REGULATED
ILLUMINATION
RING AUTOMOTIVE speaks to VITAL NEWS about ECE
Regulation 37 and what it means for automotive light bulbs.
Exterior automotive bulbs are undoubtedly
safety critical. Their primary function is key
to providing illumination on a dark road
whilst alerting other road users on whether a
driver is braking or changing direction. As it
is vital to operate safely, exterior automotive
bulbs must be manufactured in accordance to
international standards.
It is important for motor factors and installers
to provide drivers with ECE Regulation 37
compliant bulbs. Non-compliant bulbs are
illegal and should not be sold or offered for
sale. In the event of a crash, authorities can
easily trace a non-compliant bulb back to the
motor factor and supplier, leading to severe
legal implications.
ECE REGULATION 37
More commonly shortened to the ‘E’ mark,
ECE Regulation 37 details exact specifications
that cover the light output, filament geometry,
voltage and wattage, along with the size and
shape of the bulb.
Light output specification identifies the
correct level of illumination from the light
assembly. Filament geometry specification
determines that the bulb is shaped correctly
for optimum light output. Voltage and
wattage specifications ensure that the bulb
can be safely fitted to a vehicle’s electrical
system without overloading the switching
or wiring harnesses. Finally, the size and
shape specification ensures that the bulb fits
correctly into a light unit or assembly.
Is the bulb ‘E’ marked?
All ECE Regulation 37 compliant bulbs should have the
following information clearly marked:
1) Manufacturer trade name/mark
2) Rated voltage – typically 12V for passenger cars and
24V for commercial vehicles
3) International designation for the lamp (e.g. W21W)
4) 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) Approval mark in accordanc