met 2 lichtsterktes, namelijk klasse1 voor ‘s nachts en klasse2 voor overdag - zo wordt verblinding voorkomen.
  • Limited Light Distribution: Less suitable for applications requiring wide light coverage.

Ribbed Lenses

Advantages:

  • Even Light Distribution: The textured surface disperses light over a larger area.
  • Reduced Glare: The diffused light emission minimizes the risk of glare for other road users.

Disadvantages:

  • Vuilophoping: De textuur kan leiden tot ophoping van vuil en water, wat de lichtintensiteit kan verminderen en frequenter onderhoud vereist.
  • Harder to Clean: The structure makes the lens more challenging to clean. Beacons with this lens type are also unsuitable for high-pressure cleaning.

AEB's Recommendation

At AEB, we aim to provide solutions that are both functional and durable. Our experience shows that the choice between smooth and ribbed lenses depends on the vehicle's specific application and environment. For priority vehicles, we often recommend smooth lenses due to their intense light projection and modern appearance. For work vehicles needing broad light distribution, ribbed lenses may be more appropriate. However, the trend clearly leans towards smooth lenses.

Our bestsellers, such as the 6-series, 510-series, and 515-series, feature smooth lenses due to their numerous advantages. Thanks to electronic light output regulation, glare is no longer an issue.

Tailored Advice

Our specialists are ready to advise you on the best choice for your specific situation. At AEB, we not only offer products but also custom lighting plans and ensure proper certifications so that your vehicles are optimally equipped.

This information has been prepared by AEB's specialists and serves as general guidance. For specific advice, please contact our team.

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