UN R37 — Supplement 48 to the 03 series of amendments

The Regulation now applies to filament light sources and their LED replacement light sources shown in Annex 1. A LED replacement light source category has the same designation as its counterpart filament light source category, for example “H11”. New paragraph 2.1.2.2. gives the essential respects in which types of LED replacement light sources differ, for example high-efficiency and oversize cap. LED replacement light sources and their counterpart filament light sources are considered as different types. An optional AE device for the LED replacement light source does not change its type. Annex 1 now refers to Resolution R.E.5 instead of “[R.E.4]”.

The drawings must now permit identification of the light producing technology and of the type. The technical description of a LED replacement light source must include a statement on four conditions. These conditions are high-efficiency, an AE device for listed applications, a particular electrical polarity and an oversize cap. For a high-efficiency type, the description must include an electrical current range at test voltage below the objective minimum value in the data sheet. Applications for LED replacement light sources must also include documents on the packaging information and, if a condition applies, the instructions. The communication form in Annex 2 now asks for the light producing technology and for details of LED replacement light sources and AE devices.

LED replacement light sources must be marked with “LEDr”, and paragraphs 2.3.8. and 2.3.9. add marks for a particular electrical polarity and an oversize cap. A high-efficiency LED replacement light source must bear the character “ͰE”, placed before the truncated circle according to paragraph 2.4.3.1. If at least one condition of paragraph 2.2.2.2.2. applies, the LED replacement light source must also bear a symbol. AE devices, or cables permanently fixed to them, must bear the trade name or mark of the applicant, the rated voltage and maximum wattage. They must also bear the specific identification code(s), or, for a new application, a space sufficient for the code. The specific identification code of an AE device starts with the character “Æ”.

Paragraphs 3.2.2., 3.2.4. and 3.2.5. now say “Light sources” where they said “Filament light sources” or “Filament light source bulbs”. In a LED replacement light source, only the solid-state junction(s) and possibly fluorescence-based conversion elements may generate and emit light when energized. A LED replacement light source must have a cap of the same cap designation as its counterpart filament light sources. Its cap dimensions not relevant for interchangeability may deviate from IEC Publication 60061 within maximum deviations given in the category data sheet (oversize cap). The former paragraphs 3.4. to 3.10. are now paragraphs 3.3.1. to 3.3.7., under the new heading “Filament light sources (incandescent technology)”. Paragraph 3.3.3.3. now refers to CIE 015:2018, 4th edition, instead of CIE 015:2004, 3rd edition.

New paragraph 3.4. gives requirements for LED replacement light sources (LED technology). LED replacement light sources must first be aged at their test voltage for at least forty-eight hours. Measured as Annex 6 specifies, luminous flux and normalized luminous intensity and/or cumulative luminous flux distribution must be within Annex 1 data sheet limits. For white light, the correlated colour temperature must be no more than 3000 K, unless the Annex 1 data sheet defines otherwise. Other new requirements cover the minimum red content, UV radiation, electrical characteristics and cap temperature. New Annex 6 gives the method of measurement of electrical, photometrical and thermal characteristics.

Each package must display trade name or mark, rated voltage, approval code, and category designation and “LEDr” separated by a single character or line space. If at least one condition of paragraph 2.2.2.2.2. applies, each package must also display a symbol and contain instructions. The instructions must give website addresses with up-to-date listings of lighting and light signalling functions installed on vehicle models. They must also warn that use against the instructions may cause a fault in the vehicle’s electrical system or an operational or traffic safety risk. The applicant must provide the instructions for display at the point of sale without opening the package. Under new paragraph 5.3.7., the approval holder must keep record of the published information and listings, including modifications and modification dates.

The former paragraphs 4. to 8. are now paragraphs 5. to 9., and the former Annexes 6 to 9 are now Annexes 7 to 10. Under paragraph 5.1., production must meet paragraph 3. and Annexes 1 and 3, plus Annex 4 (filament) or Annex 6 (LED replacement light sources). Table 1 of Annex 8 adds characteristics of LED replacement light sources: “Normalised luminous intensity or cumulative luminous flux distribution” and “Electrical current”. The acceptance limits are based on 6.5 per cent of non-compliance for filament light sources and 5 per cent for LED replacement light sources. In Annexes 7, 9 and 10, many paragraphs now say “light sources” instead of “filament light sources”.