Five key considerations when selecting a light tower

Light towers are the critical "backbone" of construction, mining and outdoor public event sites, providing illumination for a wide range of applications and projects that require hours of darkness or poor visibility. Crucially, they ensure that workers are able to complete these jobs efficiently and safely. Therefore, purchasing or leasing is a big decision and there are several factors to consider before choosing a light tower

Here are five key factors you should focus on when choosing a light tower to purchase or lease:

Should I choose an LED light tower?

To determine the best model, it is recommended to first evaluate the site and space that needs to be illuminated; and to consider how long the light tower will be used. For example, when a larger space needs to be illuminated or an area needs to be illuminated for a longer period of time, it is recommended that LED technology be considered. LED towers require only about 1,400 watts of power to illuminate an area of up to 5,000 square meters, while metal halide towers require about 4,000 watts. Lighting 4,000 sq. meters. (43,055 sq. ft.) In terms of ruggedness, LED lamps have a higher durability than metal halide, with an expected lifetime of more than 50,000 operating hours. Therefore, for extreme environments or heavy-duty use, such as construction or mining, LED is the recommended choice as it provides enhanced coverage.

If choosing an LED model, pay special attention to the bulbs - are they designed to balance portability and performance? Therefore, heavy-duty LED floodlights with high protection ratings (IP) and impact protection (IK) coefficients are recommended. You can always check the ratings with the manufacturer.

What is the right power supply for the light tower?

Another important consideration when choosing a light tower is how it will be powered. If the workplace has easy access to a power source, users may want to consider a purely electric light tower, which represents the latest breakthrough technology due to its excellent plug-and-play capabilities. They allow users to easily connect to any single power source, including auxiliary power, small diesel or gasoline generators or directly to the grid. Some electric light towers also have the advantage of modular connectivity, enabling up to nine light towers to be powered by a single generator in some models. This provides greater service and maintenance efficiency; helping to reduce the total cost of ownership.

In addition, purely electric light towers are not only quieter and more environmentally friendly, as they have a smaller footprint than diesel options, but also ensure that lighting operations are carried out without interrupting refueling or the additional maintenance required to repair mechanical components.

On the other hand, light towers powered by engines or other energy sources such as diesel are the best choice when working in remote areas where electricity supply is limited or non-existent. However, it is still important to consider models that offer low fuel consumption to avoid constant refueling. This will not only reduce their environmental footprint, but will also help ensure that the project is cost effective.

What about masts?

Light towers with vertical masts are replacing horizontal mast versions worldwide. This is because the former can be transported and deployed vertically, making transportation and installation safer. As a result, light towers with vertical masts have a reduced footprint and can transport up to 22 units on a single truck.

To select the best mast for your project needs, you must look at the application. For example, if the light tower is used for a time-sensitive rental project, then a hydraulic mast is the ideal choice. This is because the mast can be raised or lowered with the push of a button, which helps reduce downtime and increase productivity through simpler, safer and faster operation. Recent technological advances have also seen the development of light towers equipped with hydraulic masts that retract automatically in high winds to ensure site safety.

How can you ensure that your investment is protected?

First, applications should be evaluated to determine whether it is better to rent or purchase a lighthouse. For example, if the light tower will be used for a one-time road construction project, it is best to rent a model equipped with features that will allow it to operate efficiently over time.

There are many ways that buyers can help protect their investment throughout the life of the lighthouse. One application-dependent example is choosing a lighthouse with a heavy-duty polyethylene canopy. Since their introduction a decade ago, polyethylene canopies have proven their worth; as they are extremely durable and provide excellent protection for critical interior components. In contrast to metal canopies, they are also corrosion resistant; meaning they can operate in harsh environments for longer periods of time. You should also note that when it comes to polyethylene, there are many varieties and models on the market. Ask the manufacturer about the testing procedures for their canopies to ensure quality and resilience.

Service requirements

Well-designed light towers should also make it easy to access all service and repair parts without having to remove the canopy. More specifically, they should ensure that engines, alternators, control panels and emission points are easily accessible; as access to these areas on some light towers can take a long time.

Conclusion

A few years ago, some people considered lighthouses to be a simple commodity with a limited life expectancy. Today, however, the durability and value of light towers has increased as a result of the variety of options now available. Users no longer need to compromise by accepting a one-size-fits-all solution. Ultimately, the choice of lighthouse depends on the end user's individual needs. Therefore, buyers are advised to work with the manufacturer to ensure they select the right product for their specific application. In doing so, it is important to consider all the variables for which a light tower will be deployed, such as location, specific operating environment and environmental conditions, power source, site size and required coverage.