In an industry focused on safety there are standards and regulations that are required of our products and must be adhered to. An explanation follows with a link to the latest version of the standard. If you have any specific questions or comments, please contact us.
ECE R10
For almost three decades, UN ECE Reg 10 (a United Nations standard, not a European standard which is a common misunderstanding) has been in place and enforceable for any electrical items being fitted to a vehicle, that will be used whilst the vehicle is moving, which could potentially cause Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).
The point of the regulation is to negate the negative impact that could be caused by the interference coming from one electrical item on another electrical circuit board located in the vehicle.
A copy of the UN ECE R10 regulation can be found using the following link: Addenda to the 1958 Agreement (Regulations 0-20) | UNECE
ECE R65
This regulation, adapted by most European countries and other UN membership states, governs the quality and performance from a safety standpoint of special warning lights, whether this is a beacon, light bar or directional warning light and applies to both the amber and red / blue markets.
Specifically, the testing and subsequent approval looks at the light output in terms of colour, spread and intensity, as well as to ensure that the flash rate falls between 2 and 4Hz.
There are two classes of approval. Class I is a single level of intensity and was most commonly found in the amber market. Class II offers two levels of intensity, one for day one for night (reduced intensity) and was historically more applicable to the emergency service sector, however Class II is now being requested for some amber applications.
A copy of the UN ECE R65 regulation can be found using the following link: Addenda to the 1958 Agreement (Regulations 61-80) | UNECE
ECE R65 Class 2
UN ECE Regulation R65 Class 2 sets the standards for high-intensity warning lights—such as beacons and strobes—used on vehicles that require enhanced visibility, like emergency or service vehicles. Class 2 lights are designed to operate at two brightness levels, making them suitable for both daytime and nighttime use. To meet the regulation, these lights must be visible from 20 metres around the vehicle at a height of 1.5 metres, ensuring they effectively alert other road users. This certification helps improve road safety by ensuring that only approved lighting systems are used in public traffic environments.
ECE R148
UN ECE Regulation No. 148 sets out harmonized rules for the approval of light-signalling devices—such as indicators, brake lights, fog lamps, and daytime running lights—used on motor vehicles and their trailers. It replaces and consolidates multiple older regulations into one simplified standard, making it easier for manufacturers to comply while ensuring consistent safety and performance across lighting systems. The regulation supports modern technologies like LEDs, defines requirements for light intensity, distribution, and durability, and includes provisions for testing, marking, and approval to ensure visibility and reliability on the road.
Light Signalling Devices
Lights fitted to vehicles must comply with additional UN ECE regulations where the functionality of the light dictates. For full access to those regulations, the following link will offer support and guidance:
UN Regulations (Addenda to the 1958 Agreement) | UNECE
Index of Protection Regulation IP
The IP standard is an international standard that is designed to test and then promote the level of protection that a product has against the intrusion of solids and liquid bodies. The standard looks at the protection of electrical equipment and products and often reflects the quality of the sealant on a product.
The IP standard is shown as a two-digit reference, IP XX. The first digit, a number between 0 and 6 reflects the protection a product has against solid bodies. The second digit which is a number between 0 and 9 (historically 8) reflects the protection against liquid bodies. The higher the number the greater level of protection that is offered.
It is important to note that the integrity of a product can be affected by external factors outside of the ingress and protection being tested for. Modern cleaning agents that are comprised of various chemicals can break down the sealant used to encapsulate a product and can therefore negate the IP protection offered. Most products are approved to IP67 and IP68 which means that they are protected against all solid elements and all types of dust and protected against the effects of immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (IP X7) and full protection against the effects of prolonged immersion up to 1 meter for a longer period (IP X8).
