Amber Warning Lights for Vehicles: Choosing the Right LED Beacon

Choosing the right amber LED warning light beacon comes down to how the vehicle is used, where the light can be mounted and how much output the job needs. UAG Services supplies amber flashing beacons for traffic control, civil works, utilities and general work vehicles, from compact low profile units through to high output models. We have been supplying Australian trade customers since 2009.

Below are the beacons we stock and what each one suits, so you can match a model to your vehicle rather than guess from a spec list.

Why Choose LED Flashing Beacons Over Halogen?

LED beacons give brighter output, lower power draw and longer service life than traditional halogen units. Fitted to utes, trucks and traffic control equipment, our amber beacons give 360 degree visibility in all weather. The practical differences:

• Visibility: Selectable flash patterns, including rotating, single, double and quad flash modes, so the beacon can be matched to the job.
• Durability: Sealed housings rated from IP65 up to IP69K, with polycarbonate or PMMA lenses.
• Mounting: Bolt down bases for permanent fitting, and a magnetic option for vehicles that change roles.

Certification varies by model, and so does the class. Check the product listing for the ECE R65 and SAE rating that applies to each beacon. View the full range of amber LED beacons.

Our Amber LED Beacon Range

Eight current models. The five UAGS models come first, from lowest to highest output, then the Weldex and ECCO beacons. All prices are ex GST.

1. 12W Amber LED Warning Beacon (U4-12)

The U4-12 is the entry point of the range, with 12 amber LEDs and a low current draw that suits smaller vehicles, forklifts and plant. It shares the same wiring and control system as the U4-24, so the two can be mixed across a fleet and synchronised together.

• Specifications: 12W (12 x 1W LEDs), 10 to 30V DC, 1.3A max at 13.8V, IP65, 148mm diameter x 64mm high, 0.5kg.
• Mounting: Three point bolt down aluminium base, gasket supplied.
• Controls: 18 flash patterns, sync via yellow wire, dimming via white wire, pattern change via blue wire.
• Certification: ECE R65 and SAE Class 2.
• Best For: Utes, forklifts, light machinery and traffic control setups.
• Price: $140 ex GST.

2. 24W Mini Amber LED Warning Beacon, Magnetic or Fixed (FD24 Mini)

The FD24 Mini is the only magnetic mount beacon in the range, which makes it the one to use on hire plant, subcontractor vehicles or anything that needs the light off again at the end of the job. It is also sealed to IP68, and it runs from a cigarette plug rather than needing to be wired in.

• Specifications: 24W (24 x 1W LEDs), 10 to 33V DC, IP68, 110mm diameter x 47.5mm high, operating range -30°C to +70°C.
• Mounting: Magnetic or bolt down with foam gasket.
• Controls: 8 flash patterns including rotating and strobe, selected through the cigarette plug. 3m cable.
• Certification: SAE J845 Class 1 and ECE R65.
• Best For: Vehicles that need the beacon removable, hire plant, pilot and OSOM vehicles.
• Price: $140 ex GST. Limited supply, this model will not be restocked once current stock is sold.

3. 24W Amber LED Square Warning Beacon (U3-24)

At 45mm high the U3-24 is the lowest profile beacon we stock, so it is the answer where roof clearance is the constraint. The square body suits flat mounting surfaces on service bodies and canopies, and it carries the higher IP67 sealing.

• Specifications: 24W (24 x 1W LEDs), 10 to 30V DC, 2.0A max at 12V, IP67, 100 x 100 x 45mm, 0.4kg.
• Mounting: Two point bolt down surface mount.
• Controls: 9 flash patterns, sync via yellow wire, dimming via white wire.
• Certification: ECE R65 Class 1 and SAE J845 Class 1.
• Best For: Height restricted installs, service bodies, canopies and permanent fit outs.
• Price: $140 ex GST.

4. 24W Amber LED Warning Beacon, Fixed Mount (U4-24)

The U4-24 is the full size version of the U4-12, doubling the LED count for more output on larger vehicles. Same three point base, same wiring, same 18 pattern control system, so it drops straight into a fleet already running U4 series beacons.

• Specifications: 24W (24 x 1W LEDs), 10 to 30V DC, 2.6A max at 13.8V, IP65, 148mm diameter x 111mm high, 0.6kg.
• Mounting: Three point bolt down aluminium base, gasket supplied.
• Controls: 18 flash patterns, sync via yellow wire, dimming via white wire.
• Certification: ECE R65 and SAE Class 2.
• Best For: Trucks, plant equipment and roadworks vehicles.
• Price: $190 ex GST.

5. 48W Amber LED Flashing Beacon (U7-24)

The U7 is the highest output UAGS beacon, with 24 high power LEDs and a 10 to 48V range that covers trucks and plant as well as light vehicles. It uses a two part mount: a fixed base ring stays bolted to the vehicle and the beacon body twist locks on and off for servicing.

• Specifications: 48W (24 LEDs), 10 to 48V DC, 3.24A at 12.8V, IP69K, 167mm diameter x 107.2mm high, operating range -30°C to +70°C.
• Mounting: Fixed base ring with three point fixing and twist lock beacon attachment.
• Controls: Multiple selectable patterns including R65 modes, CA and SAE style modes, rotating and steady burn. Pattern change, dimming and steady on via the function wires.
• Certification: ECE R65 Class 2 and ECE R10 listed in supplier product data.
• Note: Direct wired only, no cigarette plug. Available with an amber or a clear lens at the same price, selectable on the product page.
• Best For: Traffic control and TMA support vehicles, civil and utility fleets, council maintenance vehicles and plant.
• Price: $229 ex GST.

6. Weldex 30W Amber LED Rotating Beacon (WDBL-91R30W)

A low profile, heavy duty beacon at 140mm wide and 70mm high, sealed to IP69K with a cast alloy base. It runs one rotating pattern, so there is nothing to set up: power it and it rotates. In rotating mode it draws about 0.9A at 13.8V, as measured by UAGS, because not all the LEDs are lit at once.

• Specifications: 30W model (12.3W measured in rotating mode), 10 to 36V DC, IP69K, 140mm diameter x 70mm high, 685g, operating range -40°C to +80°C, 60G vibration rating.
• Mounting: Surface mount on a moulded rubber gasket, fixed from underneath into tapped holes (3 x M4 on a 107mm or 3 x M5 on a 130mm pitch circle). M4 screws supplied.
• Controls: Single rotating pattern. 600mm 2-core lead with spade connectors, no plug. Earths through the metal base.
• Certification: ECE R65, ECE R10, SAE J845 Class 1 and CISPR 25 Class 5 listed in Weldex product data.
• Best For: Roof, canopy and headboard positions where height is limited, and vehicles that are pressure washed.
• Price: $239 ex GST.

7. Weldex 35W Heavy Duty Amber LED Beacon, Black Base (WDBL-90R35W-BK)

The heaviest built beacon in the range, with a cast metal cap and thick cast base in black, sealed to IP69K. It rotates by default out of the box, with four flash patterns selectable on the mode wire.

• Specifications: 35W maximum, 10 to 36V DC, 0.4A to 2.9A at 12V depending on pattern, IP69K, 175mm across the base x 132.8mm high, 1163g, operating range -40°C to +60°C.
• Mounting: Bolts down from the top (3 x 6mm holes on a 150mm pitch circle, with covers over the bolt recesses) or screws up from underneath into M4 tapped holes. Hardware for both supplied, rubber gasket fitted.
• Controls: 5 patterns (rotating by default, plus single, flash and short pulse, triple and quad), selected with the mode wire and remembered at power-up. 600mm 3-core lead.
• Certification: ECE R65, ECE R10, CISPR 25 Class 5 and SAE J845 listed in Weldex product data.
• Best For: Mining vehicles and plant, civil and traffic control vehicles.
• Price: $289 ex GST.

8. ECCO 7160 Reflex Amber LED Beacon (7160A)

ECCO's 7160A pairs high intensity LEDs with a reflector design and has the most control options in the range: 23 flash patterns, high and low intensity, and synchronisation across multiple 7160 beacons on one vehicle.

• Specifications: 26W maximum, 2.0A peak, 12 to 24V DC (ECCO's manual lists a 9 to 32V input range), IP66, 165mm diameter x 99mm high, 1160g, operating range -30°C to +50°C.
• Mounting: 3-bolt flange (ECCO also lists a 1 inch pipe mount). Screws, washers, nuts, base gasket and cable grommet supplied. Permanent mount, direct wired.
• Controls: 23 flash patterns, high and low intensity, sync on the blue wire. Five 400mm leads.
• Certification: SAE J845 Class I, ECE R10, CE, CISPR 25 Level 3 and RoHS listed in ECCO product data.
• Best For: Fleets replacing older rotating or strobe beacons, and vehicles running several beacons in sync.
• Note: 5 year ECCO warranty.
• Price: $329 ex GST.

Which Beacon Should You Choose?

Five questions usually settle it:

• Does the beacon need to come off? If yes, the FD24 Mini is the only magnetic option.
• Is roof clearance a problem? The U3-24 at 45mm high is the lowest, followed by the FD24 Mini at 47.5mm, the U4-12 at 64mm and the Weldex 30W at 70mm.
• What voltage is the vehicle? Every model suits 12V and 24V vehicles. Above 36V, only the U7-24 (10 to 48V) is rated for it.
• How much output do you need? 12W for small vehicles and yard plant, 24W for most road going work vehicles, and the U7-24, Weldex 35W or ECCO 7160A where you want more output. Rated wattage is a rough guide only: the Weldex 30W draws about 12W in rotating mode.
• Does it get pressure washed? Pick an IP69K model: the U7-24 or either Weldex.

If the mounting surface is the problem rather than the beacon, our beacon mounting brackets cover offset, flat plate and round plate fixings.

Who Uses Amber Warning Lights on Vehicles?

Amber flashing beacons are standard equipment for:

• Traffic Control: Marking works vehicles on roadworks and detours.
• Construction and Civil: Plant, machinery and site vehicles working around other traffic.
• Utilities and Councils: Service and maintenance vehicles working in live traffic.
• Freight, Pilot and Oversize: Entering sites for loading and unloading, and escorting oversize and OSOM loads.

Why Shop with UAG Services?

Based in Bayswater North, Victoria, UAG Services has supplied traffic safety equipment since 2009. Our amber LED beacons are selected for Australian work conditions, and the certifications that apply to each model are listed on its product page. We also offer:

• Warranty: 3 years on the UAGS and Weldex beacons and 5 years on the ECCO 7160A, against defects in materials and workmanship.
• Nationwide Shipping: Dispatched from our Victorian warehouse, with free pickup from Bayswater North.
• Trade Support: Call us on 03 8750 0926 or email sales@uags.com.au. Trade pricing available.

Shop Amber LED Warning Light Beacons

Our amber beacon range runs from $140 to $329 ex GST and covers compact, low profile, magnetic, heavy duty and high output options.

Shop amber LED warning light beacons

Browse more traffic control equipment, or visit the showroom at Gate 2, 7 Royan Place, Bayswater North VIC 3153.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose LED beacons over halogen?
LEDs give brighter output, lower power draw and longer service life, which matters on vehicles that run beacons for long periods. There is also no motor to fail, since LED rotating patterns are produced electronically.

Are the beacons easy to install?
It depends on the model. The FD24 Mini is magnetic and runs off a cigarette plug, so it fits in seconds with no wiring. The U4-12, U4-24, U3-24, ECCO 7160A and both Weldex beacons bolt down and hard wire in. The U7 is direct wired only. We recommend a competent installer for any hard wired install.

What certifications do your beacons carry?
It varies by model, and so does the class. The U3-24 is SAE J845 Class 1 and ECE R65 Class 1, and the FD24 Mini SAE J845 Class 1 and ECE R65. The U4-12 and U4-24 are ECE R65 and SAE Class 2. The U7 lists ECE R65 Class 2 and ECE R10. The ECCO 7160A lists SAE J845 Class I and ECE R10, the Weldex 30W ECE R65, ECE R10 and SAE J845 Class 1, and the Weldex 35W ECE R65, ECE R10 and SAE J845, all in supplier product data. The certifications for each beacon are listed on its product page. ECE R65 and SAE are European and American standards rather than Australian ones, so check your own site or road authority requirements for what you need.

What do the IP ratings mean?
IP65 is sealed against dust and low pressure water jets, IP66 against powerful water jets, IP67 against temporary immersion and IP68 against continuous immersion. IP69K, on the U7-24 and both Weldex beacons, is tested against high pressure, high temperature wash down. All of them suit exposed vehicle mounting; IP69K matters most on plant and vehicles that go through a truck wash.

What colour warning light should I be using?
Amber is the colour used for traffic control, civil, utility, council and general work vehicles, which is why we supply amber. Blue and red are restricted to emergency services and authorised users. Check with your state road authority if you are unsure what applies to your vehicle and role.

Can I run more than one beacon on a vehicle?
Yes. The U4-12, U4-24 and U3-24 have a synchronisation wire so multiple units flash together rather than at random. The ECCO 7160A syncs with other 7160 beacons on its blue sync wire, and the U7-24 supports sync across compatible units. No sync function is listed for the Weldex beacons. Beacons from the same series sync most reliably.

Need Help Choosing?

If you are not sure which beacon suits your vehicle, call us on 03 8750 0926 and we will talk you through mounting, output, voltage and wiring. View the amber beacon range.