ECE-R10

What is ECE-R10?

EMC ECE-R10 is a type approval for electrical systems on vehicles and therefore implies that the lighting must not cause interference to other electrical equipment. Simultaneously, an ECE-R10 light is resistant to electromagnetic radiation from outside, including from the equipment. The abbreviation "ECE" stands for Economic Commission Europe. This commission draws up guidelines that products must comply with and ensures that all products are tested. Read more about EMC interference suppression here.

Which products are covered by ECE-R10?

There are a number of products that fall under the scope of ECE-R10. The ECE-R10 regulations include the following:

• Electromagnetic compatibility, all vehicles of categories: L, M, N, O, T, R, S1.
• Components and STU requirements used in these vehicles comply with electromagnetic compatibility.
• Other requirements related to vehicle control. Includes conducted and radiated interference in function. It could interfere with drivers and other road users. Interference could be due to the functionality of the vehicle data bus. It could also affect legal vehicle data.
• If the requirements for conducted emission or unwanted radiation are met. Then the unwanted use of electronic equipment in the car or in other vehicles follows. Also check the use of accessories that can interfere with cars.
• Some other requirements of ESAs and vehicles. It regulates the contact between the electrical system and the vehicle. The contact ensures proper safe emission and immunity of vehicles.

What are the key aspects of ECE R10?

Interference resistance: Besides the fact that the LED light itself must not emit interference, LED lights must also provide sufficiently high resistance to external electromagnetic interference.

Interference emission: "Interference" emission is limited to acceptable levels to allow operation without interference with other electronic devices.

R10 and R65

In addition to the ECE-R10 regulations, you also have ECE 65: this is a European directive that defines the requirements for light and acoustic signals for vehicles and 12V trailers. Since 2014, the ECE R65 regulations have applied to a beacon and LED warning lights. It is important to avoid dangerous situations. It is therefore important to warn your fellow road user in time when such a vehicle is approaching. Read more about ECE regulation R65 here.

The ECE R10 Test Procedure: What is tested for?

ECE R10 certification involves testing electronic vehicle components, such as vehicle lighting and other electrical systems, for their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). This means checking that these components do not cause or are themselves affected by electromagnetic interference. These tests are essential to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

What does the test involve?
The procedure consists of measuring two types of emissions:

• Emitted emissions: The electromagnetic radiation emitted by a component into the environment.
• Conducted emissions: The electromagnetic signals transmitted through wiring.

These measurements are carried out over a wide frequency range, typically from 20 MHz to 2000 MHz. The measured emission values are then compared with predetermined limits that depend on the frequency band.

Test conditions
Testing takes place under controlled environmental conditions, such as stable temperature and humidity. Both horizontal and vertical polarisation are measured to get a full picture of the product's electromagnetic features.

The results are analysed using advanced measuring equipment, such as peak detectors. If the measured emissions are below the established limits, the product is approved according to the ECE R10 standard.

To which vehicles does the standard apply?

ECE-R10 regulations apply to several vehicle categories, including motorbikes, passenger cars, trucks, trucks, trailers, agricultural tractors, and other special vehicles. These categories cover a wide range of vehicles found on the road every day, highlighting the broad scope and importance of this standard.

Conducted disturbances are transmitted through the cables in the vehicle and can cause interference in other electronic systems, such as the on-board computer or communication systems between vehicle components. Radiated disturbances, on the other hand, are transmitted through the air via electromagnetic waves and can interfere with wireless communication or other electronic devices, both inside and outside the vehicle.

Products covered by ECE-R10 must undergo rigorous testing procedures. These tests, carried out in laboratories and during practical road tests, measure both conducted and radiated disturbances. Only products that meet the strict requirements receive ECE-R10 certification. This means they can be used in vehicles without risk of electromagnetic interference.

Are you looking for an ECE-R10 beacon, flashing light, driving light, beacon or LED bar? Then feel free to take a look at the TRALERT® dealer portal at LED lighting. We supply a wide range of ECE-R10 certified LED lighting.