Panel Indicators, Pilot Lights

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
13SBLR120ST-13RDF c3controls	13MM ST 120V RED LED/LENS FLAT	200
CNX722C500FVW Visual Communications Company, LLC	IND PMI 22MM GN FLEXVOLT WIRE LD	94
6771112321F Dialight	7MM HR/R PMI-6VDC W/O-RING	73
CD-1-8712-9933-I Visual Communications Company, LLC	PMI DIA .236" (6MM) WHITE 26V	98
Q8P1CXXW12E APEM Inc.	INDICATOR 12V 8MM PROMINENT WHT	11
905-NWG120-O Visual Communications Company, LLC	PMI .290" 120V NO LENS GREEN	136
5563603304F Dialight	LED PNL MT 1" 12V WT DOME GRN	0
H08F-24G IndustrialeMart	HIGH LED 8MM FLAT 24VDC GREEN	58
656330A304F Dialight	1/2" DOME YLW 48VDC W/TERMS	70
1241.3671 Schurter	PSE30 AE 00 000 00 RGB	0
PM5RD Califia Lighting (Bivar)	PNL MNT W/ WIRE 700NM 2MCD RED	0
H16F-10W IndustrialeMart	HIGH LED 16MM FLAT 110V WHITE	30
5088745504 Dialight	HOLDER W/COLLAR TURRET	0
6792212332F Dialight	9MM HG/G PMI-12VDC W/O-RING	125
Q19P1BXXW12E APEM Inc.	INDICATOR 12V 19MM PROMINENT WHT	0
H10F-24W IndustrialeMart	HIGH LED 10MM FLAT 24VDC WHITE	55
UB201KW036G NKK Switches	INDICATOR PB SQ SUPER BRGHT BLUE	55
5580101007F Dialight	IND SNAP-IN PANEL MNT 650NM RED	919
FL1M-8SJ-2-R12V Mallory Sonalert Products	LED RED 8MM NUT 12VAC/DC STK	47
DX0505/YL/12 Bulgin	VANDAL RESISTANT LED PMI YELLOW	43

Panel Indicators, Pilot Lights

1. Overview

Panel indicators and pilot lights are optoelectronic devices that provide visual status feedback in electrical and electronic systems. These components convert electrical signals into light outputs, enabling operators to monitor equipment conditions at a glance. Their importance spans across industrial automation, consumer electronics, transportation, and medical devices, where reliable visual indication ensures operational safety, efficiency, and user interaction.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
LED Panel Indicators	Low power consumption, long lifespan, instant response	Industrial control panels, HVAC systems
Lamp-based Pilot Lights	High brightness, compatibility with AC/DC circuits	Machinery status indication, heavy-duty equipment
Combined Indicator/Switch	Integrated illumination with manual control	Emergency stop circuits, control desks
Multi-color Indicators	Programmable color outputs for status differentiation	Network routers, medical diagnostic equipment
Remote Indicators	Separate light source and panel module	Automotive dashboards, aerospace control systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical construction includes:

Light Source: LED chips or filament bulbs with specific color/wavelength
Housing: Thermoplastic or metal body with mounting threads (e.g., M20, NPT)
Optical System: Diffused or focused lens for uniform light distribution
Electrical Interface: Screw terminals, PCB pins, or quick-connect terminals
Sealing Elements: Rubber gaskets for IP65+ protection ratings

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Significance
Operating Voltage Range	Determines compatibility with control circuits (3-480V AC/DC)
Luminous Intensity (cd)	Affects visibility in different lighting conditions
Color Wavelength (nm)	Standardizes visual coding (e.g., 630nm red for warnings)
MTBF (Hours)	Indicates reliability (LED: 50,000-100,000 hours)
IP Rating	Defines environmental protection level
Response Time (ms)	Critical for real-time status monitoring

5. Application Areas

Industrial: CNC machines, PLC control cabinets, factory automation
Transportation: Locomotive control panels, aircraft avionics
Medical: Patient monitors, imaging equipment status indicators
Consumer: Home appliance power indicators, audio equipment
Energy: Solar inverters, smart grid monitoring systems

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Phoenix Contact	ILLINOX series	Modular design, IP69K rating
Omron	XLDC12E-4AH	Ultra-compact LED indicator with 100,000-hour lifespan
Siemens	8WA1000 series	Multi-voltage capability (24-415V AC/DC)
Eaton	Pilot Lights H45K	Shock-resistant filament lamps for heavy-duty use
TE Connectivity	CapLED	Capacitive touch-enabled indicator

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Environmental factors: Temperature range (-40 C to +85 C), vibration levels
Electrical compatibility: Voltage matching and circuit type (AC/DC)
Visibility requirements: Ambient light conditions and viewing distance
Certification needs: UL, CE, RoHS compliance for regulatory environments
Mechanical specifications: Panel cutout size (commonly 16/22/30mm)

Example: Selecting an IP67-rated LED indicator with 24V DC operation for a food processing plant's washdown area.

Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Integration with IoT systems for smart status monitoring
Miniaturization for high-density panel designs
RGB-LED technology for dynamic color coding
Energy harvesting indicators for self-powered operation
Enhanced durability coatings for extreme environments