NEW LIGHT TOWERS FOR JOB SITES

INNOVATION

A new LED light tower from Atlas Copco combines efficiency and robust reliability with low operational costs, reduced noise levels and safety to provide optimum lighting solutions for the construction and rental industry.

“There’s so much that can be said about this efficient, flexible, compact and dynamic light tower,” says David Stanford, business line manager for Atlas Copco Power Technique’s portable products. “At the heart of the HiLight H6+ unit is a new-generation LED floodlight with a protective body. Originally designed for residential and commercial use, LED lighting is now fast becoming the preferred lighting solution in the industrial space, largely because of the numerous value-adding benefits delivered by LED technology. “Added to this is the LED floodlight’s ability to efficiently provide optimal light distribution up to a 6 000m² illumination area with a 20 lux [brightness] average, ensuring a brighter, more productive and safer job site,” he says.

LENS DESIGN

Stanford adds that Atlas Copco kept in mind the main purpose of these units during the design of the light towers, which is to provide high-quality lighting after sunset or during inclement weather to improve productivity by extending working hours and creating a safe, comfortable working environment. The light towers feature a special lens and optic design to specifically suit construction applications. The fully directional LED lens design influences the quality and distribution of light, maximises the light coverage, ensures even lighting, eliminates shadows, reduces glare that can cause distraction and eye strain, and also reduces “lighting waste”. The HiLight H6+ light tower has been designed to provide bright and efficient lighting while producing zero emissions, using up to 40% less fuel and 5db(A) lower noise levels. The light tower’s dimming function on the easy-to-use control panel offers the right luminosity at all times, subsequently extending the autonomy by over 300 hours and providing CO2 savings of up to 40%. Delivering 55dBA at 7m, the unit not only ensures a comfortable and safe working environment, but also prevents disturbance when used during events or when operating in noise-sensitive areas (such as residential suburbs).

TOUGH PRODUCT

The LED lights are extremely robust and boast an impressive life expectancy of 50 000 hours, compared with traditional metal halide lamps. LED lamps do not contain filaments, which increases their resistance to vibrations and impact. Atlas Copco has also developed tough, shock-proof housing to protect the bulbs against the ingress of contaminants such as dust particles.

“Another design feature that makes the HiLight H6+ unit extremely tough is its ‘armour’, with the body manufactured from corrosion- and crack-resistant, lightweight, environmentally friendly medium-density polyethylene. It’s resistant to low and high temperatures, thanks to its UV stability and the long-term antioxidants of the plastic. This design focus and tough material ensure a lasting performance and extended life-cycle, providing users with outstanding total cost of ownership,” says Stanford. “Additionally, the cover’s moulded into a single pop-up canopy for easy fitment to and removal from the light tower. It also provides 360° easy service access to the unit. What’s more, the HiLight H6+ can be conveniently transported in three ways – via the integrated lifting point, four forklift slots or three different tow bars. The adjustable tow bar provides great flexibility, as it enables the HiLight H6+ to be towed behind a van, bakkie or truck. “Although the new unit’s a little more expensive than traditional light sources, the high efficiencies and powerful, reliable performance of LED technology – combined with the longer lifespan of the LED lamps – all contribute to low operating costs and subsequent total cost of ownership.”