ADR lighting for FL vehicles: requirements and suitable lighting

Vehicles carrying flammable liquids fall under the FL category of ADR legislation. Think tankers carrying petrol, ethanol or solvents. This type of transport involves additional risks, such as explosion risk, vapour formation and intensive cleaning. This is precisely why both the practice and the inspection authorities impose tough requirements on the lighting of FL vehicles.

In this article, you will read:

• What the FL classification means
• Why lighting on FL vehicles requires extra attention
• Which technical requirements apply, such as IP69K and EMC
• Which luminaires and cable solutions work well in practice

What is a FL vehicle according to ADR?

The ADR defines a FL vehicle as a vehicle transporting flammable liquids with a flash point of 60 °C or lower. Examples include fuel tankers, chemical tankers and vehicles transporting solvents. These liquids can already ignite at relatively low temperatures, requiring additional safety measures.

Want to know more about the basic rules for ADR lighting? Read ADR lighting: explanation of regulations and practical tips.

What certification must the lighting comply with?

For lighting, this means that both components and installation must comply with requirements from ADR Part 9, but also ECE regulations such as:

• ECE R48: installation requirements for lighting
• ECE R10: electromagnetic compatibility requirements
• ECE R148: approval of lighting units such as LED lighting
• ECE R65: requirements for optical warning signals (if beacons or warning lights are fitted). In the case of warning lights, you also need R65 class 1 or R65 class 2.

These ECE certifications ensure that lighting is not only functional, but also safely applicable within the ADR framework for FL vehicles.

Also see our article Installing ADR lighting: connection, cabling and certification for practical installation and cabling tips.

Why lighting is extra critical for FL vehicles

Unlike standard trucks, FL vehicles are often:

• intensively cleaned with high pressure (because of residue or vapour)
• Exposed to moisture, brine and temperature fluctuations
• Subject to strict testing for visibility and safety

Robustness and protection against harsh conditions also play a major role in ADR lighting for ATR vehicles.

Lighting that cannot withstand these conditions can fail or cause rejection. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to poor EMC shielding can also cause problems with meters or sensors.

IP69K: essential for tankers

In practice, IP69K lighting is often the standard for FL vehicles. This standard means that the luminaire can withstand:

• Dust and water intrusion
• High-pressure cleaning up to 100 bar
• Increased temperatures during cleaning

To meet the high requirements for FL vehicles, we recommend the robust IP69K lighting for FL vehicles.

Cabling and connectors

Not only the light itself has to be right. The cabling and connection also determine whether a system is suitable for FL application:

• Use PUR or H07BQ-F cables with heat and chemical resistance
• Fit connectors such as Deutsch or AMP SuperSeal with at least IP67 (preferably IP69K).
• Avoid open connections, welding terminals or temporary structures
• Secure cables without kinks or chafing points

In FL vehicles, cables are often laid in duct or tube, or fitted via pre-assembled wiring harnesses for extra protection.

EMC and testing

All lighting on FL vehicles must comply with ECE R10 (EMC compatibility). A luminaire without this approval can cause interference to measurement systems and is almost always rejected.

Make sure luminaires and connectors are correctly earthed and cables do not run in parallel with communication or sensor systems. This prevents interference.

Additional requirements apply to vehicles at risk of explosion. Read more about this in Explosion-proof lighting for EX/II & EX/III ADR vehicles.

Suitable lighting for FL vehicles

FL tankers require lighting that can withstand moisture, steam, high pressure and EMC risk. Examples of suitable products:

LED work light WF-4041

• IP69K, ECE R10, robust aluminium housing, built-in Deutsch-connector
• Ideal as inspection lamp or work light near tank zone

View this product →

VC-5500 series rear lights

• ADR homologation, IP68, suitable for FL vehicles
• Available in red-yellow, dark-look and transparent
  These rear lights are available in red-yellow, dark-look and transparent. Once the right product link is available, it can be added here.

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.ldoet.