danieloneill
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Why red lighting on a submarine?
Why do they use red lights on a submarine when in combat?
I've read a few webpages on the subject but can't find anything conclusive.
I guess there are two parts to the question: why not use white light, and if you use a colour, why red? I read that the eye is more receptive to green so 'less' green would be needed and objects would be less 'coloured', and that reading in red light will make eyes more tired. The advantage for red light seems to be that eyes can adjust to darkness more quickly but I don't see how that's good - if a sub goes dark surely you're screwed anyway?!
I've read a few webpages on the subject but can't find anything conclusive.
I guess there are two parts to the question: why not use white light, and if you use a colour, why red? I read that the eye is more receptive to green so 'less' green would be needed and objects would be less 'coloured', and that reading in red light will make eyes more tired. The advantage for red light seems to be that eyes can adjust to darkness more quickly but I don't see how that's good - if a sub goes dark surely you're screwed anyway?!
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ozo
Would people be looking out the periscope?
What else would they be doing with it?
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Extending infex's comment:
Another reason might be to do with spark safety. A sub will contain highly flammable/explosive material in a confined area. Historically there would not be the same technology as is available today to eliminate the possibility of a spark causing an explosion on board. So lighting had to be as low energy as was possible to minimise risk.
Another reason might be to do with spark safety. A sub will contain highly flammable/explosive material in a confined area. Historically there would not be the same technology as is available today to eliminate the possibility of a spark causing an explosion on board. So lighting had to be as low energy as was possible to minimise risk.
>surely you're screwed anyway?!
...applies also to other environments that use red lights ;-)
...applies also to other environments that use red lights ;-)
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ASKER
Cheers folks, it's been interesting reading for the last couple of days! I don't know that we got a final answer but they all made sense and are probably contributing factors to the decision to use red lighting. I split the points evenly between everyone so I hope that's OK - all the answers sound right!
Maybe if anyone finds any authoritative answer they might post back here in the future: I'm glad that it's not just me who's wondering now :)
Maybe if anyone finds any authoritative answer they might post back here in the future: I'm glad that it's not just me who's wondering now :)