Virtual Museum EMS History

The Federal Beacon Ray series of lights was a significant improvement over previous emergency vehicle lighting, providing true 360 degree coverage. The design is the basis of almost all emergency vehicle lights designed between the early 50's and the introduction of LED lighting in the early 2000's. The Beacon Ray Model 17 was the most popular, with 2 rotating bulbs. The Model 174 seen below was a 4 bulb oscillating unit that produced 2 pulse flash pattern. Later units were manufactured with clear domes that allowed the user to buy different colored bulbs for even greater visibility.

Keywords: beacon, lighting, warning lights, Federal, Beacon Ray

Last Revision Date: 2/6/11 - 11:59 PM