Is there a reason why alarm clocks usually have red numbers as oposed to any other color?

Question

I saw something on tv the other day where a guy used a red flashlight to look at a map at night, explaining that the red causes you not to lose your night vision. I'm wondering if it's the same concept with alarm clocks. If so, what is it about the color red?

Answer 1

Our eyes and brains have evolved to be most sensitive and attentive to the color red, so it does not have to be bright enough to cause our pupils to contract to see red things clearly and comprehend them. The reason (selective advantage) for this is simple; it's the color of blood.

Answer 2

Red LED's were (or may still be) the most commonly made, and are very efficient - plus have very long life.

My alarm clock is actually green (and has a huge display). Plus I can set two alarms, so I can just cancel mine, and my wife can have one go off automatically later.

As far as the red flashlight is concerned - that might not be a bad idea, with the exception of the fact that looking at a map while driving is probably a bad idea - and it only takes a second to pull over - flip on the dome light or whatever, look at the map, turn off the lights - let your eyes adjust and go back to driving.

Answer 3

None of my alarm clocks ahve red numbers, but one I had years ago did. Red light is used in photography dark rooms. It does preserve night vision better than other colors of light.

Answer 4

My alarm clock numbers are green

Answer 5

on my days off of work, i awaken round 10am, perhaps 11am. the days i artwork, i wake quick saying to myself, "sh!t, i'm gonna be late for artwork lower back". i haven't got an alarm clock, nor do i plan on getting one. they're too loud, and they ring at the same time as i do not want to get up. each so often i'd have set the alarm, and it would not even buzz.

Answer 6

my alarm clock has green numbers

Answer 7

It's basically easier on the eyes at night.