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Choose the right lighting tower and sleep well

Lighting tower reminds night, but also refers to diesel engine. In turn, night reminds us of silence, which is not exactly what we associate with an engine... With urban centers becoming increasingly dense and legislation increasingly strict about noise pollution in construction sites, keeping decibels to acceptable levels has been the great challenge of the main construction equipment manufacturers. The lighting tower deserves special attention in this matter, as it is the equipment that tends to be used most during times of greater noise restrictions.

And in addition to urban issues, there are also aspects of safety and productivity. At night, visibility is always lower and this increases the importance of verbal communication between workers. The more difficult it is for them to listen to each other, the slower and more dangerous the work for team members.

In general, the ideal is that the noise level of the equipment does not exceed 60 dB(A), which is equivalent to the sound volume of a normal conversation. 
There is a wide variety of lighting towers and models on the market, but also a wide range of decibels, ranging from a pleasant chat, to the dangerous limits of 85 and 90 dB(A), above which hearing damage can occur. .

Identifying this is easy. Just ask the manufacturer for the information. But beware of "gotchas". It is common in the market to use the standard of โ€œXโ€ dB(A) @ โ€œYโ€ meters. It reads X decibels at Y meters.

Whether this distance is 1.5m or 7 meters (measurements normally reported by manufacturers), it is extremely important that it be informed. What does not make sense is to obtain only the information in decibels, without knowing the distance measured. What happens with some manufacturers that have louder machines, is that they measure at greater distances, to reduce the decibel value. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention not only to values โ€‹โ€‹in decibels, but also to the distance at which such value is measured.

Remember, therefore, to always demand this detailed information. Sometimes to achieve silence, we cannot be quiet.

Browse Ash Air's portable range!


Mobile Air Compressors

Designed for demanding job sites, our Chicago Pneumatic mobile air compressors allow operators to run multiple hand tools and hammers at the same time for maximum efficiency. Theyโ€™re also ideal for sandblasting, irrigation blow-outs and general construction applications.

With noise reducing enclosures, straightforward controls and a low-maintenance tow-able design, theyโ€™re built for reliable performance day in and day out.

The range of Red Rock air compressors are the latest and toughest edition to the Chicago Pneumatic portfolio. When it comes to this range of air compressors, we know what you are looking for: Portable, Powerful and Tough.

Chat to our experts, we will help you to answer questions about what can you use the compressor for, what compressor is the best and learn about air compressor efficiency.

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Mobile Diesel Generators

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic Mobile CPDG diesel generators have been designed to meet the tough demands of the construction industry.

Using proven technology, sturdy design and ease of operation, the CPDG provides you with a dependable source for all your electrical power needs. With integrated forklift slots and a lifting beam, the CPDG range of generators are easy to move and designed to be highly impact resistant.

Other features include easy to read gauges, easy to access maintenance points and a reinforced structure. Chicago Pneumatic products are backed by more than a century of experience working with construction industry customers.

We understand what it takes to be productive on the job, and it shows in our CPPG portable generator and CPDG mobile diesel generator line. Get in touch with our team today!

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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weโ€™ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Rotary Screw and Piston Air Compressors
  • Vacuum Pumps and Blowers
  • Nitrogen Generation
  • An extensive line of Air Treatment components
  • AIRnet Piping System and  Filtration
  • Mobile Compressors, Generators, and Light Towers

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world-class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported with nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption and meeting our sustainability goals
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner


Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences.


The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure.