Signaling refers to the visual or audible communication of machine statuses—for example, through color changes or audible signal patterns. It informs operators about operating conditions, faults, or maintenance requirements, helping improve transparency, efficiency, and safety in the production process.

In increasingly automated systems, fast and unambiguous feedback is essential. Clear light signals help identify faults early, prevent downtime, and reduce response times. This boosts productivity and operational safety—especially in networked manufacturing cells.

IO-Link is an intelligent communication system at the sensor/actuator level that enables bidirectional data exchange between the controller and the light. This allows colors, flash patterns, or brightness to be dynamically controlled, while status information from the light itself (such as temperature or operating hours) can also be read.

With IO-Link, complex signaling states can be defined digitally instead of relying on simple 24 V switching signals. Parameters such as color, intensity, and flash frequency can be centrally managed, documented, and automatically adjusted as needed. This simplifies integration, reduces wiring effort, and supports predictive maintenance.

In machine engineering, red, yellow, green, blue, and white are the standard colors—typically in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13850.

Red: Fault or hazard

Yellow: Warning or transitional state

Green: Normal operation

Blue: Service or manual intervention

White: Neutral / status light

Yes—modern LED systems such as the DOMELED RGB-W IO-Link combine task lighting and signal lighting in a single fixture. They provide bright illumination of the work area while simultaneously indicating status changes through color shifts. This saves space and improves clarity.

Clear visual or audible signals warn employees of hazards, machine downtime, or ongoing processes. Distinct color coding helps effectively reduce errors, improper operation, and accidents—making a key contribution to workplace safety and process control.

IO-Link–compatible lights can be easily retrofitted using standardized M12 connectors. Existing systems benefit immediately from improved diagnostics, simplified wiring, and greater transparency.

Multicolor lights allow multiple machine states to be displayed using a single fixture. This saves space, reduces costs, and improves clarity. With IO-Link, colors, brightness levels, and flashing modes can be individually assigned—creating a clear and consistent visual language.

IO-Link transmits not only control signals but also diagnostic and status data. Operating hours, temperature, or faults can be monitored in real time. This enables predictive maintenance, helps prevent failures, and optimizes the entire production process.