What Are Panel Indicators?

Distributor Alan Butcher Components helps to explain.

Panel indicators are optoelectronic devices which emit light to show the operating condition of a machine or appliance. Manufacturers and distributors use various terminologies for this type of product which can be confusing when trying to source an item, particularly on-line:

Signal lamps
Signal lights
Indicator lights
Indicators
Panel indicators
Pilot lights

Essentially, the above terms all describe a light used on electrical equipment to indicate that the device is working.

The light sources for indicators are now primarily LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or Neon lamps. Both are robust and durable so what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each?

LEDs are bright, have a longer operational life and very low power consumption. However, they are initially more expensive than a neon alternative.

Neon lamps are particularly suited to higher voltage applications of 110 volt AC, 220 volt AC, and DC applications in excess of 90 volts. This makes neons a much easier option for indicating mains operation. However, they have a limited brightness and less colour variables than LEDs. In addition, they don’t last as long as LEDs.

Applications

LED and Neon indicator applications are varied and include:

Fridges and freezers
Cookers, ovens and ranges
Machine tools
Medical equipment
Garden tools
HVACs
Cleaning products such as vacuum cleaners/pressure washers/steam cleaners
Coffee machines
Vending machines
Irons
Control panels

Panel signal lamps come in various sizes, shapes and colours. Switch-size indicators are often used alongside rocker switches and push buttons on a control panel. This ensures uniformity in the visual appearance of an application.

Alan Butcher Components stock a wide range of neon and LED indicator lights, some of which are shown below:

SX33 – Everel 10mm	Flashing 12V LEDs	IP67 LEDs

Switch Size Panel Indicators
20mm Round	13x19mm	11x30mm

22x30mm	22x30mm twin	16mm – round, square & rectangluar

Alan Butcher Components supply high quality, competitive products supported by excellent customer service and technical expertise. Call us to discuss your application or click on our website for more product information –