Fire apparatus — mounted scene lighting has played an important role in improving safety and operations. These improvements have been driven by NFPA 1901 and the need for greater safety at all emergency operations. The NFPA has gone so far as to define scene lighting as “mission critical” in all emergency operations.

When speccing new apparatus, it's important to compare and properly select 12-volt and 120/240-volt line voltage equipment for effectiveness and cost-savings.

Lighting requirements

NFPA requires that the ground surface at all egress areas around the cab and body be illuminated to a specific level at entry, egress and rear apparatus areas.

Cab ground-level lights must operate automatically. If desired, they also may be manually switched. The best lights for this application are 4-inch-diameter with angled mounts. NFPA requires that these lights be waterproof and in compliance with SAE standards. Under-body lights should be individually switched for the left, right and rear body areas.

Other lighting requirements are:

Steps

Intermediate cab steps should have small hooded lights at the step or recessed 4-inch-diameter lights in the door panel. These lights don't require individual switches and are typically connected to the master 12-volt power switch and controlled by opening the door.

Side running boards and rear steps

All lower side running boards and steps to the top of the body require lighting. This includes the top-mount pump walkways and aerial turntable work areas. The combination of 4-inch recessed lights and small hooded lamps have proved to be the most popular by fire apparatus manufacturers. Activating these lights with the air-brake parking valve eliminates a critical action the operator must take each time the vehicle is stopped.

A well-placed 4-inch light will sufficiently light several steps in the rear area and aerial operation turntable access ladder, but LEDs don't provide the same lighting intensity as halogen step lights.

Top of body

Because the top areas of most apparatus are accessed rarely, only a minimum number of recessed or pedestal-mounted lights with a switch at the rear of the body are recommended. These lights should be located out of the walking area to avoid a trip hazard. Flush-mounted or pedestal-mounted lights, such as the Whelen 600 series, on the rear of a crew cab also work well for crosslays and over pump areas and should be switched at the pump panel.

On non — walk-in rescue vehicles, rear-access ladders and upper walkway areas also should be illuminated automatically with application of the air brake. A second switching choice would be located at the ladder access area. The use of 120/240-volt telescoping flood lights for the top rescue body walkway and compartment lighting isn't recommended because this light is usually directed on the scene of the emergency. These lights are useful when the incident is over to secure the scene and reload the hosebed and top side compartments.

Vehicle sides

Most vehicle scene lighting is a combination of both 12-volt and 120/240-volt lighting systems. As previously noted, 12-volt perimeter lighting should be reduced or totally eliminated if a line voltage generator is present on the apparatus.

Typical side-mounted 12-volt perimeter lights, such as the Whelen 900 series, are 9 inches wide and 7 inches high and designed with 13° to 27° slanted mountings or angled optics. The lights usually provide sufficient low-intensity lighting five to 25 feet from a vehicle. They are insufficient for lighting a structure fire, motor vehicle accident or other emergency operations. They are designed for ground-level lighting only.

The switches for these lights should be configured so that each side of the vehicle can be individually switched. Angle-mounted scene lights are redundant in nature and usually are not necessary because under-body step lights are sufficient. Telescopic pole lights of 120/240 volts are more versatile and provide a better use of budget dollars when mounted at the rear corners of the cab.

Vehicle rear

NFPA 1901 requires work lighting at the rear of a vehicle. This minimum level requires work lighting in a 10-square-foot area and is usually switched from within the cab. An additional rear-mounted switch is recommended.

In recent years the pedestal-mounted cab and body spot/flood lights are being replaced with angled body-mounted 9- by 7-inch scene lights or integral hosebed lights with warning light on pumpers. Properly placed and angled scene lights will adequately light ladders, intermediate steps, auxiliary folding steps and even the rear step.

Automatic operation could affect warning light effectiveness, so switching is recommended. For rear illumination, it may be preferable to have the rear scene lights automatically activate when the rig is put into reverse. They also could be individually switched so they can be activated while the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in neutral or while the truck is in pump mode.

Power considerations

Changes in NFPA 1991, 1996 and 1999 have substantially improved apparatus electrical supply systems. Automatic load managers, multiplexing and other load-shedding devices have allowed users to add non-essential lighting without overloading the electrical systems. In addition, new LED lighting and strobe systems have resulted in reduced 12-volt electrical loads.

Alternators

There is a wide selection of large alternators that have proved to be both cost-effective and reliable as a 12-volt power source. Power requirements for alternators should be considered 270 amps minimum and 320 to 360 amps standard for large custom pumpers and aerials.

Batteries

In a 3,500 — to 5,000 — total cold cranking amp battery package, the new industry standard is six 12-volt 600- to 900CCA batteries per package. Fewer than six batteries requires considerable engineering expertise; look to your fire apparatus manufacturer's engineering staff for battery system analysis and recommendations. Fewer than six batteries could be insufficient for several 12-volt scene lights and other high-amp continuous loads.

Using load management systems to shed scene light could result in increased hazards to firefighters when the electrical supply system is insufficient to handle all lights for extended emergency operations. An ideally engineered system would feature:

• 12-volt lighting for critical step, walking surfaces and egress areas to and from the cab and body. These should be operated automatically with the door switch or application of the parking brake.
• Auxiliary perimeter scene lighting, which should be switchable to reduce electrical loads.
• Limited-use lighting of hose bed, deluge gun platform and crosslays, which should be switchable and load managed.

The switch location is extremely important for quick access and user-friendly operations. Climbing back into a truck cab to turn scene lighting on and off is not convenient and results in unsafe conditions when forgotten during the heat of emergency operations. Additional switches located near the point-of-use are a good idea. For example:

• A manual switch at rear of body for back-up lights.
• Push-button switches on telescopic or hose bed flood lights.
• Scene and perimeter lights located at the pump panel control panel or convenient ground-level location.

A spec writer should avoid automatic under- and upper-body lights and hose bed lights because they cause unnecessary alternator/battery loading. An area to consider for automatic activation, however, is rear scene lights, which maybe helpful when a vehicle is placed into reverse mode.

Alternate lights

Occasionally fire departments require front or side scene lighting while a vehicle is in motion. These and other special lighting needs can be addressed with in-cab handheld spotlights. Watch for glare on the windshield. Note that the use of fixed cab-mounted, door-post spotlights have almost disappeared from modern apparatus.

Most 120/240-volt quartz halogen infrared and HID lights will affect driver visibility while approaching emergency vehicles, causing temporary blindness or hampering visibility in the vicinity of the apparatus. It's critical that such lights be strategically placed away from warning lights and/or switched “off” for oncoming motorists. Low-voltage 12-volt lights may be superior in highway applications.

In the past, chassis headlights were the only means of providing adequate front of cab scene lighting. However, in recent years the use of on cab-mounted scene and flood lighting has almost become almost standard, thus eliminating the use of fixed spot/flood lights.

“Brow”-type cab lights and body-mounted 12-volt high-intensity discharge lights are just entering the market place. Cab switching is required for these lights. The lumen level of these lights exceeds a 500-watt, 120-volt quartz halogen flood light.

The use of these “brow” lights is very efficient at accident scenes and other emergency incidents. These lights must be switched from within the cab and caution must be exercised in apparatus placement so that oncoming motorists are not blinded. These lights are available with mounting brackets to position them below the roof bar light and above the cab doors.

Manually operated telescopic floodlights

Almost all new apparatus are equipped with some type of telescopic light pole or tripod. With or without a generator, these lights have fulfilled the need for mission-critical lighting.

Manually operated poles can be:

• Bottom or top raise.
• Fixed or portable.
• 12 volt, 120 volt or 240 volt.
• 70 to 2000 watts.
• 5,000 to 35,000 lumens.

It's always best to use lights that can be extended from the ground and switched near the light. Removable tripod floodlights have proved to be very popular on rescue vehicles. You may wish to consider truck-mount locking devices to prevent theft.

Recess-mounted lighting

Some body designs, rescue bodies for example, prevent or hamper the use of telescopic floodlights. Thus, recessed and fixed lights are found on most rescue and rescue pumper vehicles. Most of these lights run from 4- to 6-inches deep and require recessed enclosures to protect the lights and equipment from high operating temperatures or mechanical damage.

Strategically located, these lights can provide 360° lighting up to 400 feet from the vehicle. In addition, the vertical light spread reaches as high as the sixth story of a building. These lights usually run about 50% of the cost of a manually operated telescopic floodlight. New wide-angle and curved glass lights recently introduced by Fire Research Corp. also provide excellent vehicle perimeter illumination for increased scene safety.

Power-operated light towers

As recently as 20 years ago only a large city or a very affluent fire department could afford to purchase a power-elevated light mast. Today a large percentage of new apparatus are being equipped with light towers. The fire service now demands increased light levels, and manufacturers have responded to the need with several new models and types.

The two most popular units are manufactured by Will-Burt Co. and Command Light. Both have several models priced in the $5,000 to $20,000 range installed. Light assemblies are available in 12-, 120- and 240-volt versions and are available in either vertical or horizontal storage configurations. The selection of the height, lumen output, method of elevation, power system and available options should be researched with the manufacturer as each has unique features, options and several types of lighting options.

Lighting innovations

The new 12-volt HID 150-watt bulbs now provide extremely high levels of illumination without the requirement and expense of installing a generator. However, multiple batteries, load management and a large alternator should be provided for such units.

Also available in the light tower market are 120/240-volt metal halide lights. These light heads provide 110,000 lumens per light thus masts will now produce up to 660,000 lumens.

The Phoenix Fire Department and others have successfully used Versa-Lift hydraulic lifts to extend flood lights up to 30-foot levels. The hydraulic crane — type masts cost upwards of $50,000 and are usually not within reach of most fire department budgets.

NFPA 1901 addresses safety features, interlocks and general operation of powered light towers. Check the standard and manufacturer Web sites for detailed specifications and available options. The addition of an elevated light tower to your apparatus is highly recommended to improve firefighter safety.

We are always asked what type and what size generator should be installed on new apparatus. In most cases, fire departments have limited reference material in selecting the right generator for their needs. Here are some sample guidelines.

Select generator that best suits your:

• Budget range.
• Total watt requirements.
• Compartment space or limitations.
• Drive system limitation — gas, diesel, PTO or hydraulic.
• Future expansion requirements.

Add your total wattage requirements:

• Exterior lighting — fixed, portable and masts.
• Cable reels.
• Motors, HRT and air compressors.
• Apparatus line voltage outlets.
• Special equipment such as air conditioning, interior lighting and battery chargers.
• Future expansion requirements

After evaluating your generator type and size, add a safety or expansion factor of 25- to 50% of your calculated wattage requirement. You will have to live with your choice for the life of the apparatus, so this is not an area where costs should be cut. Size the generator to 150% of your expected demand. In direct-drive PTO generators, the price difference between a 20KW and 40KW unit could be as little as $1,500, but in hydraulic and diesel applications the range becomes very expensive and often space is not available.

The most recent version of NFPA 1901 has several new sections on generator installations, safeguards and third-party testing for continuous duty applications. Included in the new standard cable size requirements and amps available with certain length cables. (See “NFPA Appendix on Wire Gauge,” opposite.)

Future expectations

The innovations in scene lighting on emergency vehicles will continue to evolve amongst many component manufacturers. Today we have the electronics to manage 12-volt loads as well as low amp-draw LED and HID equipment.

Line-voltage lighting equipment also is improving with new HIR and metal halide technology. We can no longer use watts as a measurement unit when selecting new lighting fixtures. Lumens will be the new standard of measurement for lighting output.

Wireless remote control

The advent of wireless electronic technology in deluge guns will find its way throughout new fire apparatus in various components. Remote switching of flood lighting on and off the vehicle is now a reality. This feature will be especially useful for highway incidents where remote switching can prevent blinding of oncoming motorists.

High-level lumen metal Halide lighting

We will see even higher levels of floodlighting on light masts than what is currently available.

High-capacity cable reels

The use of electrical cable reels for the most part are limited to a single light, motor or junction box. The use of high-capacity 240-volt cable (6- and 4-gauge wire) with multiple circuits in both single- and three-phase configurations will allow for large, versatile junction boxes for many special applications. This feature will be extremely useful for remote lighting, tools, motors, and underground and high-rise operations.

Low-cost powered flood light masts and heads

The new 12-volt HID lamp heads will soon find their application in remote-controlled flood lights and inexpensive telescopic light masts on pumpers and smaller rescues.

Use of the 2004 edition of NFPA 1901 when writing your new apparatus specifications is highly recommended along with the applicable sections from the annex. Purchase the largest generator you can afford with no less than 150% of the anticipated load.

Working closely with the manufacturers of 12-, 120 and 240-volt lighting equipment will provide you with a wealth of information. Many have Web sites that provide photos, dimensional drawings and detailed specifications that may be incorporated into your documents. When in doubt, never skimp on scene lighting. Meet and exceed the standard. The expense associated with a single injury may equal the cost of your next vehicle.

For more information please visit www.fdsoa.org or plan on attending the 16th annual Apparatus Specification & Vehicle Maintenance Symposium in January.

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Alan Saulsbury is the president of Fire Spec Services, a Homer, N.Y., company that provides fire service consult and support. He is a past president and sits on the board of directors of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association and is a member of the NFPA 1901 committee.

GOOD RULES FOR 12-VOLT SYSTEMS

For apparatus scene lighting without a line voltage generator

1. Switch perimeter body and cab scene lights.
2. Limit number of perimeter scene lights and avoid duplication.
3. Carefully evaluate your total 12-volt electrical loads for step, work and perimeter lighting requirements.
4. Reduce the number of lights that automatically come on with application of the parking brake.
5. Keep running board and step lights off in respond mode.
6. Use new 12-volt HID flood lights to replace conventional recessed multiple halogen scene lights.

For apparatus scene lighting with a line voltage generator

1. Replace or eliminate 12-volt perimeter scene lighting and replace with 120/240-volt HIR lights.
2. Use 120/240-volt manually operated telescopic floodlights for lighting top of body and hose bed.
3. Install remote-control switching of perimeter scene lights for each side of the vehicle.

SURFACE-MOUNT AND RECESSED LIGHTS

Cab, Body and Rear Scene Lighting
Bulb Type	Amps	Manufacturer	Model	Installed Price
Halogen	5	Whelen	900	$200
LED	1.2	Whelen	90	$1,000
Halogen	5	Whelen	600	$175
Spot Lights
Bulb Type	Amps	Candlepower	Model	Installed Price
Sealed Beam	25-35	600,000	Triple head	$60
Sealed Beam	20	80,000	Single head	$35
HID Metal Halide
Bulb Type	Amps	Candlepower	Model	Installed Price
HID	14	11,250	FRC-Optimum	$950

LUMEN LEVELS

120-volt quartz halogen lights
Watts	Amps	Lumens
500	4.2	10,500
750	6.3	19,600
1,000	8.3	22,000
240-volt quartz halogen lights
Watts	Amps	Lumens
1,000	4.2	22,000
1,500	6.25	35,000
2,000	8.3	44,000
120-volt HID lights
Watts	Amps	Lumens
650	5.4	25,200
240-volt HID lights
Watts	Amps	Lumens
900	3.75	32,000
120-volt metal Halide “Super Lite”
Watts	Amps	Lumens
1,000	8.3	110,000
Typical installed prices on new apparatus. These charts do not represent all manufacturers or prices. Costs are provided only as a ballpark estimate of a fire apparatus manufacturer installed price. Contact both the light manufacturer and your fire apparatus manufacturer for exact pricing.

NFPA APPENDIX ON WIRE GAUGE

Cord Length (in feet)
Circuit Ampacity
		50	100	150	200	250	300
	5	16	16	16	16	16	14
	7.5	16	16	16	16	16	14
	10	16	16	16	16	14	14
	15	14	14	14	14	12	12
	20	12	12	12	12	12	10
	25	12	12	12	12	10	10
	30	10	10	10	10	10	10
	35	8	8	8	8	8	8
	40	8	8	8	8	8	8
	50	6	6	6	6	6	6