Knowledge Base
Welcome to the AEB Knowledge Base for Vehicle Signaling
On this page, you will find comprehensive information about technical topics, standards, and regulations applicable to vehicle signaling products. For over 60 years, AEB has stood for quality and reliability in the signaling sector. Here, we share the latest insights and requirements to help you choose the right products that meet all legal standards. Stay informed about regulations and make the right choices for safe and compliant vehicle signaling.
- General Rules and Application of Signal Lamps
Amber signal lamps are intended for vehicles that create a temporary hazardous situation, such as maintenance and service vehicles. Blue signal lamps are permitted exclusively for priority vehicles (e.g., police, fire brigade, and ambulance) and may only be used in emergencies. - Detailed Mounting Instructions for Signal Lamps
Bij de montage van signaallampen moet rekening worden gehouden met de hoogte, de zichtbaarheid en de bevestiging. Deze voorschriften waarborgen de effectiviteit van de verlichting en zorgen ervoor dat de installatie voldoet aan Europese normen.
General Mounting Requirements
Signal lamps must meet visibility standards as outlined in ECE R65 and electromagnetic compatibility guidelines as defined in EMC R10.
- E-marking: All approved signal lamps must bear an E-mark, indicating compliance with European requirements.
- R65: This standard includes requirements for visibility, color, and intensity, ensuring that signal lamps are clearly visible from specific angles and distances.
- EMC R10: This standard ensures that lighting does not cause interference with other electronic systems.
Placement and Height of Signal Lamps - Height Requirements: Signal lamps must be mounted at least 2.5 meters above the ground to ensure maximum visibility, especially on larger vehicles. This placement prevents obstructions from other vehicle parts and ensures visibility from various angles.
- Visibility and Angle: According to R65 guidelines, signal lamps must be visible from an angle of 10 to 90 degrees up to a distance of 50 meters in the dark. Blue signal lamps should be centrally placed on the vehicle (e.g., on the roof) for optimal visibility from all angles. If cargo or vehicle parts obstruct visibility, additional lamps may be required.
Class 1 and Class 2 Light Intensity
The light intensity of signal lamps is classified into Class 1 and Class 2: - Class 1: Suitable for use in low-light conditions, with a lower intensity that provides adequate visibility in low ambient light. This class is often used for amber signal lamps that are visible at night or in normal conditions.
- Class 2: Designed for daytime use, with a higher intensity necessary for visibility in daylight. This class provides stronger intensity to ensure visibility under bright conditions, ideal for vehicles operating in sunny or challenging visibility environments.
Technical Specifications and Mounting Instructions - Flash Frequency and Intensity: The flash frequency for amber lamps should be between 1 Hz and 4 Hz. For blue lamps, the light intensity must be at least 100 cd, as defined in ECE R65.
- Color Consistency: Amber lamps must meet color requirements for yellow-orange, and blue lamps must exhibit a specific blueness that is clearly visible, as defined by standards.
- Mounting and Stability: Signal lamps must be securely mounted using rust-free fasteners and withstand weather conditions. A minimum IP65 rating is required for water and dust resistance, providing essential protection for equipment exposed to harsh conditions.
- Cable Protection and EMC Guidelines: Wiring must comply with EMC R10 to prevent interference and ensure stable operation.
Summary: When Can You Use Signal Lamps?
- Amber Lamps: Activate only when the vehicle poses a potential obstruction to other road users (e.g., stopped along the roadside). Not intended for continuous use during normal driving.
- Blue Lamps: Exclusively for priority vehicles and only in emergencies to indicate priority on the road.
This document serves as a reference for meeting legal requirements and installation standards. AEB recommends using certified products and having installation performed by a professional to ensure optimal compliance with standards.
What is ECE R65?
R65 Class 1 – Reliability and Visibility for Standard Applications
- R65 Class 2 – Extra Intensity for Demanding Situations
Class 2 within the ECE R65 standard provides extra brightness and visibility for situations where warning lights must perform under challenging conditions, such as bright sunlight or adverse weather. These lights feature a dual-mode function, allowing them to switch between day and night modes. This way, the intensity can be adjusted according to the environment, ensuring safe and optimal visibility without causing glare.
For AEB, Class 2 products are not just an addition to our range but an essential part of our mission to improve road safety. Our Class 2 signaling solutions are designed for intensive use and are suitable for emergency vehicles, traffic management, and other critical applications where maximum visibility is essential. We thoroughly test and optimize these products to ensure they remain reliable, even in the toughest conditions.
The ECE R65 standard is a European directive that prescribes how warning lights, such as beacons, flashers, and other signaling products, must perform to be effective under various lighting conditions. This means that every product designed and manufactured by AEB is tested for visibility, light intensity, and light distribution, both during the day and at night.
At AEB, we see this standard not only as an obligation but as an opportunity to provide the market with high-quality signaling products that prioritize safety. Our products meet this standard to ensure that emergency services, commercial vehicles, and other vehicles can operate safely under different conditions.
Class 1 within the ECE R65 standard is intended for warning lights typically used during the day, where direct, intense lighting conditions are less critical. Products certified as Class 1 are clearly visible during normal daylight conditions, but their intensity is slightly lower than that of Class 2.
At AEB, we understand that reliable signaling is crucial, even under normal conditions. Therefore, our Class 1 products are optimized to provide a strong balance between visibility and energy efficiency. This makes them ideal for vehicles that occasionally use signaling lights and where continuous high intensity is not always required, such as transport vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and agricultural machinery.
In the ECE system, countries that grant approvals for vehicle components, such as lighting, are identified by a specific country number. This number is displayed on the approval marking of the product. Here are some of the most common numbers used to indicate the countries where approval has taken place:
E1 - Germany
E2 - France
E3 - Italy
E4 - Netherlands
E5 - Sweden
E6 - Belgium
E7 - Hungary
E8 - Czech Republic
E9 - Spain
E10 - Yugoslavia (former)
E11 - United Kingdom
E12 - Austria
E13 - Luxembourg
E14 - Switzerland
E16 - Norway
E17 - Finland
E18 - Denmark
E19 - Romania
E20 - Poland
E21 - Portugal
E22 - Russia
E23 - Greece
E24 - Ireland
E25 - Croatia
E26 - Slovenia
E27 - Slovakia
E28 - Belarus
E29 - Estonia
E31 - Bosnia and Herzegovina
E32 - Latvia
E34 - Bulgaria
E36 - Lithuania
E37 - Turkey
E39 - Azerbaijan
E40 - Macedonia
E42 - European Committee
E43 - Japan
E45 - Australia
E46 - Ukraine
E47 - South Africa
E48 - New Zealand
E49 - Cyprus
E50 - Malta
E51 - South Korea
E52 - Malaysia
E53 - Thailand
E56 - Montenegro
E58 - Tunisia
E62 - Egypt
These ECE numbers are displayed on products, along with other approval information, to indicate the origin of the approval.