Only the original UN/ECE texts have legal effect under international public law. The status and date of entry into force of this Regulation should be checked in the latest version of the UN/ECE status document TRANS/WP.29/343, available at:

http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29fdocstts.html

Regulation No 128 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of light emitting diode (LED) light sources for use in approved lamp units on power-driven vehicles and their trailers [2018/1998]

Incorporating all valid text up to:

Supplement 7 to the original version of the Regulation — Date of entry into force: 16 October 2018

CONTENTS

REGULATION

1. Scope

2. Administrative provisions

3. Technical requirements

4. Conformity of production

5. Penalties for non-conformity of production

6. Production definitively discontinued

7. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

ANNEXES

1. Sheets for LED light sources

2. Communication

3. Example of the arrangement of the approval mark

4. Method of measurement of electrical and photometrical characteristics

5. Minimum requirements for quality procedures by the manufacturer

6. Sampling and compliance levels for manufacturer test records

7. Minimum requirements for spot checks by the Type Approval Authority

8. Compliance approved by spot check

9. Method for the measurement of luminance contrast and luminance uniformity of the light emitting area

1. SCOPE

This Regulation applies to LED light sources shown in Annex 1 and intended for use in approved lamps of power-driven vehicles and of their trailers.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

2.1. Definitions

2.1.1. Definition of ‘category’

The term ‘category’ is used in this Regulation to describe different basic design of standardised LED light sources. Each category has a specific designation as for example: ‘LW1’, ‘LY2’, ‘LR2’.

2.1.2. Definition of ‘type’

LED light sources of different ‘types’ are LED light sources within the same category which differ in such essential respects as:

2.1.2.1. Trade name or mark; LED light sources bearing the same trade name or mark but produced by different manufacturers are considered as being of different types. LED light sources produced by the same manufacturer differing only by the trade name or mark may be considered to be of the same type.

2.1.2.2. Light source design, in so far as these differences affect the optical results;

2.1.2.3. Rated voltage.

2.2. Application for approval

2.2.1. Application for approval shall be submitted by the owner of the trade name or mark, or by his duly accredited representative.

2.2.2. Every application for approval shall be accompanied (see also paragraph 2.4.2) by:

2.2.2.1. Drawings in triplicate, sufficiently detailed to permit identification of the type;

2.2.2.2. A brief technical description;

2.2.2.3. Five samples;

2.2.3. In the case of a type of LED light sources differing only by the trade name or mark from a type that has already been approved it shall be sufficient to submit:

2.2.3.1. A declaration by the manufacturer that the type submitted (a) is identical with (except in the trade name or mark); and (b) has been produced by the same manufacturer as the type already approved, the latter being identified by its approval code.

2.2.3.2. Two samples bearing the new trade name or mark.

2.2.4. The competent authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective control of the conformity of production before type approval is granted.

2.3. Inscriptions

2.3.1. LED light sources submitted for approval shall bear on the cap:

2.3.1.1. The trade name or mark of the applicant;

2.3.1.2. The rated voltage;

2.3.1.3. The designation of the relevant category;

2.3.1.4. A space of sufficient size to accommodate the approval mark.

2.3.2. The space mentioned in paragraph 2.3.1.4 above shall be indicated in the drawings accompanying the application for approval.

2.3.3. Inscriptions other than those covered by paragraphs 2.3.1 and 2.4.4 may be affixed, on the condition that they do not adversely affect the luminous characteristics.

2.4. Approval

2.4.1. If all samples of a type of LED light source which are submitted in pursuance of paragraphs 2.2.2.3 or 2.2.3.2 above meet the requirements of this Regulation, approval shall be granted.

2.4.2. An approval code shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first character shall indicate the series of amendments at the time of issue of the approval.

This will be followed by an identification code comprising not more than three characters. Only the following Arabic numerals and capital letters shall be used:

‘0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F G H J K L M N P R S T U V W X Y Z’.

The same Contracting Party may not assign the same code to another type of LED light sources.

2.4.3. Notice of approval or of extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval or production definitely discontinued of a type of LED light sources pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties of the Agreement which apply this Regulation by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation and of a drawing, supplied by the applicant for approval in a format not exceeding A4 (210 × 297 mm) and on a scale of at least 2:1.

2.4.4. To every LED light source conforming to a type approved under this Regulation there shall be affixed in the space referred to in paragraph 2.3.1.4, in addition to the inscriptions required under paragraph 2.3.1, an international approval mark consisting of:

2.4.4.1. A truncated circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (1);

2.4.4.2. The approval code, placed close to the truncated circle.

2.4.5. If the applicant has obtained the same approval code for several trade names or marks, one or more of them will suffice to meet the requirements of paragraph 2.3.1.1.

2.4.6. The marks and inscriptions specified in paragraphs 2.3.1 and 2.4.4 shall be clearly legible and be indelible.

2.4.7. Annex 3 to this Regulation gives an example of arrangement of the approval mark.

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1. Definitions

The definitions given in Resolution R.E.5 or its subsequent revisions, applicable at the time of application for type-approval, shall apply.

3.2. General specifications

3.2.1. Each sample submitted shall conform to the relevant specifications of this Regulation.

3.2.2. LED light sources shall be so designed as to be and to remain in good working order when in normal use. They shall moreover exhibit no fault in design or manufacture.

3.2.3. LED light sources shall exhibit no scores or spots on their optical surfaces which might impair their efficiency and their optical performance. This shall be verified when commencing approval testing and when required in the respective paragraphs in this Regulation.

3.2.4. LED light sources shall be equipped with standard caps complying with the cap data sheets of IEC Publication 60061 as specified on the individual data sheets of Annex 1.

3.2.5. The cap shall be strong and firmly secured to the rest of the LED light source.

3.2.6. To ascertain whether LED light sources conform to the requirements of paragraphs 3.2.3 to 3.2.5 above, a visual inspection, a dimension check and, where necessary, a trial fitting into the holder as specified in IEC publication 60061 shall be carried out.

3.2.7. The solid state junction(s) and possibly one or more elements for fluorescence-based conversion shall be the only element(s) of the LED light source that generate(s) and emit(s) light when energized.

3.3. Tests

3.3.1. LED light sources shall first be aged at their test voltage for at least forty-eight hours. For multi-function LED light sources, each function shall be aged separately.

3.3.2. Unless otherwise specified, electrical and photometric measurements shall be carried out at the relevant test voltage(s).

3.3.3. Electrical measurements as specified in Annex 4 shall be carried out with instruments of at least class 0,2 (0,2 per cent full scale accuracy).

3.4. Position and dimensions of light emitting area

3.4.1. The position and dimensions of the light emitting area shall conform to the requirements as given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.4.2. The measurement shall be made after ageing the LED light source according to paragraph 3.3.1.

3.5. Luminous flux

3.5.1. When measured according to the conditions specified in Annex 4, the luminous flux shall be within the limits given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.5.2. The measurement shall be made after ageing the LED light source according to 3.3.1.

3.6. Normalized luminous intensity distribution/cumulative luminous flux distribution

3.6.1. When measured according to the test conditions specified in Annex 4 to this Regulation, the normalized luminous intensity distribution and/or cumulative luminous flux distribution shall be within the limits given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.6.2. The measurement shall be made after ageing the LED light source according to paragraph 3.3.1.

3.7. Colour

3.7.1. The colour of the light emitted by the LED light sources shall be specified on the relevant data sheet. The definitions of the colour of the light emitted given in Regulation No 48 and its series of amendments in force at the time of application for type approval shall apply to this regulation.

3.7.2. The colour of the light emitted shall be measured by the method specified in Annex 4. The measured integral value of the chromaticity coordinates shall lie within the required chromaticity area.

3.7.2.1. Moreover, in the case of LED light sources emitting white light and for use in forward lighting devices, the colour shall be measured in the same directions as where the luminous intensity distribution is specified in the relevant data sheet, but only where the specified minimum luminous intensity is exceeding 50 cd/klm. Each measured value of the chromaticity coordinates shall lie within a tolerance area of 0,025 units in the x direction and 0,050 units in the y direction, containing the measured integral value. The measured value in the direction of maximum luminous intensity and all measured values for a standard (étalon) LED light source shall also lie within the required chromaticity area for white light.

3.7.3. Moreover, in the case of LED light sources emitting white light, the minimum red content of the light shall be such that:

where:

Ee(λ) (unit: W) is the spectral distribution of the irradiance; V(λ) (unit: 1) is the spectral luminous efficiency; λ (unit: nm) is the wavelength.

This value shall be calculated using intervals of one nanometre.

3.8. UV-radiation

The UV-radiation of the LED light source shall be such that the LED light source is of the low UV type complying with:

where:

S(λ)(unit: 1) is the spectral weighting function; km = 683 lm/W is the maximum value of the luminous efficacy of radiation.

(For definitions of the other symbols see paragraph 3.7.3 above).

This value shall be calculated using intervals of one nanometre. The UV-radiation shall be weighted according to the values as indicated in the table below:

λ S(λ) λ S(λ) λ S(λ) 250 0,430 305 0,060 355 0,00016 255 0,520 310 0,015 360 0,00013 260 0,650 315 0,003 365 0,00011 265 0,810 320 0,001 370 0,00009 270 1,000 325 0,00050 375 0,000077 275 0,960 330 0,00041 380 0,000064 280 0,880 335 0,00034 385 0,000053 285 0,770 340 0,00028 390 0,000044 290 0,640 345 0,00024 395 0,000036 295 0,540 350 0,00020 400 0,000030 300 0,300

Note: Values according to ‘IRPA/INIRC Guidelines on limits of exposure to ultraviolet radiation’. Wavelengths (in nanometres) chosen are representative; other values should be interpolated.

3.9. Standard LED light sources

Additional requirements for standard (étalon) LED light sources are given on the relevant data sheets of Annex 1.

3.10. Maximum test temperature

In case a maximum test temperature is specified in the relevant data sheet of Annex 1, the following requirements shall apply:

3.10.1. When measured according to the conditions specified in Annex 4, paragraph 5: (a) the luminous flux values at elevated temperatures shall be within the limits given in the relevant data sheet of Annex 1; and (b) the colour variation shall not exceed 0,010.

3.10.2. After completion of the measurement procedure as prescribed in paragraph 3.10.1, the LED light source shall be continuously operated during 1 000 h at the relevant test voltage(s); and (a) in case of an integrated heatsink at an ambient temperature corresponding to the maximum test temperature as specified in the relevant data sheet of Annex 1; (b) in case of a specified Tb-point at a Tb-value corresponding to the maximum test temperature as specified in the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.10.3. After completion of the procedure as prescribed in paragraph 3.10.2, when measured according to the conditions specified in Annex 4, paragraph 5: (a) the luminous flux values at elevated temperatures shall not deviate by more than ± 10 per cent from the corresponding values of the individual sample measured according to paragraph 3.10.1; and (b) the colour variation shall not deviate from the corresponding values of the individual sample measured according to paragraph 3.10.1 by more than ± 0,010.

3.10.4. After completion of the measurement procedure as prescribed by paragraph 3.10.3, the requirements in 3.2.3 shall be verified again.

3.11. LED light sources without general restrictions

3.11.1. Light emitting area characteristics

The size and position of the nominal emitter box as well as the side(s) of the light emitting area capable to generate the cut-off are specified in the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

The values of the following characteristics shall be determined by using the method described in Annex 9:

(a) luminance contrast;

(b) size and position of zone 1a and zone 1b;

(c) surface ratio R0,1 and R0,7

(d) value of maximum deviation ΔL.

3.11.2. Luminance contrast of the light emitting area

3.11.2.1. The value(s) of luminance contrast of the light emitting area shall be within the limits given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.11.2.2. In case in the relevant data sheet only one side of the light emitting area is specified as to generate the cut-off, zone 1b shall have a position closer to the corresponding side of zone 1a than to the opposite side.

3.11.3. Luminance uniformity of the light emitting area

3.11.3.1. The area of zone 1a (light emitting area) shall be within the nominal emitter box as specified in the relevant data sheet of Annex 1, and the size of the light emitting area shall be within the limits given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.11.3.2. The value of R0,1 shall be within the limits given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.11.3.3. The value of R0,7 shall be within the limits given on the relevant data sheet of Annex 1.

3.11.3.4. The deviation of the luminance ΔL shall not exceed ± 20 per cent.

4. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

4.1. LED light sources approved to this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the inscriptions and technical requirements set forth in paragraph 3 above and Annexes 1, 4 and 5 to this Regulation.

4.2. In order to verify that the requirements of paragraph 4.1 are met, suitable controls of the production shall be carried out.

4.3. The holder of the approval shall in particular:

4.3.1. Ensure existence of procedures for the effective control of the quality of products,

4.3.2. Have access to the control equipment necessary for checking the conformity to each approved type,

4.3.3. Ensure that data of test results are recorded and that related documents shall remain available for a period to be determined in accordance with the Type Approval Authority,

4.3.4. Analyse the results of each type of test, applying criteria of Annex 6, in order to verify and ensure the stability of the product characteristics making allowance for variation of an industrial production,

4.3.5. Ensure that for each type of LED light source, at least the tests prescribed in Annex 5 to this Regulation are carried out,

4.3.6. Ensure that any collecting of samples giving evidence of non-conformity with the type of test considered shall give rise to another sampling and another test. All the necessary steps shall be taken to re-establish the conformity of the corresponding production.

4.4. The competent authority which has granted type-approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applicable to each production unit.

4.4.1. In every inspection, the test books and production survey records shall be presented to the visiting inspector.

4.4.2. The inspector may take samples at random which will be tested in the manufacturer's laboratory. The minimum number of samples may be determined according to the results of the manufacturer's own verification.

4.4.3. When the quality level appears unsatisfactory or when it seems necessary to verify the validity of the tests carried out in application of paragraph 4.4.2. above, the inspector shall select samples, to be sent to the technical service which has conducted the type approval tests.

4.4.4. The competent authority may carry out any tests prescribed in this Regulation. Where the competent authority decides to carry out spot checks, criteria of Annexes 7 and 8 to this Regulation shall be applied.

4.4.5. The normal frequency of inspection authorised by the competent authority shall be one every two years. In the case where negative results are recorded during one of these visits, the competent authority shall ensure that all necessary steps are taken to re-establish the conformity of production as rapidly as possible.

5. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

5.1. The approval granted in respect of a LED light source pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements are not met or if a LED light source bearing the approval mark does not conform to the type approved.

5.2. If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

6. PRODUCTION DEFINITIVELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of the approval completely ceases to manufacture a type of LED light source approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the Type Approval Authority which has granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication, that Authority shall inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

7. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS, AND OF TYPE APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

The Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations secretariat the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, or production definitively discontinued issued in other countries, are to be sent.

(1) As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3.), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.2, para. 2