FlashWear Information

What is FlashWear?
FlashWear is the generic name given to the garments that we sell that have the `Flash-Tech' integrated into the garment to allow designs or text to flash on the outer area in a predetermined pattern.

Why is FlashWear special?
FlashWear allows any pattern, graphic or text to be illuminated and/or flashed on any garment and due to its thinness it is more flexible; therefore it is more durable, lighter and less bulky than other illuminated garments that need to use LEDs or actual lamps.

How much more is FlashWear visible than traditional Hi-Vis jackets?
The simple answer is that with normal Hi-Vis jackets a light source is still required to reflect off the reflective material so with no light source available FlashWear is visible in clear conditions at up to quarter of a mile. Where there is a light source, a FlashWear jacket is up to 50 times more visible than a normal Hi-Vis jacket depending on the intensity of the light source.

Is FlashWear compliant with British Standard EN471?
Yes, FlashWear can be appended to any garment but all FlashWear's safety and reflective garments are class 3 EN471 compliant.

Are the FlashWear garments safe to use, they have wiring inside?
FlashWear garments have wires in them to carry the low voltage to the FlashTech but the voltage is safe - only comes from either 4 or 2 AAA (disposable alkaline) batteries each at 1.5v. It is advisable to remove batteries in the event of prolonged non-use and also to remove batteries as soon as they become depleted.

How long do the batteries last?
In tests batteries have lasted in excess of 32 hours on continuous flashing. As you may know, normal batteries last slightly longer if used for short periods of time during their life so this usage may be longer with short periods of use. It is still recommended that the batteries are removed during long periods of non-usage.

Can you use rechargeagble batteries with FlashWear?
The FlashWear Hi-Vis jackets have the ability to be used with 4 AAA rechargeable at 750ma. The battery holder has a `re-charge' button and when switched to this position a charger running at 6v/200ma.

How long do the rechargeable batteries last?
Rechargeable batteries have a charged life of about 12 hours use. With repeated recharging that will reduce. It is more important to remove rechargeable batteries during long periods of non-use as leakage can occur much more readily.

As with all FlashWear, the battery life for disposable or rechargeable depends heavily on the area that is being powered to flash. The larger the area the less time the batteries will last.

Also, NEVER try to recharge normal alkaline batteries with a charger.

Are there any other power sources available?
FlashWear are designing Flash-Tech that works with and charged by solar panels and recharged or powered directly from 12v car lighter sockets. More will be announced as it is developed.

Are the FlashWear jackets waterproof?
No they can not be submersed but as the battery packs are inside the jacket and inside a protective pocket FlashWear is resistant to light rain.

How are the garments cleaned?
FlashWear has circuitry as an integral part of the garment and the FlashTech panels can easily be damaged by submersing in water; therefore the only cleaning guides are as follows:

• Caps - for light cleaning only - take a damp cloth and rub until stain or dirt is gone. Caps should not be placed in a washing machine.
• T-Shirts - Remove the battery pack before attempting any cleaning. The area around the FlashTech panel can be hand washed with a normal handwashing detergent - taking care not to submerse the FlashTech panel.
• Hi-Vis Safety Vests and Jackets - these garments are made of plastic and nylon so they are very resistant to dirt ansd soiling however a damp cloth can be used to `wipe' the dirty area - never submerse and never place in a washing machine or dryer.

What if I have a need for FlashTech and you have no product to supply? We always work with any company or organisations to design new uses and products for FlashTech and would be happy to help with any requirement. See our contact section to see how to contact us.

If there is a question not answered here please see our contact section to see how to contact us.

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