Download Atlas Copco Hilight B5+ Quick Start Guide.
The Atlas Copco HiLight B5+ is a premium LED lighting tower widely used across Australian construction sites, civil works, mining operations, and large-scale events. With a coverage area of up to 4,000m², it’s one of the most capable portable lighting solutions available for hire. This guide answers the most common questions operators have when working with the HiLight B5+ for the first time.
Before You Do Anything: Site Safety Checklist
The HiLight B5+ is a powerful piece of equipment. Before starting, run through these safety essentials:
- Place the tower on a solid, flat surface with at least 1 metre clearance from walls, and ensure adequate ventilation — never run it in a fully enclosed space without exhausting to outside air.
- Do not deploy the mast if the tower isn’t level with stabilisers adjusted, if there are overhead power lines nearby, if people are standing too close, or if wind speeds exceed 80 km/h.
- The unit is fitted with an emergency stop button (S2) — this is for genuine emergencies only, not routine shutdown.
- Always earth the unit once it’s correctly positioned on site.
Pre-Start Checks
Run through these before every start:
- Check engine oil and fuel — top up if needed.
- Check all bolts and nuts are tight.
- Confirm the main circuit breaker (Q1) is switched OFF and all other breakers are in the OFF position.
- Check that fuses haven’t tripped and the emergency button is in the OUT (inactive) position.
- Confirm the load is switched off.
- Make sure the controller is not in AUTO mode before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the HiLight B5+ manually?
- Switch S20 to position 1 (ON) to power the controller.
- Push the START button to start the engine.
- Extend the mast.
- Confirm circuit breaker Q1 is ON, then check that Q2–Q6 are OFF.
- Use the UP and DOWN buttons to adjust the mast to your desired operating height.
- Confirm the mast is stable and at the correct position.
- Switch ON the lamps by switching circuit breaker Q2–Q5 to ON.
- Press the AUTO button — the lamps will start sequentially every 2 seconds.
- The controller will confirm all lamps are functioning correctly.
How do I stop the HiLight B5+ manually?
- Switch OFF the lamps by turning off circuit breakers Q2–Q5.
- Press the STOP button to shut down the engine.
- The engine will cool down — allow 30 seconds before proceeding.
- Switch S20 to position 0 (OFF).
Always use the STOP button for routine shutdown. Never use the emergency stop button to power down the unit during normal operation.
How do I lower the mast?
The mast must be fully lowered before transport. Use the mast UP/DOWN buttons adjacent to the control panel to lower it completely. Ensure the mast is turned 90° and fully retracted before moving the unit.
How do I position and adjust the floodlights?
The floodlight angle can be adjusted on site:
- Loosen the bolt on the bracket of the support by rotating it.
- Loosen the wing screw and untighten the wing screw handle to select your preferred inclination.
- Re-tighten everything once positioned.
- Recommended tilt angle is 70° for most applications.
Note: Floodlights must be repositioned after every transport.
Can I connect external power tools or appliances to the HiLight B5+?
Yes. The B5+ has a socket (X1) for connecting appliances.
- Plug your appliance into socket X1.
- Wait 3–4 minutes after starting the engine to allow it to warm up fully.
- Switch on circuit breaker Q6 to power the socket.
How do I set up automatic operation using the photocell (light sensor)?
The photocell automatically starts and stops the tower based on ambient light levels — ideal for unattended overnight operation on long-term site deployments.
- The recommended photocell sensitivity level is 50 Lux.
- To configure, navigate to the photocell settings on the LC1003 controller and adjust the sensitivity dial accordingly.
- Before transport, disable the photocell option by setting it to 0 Lux to prevent accidental activation during transit.
How do I set up the timer for scheduled operation?
The HiLight B5+ supports scheduled start/stop times through the LC1003 controller’s timer (scheduler) function. This is useful for fixed-shift sites where the tower needs to run on a consistent daily or weekly schedule.
The scheduler allows you to configure start time, stop time, and repeat days (daily, weekly, or monthly). Navigate to the Scheduler parameters (900 series) in the controller menu to set this up. Refer to the full operator’s manual for detailed parameter configuration.
What operating modes are available?
The HiLight B5+ supports three main operating modes:
Manual Mode — Direct operator control of start, stop, and lamp switching via the control panel. Best for short-term or supervised deployments.
Auto Mode — The controller manages the start sequence automatically. Used in conjunction with the photocell or timer settings for hands-free operation.
Remote Mode — Allows start/stop operation via a remote signal (time or light level input). When the LC1003 controller receives a remote signal, the mast will extend or lower automatically. Note: A buzzer will sound while the mast is moving.
What are the key technical specs of the HiLight B5+?
| SKU | HiLight B5+ |
| Rated power | 2.7 kW |
| Light heads | 4 × 350W LED |
| Fuel tank capacity | 130 litres |
| Autonomous run time | Up to 260 hours |
| Sound level | 88 dB(A) |
| Light coverage (20 luxes avg) | Up to 5,000m² |
| Weight | 980 kg |
| Dimensions | 1.2×1.2×2.5m |
The 260-hour autonomous run time makes the B5+ particularly well-suited to extended remote deployments where refuelling access is limited.
Hiring a Lighting Tower in Australia?
PremiAir Hire stocks the Atlas Copco HiLight range alongside a variety of other portable lighting towers for hire across Australia. Whether you need coverage for a small access road or a large open site, our team can match you with the right unit.
Call us on 1300 WE HIRE or visit premiairhire.com.au to arrange your hire.
This guide is intended as a general operating reference only. Always refer to the full Atlas Copco HiLight operator’s manual for complete safety, maintenance, and operational guidelines.