FDrive A GUIDE TO E MARKING & BULB QUALITY | Page 3

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS It is illegal to fit light assemblies (that carry their own performance approval numbers) with bulbs that are not E approved (1989 Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations). In addition, it is also illegal to stock or offer these bulbs for sale in the UK (Filament Lamps for Vehicles (Safety) Regulation 1982). The standard for Gas Discharge light sources is ECE Reg. 98. How can I tell if a bulb meets ECE Regulation 37? It should be marked with ALL the following information: 1. The trade name or mark of the manufacturer. 2. The rated voltage, typically 12v for passenger cars and 24v for commercial vehicles. 3. The international designation for the lamp e.g. W21W. 4. The rated wattage of the lamp including any dual filaments e.g. 21W or 21/5W. This is not required if the international designation identifies the wattage. 5. The approval mark in accordance with the specification for its size and shape (See Fig 1). This consists of the following: 1. The designated E number (e.g. E11) in a rectangular box followed by a unique 3 digit code. This can only be applied to one lamp type for each manufacturer. This identifies the manufacturer. 2. In the case of a halogen bulb which has to meet the requirements of the UV light output specification it may be marked with a U. Example of the arrangement of the approval mark 2a 3 a 2 E 11 2A1 Compliant approval marking ✓ a 3 a = 2.5 mm min. a The above approval mark affixed to a filament lamp indicates the lamp has been approved in the United Kingdom (E11) under the approval code A1. The first character of the approval code indicates the approval was granted in accordance with the requirements of ECE Regulation No. 37 as amended by the 02 and 03 */ series of amendments. [email protected] www.ringautomotive.co.uk