Color – Light Pipe Color

Light pipes are usually clear or white, yet the color used can help determine the visual language of a device. Common color options are red, yellow, blue, and orange.

Some colors help carry more of the light from Point A to Point B. Others help focus the light, so it doesn’t bleed into a different color on the control panel and cause confusion.  

Connectors

Panel mount indicators can be connected by soldering the components to a device, or by using modular wire-to-wire connectors to establish a secure connection. 

Connectors help speed up production and assembly by making the process more efficient. Several types of connectors can be added to PMIs, including 2-position, micro-fit, and more.

Control Panel

A control panel is the interface on a device where the operator can monitor status, and in some cases, use buttons or knobs to operate the machine. 

There are many design and development techniques that can improve the communication between operator and machine. Explore our Status Light Guide to learn more.

Crimp Housing Connector

Crimp housing connectors are used to create solderless connections between terminated wires. The stripped wire is inserted into the connector, then “crimped” to provide a mechanically sound bond. Learn more about VCC’s connector solutions here.

Critical Angle

The critical angle is the angle of incidence or limiting angle that creates refraction. Depending on the medium used for the light pipe, the critical angle will vary. 

Exact calculations are required for the best outcomes, utilizing total internal reflection (TIR) to help the maximum amount of light reach the desired exit point.

CSA Mark

Similar to the CE mark in Europe, the CSA mark on a product indicates it has met the safety and testing requirements of the Canadian Standard Association Group.

This includes standards written or administered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriter Laboratories (UL), CSA Group (CSA), and other organizations.

Custom Light Pipe

While VCC offers thousands of standard light pipes, sometimes a customized solution is the ideal one for the footprint, operating conditions, and optical properties.

Whether it’s a light engine or a light pipe, customizing can help reduce costs in the long run.

Custom PMI

A custom PMI is one that is either designed from the ground up using customer specifications or requirements, or the modification of an existing panel mount indicator. 

VCC can create a new PMI design or customize thousands of standard products by changing the color, wattage, length of leads, lens options, and IP rating. Build your own PMI here.

Daylight Visibility

Daylight visibility is crucial in devices used outdoors where the sun’s glare could impact how well the end-user interprets the status indicator. 

The face or lens can impact a device’s daylight visibility. Look for devices that can achieve full brightness in milliseconds, even in daylight viewing conditions.

Dome Face

Light pipes are available with different tops or faces on the end where the light shines through the indicator or HMI, each with their own unique advantages.

The dome face provides the widest viewing angle of all face shapes, making it a great fit for visibility where operators need to see the indicator from different perspectives.

ESD Protection

Electrostatic discharge, or ESD, can cause surges in electricity that will damage a device. Even static can produce ESD with the power to do harm.

Depending on the design of the device, protection from ESD can be achieved. For example, VCC developed a smart parking meter with built-in ESD protection. 

Face

The face or exit face of the light pipe is where the light shines through an indicator. At the opposite end of the light pipe, you’ll find the LED or light source. 

The shape of the lens or face can impact how well the light travels from the light source to the exit surface.