ADR lighting for AT vehicles: requirements and suitable lighting

AT vehicles transport hazardous gases or liquid chemicals not covered by FL or EX classification. Think oxygen, nitrogen, acids, alkalis or other chemicals. These vehicles are exposed daily to conditions that put lighting to the test: aggressive vapours, extreme temperatures and regular high-pressure cleaning. This article tells you how to choose ADR lighting that remains reliable and safe in this environment.

In this blog you will read:

• How to choose lighting that withstands chemical loads
• Why protection and EMC testing are essential
• Practical tips for mounting and cable routing

What is an AT vehicle according to ADR?

According to ADR, an AT vehicle is a vehicle for the transport in tanks (or tank containers/portables) of dangerous goods that does not fall under FL (flammable liquids/gases) or EX (explosives). In practical terms, this includes non-combustible gases (class 2) and liquids/chemicals such as class 6.1 (toxic) and 8 (corrosive). For class 3 (flammable liquids), separation by flash point applies: liquids with a flash point ≤ 60 °C fall under FL; liquids with a flash point > 60 °C may fall under AT. These are often tankers with a fixed installation of pipes, pumps and valves.

See also explanation of general ADR lighting requirements applicable to all ADR categories.

For lighting, this means that the installation must be resistant not only to vibration and weather influences, but also to chemical exposure. Components that last for years in a standard truck can be affected here within just a few months. For general basic rules, ADR lighting regulations apply as described in our article above.

Lighting requirements in practice

ADR does not certify individual lights; the vehicle installation as a whole is assessed. However, there are clear requirements and best practices that you must apply in your design and mounting. In practice, this means for AT vehicles:

• EMC conformity required: test components to UN/ECE Regulation No. 10 (ECE R10)
• Degree of protection: statutory requirements include IP65 (housing of main battery switch) and IP54 (certain connections and fittings); in practical terms, choose IP67 or higher and IP69K for intensive high-pressure cleaning
• Materials: use corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, coated aluminium or UV-resistant plastic
• Cables: choose cables resistant to chemicals and elevated temperatures

Find out more about correct connection, cabling and certification in our installation guide for ADR lighting.

Corrosion and chemical resistance

Corrosion is one of the biggest enemies of vehicle lighting in chemical and gas transport. Aggressive vapours and cleaning agents can corrode metals, dry out seals and damage connectors. That is why professional bodybuilders choose:

• Housings made of stainless steel or chemically coated aluminium
• PUR cables or H07BQ-F cables with high chemical resistance
• Connectors such as Deutsch HDP or AMP Superseal with chemically resistant seals.

FL tankers have similar requirements for robust, corrosion-resistant lighting. Read ADR lighting for FL vehicles for those practical experiences.

Make sure the lighting on your AT vehicle is resistant to chemicals and corrosion. View all ADR lighting for AT vehicles with high EMC protection here.

Mounting and cable routing

The placement of lighting on an AT vehicle requires extra attention. Mount cables as far as possible from pumps, valves and pipes to minimise exposure to chemicals. Use protective hoses or cable ducts where possible and provide mechanical relief at each connection to prevent tensile loads. Also read our tips in the article on lighting for heavy transport.

Correct cable routing also plays a crucial role in ADR lighting for EX/II and EX/III vehicles.

Examples of suitable products

TRALERT® supplies various products that prove their worth in practice in chemical and gas transport:

• LED work light WF-4041 - IP69K, ECE R10, robust housing and built-in Deutsch-connector.
• VC-5500 series LED rear lights - D-homologation, IP68, corrosion-resistant and available in several lens variants.

Checklist for AT lighting

• In practice, choose IP67 or higher (for high-pressure cleaning IP69K); legal requirements include IP65/IP54 for specific components
• EMC approved (UN/ECE R10)
• Corrosion-resistant housing and mounting
• Chemically resistant cables and connectors
• Protected cable routing with mechanical relief

Frequently asked questions

Which IP value is suitable for ADR lighting?

For ADR vehicles, ADR prescribes at least IP54 or IP65 for certain components. In practice, vehicle manufacturers often opt for IP67 or IP69K to provide maximum protection during high-pressure cleaning and exposure to chemicals.

Which cables perform best in chemical transport?

PUR cables and H07BQ-F cables are robust, oil- and acid-resistant and suitable for higher temperatures. These features make them very suitable for vehicles operating in chemically aggressive environments.

Can standard truck lighting be used?

Only if it demonstrably meets the requirements for ADR applications, such as EMC approval (UN/ECE R10), corrosion protection, chemical resistance and the correct IP value.

Disclaimer

At TRALERT®, we do our best to keep the information in this article as accurate and up-to-date as possible, including the regulations surrounding vehicle lighting. However, legislation can change regularly, and although we make every effort to implement these changes in a timely manner, it is possible that certain updates or adjustments have not yet been incorporated into this article. We therefore always advise our readers to check the current legislation with their local government or regulatory bodies, especially when it comes to exceptions or specific national regulations. TRALERT® is not liable for any damages or fines resulting from outdated or incomplete information in this article.

If in doubt, always contact the competent authority to ensure that your vehicle meets all legal requirements.