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"BCOUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 27 July 1976
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to reflex reflectors for motor vehicles
and their trailers
(76/757/EEC)
(OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 32)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
"A1 Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
"A2 Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal L 302 23 15.11.19851976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 1
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 27 July 1976
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
reflex reflectors for motor vehicles and their trailers
(76/757/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),
Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy
pursuant to national laws relate inter alia to their reflex reflectors;
Whereas those requirements differ from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same
requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing rules in
order, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approval procedure, which
was the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the
type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers (3), to be introduced in
respect of each type of vehicle;
Whereas, in Directive 76/756/EEC (4), the Council laid down common
requirements for the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices
on motor vehicles and their trailers;
Whereas a harmonized type-approval procedure for reflectors makes it
possible for each Member State to check compliance with the common
construction and testing requirements and to inform the other Member
States of its findings by sending a copy of the component type-approval
certificate completed for each type of reflex reflector; whereas the
placing of an EEC component type-approval mark on all reflex reflectors
manufactured in conformity with the approved type obviates any need
for technical checks on these reflex reflectors in the Member States;
Whereas it is desirable to take into account the technical requirements
adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe in its Regulation
No 3 (‘Uniform provisions for the approval of reflex reflecting devices
for motor vehicles’) (5), which is annexed to the Agreement of 20 March
1958 concerning the adoption of uniform conditions for approval and
reciprocal recognition of approval for motor vehicle equipment and
parts;
Whereas the approximation of national laws relating to motor vehicles
entails reciprocal recognition by Member States of the checks carried out
by each of them on the basis of the common requirements,!B
(1) OJ No C 55, 13. 5. 1974, p. 14.
(2) OJ No C 109, 19. 9. 1974, p. 26.
(3) OJ No L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1.
(4) See page 1 of this Official Journal.
(5) Economic Commission for Europe, Document
E/ECE/324o
Addendum 2.E/ECE/TRANS/5051976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 2
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EEC component type-approval for
any type of reflex reflector which satisfies the construction and testing
requirements laid down in Annexes 0, I, III, V , VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI
and XII.
2. The Member State which has granted EEC component type-approval
shall take the measures required in order verify that production models
conform to the approved type, in so far as this is necessary and if need be
in cooperation with the competent authorities in the other Member
States. Such verification shall be limited to spot checks.
Article 2
Member States shall, for each type of reflex reflector which they approve
pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer, or to his authorized
representative, an EEC component type-approval mark conforming to the
model shown in Annex III.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between reflex reflectors which have
been type-approved pursuant to Article 1, and other devices.
Article 3
1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of reflex
reflectors on grounds relating to their construction or method of
functioning if they bear the EEC component type-approval mark.
2. Nevertheless, a Member State may prohibit the placing on the
market of reflex reflectors bearing the EEC component type-approval
mark which consistently fail to conform to the approved type.
That State shall forthwith inform the other Member States and the
Commission of the measures taken, specifying the reasons for its
decision.
Article 4
The competent authorities of each Member State shall within one month
send to the competent authorities of the Member States a copy of the
component type-approval certificates, an example of which is given in
Annex II, completed for each type of reflex reflector which they approve
or refuse to approve.
Article 5
1. If the Member State which has granted EEC component type-appro-
val finds that a number of reflex reflectors bearing the same EEC
component type-approval mark do not conform to the type which it has
approved, it shall take the necessary measures to ensure that production
models conform to the approved type. The competent authorities of that
State shall advise those of the other Member States of the measures taken
which may, where there is consistent failure to conform, extend to
withdrawal of EEC component type-approval. The said authorities shall
take the same measures if they are informed by the competent authorities
of another Member State of such failure to conform.
2. The competent authorities of the Member States shall within one
month inform each other of any withdrawal of EEC component
type-approval and of the reasons for such a measure.!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 3
Article 6
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementation
of this Directive, to refuse or withdraw type-approval for a reflex
reflector or prohibit its placing on the market or use shall set out in detail
the reasons on which it is based. Such decision shall be notified to the
party concerned, who shall at the same time be informed of the remedies
available to him under the laws in force in the Member States and of the
time limits allowed for the exercise of such remedies.
Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval of a vehicle on grounds relating to its reflex reflectors if
these bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are fitted in
accordance with with the requirements laid down in Directive
76/756/EEC.
Article 8
No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry into
service or use of any vehicle on grounds relating to its reflex reflectors if
these bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are fitted in
accordance with the requirements laid down in Directive 76/756/EEC.
Article 9
For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle
intended for use on the road, with or without bodywork, having at least
four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, and its
trailers, with the exception of vehicles which run on rails, agricultural
tractors and machinery and public works vehicles.
Article 10
Any amendments necessary to adjust the requirements of the Annexes to
take account of technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with
the procedure laid down in Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 11
1. Member States shall adopt and publish the provisions necessary in
order to comply with this Directive before 1 July 1977 and shall
forthwith inform the Commission thereof. They shall apply these
provisions from 1 October 1977 at the latest.
2. Once this Directive has been notified, the Member States shall also
ensure that the Commission is informed, in sufficient time for it to
submit its comments, of any draft laws, regulations or administrative
provisions which they propose to adopt in the field covered by this
Directive.
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 4
List of Annexes
Annex 0 (*) — Definitions, conformity of production, general specifi-
cations, special specifications
Annex I — Definitions of technical terms
— Appendix 1: Symbols and units— Appendix 2: Symbols
Annex II — Model EEC component type-approval certificate
Annex III — EEC component type-approval and marking requirements
— Appendix: Example of EEC component type-approval
mark
(Annex IV)
Annex V (*) — Test procedure
Annex VI (*) — Specifications of shape and dimensions
— Appendix: Reflex reflectors for trailers — Class III
Annex VII (*) — Colorimetric specifications
Annex VIII (*) — Photometric specifications
Annex IX (*) — Resistance to external agents
Annex X (*) — Stability of the optical properties with ageing
Annex XI (*) — Resistance to heat
Annex XII (*) — Colour-fastness
Appendix to the Annexes: Chronological order of tests.!
B
(*) The technical requirements of this Annex are similar to those of Regulation
No 3 of the Economic Commission for Europe. In particular, the breakdowninto sections is the same. For this reason, where a section of Regulation No 3has no counterpart in this Directive, its number is gixen in brackets for therecord.1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 5
ANNEX 0
DEFINITIONS, CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION, GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS, SPECIAL SPECIFICATIONS
(1.)
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1. The definitions of the technical terms used in this Directive are given in
Annex I.
2.2. A type of reflex reflector is defined by the models and descriptive
literature submitted with the application for EEC component type-appro-
val. Reflex reflectors may be considered as belonging to a type if they have
one or more ‘reflex reflecting optical units’ which are identical with thoseof the standard model of that type, and if their other parts differ from thoseof the standard model only in ways not affecting the properties to which
this Directive applies.
2.3. Reflex reflectors are divided into two classes according to their
photometric characteristics: ‘Class I’ and ‘Class III’ (see 4.3 of Annex III).
(3.)
(4.)5. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
5.1. Every device bearing an EEC component type-approval mark must
conform to the type approved under that mark. The competent authority
issuing the EEC component type-approval mark shall retain two sampleswhich together with the EEC component type-approval certificate shallserve to establish whether reflex reflectors put on the market bearing the
EEC component type-approval mark satisfy this condition.
(5.2.)
(5.3.)
6. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
6.1. Reflex reflectors must be so constructed that they function satisfactorily
under normal conditions of use. In addition, they must not have any defectin design or manufacture which is detrimental to their efficient operation
or maintenance in good condition.
6.2. The components of reflex reflectors must not be capable of being easily
dismantled.
6.3. The optical units of reflex reflectors must not be replaceable.
6.4. The outer surface of reflex reflectors must be easy to clean. Hence it must
not be a rough surface. It may however, have protuberances, providedcleaning remains easy.
7. SPECIAL SPECIFICATIONS (TESTS)
7.1. Reflex reflectors must also satisfy the conditions as to dimensions and
shape, and the colorimetric, photometric, physical and mechanical
requirements set forth in Annexes VI to XII.
7.2. Depending on the nature of the materials of which the reflex reflectors and
in particular their optical units are made, the competent authorities may
authorize laboratories to omit certain unnecessary tests, subject to the
express reservation that such omission must be mentioned under‘Remarks’ on the EEC component type-approval certificate.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 6
ANNEX I
DEFINITIONS OF TECHNICAL TERMS
I.1. REFLEX REFLECTION
‘Reflex reflection’ means reflection in which light is reflected in directions
close to the direction from which it came. This property is maintained over
wide variations of the illumination angle.
I.2. REFLEX REFLECTING OPTICAL UNIT
‘Reflex reflecting optical unit’ means the combination of optical
components producing reflex reflection.
I.3. REFLEX REFLECTOR
‘Reflex reflector’ means a device used to indicate the presence of a vehicle
by the reflection of light emanating from a light source not connected tothe vehicle, the observer being situated near the source.
For the purposes of this Directive, the following are not considered as
reflex reflectors:
— retro-reflecting number plates;
— the retro-reflecting signals mentioned in the ADR;— other plates and retro-reflecting signals which must be used to comply
with a Member State’ s specifications for use as regards certaincategories of vehicles or certain methods of operation.
I.4. ILLUMINATING SURFACE OF A REFLEX REFLECTOR
‘Illuminating surface of a reflex reflector’ means the illuminating surface
of a reflex reflector in a plane perpendicular to the axis of reference andbounded by planes touching the outer edges of the light projection surface
of the reflex reflector and parallel to this axis. To determine the lower,
upper and lateral limits of the illuminating surface, only vertical andhorizontal planes shall be used.
I.5. AXIS OF REFERENCE
‘Axis of reference’ means the characteristic axis of the light signal,
determined by the manufacturer for use as the direction of reference (H =
0°, V = 0°) for photometric measurements and when fitting the reflex
reflector to the vehicle.
I.6. CENTRE OF REFERENCE
‘Centre of reference’ means the intersection of the axis of reference with
the exterior light-emitting surface, specified by the manufacturer of thereflex reflector.
I.7. ANGLE OF DIVERGENCE
‘Angle of divergence’ means the angle between the straight lines
connecting the centre of reference to the centre of the receiver and to
the centre of the source of illumination.
I.8. ILLUMINATION ANGLE
‘Illumination angle’ means the angle between the axis of reference and the
straight line connecting the centre of reference to the centre of the source
of illumination.
I.9. ANGLE OF ROTATION
‘Angle of rotation’ means the angle through which the reflex reflector is
rotated about its axis of reference starting from one given position.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 7
I.10. ANGULAR DIAMETER OF THE REFLEX REFLECTOR
‘Angular diameter of the reflex reflector’ means the angle subtended by the
greatest dimension of the visible area of the illuminating surface, either at
the centre of the source of illumination or at the centre of the receiver.
I.11. ILLUMINATION OF THE REFLEX REFLECTOR
‘Illumination of the reflex reflector’ means the illumination measured in a
plane perpendicular to the incident rays and passing through the centre ofreference.
I.12. COEFFICIENT OF LUMINOUS INTENSITY (CIL)
‘Coefficient of luminous intensity’ means the luminous intensity reflected
in the direction considered, divided by the illumination of the reflexreflector for given angles of illumination, divergence and rotation.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 8
Appendix 1
SYMBOLS AND UNITS
A = Area of the illuminating surface of the reflex reflector (cm2)
C = Centre of reference.NC = Axis of reference.
Rr = Receiver, observer or measuring device.
Cr = Centre of receiver.Ør = Diameter of receiver Rr if circular (cm).Se = Source of illumination.
Cs = Centre of source of illumination.
Øs = Diameter of source of illumination (cm).De = Distance from centre Cs to centre C (m).D’e = Distance from centre Cr to centre C (m).
Note: De and D ’e are generally very nearly the same and under normal conditions
of observation it shall be assumed that De = D ’e.
D = Observation distance from and beyond which the illuminating surface
appears to be continuous.
α= Angle of divergence.
/betatwo= Illumination angle. With respect to the line CsC which is always
considered to be horizontal, this angle is prefixed with signs − (left), +
(right), + (up) or − (down), according to the position of the source Se inrelation to the axis NC, as seen when looking towards the reflexreflector.
For any direction defined by two angles, vertical and horizontal, the
vertical angle is always given first.
γ= Angular diameter of the measuring device Rr as seen from point C.
δ= Angular diameter of the source Se as seen from point C.
ε= Angle of rotation. This angle is positive when the rotation is clockwise
as seen when looking towards the illuminating surface.If the reflex reflector is marked ‘TOP’, the position thus indicated istaken as the origin.
E = Illumination of the reflex reflector (lux).
CIL = Coefficient of luminous intensity (millicandelas/lux). Angles are
expressed in degrees and minutes.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 9
Appendix 2
SYMBOLS
ELEVATION
!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 10
ANNEX II
MODEL EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROV AL CERTIFICATE
(Maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 11
ANNEX III
EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROV AL AND MARKING
REQUIREMENTS
1. APPLICATION FOR EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROV AL
1.1. The application for EEC component type-approval shall be submitted by
the holder of the trade name or mark or by his authorized representative.
1.2. In the case of each type of reflex reflector, the application shall be
accompanied by:
1.2.1. a brief description of the technical specifications of the materials
constituting the reflex reflecting optical unit;
1.2.2. drawings (three copies) in sufficient detail to permit identification of the
type, showing geometrically the position in which the reflex reflector is tobe fitted to the vehicle. The drawings shall indicate the intended positionof the component type-approval number and the additional symbol in
relation to the rectangle surrounding the EEC component type-approval
mark;
1.2.3. samples of the reflex reflector in red. The number of samples to be
submitted is indicated in Annex V;
1.2.4. possibly, two amber and/or colourless samples for situations where
component type-approval is to be simultaneously or subsequently extendedto amber and/or colourless devices.
2. MARKINGS
2.1. Reflex reflectors submitted for EEC component type-approval must bear:
— the trade name or mark of the applicant, which must be clearly legible
and indelible,
— the mark or marks ‘TOP’, appearing horizontally at the top of the
illuminating surface, if required to determine unequivocally the angleor angles of rotation specified by the manufacturer.
2.2. Each reflex reflector shall have sufficient space for the EEC component
type-approval mark. This space shall be indicated on the drawings referredto in 1.2.2.
3. EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROV AL
3.1. If all the samples submitted in accordance with section 1 meet the
requirements of sections 6 and 7 of Annex 0, EEC componenttype-approval shall be granted and a component type-approval numberissued.
3.2. This number shall not be allocated to any other type of reflex reflector
except where EEC component type-approval is extended to another typediffering only in colour.
3.3. If EEC component type-approval is requested for a type of lighting and
light-signalling device comprising a reflex reflector and other lamps, asingle EEC component type-approval mark may be allocated provided thatthe reflex reflector complies with the requirements of this Directive and
that each of the other lamps forming part of the type of lighting and
light-signalling device for which EEC component type-approval isrequested, complies with the specific Directive applying to it.
4. MARKS
4.1. Every reflex reflector conforming to a type approved pursuant to this
Directive shall bear an EEC component type-approval mark.
4.2. This mark shall consist of a rectangle surrounding the lower case letter ‘e’,
followed by the distinguishing letter(s) or number of the Member Statewhich has granted the component type-approval:
1 for Germany,
2 for France,!
B
!A21976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 12
3 for Italy,
4 for the Netherlands,
6 for Belgium,
9 for Spain,11 for the United Kingdom,13 for Luxembourg,
DK for Denmark,
GR for Greece,IRL for Ireland,P for Portugal.
It must also include the EEC component type-approval number which
corresponds to the number of the EEC component type-approval
certificate issued for the type of reflex reflector in question.
4.3. The EEC component type-approval mark must be supplemented by the
additional symbol, consisting of the roman numeral I or III indicative of
the class in which the reflex reflector is classified when EEC componenttype-approval is granted.
4.4. The EEC component type-approval number must be placed in any
convenient position near the rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’.
4.5. The EEC component type-approval mark and the additional symbol shall
be affixed to the lens of the lamp or one of the lenses in such a way as to beindelible and clearly legible even when the reflex reflectors are fitted on
the vehicle.
4.6. An example of the EEC component type-approval mark together with the
additional symbol is shown in the Appendix.
4.7. Where a single EEC component type-approval number is issued, as under
3.3, for a type of lighting and light-signalling device comprising a reflex
reflector and other lamps, a single EEC component type-approval markmay be affixed, consisting of:
— a rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’, followed by the distinguishing
letter(s) or number of the Member State which has granted thecomponent type-approval,
— an EEC component type-approval number,— the additional symbols required by the various Directives under which
EEC component type-approval was granted.
4.8. The dimensions of the various components of this mark must not be less
than the largest of the minimum dimensions specified for individualmarkings by the various Directives under which the EEC component
type-approval was granted.!
A2
!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 13
Appendix
EXAMPLE OF EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROV AL MARK
The reflex reflector bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown above is a Class I reflector EEC
type-approved in the Netherlands (4) under the number 216.!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 14
(ANNEX IV)
ANNEX V
TEST PROCEDURE
V .1. The applicant shall submit 10 samples for EEC component type-appro-
val.
V .2. After verification of the general specifications (section 6 of Annex 0)
and the specifications of shape and dimensions (Annex VI), the 10samples shall be examined as to their colorimetric characteristics (Annex
VII) and CIL (Annex VIII) for an angle of divergence of 20 ’and an
illumination angle V = H = 0° or if necessary, in the position defined inVIII.4 and VIII.4.1. The two reflex reflectors giving the minimum andmaximum values shall then be fully tested as shown in VIII.3. These two
samples shall be kept by the laboratories as provided in 5.1 of Annex 0
for any further checks which may be found necessary. The other eightsamples shall be divided into four groups of two:
First group — The two samples are subjected to the water
penetration test (IX.1) and then, if the result ofthis test is satisfactory, to the tests for resistance tomotor fuels and lubricants (IX.3 and IX.4).
Second group — The two samples are, if necessary, subjected to the
corrosion test (IX.2) and then to the resistance testfor the reverse side of the reflex reflector (IX.5).
The same two samples are then subjected to the
heat test (Annex XI).
Third group — The two samples are subjected to the test for
stability of the optical properties with ageing
(Annex X).
Fourth group — The two samples are subjected to the colour-fast-
ness test (Annex XII).
V .3. After undergoing the tests referred to in V .2, the reflex reflectors in each
group must have:
3.1. a colour which satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex VII. This
shall be verified by a qualitative method, and, in case of doubt,confirmed by a quantitative method;
3.2. a CIL which satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex VIII and after
the test reaches at least 60 % of the value previously obtained with thesame sample. The test shall be made only with an angle of divergence of20’and an illumination angle of V = H = 0° or, if necessary, in the
position defined in VIII.4 and VIII.4.1.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 15
ANNEX VI
SPECIFICATIONS OF SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS
VI.1. SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF REFLEX REFLECTORS IN
CLASS I
1.1. The illuminating surfaces of reflex reflectors in Class I must be
capable of being inscribed within a circle 200 mm in diameter.
1.2. The shape of the illuminating surfaces must be simple and not easily
confused with a letter, figure or triangle at normal observation
distances.
1.3. As an exception to 1.2, a shape resembling the simply formed letters or
figures 0, I, U or 8 is permissible.
VI.2. SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF REFLEX REFLECTORS IN
CLASS III
2.1. The illuminating surfaces of reflex reflectors in Class III must have the
shape of an equilateral triangle. If the word ‘TOP’ is inscribed in one
angle, this means that that angle must form the apex of the triangle.
2.2. The illuminating surface may or may not have at its centre a triangular,
non-reflecting area, the sides of which are parallel to those of the outer
triangle.
2.3. The illuminating surface may or may not be continuous. In any case,
the shortest distance between two adjacent reflex reflecting opticalunits must not exceed 15 mm.
2.4. The illuminating surface of a reflex reflector shall be considered to be
continuous if the edges of the illuminating surfaces of adjacentseparate optical units are parallel and if the said optical units are evenly
distributed over the whole solid surface of the triangle.
2.5. If the illuminating surface is not continuous, the number of separate
reflex reflecting optical units may not be less than four on each side of
the triangle including the corner units.
2.5.1. The separate reflex reflecting optical units must not be replaceable
unless they consist of approved reflex reflectors in Class I.
2.6. The outside edges of the illuminating surfaces of triangular reflex
reflectors in Class III must be between 150 and 200 mm long. In thecase of hollow-type devices, the minimum width of the sides, measuredat right angles to them, shall be at least 20 % of the effective length
between the extremities of the illuminating surfaces.
VI.3. Compliance with the above specifications may where appropriate be
visually established.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 16
Appendix
REFLEX REFLECTORS FOR TRAILERS — CLASS III
Note: These sketches are given as examples.!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 17
ANNEX VII
COLORIMETRIC SPECIFICATIONS
VII.1. These specifications shall apply only to colourless, red or amber reflex
reflectors.
1.1. Reflex reflectors may consist of a combined reflex reflecting optical
unit and filter, which must be so designed that they cannot be separatedunder normal conditions of use.
1.2. The colouring of reflex reflecting optical units and filters by means of
paint or varnish is not permitted.
VII.2. When the reflex reflector is illuminated by CIE standard illuminant A,
with an angle of divergence of 20 ’and an illumination angle V = H = 0°,
or, if this produces a colourless surface reflection, an angle V = ± 5°,H = 0°, the trichromatic coordinates of the reflected luminous flux
must be within the following limits:
RED: limit towards yellow: y 40.335,
limit towards purple: z 40.008.
AMBER: limit towards yellow: y 40.429,
limit towards red: y 50.398,
limit towards white: z 40.007.
2.1. In the case of red and amber, compliance with the colorimetric
specifications shall be verified by a visual comparison test.
2.2. If any doubt remains after this test, compliance with the colorimetric
specifications shall be verified by determining the trichromatic
coordinates of the most doubtful sample.
VII.3. Colourless reflex reflectors must not produce a selective reflection;
that is to say, the trichromatic coordinates ‘x’ and ‘y’ of the standardilluminant A used to illuminate the reflex reflector must not undergo achange of more than 0.01after reflection by the reflex reflector.
3.1. This shall be verified by the visual comparison test indicated in 2.1 the
control field being illuminated by a light source of which the
trichromatic coordinates differ by 0.01from that of standard
illuminant A.
3.2. In case of doubt, the trichromatic coordinates for the sample with the
greatest selective reflection shall be determined.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 18
ANNEX VIII
PHOTOMETRIC SPECIFICATIONS
VIII.1. When applying for EEC component type-approval, the applicant shall
specify the axis of reference. This corresponds to the illumination
angle V = H = 0° in the table of coefficients of luminous intensity
(CIL).
VIII.2. For photometric measurements, only the illuminating surface con-
tained within a circle of 120 mm diameter for Class I shall beconsidered, and the illuminating surface itself shall be limited to 100cm
2for Class I although the surface of the reflex reflecting optical
units need not necessarily attain this area. The manufacturer shall
specify the perimeter of the area to be used. In the case of Class III, thewhole of the illuminating surfaces shall be considered withoutlimitation as to size.
VIII.3. The CIL values for red reflex reflectors must be not less than those in
the table below expressed in millicandelas per lux, for the angles of
divergence and illumination shown:
ClassAngle of
divergence αIllumination angles /betatwo
vertical V
horizontal H0°
0°+ and −10°
0°+ and −5°
+ and −20°
I2 0 ’ 100 50 50
1° 30’ 52.52.5
(II)
III 20 ’ 150 75 75
1° 30’ 7.53.75 3.75
CIL values lower than those shown in the last two columns of the above
table are not permissible within the solid angle having the reference
centre as its apex and bounded by the planes intersecting along the
following lines:
(V = + and − 10°, H = 0°) (V = + and − 5°, H = + and − 20°)
VIII.4. When the CIL of a reflex reflector is measured for an angle /betatwoof
V = H = 0°, it shall be ascertained whether any mirror effect is
produced by slightly turning the device. If there is any such effect, a
reading shall be taken with an angle /betatwoof V = between − 5 and + 5,
H = 0°. The position adopted shall be that corresponding to theminimum CIL for one of these positions.
4.1. With an illumination angle /betatwoof V = H = 0°, or the angle specified in
VIII.4, and an angle of divergence of 20 ’, reflex reflectors which are
not marked ‘TOP’ shall be rotated about their axes of reference to theposition of minimim CIL, which must conform to the value specifiedin VIII.3. When the CIL is measured for the other angles of
illumination and divergence, the reflex reflector shall be placed in
the position corresponding to the specified value of the angle ofrotation ε.If the specified values are not attained, the device may be
rotated about its axis of reference between − 5 and + 5° from that
position.
4.2. With an illumination angle /betatwoof V = H = 0°, or the angle specified in
VIII.4, and an angle of divergence of 20 ’, reflex reflectors marked
‘TOP’ shall be rotated between − 5 and + 5° about their axis of
reference. The CIL must not fall below the prescribed value in any
position assumed by the device during this rotation.
4.3. If for the direction V = H = 0°, and for ε=0o the CIL exceeds the
specified value by 50 % or more, all measurements for all angles of
illumination and divergence shall be made for ε= 0°.
VIII.5. For making the necessary measurements, the method recommended by
CIE for the photometry of reflex reflectors shall be adopted.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 19
ANNEX IX
RESISTANCE TO EXTERNAL AGENTS
IX.1. RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION OF WATER
Reflex reflectors, whether or not grouped or reciprocally incorporated
with a lamp, shall be stripped of all removable parts and immersed for10 minutes in water at a temperature of 25 ± 5 °C, the highest point of
the upper part of the illuminating surface being about 20 mm below the
surface of the water. This test shall be repeated after turning the reflexreflector through 180°, so that the illuminating surface is at the bottomand the reverse side covered by about 20 mm of water.
1.1. No water must penetrate to the reflecting surface of the reflex
reflecting optical unit. If inspection clearly reveals the presence of
water, the device shall be considered to have failed the test.
1.2. If inspection does not reveal the presence of water, or in case of doubt,
the CIL shall be measured by the method described in V .3.2 afterlightly shaking the reflex reflecting device to remove excess water
from the outside.
IX.2. RESISTANCE TO CORROSION
Reflex reflecting devices must be so designed that they retain the
prescribed photometric and colorimetric characteristics despite thehumidity and corrosive influences to which they are normally exposed.
The resistance of the front surface to tarnishing and that of the
protective rear surface to deterioration shall be checked when anessential metal component appears susceptible to corrosion.
The reflex reflector, stripped of all removable parts, or the lamp with
which the reflex reflector is grouped or reciprocally incorporated, shall
be subjected to the action of a saline mist for a period of 50 hours,comprising two periods of exposure of 24 hours each, separated by aninterval of two hours during which the sample is allowed to dry.
The saline mist shall be produced by atomizing, at a temperature of 35
± 2 °C, a saline solution obtained by dissolving 20 + 2 parts by weightof sodium chloride in 80 parts of distilled water containing not morethan 0.02 % of impurities.
Immediately after completion of the test, the sample must not show
signs of excessive corrosion liable to impair the efficiency of thedevice.
IX.3. RESISTANCE TO MOTOR FUELS
The outer surface of the reflex reflector and, in particular, of the
illuminating surface, shall be lightly wiped with a cotton cloth soaked
in a mixture of petrol and benzol (proportion 90: 10). After about fiveminutes, the surface shall be inspected. It must not show any visiblechange.
IX.4. RESISTANCE TO LUBRICATING OILS
The outer surface of the reflex reflector and, in particular, the
illuminating surface, shall be lightly wiped with a cotton cloth soakedin a detergent lubricating oil. After about five minutes, the surfaceshall be cleaned. The CIL shall then be measured (V .3.2.).
IX.5. RESISTANCE OF THE ACCESSIBLE REVERSE SIDE OF
MIRROR-BACKED REFLEX REFLECTORS
The reverse side of the reflex reflector shall be brushed with a hard
nylon brush and then covered or thoroughly wetted with a mixture ofpetrol and benzol (proportion 90: 10) for one minute. The mixture shall
then be removed and the reflex reflector allowed to dry.
As soon as evaporation is completed, an abrasion test shall be carried
out by brushing the reverse side with the same nylon brush as before.
The CIL shall then be measured (V .3.2) after the whole surface of the
mirror-backed reverse side has been covered with indian ink.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 20
ANNEX X
STABILITY OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES WITH AGEING
X.1. The administration which granted EEC component type-approval may
check the stability of the optical properties of a type of reflex reflector inservice as ageing takes place.
X.2. The competent authorities of Member States other than the State in
which EEC component type-approval was granted may carry out similar
checks in their territory. If a type of reflex reflector displays a consistent
failure to conform when in use, they shall send any parts selected fortesting to the authority which granted EEC component type-approval,with a request for its opinion.
X.3. In the absence of other criteria, the concept of ‘consistent failure to
conform’ of a type of reflex reflector when in use shall be interpreted in
accordance with 6.1 of Annex 0.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 21
ANNEX XI
RESISTANCE TO HEAT
XI.1. The reflex reflector shall be kept for a period of 12 hours in a dry
atmosphere at a temperature of 65 ± 2 °C.
XI.2. After this test, no cracking or appreciable distortion of the reflex
reflector, and in particular, of its optical units must be visible.
XI.3. The colorimetric and photometric characteristics shall be checked in
accordance with V .3.1 and V .3.2.!B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 22
ANNEX XII
COLOUR-FASTNESS
XII.1. The authority which granted EEC component type-approval may check
the colour-fastness of a type of reflex reflector in service.
XII.2. The competent authorities of Member States other than the State in
which EEC component type-approval was granted may carry out similarchecks in their territory. If a type of reflex reflector displays a consistent
failure to conform when in use, they shall send any parts selected for
testing to the administration which granted EEC component type-appro-val, with a request for its opinion.
XII.3. In the absence of other criteria, the concept of ‘consistent failure to
conform’ of a type of reflex reflector when in use shall be interpreted inaccordance with 6.1 of Annex 0.!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 23
Appendix to Annexes
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF TESTS
Section TestSamples
abcdefghi j
0.6 General specifications: visual examination × × × × ××××× ×
VI. Shapes and dimensions: visual examination × × × × ××××× ×
VII. Colorimetry: visual examination
trichromatic coordinates in case of doubt××××××××× ×
VIII. Photometry: limited to 20 ’a n d V = H = 0 ° ××××××××× ×
VIII.3. Complete × ×IX.1. Water: 10 minutes in normal position × ×
10 minutes in inverted position × ×visual examination × ×
V .3.1. Colorimetry: visual examination × ×
trichromatic coordinates in case of doubt × ×
V .3.2. Photometry: limited to 20 ’and V = H = 0° × ×
IX.3. Motor fuels: five minutes × ×
visual examination × ×
IX.4. Oils: five minutes × ×
visual examination × ×
V .3.1. Colorimetry: visual examination × ×
trichromatic coordinates in case of doubt × ×
V .3.2. Photometry: limited to 20 ’and V = H = 0° × ×
IX.2. Corrosion: 24 hours × ×
two hours’ interval × ×24 hours × ×visual examination × ×
IX.5. Reverse side: one minute × ×
visual examination × ×
XI. Heat: 12 hours at 65 ± 2 °C × ×
visual examination for distortion × ×
V .3.1. Colorimetry: visual examination × ×
trichromatic coordinates in case of doubt × ×
V .3.2. Photometry: limited to 20 ’and V = H = 0° × ×
X. Stability of optical properties with ageingV .3.1. Colorimetry: visual examinations or
trichromatic coordinates
V .3.2. Photometry: limited to 20 ’and V = H = 0°
XII. Colour-fastnessV .3.1. Colorimetry: visual examination or
trichromatic coordinates
V .3.2. Photometry: limited to 20 ’and V = H = 0°
0.5.1. Deposit of samples with administration × ×!
B1976L0757 — EN — 01.01.1986 — 002.001 — 24