UN / ECE R 65 Tests

UN ECE R65 regulation is a European standard certifying a controlled and verified light signaling for priority and response vehicles for use on roads.

This regulation, published and implemented by the United Nations, deals with all elements of light signaling for vehicles such as beacons, beacon ramps, penetration lights, and their rapid placement and fixation on an intervention or service vehicle.  

This European regulation aims to verify the suitability of a light-signal product for vehicles that control various characteristics through scientific measurement tests. The tests carried out to ensure that these light signaling products comply with the current European regulations are:

• The suitability of the minimum and maximum luminous power of the lamp (measured in Candelas);
• Good dispersion of the light beam for a homogeneous and harmonious light diffusion;
• Fastening system of flashing lights, signal and beacon ramps and penetration lights to provide excellent resistance and adhesion to the vehicle equipped with them;

To ensure the suitability of your light signaling product, all tested products are marked with an "E" to ensure the conformity of the light signal element in question.

ECE R65 approved lamps are divided into two classes and two separate categories: Classes 1 and 2 and categories A and B. Class 1 ECE R65 approved lamps are luminous equipment consisting of a single level of luminous intensity. These Class 1 approved lamps are used by vehicles for distress or warning signals in lanes and may be used in private or public vehicles without government authorization.

ECE R65 Class 2 lamps have a higher luminous intensity and have two controllable luminous intensity levels, such as day and night mode. ECE R65 Class 2 approved lights are intended for all government approved public vehicles as well as emergency vehicles such as Police, Gendarmerie, Ambulance and Firefighting vehicles.

These regulated Class 1 or Class 2 fires must also meet a category index:

• Category A: Category A products are intended for EMS with priority general interest vehicles such as Police, Gendarmerie and Fire Brigade vehicles as well as Mobile Hospital Unit (MHU) response vehicles.
• Category B: Light signal devices in this category are reserved for vehicles of general interest with easy access. Vehicles that can use ECE R65 category B approved products, ambulances for medical transport, vehicles of medical units that contribute to the permanence of care or vehicles of department doctors on duty, EDF and OGM response vehicles, vehicles of SNCF surveillance service personnel, Banque de France cash transports and their companions, highways and two management services of separate carriageway roads and winter service vehicles.

Within the scope of the regulation, many mechanical, dynamic and environmental tests are carried out as well as measurements for the approval of the relevant equipment. For tests to be considered successful, test results must meet regulatory requirements.