Standardization for high beam driving lamps

ECE R113 is a regulation that sets the requirements for the approval of vehicle lighting, specifically spotlights. This article explains what the standard is about and the applications of driving lights for trucks and off-road vehicles. We also discuss the difference with ECE R112, so you can make the right choice for your specific situation.

Wat is ECE R113?

This standard, managed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), sets the technical requirements for driving lamps used as high beams on vehicles.

Main categories of driving lamps according to ECE R113

The ECE R113 standard divides driving lamps into three classes, depending on their light beam and application:

  1. Class A driving lamps: Designed for use in urban areas with a limited light beam.
  2. Class C driving lamps: These are the most powerful driving lamps with a long range, ideal for use on highways and remote roads.
  3. Klasse C verstralers: Dit zijn de meest krachtige verstralers met een lange reikwijdte, ideaal voor gebruik op snelwegen en afgelegen wegen.

Applications of ECE R113 driving lamps

ECE R113 driving lamps are used in various situations where additional lighting is necessary:

Driving lamps for trucks

For trucks, ECE R113 driving lamps are essential for improving visibility over long distances, especially when driving on highways or in dark, remote areas. Truck drivers who frequently drive at night or cover long distances benefit from the powerful light beam these driving lamps provide. They help in the timely identification of obstacles and potential hazards, contributing to road safety.

Driving lamps for off-road vehicles

Off-road vehicles, such as SUVs, all-terrain vehicles, and 4x4s, also benefit from ECE R113 driving lamps. These driving lamps provide excellent visibility on rough terrain without street lighting. They illuminate obstacles such as rocks, trees, and other hazards, allowing drivers to safely navigate through difficult-to-access areas.

Differences between R113 and R112

Both pertain to vehicle lighting, but with different purposes and areas of application:

ECE R113: Specifically for driving lamps (High Beam)

  • Purpose: The standard sets requirements for driving lamps to provide a powerful and far-reaching light beam without dazzling other road users. It is ideal for use on highways, remote roads, and off-road situations.
  • Test requirements: ECE R113 requires rigorous tests for light intensity, beam uniformity, and environmental resistance, such as water and dust resistance. In practice, IP ratings of IP67 or IP69K are often recommended for vehicle lighting that complies with ECE R113, as these IP ratings indicate that the lighting is sufficiently protected against dust and water.

ECE R112: For low beam and high beam in standard headlights

  • Test requirements: Under ECE R112, headlights must meet requirements for both light intensity and light distribution, with a focus on minimizing glare and providing sufficient illumination.
  • Test requirements: Under ECE R112, headlights must meet requirements for both light intensity (LUX) and light distribution, with a focus on minimizing glare and providing sufficient illumination.

Which standard do you need?

The choice between ECE R113 and ECE R112 depends on your specific needs:

  • Additional lighting for specific applications: If you want to install additional driving lamps for use on highways, in remote areas, or off-road, they must have ECE R113 or ECE R149 approval (more about this in the next paragraph). They provide the powerful illumination needed for maximum visibility in challenging driving conditions.
  • Additional lighting for specific applications: If you want to install additional driving lamps for use on highways, in remote areas, or off-road, they must have ECE R113 or ECE R149 approval (more about this in the next paragraph). They provide the powerful illumination needed for maximum visibility in challenging driving conditions.

Important: The ECE R149 replaces

Since 2021, the ECE R149 has come into effect, and with this, the R113 standard is no longer the primary reference for driving lamps. Manufacturers and users of vehicle lighting must now comply with the requirements of R149. This only applies to new driving lamps brought to the market since this standard came into force.

External source: For more details on ECE R113 and other lighting standards, visit the official UNECE website.