In the broadcasting industry, cell towers play a critical role in delivering audio, video, and data to consumers. Obstruction lighting on these towers is equally critical. Learn why as Jim Jacoby, President of TWR Lighting, sits down with Ben Thomas, Host of Pro AV Today.
Obstruction lighting is an essential component of any tall structure, including cell towers. Aviation lights or obstruction lighting, is used to warn aircraft pilots of the presence of the structure, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. In the broadcast industry, cell towers play a critical role in delivering audio, video, and data to consumers, obstruction lighting on these towers plays a critical role in protecting the integrity of the tower from any aircraft related damage. Since broadcasting towers are typically up to 2,000+ feet high, it is important to have a reliable, durable, and robust obstruction lighting system.
Below are 4 reasons why it is important to have a world class designed lighting system on broadcast towers, telecommunication towers, and wind turbines.
#1 Safety
The primary role for obstruction lighting is to ensure the safety of air travel. When a cell tower is erected in an area with low visibility conditions, or if the tower is taller than surrounding structures, it poses a significant risk to low-flying aircraft. Obstruction lighting on the tower serves as a warning to pilots to avoid the structure and fly safely.
#2 Compliance
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all structures over a certain height to have obstruction lighting. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe fines and legal penalties. Compliance with FAA regulations is critical for broadcast companies that rely on cell towers to transmit their content to consumers.
Check out our Lighting Guides to see the different type of structures that require obstruction lighting.
#3 Reliability
When cell towers are obstructed or damaged, the transmission of audio, video, and data can be disrupted or halted entirely. Obstruction lighting plays a critical role in ensuring that cell towers are not damaged by aircraft, and thus, broadcasts can continue without interruption. TWR Lighting's STAR lighting systems are thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted to ensure optimal reliability and performance.
#4 Reputation
The broadcast industry relies heavily on consumer trust. Interruptions in service due to a lack of obstruction lighting on cell towers, can damage a company’s reputation and lead to a loss of customers. Broadcast companies that prioritize safety and reliability by ensuring their cell towers have obstruction lighting build trust with their consumers and increase their brand reputation. As the industry leader in obstruction lighting, monitoring, installation and service, TWR Lighting always has your core business in mind. We provide state-of-the-art 24/7/365 monitoring from our NOC ( Network Operations Center ) and expanded monitoring through our Monitoring Web Interface. Our tech support team is available at all times to ensure your lighting system is back on-line as quickly as possible, and that all required NOTAMs are filed and closed
TWR Lighting Gives You Peace of Mind!
For 42 years, TWR Lighting has provided top of the line lighting products, monitoring, service and installation. Our products are made in-house in our Houston, TX facility, ensuring shorter lead times. Our sales, engineering, tech support and executive team are
dedicated to continuing our mission to continue our long history of keeping the world's airways safe by delivering the highest quality products.