DIY blue flashing lights - choosing lights

[JamieJ]

My dad is an emergency driver. All he has is a dash light that I bought him from amazon last year. Since my dad is an electrician I thought I would get him some blue LEDs so he can make his own lights as he complains about the price of emergency lighting.

 

[Pete999]

My dad is an emergency driver. All he has is a dash light that I bought him from amazon last year. Since my dad is an electrician I thought I would get him some blue LEDs so he can make his own lights as he complains about the price of emergency lighting.

Your post is a trifle confusing Jamie, where are you intending to fit these LEDs and what have they got to do with emergency lighting?

 

[JamieJ]

Since my posts of links to the products i was going to buy was removed I'll just copy the specs

Blue 10mm LED

Spoiler: 10mm

• Quantity : Package of 20 Pcs
• Emitted Colour : Blue
• Size (mm) : 10mm
• Lens Colour : Water Clear
• Peak Wave Length (nm) : 465 ~ 470
• Forward Voltage (V) : 3.2 ~ 3.8
• Reverse Current (uA) : <=30
• Luminous Intensity Typ Iv (mcd) : Average in 8000
• Life Rating : 100,000 Hours
• Viewing Angle : ±10°
• Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
• Max Power Dissipation : 80mw
• Max Continuous Forward Current : 30mA
• Max Peak Forward Current : 75mA
• Reverse Voltage : 5~6V
• Lead Soldering Temperature : 240°C (<5Sec)
• Operating Temperature Range : -25°C ~ +85°C
• Preservative Temperature Range : -30°C ~ +100°C

Packages Includes:
8000mcd 10mm Blue LED x 20pcs

Pre-Wired Blue:

Spoiler: pre wired blue

• These LEDs are designed for 12 volt applications. Complete with built-in current limiting resistors
• Just connect the positive (+) and Negative (-) wires to your battery or power supply.
• Quantity : Package of 20pcs
• Wire Length: 20cm
• Emitted Colour : OCEAN BLUE
• Size (mm) : 5mm T1 3/4
• Lens Colour : Water Clear
• Peak Wave Length (nm) : 465 ~ 470
• Voltage (V) : 9V ~ 12V
• Reverse Current (uA) : <=30
• Luminous Intensity Typ Iv (mcd) : Average in 10000
• Life Rating : 100,000 Hours
• Viewing Angle : ±10°
• Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
• Max Power Dissipation : 80mw
• Max Continuous Forward Current : 30mA
• Max Peak Forward Current : 75mA
• Lead Soldering Temperature : 240°C (<5Sec)
• Operating Temperature Range : -25°C ~ +85°C
• Preservative Temperature Range : -30°C ~ +100°C

Packages Includes:
Pre Wired 12V 10000mcd 5mm Blue LED x 20pcs

 

[JamieJ]

Your post is a trifle confusing Jamie, where are you intending to fit these LEDs and what have they got to do with emergency lighting?

Basically emergency lighting is very very expensive. Were talking £60 per light.

So I thought since my dad is an electrician why not buy some parts so he can make his own

 

[Sintra]

Should it not be the case that your Dad is supplied with his blue lights rather than buying or making his own?

 

[JamieJ]

Should it not be the case that your Dad is supplied with his blue lights rather than buying or making his own?

hes a private contractor so he has to buy them himself.

Like I said he already has a professional dash mounted one.

 

[Andy78]

If your dad is to be fitting them then it would be best to ask him what he wants and what will be compatible with his vehicle and his needs. You don't want to splash out on something that is not suitable, and he is best placed to make the decisions about what equipment is needed.

 

[JamieJ]

If your dad is to be fitting them then it would be best to ask him what he wants and what will be compatible with his vehicle and his needs. You don't want to splash out on something that is not suitable, and he is best placed to make the decisions about what equipment is needed.

it costs £5 for 40 LEDs

I wanted it to be a surprise for Christmas

 

[Barry White]

Is this what your hoping to make?
blue light bar | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.H0.Xblue+light+bar.TRS0&_nkw=blue+light+bar&_sacat=0

 

[JamieJ]

Is this what your hoping to make?
blue light bar | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.H0.Xblue+light+bar.TRS0&_nkw=blue+light+bar&_sacat=0

I was thinking something more along the lines of placing LEDs into headlights and reverse lights like british police do:

see the reverse lights have extra LEDs in.

Also maybe adding them inside the mirrors which already have turn signals inside.

 

[Richard Burns]

Welcome to the forum.

The prewired LEDs state they have current limiting resistors which means you do not need to control the current and can connect them directly to the power supply without them burning out.
I think it might be a nice gift. But you may need to supply a few more bits so that your dad can make the assembly as soon as possible.
An obvious inclusion would be a means of causing the lights to flash.
Initially an indicator flasher springs to mind but the standard types may operate the LEDs whilst they are off as well, as they have simple circuitry, so it would be best to make sure you get an LED flasher unit (cheapest ready to use thing available).
Inclusion into light fitting on a car can be complex as they is often limited space and wiring potential.
Hope it works well.

 

[JamieJ]

Welcome to the forum.

The prewired LEDs state they have current limiting resistors which means you do not need to control the current and can connect them directly to the power supply without them burning out.
I think it might be a nice gift. But you may need to supply a few more bits so that your dad can make the assembly as soon as possible.
An obvious inclusion would be a means of causing the lights to flash.
Initially an indicator flasher springs to mind but the standard types may operate the LEDs whilst they are off as well, as they have simple circuitry, so it would be best to make sure you get an LED flasher unit (cheapest ready to use thing available).
Inclusion into light fitting on a car can be complex as they is often limited space and wiring potential.
Hope it works well.

My dad has a seperate battery in the back for his radios anyway and they are already wired so I dont think wiring will be a problem as there is plenty of space. I will look into a flasher unit is there any u can recommend that will be compatible with the pre wired?

 

[Richard Burns]

I would just google "LED Flasher Unit 12V" and make sure it is able to switch a low load.

 

[JamieJ]

I would just google "LED Flasher Unit 12V" and make sure it is able to switch a low load.

if I want each side of the car to flash separate would I need 2 flasher units?

 

[Richard Burns]

if I want each side of the car to flash separate would I need 2 flasher units?

Yes and separate switches (perhaps a couple of dashboard (or the like) switches maybe a good idea as well).

 

[JamieJ]

Yes and separate switches (perhaps a couple of dashboard (or the like) switches maybe a good idea as well).

if I wanted it to go back and forth like in the video what exact parts would I need, just two flashers and a switch?

 

[Barry White]

Once you build the units you will need to waterproof them using resin or similar then a flasher unit and control switch starting to sound expensive?
have a good look about on ebay theres loads of lights cheap as chips.complete unit with control gear below
24 LED Emergency Car Truck Traffic Advisor Strobe Warning Light bar (4 colour) | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24-LED-Emergency-Car-Truck-Traffic-Advisor-Strobe-Warning-Light-bar-4-colour-/121919481588?var=420911046745&hash=item1c62f7a6f4:g:SJAAAOSwyjBW4SfK
Just the lights
1 X 4LED Blue 333mA Car Front Rear Lower Upper Bumper Body Side Strobe Light Bar | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-4LED-Blue-333mA-Car-Front-Rear-Lower-Upper-Bumper-Body-Side-Strobe-Light-Bar-/161993469149?hash=item25b7902cdd:g:4JgAAOSwPc9W1T6p

Car Auto RED and BLUE Warning Emergency Beacon Strobe Flash LED Light Lamp Bar | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Auto-RED-and-BLUE-Warning-Emergency-Beacon-Strobe-Flash-LED-Light-Lamp-Bar-/182221375334?hash=item2a6d3d8766:g:RIEAAOSwENxXmH6F

 

[JamieJ]

Don't trust those ebay lights. Edited pics to make them look bright.

I've bought the LEDs and an alternating flasher.

My dad will have switches already.

 

[Richard Burns]

For the alternating lights then you are starting to get into circuit design in a more complex manner.
A flasher unit operating a changeover relay one output connected to each side would work but your on off switch would no need to be double pole to isolate both the relay and the LEDs.
Start with the simple stuff and offer more if the first trial is successful.

 

[mache]

My dad is an emergency driver. All he has is a dash light that I bought him from amazon last year. Since my dad is an electrician I thought I would get him some blue LEDs so he can make his own lights as he complains about the price of emergency lighting.

Jamie, which emergency service is you dad employed by as an emergency driver ?
I may be wrong but I believe that there are quite a lot of restrictions on who can use blue flashing lights and on what vehicle (i'm assuming we are talking UK by the way). It sounds like you may be thinking of fitting these to a private vehicle which I believe would be against the law unless it is registered and insured as an emergency vehicle. If it's not a private vehicle but provided by the employer then you should check with them as to fitting of additional accessories such as you are thinking.

 

[JamieJ]

Jamie, which emergency service is you dad employed by as an emergency driver ?
I may be wrong but I believe that there are quite a lot of restrictions on who can use blue flashing lights and on what vehicle (i'm assuming we are talking UK by the way). It sounds like you may be thinking of fitting these to a private vehicle which I believe would be against the law unless it is registered and insured as an emergency vehicle. If it's not a private vehicle but provided by the employer then you should check with them as to fitting of additional accessories such as you are thinking.

the actual law doesn't specify anything about insurance. It has definitions of what an emergency vehicle is and he fits two of the definitions. The only difference is that he cannot speed since he is not a police, ambulance or fire vehicle.

I'd rather not go into detail on what work he does but I have read the UK laws regarding vehicle lighting regulations and he is not breaking it.

 

[kingeri]

This sounds dodgy as hell to me. Anyone allowed to use blue flashing lights and sirens has the right to break certain, but not all, rules of the road. Otherwise, what is the point of having them at all? Special training is obviously required. This is why doctors use can use green flashing lights but this allows no dispensation regarding traffic laws. And flashing emergency lights must have to meet certain standards, seems ludicrous to consider building your own.

 

[JamieJ]

This sounds dodgy as hell to me. Anyone allowed to use blue flashing lights and sirens has the right to break certain, but not all, rules of the road. Otherwise, what is the point of having them at all? Special training is obviously required. This is why doctors use can use green flashing lights but this allows no dispensation regarding traffic laws. And flashing emergency lights must have to meet certain standards, seems ludicrous to consider building your own.

The only standard is that they have to be blue believe it or not.

 

[kingeri]

So is he into fire salvage or mining or summat?

 

[JamieJ]

So is he into fire salvage or mining or summat?

Wouldnt like to specify but he fits within the law

 

[kingeri]

Wouldnt like to specify but he fits within the law

Ok.

 

[mache]

the actual law doesn't specify anything about insurance. It has definitions of what an emergency vehicle is and he fits two of the definitions. The only difference is that he cannot speed since he is not a police, ambulance or fire vehicle.

I'd rather not go into detail on what work he does but I have read the UK laws regarding vehicle lighting regulations and he is not breaking it.

Well i'm not an expert in the subject or in law, but when you say 'uk law regarding vehicle lighting' I think you mean 'UK regulations'. It is I believe the courts that would decide if regulations have been broken should your dad be pulled over and be charged for using blue flashing lights. The other aspect that concerns me is on the insurance. even if the regulations did not state specific requirements for insurance, i expect that your fathers insurance company would want to know if the vehicle is being used for emergency service use or first responder service etc, and has been modified with added emergency lighting. If he had an accident and blue lights were in use and nothing was declared to the insurance then he may not be covered by his insurance policy and again could result in a court case. Insurance companies like to find an 'out if they can'

 

[JamieJ]

Well i'm not an expert in the subject or in law, but when you say 'uk law regarding vehicle lighting' I think you mean 'UK regulations'. It is I believe the courts that would decide if regulations have been broken should your dad be pulled over and be charged for using blue flashing lights. The other aspect that concerns me is on the insurance. even if the regulations did not state specific requirements for insurance, i expect that your fathers insurance company would want to know if the vehicle is being used for emergency service use or first responder service etc, and has been modified with added emergency lighting. If he had an accident and blue lights were in use and nothing was declared to the insurance then he may not be covered by his insurance policy and again could result in a court case. Insurance companies like to find an 'out if they can'

He pays a lot for insurance thats all I know.

As for being pulled over he has been, multiple times by different forces around the country but the police check his paperwork and say its fine.

 

[rolyberkin]

All blue lights are type approved and tested, even the ones fitted in headlights, the cost of type approval is prohibitively expensive for the manufacturers or importers, hence the high cost of genuine units. The in light strobes will due to the installation methods probably cause problems with the headlights as you have to drill holes in them or remove other obligatory lights to install. Using non approved blue lights would probably enable the insurer in the event of an accident to void any extension on your policy which may or may not allow their use, some forces such as the Met expect 360 visibility from all cars fitted with emergency equipment in their areas. In short if you are using this type of equipment it shouldn't be something you have knocked up at home.

The thing to remember here with regards to can I can't I, is not whether someone can use emergency lights legally or otherwise but what happens when their use causes an accident by proximity, and whether their use (by a person presumably untrained in emergency driving) causes someone to be seriously injured or worse. It is not what you do but what your use of the equipment causes someone else to (when an old biddy swerves and knocks someone over!) At that point the discussion will not be whether you can or can't use them, but whether the use at that time was justified and necessary, caused or was a contributory factor to the accident. The next question will be whether the person using the lights should be prosecuted or not. Insurance is fairly irrelevant in this case, it is not a get out of jail free card, it merely shows that you carry third party risks to be on the road driving. Even with emergency services the exemption is for the use of lights and certain road traffic act rules only. If the driver makes a mistake and or causes an accident by using emergency equipment it is the drivers personal decision to use them and the standard of driving is the same as required for any other driver. If in doubt just think, what will I say when gripping the rail in crown or county court!

 

[Wilko]

Just my opinion, but Roly is right and this is best avoided.

 

[Percyprod]

Sounds like your dad is a self appointed emergency driver, all sounds very dodgy. Who trained him? Bethel trained himself.