Standard for cornering lamps on vehicles
ECE R119 is a European standard that provides guidelines for the approval of cornering lamps on vehicles. A cornering lamp provides additional illumination to the part of the road near the front corner of the vehicle, specifically on the side where the vehicle is turning.
These lamps improve visibility when taking corners, which is essential for the safety of both the driver and other road users.
What does the ECE R119 standard describe?
- Light intensity
- Color of the light
- Installation position
- Electrical connection
- Photometric stability
Light intensity
Cornering lamps must deliver a specific light intensity that meets both minimum and maximum requirements. The intensity is measured at different angles to ensure the lighting sufficiently illuminates the corners without blinding other road users. After 10 minutes of use, the light intensity must remain constant. This ensures that the lamps function reliably, even after prolonged use.
Color of the light
The light emitted by cornering lamps must be white. This aligns well with other lighting on the road. No abrupt color changes should occur outside the light distribution area. This prevents confusion for other road users and contributes to uniform light distribution.
Installation position
Corner lamps must be placed between 250 mm and 900 mm above the ground. They must not be higher than the vehicle's dipped headlights. This height ensures that the lighting functions effectively.
In addition, the lamps must be mounted within a distance of 1,000 mm from the front of the vehicle. This placement provides optimal visibility when taking corners.
Electrical connection
Corner lamps only activate when the vehicle's turn signal or steering indicates that a turn is being made. Once the turn signal is canceled or the steering returns to the straight position, the lamps automatically turn off.
This prevents unnecessary energy consumption and ensures proper functioning. The corner lamps also activate during reverse driving but turn off when the reverse lights are no longer active. Additionally, the lamps automatically turn off at speeds above 40 km/h to prevent dazzling other road users.
Photometric stability
Corner lamps must continue to perform steadily, even after prolonged use. The light intensity must not significantly change during a 15-minute test period. This stability is important to ensure that the lamps perform consistently, even in challenging conditions.
Related topics: ECE-R87 (Daytime Running Lights) / ECE R10 (Electromagnetic Compatibility – EMC) / ECE R48 (Lighting and Signalling Installation)
Frequently Asked Questions about ECE R119
Why are corner lamps important for road safety?
Corner lamps provide better visibility of the road when taking turns. This allows the driver to spot obstacles and other road users more quickly, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
External source: For more details on ECE R119 and other lighting standards, visit the official UNECE website.