If commercial vehicles or work machines are operated in the dark, good visibility is extremely important. However, if the work area is not illuminated sufficiently by stationary light sources, additional work lights on the vehicle may help. Thanks to modern, efficient LED technology, work lights provide good luminous efficacy with a comparatively low power consumption. This protects the vehicle battery and allows for longer working hours.
The Advantages of LED Work Lights
- High luminous efficacy
- Low energy consumption
- Exceptionally long service life
- Universally usable with 9 and 32 volts on-board voltage
- Vibration resistant
Like certain other vehicle components, lighting is also subject to the regulations of the European Union. The ECE regulations contain uniform, technical specifications that are relevant for the operating license of the vehicle. The following ECE regulations are decisive for work lights:
- ECE R 10: This regulation certifies the electro-magnetic compatibility of the work light (including EMC control).
- ECE R 23: Work lights can also be used as reverse lights if they are certified according to ECE R 23. Such certification is subject to strict criteria: exact light values on the ground and the light beam both upwards and downwards are essential.
- ECE R 48: General standard for vehicle lighting.
Work lights can be installed anywhere on the vehicle which therefore prohibits their use in normal road traffic according to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). Accordingly, work lights should not be switched on and off together with reverse lights or any other lights. It is compulsory to install a switch between the vehicle and the work light in order to comply with these regulations.
Use of Work Lights as Reverse Lights – This Must Be Observed
Quantity:
- M1 vehicles and all other vehicles with lengths < 6 m: one reversing spotlight required; a second is permissible.
- All vehicles with lengths > 6 m except M1 vehicles: two mandatory and two additional permitted (installation also permitted on the side of the vehicle).
Light color: white
Mounting height: min. 250 mm; max. 1,200 mm
Geometric viewing angle:
- One light: horizontal ± 45°.
- Two lights: horizontal 30° interior / 45° exterior; vertical 15° top / 5° bottom.
Protected Against Water and Dust
In order to be used for a long time and safely, work lights should meet certain criteria. The following types of protection are relevant:
IP67: Headlights with this standard are protected against water and dust penetration into the housing. They also withstand temporary immersion in water up to one meter and are protected against splashing water – however, they are not protected against high-pressure cleaners.
IP6K9K: Headlights with this high degree of protection also withstand the intensive spray of a high-pressure cleaner. This, for example, is particularly important for construction vehicles.
Floodlight or Spotlight?
The light beam of a high beam is determined by the shape of the reflector or the glass. A spotlight produces a long and narrow light beam, whereas a floodlight produces a light beam similar to the standard light beam, but shorter and wider.
