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Multiquip's Moonlight lighting system eliminates the internal fan, so the end-user would inflate the balloon with a rechargeable or battery-operated blower. "Eliminating the fan means dirt and other debris are not blown into the unit," says Juan Quiros, manager of product support. "This extends balloon and component life."

Wessels notes that Airstar's units as well as the BL2000 are equipped with a filter in the base that prevents dirt and particles from entering the unit.

Most balloon lights offer various configurations. They can be mounted to mobile pieces of equipment (such as pavers or rollers), on tripods when they won't be moved, on wheeled stands or even to truck hitches.

What's so special about them?

The greatest advantage of balloon lights versus their cousin, the light tower, is the glare-free lighting.

"With a balloon unit, the light is diffused," explains James. "It's softer and has no shadows. More and more DOTs are spec'ing glare-free lighting into contracts, so this is really important for roadbuilding and repair."