UN / ECE R 99 Tests

UN ECE R99 tests cover a series of tests carried out in accordance with the relevant regulation for the evaluation of gas-discharge light sources intended for use in approved gas-discharge lamp units of power-driven vehicles in the categories specified in the relevant regulation.

ECE regulations define cross-border technical regulations for establishing approval or uniform approval procedures for motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Automated commercial vehicles are already fully eligible for approval only through appropriate individual measures in the country in which they will be used. What is missing is a set of rules at the international ECE level.

Regulation 99 (UN/ECE) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe — Covers the uniform provisions regarding the approval of gas-discharge light sources for use in approved gas-discharge lamp units of power-driven vehicles and the tests applied accordingly.   

Gas discharge light source means light source in which light is produced by a stabilized discharge arc. There is a special electrical source called ballast for the gas discharge light source.

Each sample submitted for testing must comply with the relevant requirements of this regulation when tested with ballast. Gas discharge light sources should be designed to be and remain in good working order under normal use. It must also show no defects in design or manufacture.  

During the test, the bulb of the gas discharge light source should not have any defects that could impair their efficiency and optical performance. Gas discharge light sources must comply with internationally valid standards such as IEC 60061 in the relevant scope.

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.