Rotating beacons

Visibility by day and night: Why a rotating beacon is indispensable

HELLA rotating beacons generate a bright, uniform warning signal that is effective in all directions. Vehicles are clearly visible even from a greater distance.

This significantly increases safety for drivers and their surroundings, especially when working in difficult terrain or on roads. The LED technology ensures consistently high light output – with low energy consumption at the same time. HELLA relies on high-quality components that function reliably even under extreme temperatures or heavy use.

Benefits at a glance:

• 360° warning effect in all light conditions
• Efficient LED technology
• Clear, recognisable even in poor visibility conditions

Rotating or flashing? How to select the right light function

HELLA offers two light functions that impress, depending on the area of application:

• Rotating: Rotating beacons produce a uniform rotating light, ideal for municipal vehicles or agricultural machinery
• Flashing: Flashing beacons generate short, intense light pulses with a high signalling effect – ideal in moving traffic or in the event of danger

Both variants are based on reliable LED technology and are EMC-tested to prevent interference in the vehicle. This not only ensures safety, but also trouble-free operation with other vehicle components. Both visually and technically, HELLA beacons stand for a professional appearance.

Robustness counts: Which beacon meets your requirements

HELLA rotating beacons are designed for continuous use under extreme conditions. The housing is shock and vibration resistant, ideal for construction sites, rough terrain or forestry applications.

The lights are also:

• Dust and waterproof according to IP protection classes
• Equipped with energy-efficient LED technology
• Designed for a long service life without loss of light

Flexible installation: The right type of installation for your vehicle

HELLA offers various installation options:

• Magnetic attachment – quickly attached and flexible to use
• Pipe socket mounting – the classic, robust solution
• Flexible pipe socket – with additional protection against impact loads
• Fixed installation – permanent and vibration-proof

This diversity not only enables the optimum adaptation to the vehicle typebut also an uncomplicated retrofitting on existing vehicles. Temporary but secure attachment is particularly important for vehicles used seasonally, such as winter service or harvesting machines. The magnetic version scores highly thanks to its tool-free installation - Ideal if a rotating beacon is to be switched between several vehicles.

For vehicles with high vibration loads, such as rollers, excavators or forklift trucks, fixed or flexible pipe socket attachment is recommended. These hold the beacon securely even under rough conditions – and minimise the risk of damage caused by impact or mechanical loads. The sophisticated HELLA installation solutions are durable, tried and tested and easy to use.

The right solution for every vehicle: HELLA rotating beacons at a glance

Whether as beacons for tractors, trucks, forklifts or municipal vehicles – HELLA supplies the right model for every area of application. Particularly in agriculture reliability and robustness count,while for special transport vehicles and municipal use, the signalling effect and EMC conformity are in the foreground.

Thanks to their compact design, the beacons can be installed even where space is at a premium, e.g. on cab roofs, roll bars or protective grilles. Even with limited installation options, full function and visibility are guaranteed.

HELLA takes into account the requirements of different power systems – whether 12 V in municipal and agricultural vehicles or 24 V in heavy goods vehicles. The products are designed accordingly and ensure trouble-free integration into the existing vehicle electronics. Adapter solutions and accessory sets available as options enable precise installation.

Travelling safely: What ECE certifications mean for you

Many HELLA rotating beacons are certified to ECE-R65 (warning effect) and ECE-R10 (electromagnetic compatibility). This means:

• Reliable operation on public roads
• No interference with other vehicle components
• Legally approved operation for professional applications

The beacons therefore satisfy not only the technical, but also the legal requirements –
This conformity is particularly essential for vehicles operated by public authorities, public utilities or construction companies. The clear labelling of the approval directly on the product or in the product data creates full transparency.

Light power and energy efficiency

LED beacons from HELLA provide:

• Significantly more light power than halogen lamps
• Lower current consumption

This makes them ideal for companies where vehicles need to be ready for use around the clock.

They can also help cut maintenance and repair costs – an important aspect in industries with tight schedules. The low power consumption of the LEDs can reduce the load on the vehicle electrical system and extend the service life of the battery – a real plus point, especially in frequent start-stop operation.

Reliable in any weather: How HELLA beacons defy extreme conditions

HELLA lights work reliably – even when exposed to

• heat or cold
• moisture or dust
• vibrations and shocks

This makes the beacons ideal for construction, winter service or forestry operations.

Compact and powerful: When space is limited

The HELLA beacon product range offers compact and easy-to-install products, even where space on the vehicle roof is limited.

The range also offers the right solution for aerodynamic requirements: Even with high speeds on the motorway the rotating beacon remains securely in place.

Even compact products do not mean compromises: The beacons supply full light output in the smallest space. The result is a reliable safety system that blends seamlessly into the vehicle design – unobtrusive but effective.

A HELLA rotating beacon is more than just a warning signal – it is a reliable partner in everyday working life. Follow these tips to benefit from their performance for a many years to come:

• Regular maintenance: Clean the beacon regularly to remove dirt, dust and other deposits. This ensures that the light output remains constantly high and visibility is guaranteed.
• Visual inspection: Make sure that the beacon is not covered by attachments, loads or other objects. A clear all-round view is essential for the warning effect.
• Utilise energy efficiency: Rely on LED technology. HELLA LED rotating beacons not only offer higher luminous efficiency, but also a lower power consumption and a longer service life.
• Observe legal requirements: Use the rotating beacon only in the situations provided for by law, such as in particularly dangerous situations or when using special vehicles. Improper use can have legal consequences.

These tips can help ensure that the HELLA rotating beacon functions optimally.

When can an amber rotating beacon be used?

An amber rotating beacon (often referred to as an orange light because of its bright colour) may only be used if there is a particular hazard or other road users need to be warned of an unusual vehicle or operation. These include, for example, slow work vehicles, construction site vehicles, heavy goods vehicles or winter service vehicles. Normal use in everyday life or for "pure cautionary reasons" is not permitted.

Important: Their use is regulated by law.

When am I allowed to drive with a rotating beacon?

A rotating beacon may be used if the vehicle poses a particular hazard due to its use or condition – e.g. due to excess width, slow driving speed or use in road maintenance. This applies to tractors at road crossings, snow clearing vehicles for winter service or mobile construction site vehicles.

Is an amber rotating beacon permitted on public roads?

Yes – but only under certain conditions. The amber rotating beacon may be used on public roads if it is correctly approved (e.g. ECE-R65-compliant) and the use of the vehicle justifies this. Examples include construction site vehicles, gritting and clearing services or tractors with excess width.

Is a rotating beacon permitted for trucks?

Yes, for certain applications. A truck may be equipped with a rotating beacon if it is used, for example, as a heavy goods vehicle, breakdown vehicle or winter service vehicle. It is important that the beacon is only used during these activities – not during normal goods transport.

When does a tractor need a rotating beacon?

A tractor requires a rotating beacon if it is travelling on the road with implements, excess width or restricted speed – e.g. when crossing lanes, when operating with trailers or on public roads for winter service. A rotating beacon may also be necessary when visibility is poor.

How many watts does a rotating beacon have?

The power consumption of an LED rotating beacon varies depending on the model, but is generally between 10 and 30 watts. Thanks to LED technology, HELLA beacons are particularly energy-efficient and generate high light output with low energy consumption – ideal for vehicles with a large number of consumers.

How is a rotating beacon connected?

Depending on the model, the rotating beacon is connected to the 12 V or 24 V vehicle electrical system. The connection is usually made directly to a fuse or via a switch in the cab. With magnetic attachment, a cigarette lighter plug or a plug-and-play solution is common. A fixed power connection with a fused cable is required for permanent installation.

When do you switch on the rotating beacon?

The rotating beacon is only switched on in the event of active hazards or special journeys – e.g. when entering construction sites, when required by the mode of operation of the vehicle, in the event of breakdowns or during winter service. The use must always serve a clear purpose: Warn, protect, increase visibility.

Does a rotating beacon have to be entered in the vehicle documents?

No, if the rotating beacon is approved in accordance with ECE R65/R10 and is only used for authorised applications, it does not need to be entered in the vehicle documents. However, it is important that the beacon is not operated continuously and is installed correctly.