Panel Indicators, Pilot Lights

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
W22U-24LR-WLR c3controls	22MM UNIBDY RED LED/LENS 24V FV	200
30MV20-277DLW-PLLGN c3controls	30MM 20-277VAC/DC WH LED GN LENS	196
MRL125DLR-MPLLRD c3controls	16MM 125V AC/DC RSTR RD LED/LENS	196
MRL125DLA-MPLLAR c3controls	16MM 125VDC RSTR AMB LED/LENS	200
HFVLU24LR-PLLRD c3controls	30MM H-LINE 24V LED RED UNIT	200
13SBLR24ST-13RDR c3controls	13MM ST 24V RED LED/LENS ROUND	200
W22UNR-120LR-WLR c3controls	22MM UBDY 120V RD NR LED/EXTLENS	198
W22UNR-120LG-WLG c3controls	22MM UBDY 120V GN NR LED/LENS	200
FVLU120LR-PLLRD c3controls	30MM LIGHT 120V, RED LED/LENS	187

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