LED or XENON?

How to find the right technology for indication, warning or alarming

Both LED and XENON light technology are used for visual signaling devices. Neither is fundamentally better than the other.

However, depending on the application one option could generally be more suitable.

When taking into consideration the characteristic features of the two technologies it is possible to make an objective decision about which can or even must be used.

Performance characteristics of LED and XENON technology:

The specific characteristics of the two technologies indicate in which applications LED solutions are more advantageous and in which XENON should be used. As the illustration below shows, a clear distinction is not possible.

LED Technology
Accurate light direction with a sharply defined radiation angle
Different modes (permanent, blinking or flashing)
Optional brightness adjustment
Long flash sequences
Life cycle approx. 50,000 operating hours

XENON Technology
Omni directional radiation characteristics
Flash mode with selectable frequency
Maximum brightness
Short flash duration
Life cycle approx. 10 million flashes

How LED and XENON technology is used for different signaling types

Both technologies have their justification within the market. However, the characteristics of low energy consumption and superior energy balance often mentioned in connection with LED technology, must always be considered in terms of application.

> LED technology is the best technology where smaller signaling devices are required in continuous operations and smaller spaces.

> XENON offers many advantages for signaling emergencies in larger spaces.

Step by step to a safe solution

How to find the right solution for your application:

Create an exact description of your application
Note down all the conditions, pre-requisites and requirements of your application
Select the type of signaling: to inform, warn or alert
Use our 3D-Coverage planning method and configure your solution with Pfannenberg’s cost-free PSS Software

INFORM
Signaling devices are used mainly as continuous lights, to indicate the operating status of a machine, for example. The signal provides information for the operator of the machine or for personnel working close by. LED signaling devices are recommended here because of their low power consumption, a long operating life and a wide range of signaling modes.

WARNING
Devices are used to warn people of potentially dangerous situations; in a production environment, this might be the signal that a machine is starting up. LED signaling devices are suitable when there is direct visual contact with the light. XENON technology is recommended if the warning signal needs to be as broad as possible, such as outside areas or where widely fluctuating light levels can affect the perceptibility of LEDs.

ALERT
The greatest demands on the perceptibility of a signal: people are required to react without any delay. XENON technology has clear advantages in this case. The extremely short light pulse of a XENON flash offers peak light intensities which cannot be achieved with LEDs. They also emit omni-directional light (same light intensity in every direction) and avoids “optical gaps” in the coverage volume.

EFFICIENT PLANNING WITH
3D-COVERAGE
In addition to the correct choice of signaling device, a safe and cost-efficient signaling solution requires optimum dimensioning. The 3D-Coverage method is an innovative approach to planning officers and provides reliable information about the length, width and height of the area actually covered by the signaling device. READ MORE

Typical curves for XENON and LED flashing lights

Light intensity over time for a XENON flashing light

A XENON flashing light produces a very short (approximately 250 µs) and at the same time very intense pulse with a peak value of around 100,000 cd. Used as a spotlight, it emits a bright white light evenly in every direction. The high luminescence generated in the space covered by the signal also ensures passive perception of optical alarm signals.

Light intensity over time of an LED flashing light

The long light intensity flattening out over time at around 400 cd is characteristic of LED flashing lights. Due to the low peak value of the light intensity, compared to XENON flashing lights they produce lower luminescence in the space covered by the signal, although thanks to the longer lasting light signal they achieve almost the same effective light intensity.

> For more information download our Technical Report