At SWS Warning Lights we take pride in our eco-friendly solutions. In addition to optimizing LED technology, the most energy-efficient lighting solution on the market, all of our electronics are RoHS compliant.

In today’s blog, we’ll explain how SWS continues to provide eco-friendly solutions, from LED technology to RoHS compliance. But first, let’s take a look at each of these solutions in a bit more detail.

What is LED Technology?

A LED, light emitting diode, produces light by passing an electric current through a semiconducting material­­­­­ – the diode – which then emits photons (light) through a process known as electroluminescence. Unlike incandescent and xenon bulbs, LEDs do not require high temperatures or a metal filament to produce light. Although LED technology has been around for more than half a century, given its initial high price point it failed to gain traction until the mid-2000s. However, ever since then, they’ve become the go-to light source for a wide variety of products, including our state-of-the-art warning lights.

5 Environmental Advantages of LED Lighting 

One of the main reasons LEDs continue to surpass other lighting solutions is their countless environmental advantages. Both the manufacture and use of LED bulbs are better for the environment. Let’s take a look at five environmental benefits LED lights offer:

Energy Efficiency 

LED lights are recognized as today’s most energy-efficient lighting technology. Unlike conventional forms of light, LEDs are able to provide themselves with photons (light particles). They have no filaments or materials that need to be heated to produce light. With LEDs, about 95 percent of the consumed energy is emitted as light, while only 5 percent is lost as heat. In contrast, incandescent lightbulbs only convert 5 percent of their energy into light and the other 95 percent is wasted as heat. Thus, LEDs demonstrate less wasted light and more useful lumens than other lighting technologies.

Smaller Carbon Footprint

According to The Climate Group, lighting accounts for nearly 5 percent of worldwide CO2 emissions and a global switch to LED technology could save over 1,400 million tons of CO2. Every time energy is generated carbon dioxide, a major pollutant and harmful waste product, is produced. Therefore, the less energy required by a lightbulb, the less CO2 that is produced and released back into the Earth’s atmosphere. That’s why LEDs are the best lighting method available. With energy savings of up to 70 percent, a heavier reliance on this lighting technology would result in a much smaller carbon footprint.

Longer lifespan

On average, the lifespan of an LED light is 50,000 hours. Compare this to halogens which provide roughly 1,000 hours and xenon bulbs which last anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 hours, and it’s clear that LED lights are the better option. A stronger lifespan prevents you from changing bulbs often, which is not only better for your wallet, but the environment as it limits the number of lightbulbs polluting landfills.

No toxic chemicals

Unlike other types of light bulbs, LEDs are free of any hazardous chemicals. This means that they can be included in normal domestic waste without contaminating landfill sites. For example, some xenon bulbs may contain toxic substances like mercury. Over time their disposal can lead to a build-up of toxic chemicals in groundwater, which can not only harm our environment but our health. On the topic of toxic chemicals, another ecologically friendly feature of LED lights is their composition. Made from non-toxic materials, these bulbs are 100 percent recyclable.

Provides the same level of brightness with less electricity 

LEDs draw much less power than traditional lighting. LED lights on the market today produce an estimated 100 lumens per watt of power input. To compare, halogen lights produce about 12 lumens per watt of input, making LEDs nearly 10 times brighter. With LEDs, you can create the same level of lighting with fewer lights and less electricity.

What is the RoHS Directive? 

The second way SWS Warning Lights implements eco-friendly solutions is by complying with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

The RoHS Directive restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. The hazardous materials banned include:

• Lead (Pb)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI)
• Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated Diphenyls Ethers (PBDE)
• Bis (2-Ethylhexy) Phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
• Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP)

The Establishment of RoHS 

RoHS, also referred to as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union back in 2003 as an effort to reduce the environmental impact and health effects of electronics. The legislation’s primary objective is to ensure electronics manufacturing is safer throughout each stage of the device’s life cycle. Early in the 20^th century, chemicals, given their useful properties, were introduced into the manufacturing process of several products. However, at the time, the harmful effects of such materials were not widely understood, resulting in years of unnecessary exposure for both people and the environment. Take the chemical asbestos. When initially introduced the chemical was highly regarded for its mining capabilities and useful properties as a fire retardant. At the time, the general public had no idea it was a highly dangerous carcinogenic that when machined into dust and breathed in could result in adverse health conditions like lung cancer. The RoHS directive is meant to prohibit harmful substances like asbestos from damaging our health and our planet.

Why is RoHS compliance important? 

While initially, you may not see the harm in using substances like lead and mercury, long-term exposure could result in serious health and environmental concerns. In fact, their negative effects often outlive their life cycle. Once customers no longer have use for such products, they are thrown away either at a recycling centre or landfill. If discarded at a landfill, over time, water can carry trace amounts of these harmful substances and cause pollution. And since harmful substances don’t typically degrade, they continue to run through the ground making their way to oceans, lakes, and underground water reserves, further polluting wildlife and food sources. For example, Tuna contains trace amounts of mercury and lead as a result of waste dumping into oceans. Fish with longer lifespans, like Tuna, are disproportionately affected by these chemicals, as they have more time to absorb them. At SWS Warning Lights, we believe that as a company, we have a responsibility to protect consumers, packagers and shippers as well as the environment from harmful materials like those banned in the RoHS Directive. That’s why we continue to ensure that each and every one of our electronics is RoHS-compliant. 

How are products tested for RoHS compliance? 

To measure the levels of certain elements and restricted materials, products are examined in a lab where the following tests are conducted:

• X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF): Uses x-rays to determine the levels of metals and alloys within a product.
• Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR): Emits infra-red to identify polymers and polymer blends in a product, specifically Bromine found in PBB or PBDE form.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDX): Checks for lead-free solders, which are commonly used in the joints of a product.
• Occasionally Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometry (AAS): Identifies any lead and mercury in a product. 

While this may seem like a lot of work, at SWS we believe ensuring your health and the health of our planet is well worth the additional testing and cost.

Our Shining Advantages: Why SWS is always the best 

In addition to our unwavering dedication to eco-friendly solutions, SWS also demonstrates several other shining advantages.

Canadian-Designed & Canadian-Made 

SWS is incredibly proud to offer a wide selection of warning lights that are designed and built in Canada. Designed for Canadians by Canadians, our warning lights exceed industry demands and ensure long-term reliability, even in the harsh Canadian winters. 

Uncompromising Quality 

Each of our professional-grade warning lights is uniquely handcrafted and undergoes functional testing at every stage of development to ensure maximum performance. We always use rugged, durable components and materials to exceed industry requirements while ensuring long-term reliability and durability. 

Customer Service You Can Trust 

When it comes to your satisfaction, we wouldn’t have it any other way. You can always count on our team of engineers and customer service professionals to provide exceptional customer service rooted in courtesy, respect, and integrity. The SWS team always takes the time to get to know your needs and offer on-the-spot solutions that meet or exceed every requirement. Since we handcraft every warning light in-house, our engineers are incredibly familiar with every aspect of our products. This hands-on approach allows us to recommend modifications that further enhance the ability to handle virtually every safety application. 

Employ Advanced Technology 

Our skilled engineers use cutting-edge technology like Solid works and 3D printing, to create innovative amber lighting solutions that align with your changing needs. 

Wide Variety of Products 

From low- and high-profile beacons to minibars and arrows, SWS offers a whole host of products to suit each of your safety needs. 

Features You Can Count On 

Each of our warning lights meets SAE standards and all electronics are encapsulated to protect against weather and vibration. 

Serving the Industry Since 1969 

We’ve been designing and handcrafting heavy-duty professional-grade warning lights for over 50 years. We started as a small shop in 1969 and have since grown to become a leading amber warning lights supplier to the North American construction and heavy-vehicle markets. 

Ground-Breaking Innovation 

We have several profound inventions under our belt including the 200A-12V-A: Amber High Profile Fleet LED Beacon, custom snow plow packages for specified municipalities across Canada, and our incomparably bright mini lightbars, which feature 90 LED configurations. 

Fast Delivery

Since all of our products are manufactured onsite, we’re able to ship your orders quickly and efficiently to your local distributor or truck upfitter.

Warning Lights that keep both you and the environment safe 

At SWS Warning Lights, we believe that protecting the planet is a responsibility we all share. And with growing concerns regarding the well-being of our environment, we wanted to provide you with a line of warning lights you can feel good about. Each of our quality warning lights is made with the environment in mind – from our beacons and minibars to our arrows and traffic directors.

Contact us today at 1-877-357-0222 or through our website to find the perfect eco-friendly warning light solution for your commercial fleet.