Road vertical signs - Variable message traffic signs - Part 1: Product standard

This document specifies requirements and test methods for new Variable Message Signs (VMS).
VMS comprise two types, continuous and discontinuous signs:
-   continuous signs are those that are similar to fixed signs, the only difference being that by some electro mechanical means they can show various messages.
NOTE 1   For example rotating prism signs, roller blinds.
-   discontinuous signs create messages using individual elements that can be in one of two states (or more) and can thereby create various messages on the same sign face.
NOTE 2   For example fibre optic signs, LED signs.
This document covers the performance requirements for Variable Message Signs used for the instruction and guidance of road users on public and private land, including tunnels. In this document a number of different performance requirements (visual performance, EMC, environmental performance, etc) are covered, as well as durability.
The EMC, safety and environmental requirements for both types of VMS are included in this document together with the visual performance for the discontinuous types VMS.
The visual performance for continuous signs and discontinuous signs which are externally illuminated is covered by EN 12899-1.
This document defines performance limits and a range of performance classes for both sign assemblies without vertical support and assemblies complete with vertical support.
Not covered by this document are:
a)   sign gantries, cantilevers and foundations;
b)   portable and temporary VMS;
c)   signal heads;
d)   sizes and shapes of VMS messages;
e)   control units and monitoring units unless inside the test module.

Vertikale Verkehrszeichen - Wechselverkehrszeichen - Teil 1: Produktnorm

Dieses Dokument legt Anforderungen an neue Wechselverkehrszeichen (WVZ) fest.
WVZ umfassen zwei Typen, kontinuierliche und nicht kontinuierliche Verkehrszeichen:
- kontinuierliche Verkehrszeichen ähneln ortsfesten Verkehrszeichen; der einzige Unterschied besteht
darin, dass sie durch bestimmte elektromechanische Mittel verschiedene Zeicheninhalte anzeigen
können.
ANMERKUNG 1 Beispielsweise Wechselverkehrszeichen in Prismentechnik, Rollotechnik.
- nicht kontinuierliche Verkehrszeichen erzeugen Zeicheninhalte durch die Nutzung einzelner Elemente,
die sich in einem von zwei (oder mehr) Zuständen befinden können; auf diese Weise können sie auf
derselben Zeichenfront verschiedene Zeicheninhalte erzeugen.
ANMERKUNG 2 Beispielsweise glasfaseroptische Verkehrszeichen, LED-Verkehrszeichen.
In diesem Dokument werden die Qualitätsanforderungen an Wechselverkehrszeichen für die Anweisung und
Leitung von Benutzern öffentlicher und privater Straßen, einschließlich Tunneln, behandelt. Das Dokument
enthält eine Reihe von verschiedenen Qualitätsanforderungen, die erfüllt werden müssen (optische Qualität,
EMV, Umweltverhalten usw.), es werden jedoch auch Fragen hinsichtlich der Lebensdauer behandelt.
Die Anforderungen an die EMV, Sicherheit und das Umweltverhalten für beide Typen von WVZ sind in diesem
Dokument ebenso enthalten wie die optische Qualität von nicht kontinuierlichen WVZ.
Die optische Qualität von kontinuierlichen und nicht kontinuierlichen Verkehrszeichen, die von außen beleuch-
tet werden, muss die Anforderungen von EN 12899-1 erfüllen.
In diesem Dokument werden sowohl für hergestellte Zeichen ohne vertikale Aufhängungen als auch für
Zeichen mit vertikalen Aufhängungen Qualitätsgrenzen sowie eine Reihe von QualitätsAnforderungen von EN 12899 1 erfüllen.
In diesem Dokument werden sowohl für hergestellte Zeichen ohne vertikale Aufhängungen als auch für Zeichen mit vertikalen Aufhängungen Qualitätsgrenzen sowie eine Reihe von Qualitätsklassen bestimmt.

Signaux de signalisation routiere verticale - Panneaux a messages variables - Partie 1: Norme produit

Ce document spécifie les exigences et les méthodes de tests pour les nouveaux panneaux a messages variables (PMV).
Les PMV peuvent etre de deux types, continu ou discontinu :
-   les panneaux continus sont similaires aux panneaux fixes. La seule différence réside dans le fait qu'ils integrent des dispositifs éléctro-mécaniques capables d'afficher différents messages ;
NOTE 1   Par exemple, panneaux a prismes rotatifs, panneaux a volets.
-   les panneaux discontinus peuvent créer des messages en utilisant des éléments individuels qui peuvent etre dans un état sur deux (ou plus) possible, ce qui permet d'afficher divers messages sur la meme face du panneau.
NOTE 2   Par exemple, les panneaux a fibres optiques, les panneaux a LEDs.
Ce document couvrent les exigences fonctionnelles applicables pour les Panneaux a Messages Variables utilisés pour l'information et le guidage des usagers routiers sur les domaines publics et privé, y compris les tunnels. Dans ce document, un certain nombre d'exigences de performances (caractéristiques visuelles et environnementales, CEM,) sont couvertes, ainsi que la durée de vie.
Les exigences liées a la CEM, la sécurité et a l'environnement sont spécifiées pour les deux types de PMV, de meme que les performances visuelles pour les PMV de type discontinu.
Les performances visuelles des panneaux de type continu ou discontinu qui sont éclairés par l'extérieur sont couverts par la norme EN 12899-1.
Cette norme définit les limites de performances, ainsi que des classes de performances pour les deux types de panneaux assemblés avec ou sans support vertical.
Cette norme ne couvre pas les points suivants :
a)   portiques, potences et fondations des panneaux ;
b)   PMV mobiles ou temporaires ;
c)   tetes de feux ;
d)   tailles et formes des messages PMV ;
organes de contrôle et de surveillance sauf si ceux-ci sont intégrés au module d'essai PMV

Pokončni cestni znaki – Prometni znaki s spremenljivim sporočilom – 1. del: Standard za proizvod

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
30-Jun-2005
Withdrawal Date
16-Nov-2009
Technical Committee
Current Stage
9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
Start Date
17-Nov-2009
Due Date
10-Dec-2009
Completion Date
17-Nov-2009

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2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Road vertical signs - Variable message traffic signs - Part 1: Product standardSignaux de signalisation routiere verticale - Panneaux a messages variables - Partie 1: Norme produitVertikale Verkehrszeichen - Wechselverkehrszeichen - Teil 1: ProduktnormTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12966-1:2005SIST EN 12966-1:2005en93.080.30ICS:SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 12966-1:200501-julij-2005







EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 12966-1April 2005ICS 93.080.30English versionRoad vertical signs - Variable message traffic signs - Part 1:Product standardSignaux de signalisation routière verticale - Panneaux àmessages variables - Partie 1: Norme de produitVertikale Verkehrszeichen - Wechselverkehrszeichen - Teil1: ProduktnormThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 15 March 2005.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2005 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 12966-1:2005: E



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 2 Contents Page Foreword.3 Introduction.4 1 Scope.5 2 Normative references.5 3 Terms and definitions.6 4 Dimensions and tolerances.8 5 General design requirements.8 6 Materials.9 7 Visual performance.9 8 Physical performance.18 9 Test methods.21 10 Product classification codes.35 11 Marking, labelling and product information.36 12 Evaluation of conformity.37 13 Dangerous substances.37 Annex A (normative)
Equivalent area.38 Annex B (informative)
Terminology used in this document.44 Annex C (informative)
Guidance on graphics for light emitting signs.46 Annex D (informative)
Guidance for dimensions and tolerances of symbols and characters.57 Annex E (informative)
Specific design issues.59 Annex F (informative)
Design of VMS messages.61 Annex ZA (informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or other provisions of EU Directives.63 Bibliography.70



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 3 Foreword This document (EN 12966-1:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 226 “Road equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR. This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2005, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by January 2007. This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s). For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document. This European Standard consists of the following Parts under the general title: Road vertical signs - Part 1: (this part) Variable message traffic signs
– Part 1: Product standard - Part 2: Variable message traffic signs – Part 2: Initial type testing - Part 3: Variable message traffic signs – Part 3: Factory production control It derives from performance requirements and test methods published in CEN, CENELEC, CIE and ISO documents together with standards of the CEN member organisations. According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 4 Introduction This document is designed for use by Road Authorities and private developers who wish to use variable message signs. It provides performance requirements and the means of evaluation of conformity to those requirements. This document is a product standard covering the requirements for Variable Message Signs (VMS). A VMS is a sign where the information shown can be changed. The information can be text and/or symbols. This document does not describe the detailed form and configuration of a VMS. Therefore test modules are used to demonstrate conformance with the requirements of this document because of the impracticality of testing some complete signs. Because of the major demands on a sign for good legibility and visibility throughout the required viewing range, the main properties of the sign are described. These properties can vary depending on the situation. For example, it will be not necessary to ask for a minimum temperature requirement of -40 °C in Greece, but this will be considered in Lapland. For visual performance there will be a difference between installation on highways - with good distance visibility and a narrow beam width - and installation in cities, where there is only short distance legibility and when a wide beam may be required. This document uses performance requirements, which are not dependent on technology. The visual and environmental performance is demonstrated on a test module. This document contains a number of defined requirements, some of which have to be demonstrated on the test module, others that are to be verified by the manufacturer. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that the final product is fully representative of the test module. The main properties of VMS are divided into classes, which are designed to be selected by choosing a combination of classes dependent on the situation and purchaser requirements. This combination covers not only the regulatory requirements of the territory of destination but also issues of lifetime, quality, maintenance and construction, all of which affect the ability of a sign in its particular application, to meet safety and fitness for purpose. The details in the informative Annexes are provided as useful guidance on the additional aspects relating to VMS for those setting up purchasing contracts for signs or signing systems. The working environment for VMS can be relatively harsh and equipment that is deemed "fit for purpose" is expected to last in an exposed, corrosive environment for a minimum of 10 years. It is essential that all materials and manufacturing processes take this into account. The manufacturer should detail all steps taken to comply with this.



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 5 1 Scope This document specifies requirements and test methods for new Variable Message Signs (VMS). VMS comprise two types, continuous and discontinuous signs: - continuous signs are those that are similar to fixed signs, the only difference being that by some electro-mechanical means they can show various messages. NOTE 1 For example rotating prism signs, roller blinds. - discontinuous signs create messages using individual elements that can be in one of two states (or more) and can thereby create various messages on the same sign face. NOTE 2 For example fibre optic signs, LED signs. This document covers the performance requirements for Variable Message Signs used for the instruction and guidance of road users on public and private land, including tunnels. In this document a number of different performance requirements (visual performance, EMC, environmental performance, etc) are covered, as well as durability. The EMC, safety and environmental requirements for both types of VMS are included in this document together with the visual performance for the discontinuous types VMS. The visual performance for continuous signs and discontinuous signs which are externally illuminated is covered by EN 12899-1. This document defines performance limits and a range of performance classes for both sign assemblies without vertical support and assemblies complete with vertical support. Not covered by this document are: a) sign gantries, cantilevers and foundations; b) portable and temporary VMS; c) signal heads; d) sizes and shapes of VMS messages; e) control units and monitoring units unless inside the test module. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 12767, Passive safety of support structures for road equipment — Requirements and test methods EN 12966-2, Road vertical signs — Variable message traffic signs — Part 2: Initial type testing EN 12966-3, Road vertical signs —Variable message traffic signs — Part 3: Factory production control EN 12899-1:2001, Fixed, vertical road traffic signs — Part1: Fixed signs EN 50293, Electromagnetic compatibility — Road traffic signal systems — Product standard



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 6 EN 60068-2-1, Environmental testing — part 2: tests — tests A: cold (IEC 60068-2-1:1990) EN 60068-2-2, Basic environmental testing procedures — part 2: tests B: dry heat (IEC 60068-2-2:1974 + IEC 60068-2-2A:1976) EN 60068-2-5, Environmental testing — Part 2: Tests — Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at ground level (IEC 60068-2-5:1975) EN 60068-2-14, Environmental testing — Part 2: Tests — Test N: Change of temperature (IEC 60068-2-14:1984 + A1:1986) EN 60068-2-30, Environmental testing — Part 2: Tests — Test Db and guidance: Damp heat, cyclic (12 plus 12 hour cycle) (IEC 60068-2-30:1980 + A1:1985) EN 60068-2–64, Environmental testing — Part 2: Test methods — Test Fh: Vibration, broad band random (digital control) and guidance (IEC 60068-2-64;1993 + Corrigendum 1993) EN 60529:1991, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)(IEC 60529:1989) EN 60598-1, Luminaries — Part 1: General requirements and tests (IEC 60598-1:2003 + Corrigendum 2004, modified) EN 60664-1, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems — Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests (IEC 60644-1:1992 + A1:2000 + A2:2002) prEN ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray test (ISO/DIS 9227:2004) ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment — Index and synopsis CIE 15.2:1986, Colorimetry CIE 17.4:1987, International lighting vocabulary — Chapter 845: lighting prHD 60364-4-443, Electrical installation of buildings — Part 4-44: Protection for safety – Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances – Clause 443: Protection against overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching (IEC 60364-4-44:2001/A1:2003, modified)
HD 638 S1, Road traffic signal systems 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in CIE 15.2:1986 and CIE 17.4:1987 and the following apply. NOTE When reading this document for the first time, particular attention should be paid to Annex B.
3.1 backing-board surround to the VMS, used depending on local circumstances, providing improved visibility of the VMS by means of broadening its size and by providing suitable visible contrast with the VMS background 3.2 cantilever support support system with a single post and a cantilever arm supporting VMS(s) mounted over the traffic lane(s) 3.3 control device equipment used to execute a change of message other than by purely manual means



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 7 3.4 display surface visible part of a VMS that contains the elements that may be activated to display the message 3.5 element basic visual light emitting and/or reflecting object or cluster of objects in the display surface of a VMS, activated in conjunction with other elements to form the desired message 3.6 equivalent area see Annex A : Equivalent area 3.7 front panel visible part of a sign comprising the display surface; and the backing-board when this is integrated in the front of the VMS 3.8 front screen screen protecting the display surface or the parts of it against dust, water, etc. 3.9 gantry support system spanning a carriageway with one or more posts on each side of the carriageway supporting VMS mounted over the traffic lanes 3.10 horizontal reference plane horizontal plane containing the reference axis, when the VMS is positioned in such a way that the reference axis is horizontal 3.11 lay-out physical arrangement of characters (text) and symbols, on the display surface 3.12 luminance ratio (LR) ratio of luminance emitted from the sign in the ON state compared to the luminance in the OFF state. Luminance ratio shall be calculated as follows: bbaLLLLR−= where La is the measured luminance of the sign in the ON-state when under external illumination; Lb is the measured luminance of the sign in the OFF-state when under external illumination 3.13
3.13.1 matrix grid whose intersections hold the centre of the elements used in a VMS. A matrix may cover the whole display surface or part of it. Axes X and Y of the grid may or may not be orthogonal 3.13.2 irregular matrix spacing of intersections on either X or Y or both axes is not constant



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 8 3.13.3 regular matrix spacing of intersections on the X and Y axes is constant but may be different 3.14 message configuration consisting of symbols and/or text 3.15 reference axis axis originating on the reference centre of the test module being perpendicular to the front of it, unless otherwise defined by the manufacturer 3.16 reference centre point on or near the test module which is designated to be the centre of the device for specifying its performance and which shall be defined by the manufacturer 3.17 test angles horizontal test angle is the angle between the test axis and the vertical reference plane; and the vertical test angle is the angle between the test axis and the horizontal reference plane NOTE 1 When the test axis is lower than the horizontal reference plane the vertical component of the test angle is designated as negative. NOTE 2 When the test axis is to the left of the vertical reference plane as seen from the reference centre the horizontal component is designated as negative. 3.18 test axis line from the reference centre of the test module to the luminance meter head 3.19 variable message sign (VMS) sign for the purpose of displaying one of a number of messages that may be changed or switched on or off as required 3.20 vertical reference plane vertical plane containing the reference axis 3.21 VMS background part of environmental scenery, which, to the viewer, immediately surrounds the VMS 4 Dimensions and tolerances The limits related to performance requirements and tests specified and defined in this document are minimum or maximum values as stated. Dimensions, shape and other physical parameters, character sizes, tolerances and character spacing shall be as required by the purchaser. The dimensions of the characters and symbols shall be defined using equivalent area as detailed in Annex A. 5 General design requirements The manufacturer shall provide a maintenance manual. This shall include details of routine maintenance recommendations of spare parts and details of estimated lifetime of components. The design shall ensure that



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 9 all maintenance activities can be easily carried out. The manufacturer shall also offer a maintenance service if required. All parts of the sign shall be securely connected to the VMS housing. NOTE Annex E (Informative): “Specific design issues” gives guidelines. 6 Materials Materials used for housings and front panels shall be resistant to corrosion in accordance with EN 12899-1:2001, 5.3.5 and shall conform to the European Standard for the appropriate material where it exists. Manufacturers using materials not covered by European Standards shall demonstrate the durability of the material by reference to an appropriate European technical assessment. NOTE
This is the only occasion where tests may be carried out on material and not the whole test module. 7 Visual performance 7.1 Classification The manufacturer shall declare the relevant class designations for his products. This shall be in accordance with those photometric parameter classes listed in Table 1. Table 1 — Class designation of the photometric parameters of the VMS Photometric parameter Class designation Remarks Colour C1, C2 C2 is the more restrictive L1, L2, L3, L3(*) L3 has the highest luminance (*) for specific situations
Luminance (La) L1(T), L2(T), L3(T) These classes are for tunnel use Luminance ratio (LR) R1, R2, R3 R3 has the highest luminance ratio Beam width B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7 B7 has the widest beam NOTE 1 The purchaser should select the appropriate parameter classes relevant to the application. Care is needed because some class-combinations are not possible and/or not effective. NOTE 2 Specific design issues are covered in Annex E, where guidelines are given on effective class-combinations
7.2 Colour The colour coordinates shall be measured in accordance with 9.3.5. The chromaticity of the colours is defined in accordance with the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric Observer as referenced in CIE publication 15.2. The chromaticity for the colours of the colour class C1 shall conform to Table 2. The chromaticity for the colours of the colour class C2 shall conform to Table 3. In Figure 1 these chromaticity areas are plotted in a CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram. The colour white/yellow shall not be used when there is a need to differentiate between white and yellow. When there is a need to differentiate between white and yellow the colours shall conform to the specified chromaticities in Table 2 or Table 3 for white and yellow respectively.



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 10 The chromaticity limits in Table 2 and Table 3, with the exception of white/yellow, are recommended in CIE S 004 as colours for signal lights. NOTE The chromaticity limits in Table 3 are recommended to be used when there is a clear need to distinguish between colours. Table 2 — Corner points (CIE 1931 chromaticity co-ordinates x, y) of the chromaticity areas for the colours of class C1 Colour co-ordinates Colour corner point => 1 2 3 4 5 6 Red x y 0,660 0,320 0,680 0,320 0,735 0,265 0,721 0,259 - - - - Yellow x y 0,536 0,444 0,547 0,452 0,613 0,387 0,593 0,387 - - - - White x y 0,300 0,342 0,440 0,432 0,500 0,440 0,500 0,382 0,440 0,382 0,300 0,276 White/yellow x y 0,479 0,520 0,300 0,342 0,300 0,276 0,440 0,382 0,618 0,382
Green x y 0,310 0,684 0,310 0,562 0,209 0,400 0,028 0,400 - - - - Blue x y 0,109 0,087 0,204 0,196 0,233 0,167 0,149 0,025 - - - - Table 3 — Corner points (CIE 1931 chromaticity co-ordinates x, y) of the chromaticity areas for the colours of class C2 Colour co-ordinates Colour corner point = > 1 2 3 4 5 Red x y 0,660 0,320 0,680 0,320 0,710 0,290 0,690 0,290 - - Yellow x y 0,536 0,444 0,547 0,452 0,613 0,387 0,593 0,387 - - White x y 0,300 0,342 0,440 0,432 0,440 0,382 0,300 0,276 - - White/yellow x y 0,479 0,520 0,300 0,342 0,300 0,276 0,440 0,382 0,618 0,382 Green x y 0,009 0,720 0,284 0,520 0,209 0,400 0,028 0,400 - - Blue x y 0,109 0,087 0,173 0,160 0,208 0,125 0,149 0,025 - -



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 11
Key - - - Class C1 and C2 1 green C1 6 yellow C1, C2 −
− Class C1 2 green C2 7 red C1 — Class C2 3 white/yellow C1, C2 8 red C2
4 white C1 9 blue C1
5 white C2 10 blue C2 Figure 1 — Allowed chromaticity areas for the colour classes C1 and C2 plotted in the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 12 7.3 Luminance The luminance shall be measured in accordance with 9.3.2, under external illumination from a solar simulator and with the test module switched on. The required luminances for the colours white, yellow/white, yellow, green, red, and blue shall comply with Table 4a to Table 4f, respectively. For use in tunnels, only sign luminances corresponding to sign illuminances of 400 lx or less are required. These are designated (T) in Table 1. For specific situations (e.g. with the sun low in the sky) the purchaser can require that additional luminance and luminance ratios be measured with the external illumination set to 10 000 lx at 5°. This is denoted by an (*) in Tables 4a to Table 4f. NOTE The maximum luminance values of the classes L1, L2, and L3, are a factor 5 higher than the minimum luminances of class L3. Table 4a —
Luminance (La) limits for white, on reference axis, for the luminance classes L1, L2, L3 and L3(*) Luminance (cd/m2) Minimum Maximum Sign illuminance (lx) L3 L2 L1 L1, L2, L3 40 000 12 400 6 200 3 100 62 000 10 000 12 400 (*) - - - 4 000 2 200 1 100 550 11 000 400 600 300 150 3 000 40 250 200 100 1 250 ≤ 4 75 60 30 375 Table 4b — Luminance (La) limits for white/yellow, on reference axis, for the luminance classes L1, L2, L3 and L3(*) Luminance (cd/m2) Minimum Maximum Sign illuminance (lx) L3 L2 L1 L1, L2, L3 40 000 10 540 5 270 2 635 52 700 10 000 10 540 (*) - - - 4 000 1 870 935 468 9 350 400 510 255 128 2 550 40 213 170 85 1 065 ≤ 4 64 51 26 320



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 13 Table 4c — Luminance (La) limits for yellow, on reference axis, for the luminance classes L1, L2, L3 and L3(*) Luminance (cd/m2) Minimum Maximum Sign illuminance (lx) L3 L2 L1 L1, L2, L3 40 000 7 440 3 720 1 860 37 200 10 000 7 440 (*) - - - 4 000 1 320 660 330 6 600 400 360 180 90 1 800 40 150 120 60 750 ≤ 4 45 36 18 225 Table 4d — Luminance (La) limits for green, on reference axis, for the luminance classes L1, L2, L3 and L3(*) Luminance (cd/m2) Minimum Maximum Sign illuminance (lx) L3 L2 L1 L1, L2, L3 40 000 3 720 1 860 930 18 600 10 000 3 720 (*) - - - 4 000 660 330 165 3 300 400 180 90 45 900 40 75 60 30 375 ≤ 4 23 18 9.0 115 Table 4e — Luminance (La) limits for red, on reference axis, for the luminance classes L1, L2, L3 and L3(*) Luminance (cd/m2) Minimum Maximum Sign illuminance (lx) L3 L2 L1 L1, L2, L3 40 000 3 100 1 550 775 15 500 10 000 3 100 (*) - - - 4 000 550 275 138 2 750 400 150 75 38 750 40 63 50 25 315 ≤ 4 19 15 7.5 95 Table 4f — Luminance (La) limits for blue, on reference axis,



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 14 for the luminance classes L1, L2, L3 and L3(*) Luminance (cd/m2) Minimum Maximum Sign illuminance (lx) L3 L2 L1 L1, L2, L3 40 000 1 240 620 310 6 200 10 000 1 240 (*) - - - 4 000 220 110 55 1 100 400 60 30 15 300 40 25 20 10 125 ≤ 4 7,5 6,0 3,0 37,5 For classes L3, L3(*) and L2, the sign shall achieve the relevant luminance values without the external illumination (solar simulator OFF) when the sign is set for the 40 000 lx test. When the tunnel sign is set for the 400 lx test, the sign shall achieve the relevant luminance values without the external illumination (solar simulator OFF). 7.4 Luminance ratio The minimum luminance ratios for the various colours shall be in accordance with Table 5. The luminance ratio values shall be maintained for all illuminances between 400 Ix and 40 000 lx. The test angles are dependent on the beam width class, see 7.5 and 9.3.2.4. ⇒ between 400 Ix and 40 000 lx ⇒ ratio ≥ 400 lx, and
ratio ≤ 40 000 lx
Table 5 — Minimum luminance ratios (LR) for various colours and classes R1, R2 and R3, at test angles on the reference axis and off the reference axis Minimum luminance ratio R3 R2 R1 Colour on reference axis off reference axis on reference axis off reference axis on reference axis off reference axis White 16,7 8,35 10 5 5 3 white/yellow 14,2 7,1 8,5 4,25 4,25 2,55 Yellow 10 5 6 3 3 1.8 Green 5 2,5 3 1,5 1,5 0,9 Red 4,2 2,1 2,5 1,25 1,25 0,75 Blue 1,7 0,85 1 0,5 0,5 0,3 NOTE For illuminances below 400 lx (e.g. tunnels) there is no luminance ratio requirement. ⇒ below 400 lx ⇒ < 400 lx
Class R3 is only recommended for specific applications, see E.5 Effective class-combinations.



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 15 7.5 Beam width Beam width shall be measured in accordance with 9.3.3. Table 6 shows the seven beam width classes. Each beam width class is determined by a set of three test angles at which the luminance is at least 50 % of the minimum required luminance in the reference axis in accordance with Table 4a to Table 4f. At all angles the luminance shall not be more than 150 % of the measured luminance on the reference axis. Within the beam width angles, the measured luminance shall not be lower than 50 % of the measured luminance on the reference axis. Any measured luminance at any angle shall not exceed the maximum luminance in accordance with Tables 4a to 4f. NOTE Figure 2 shows examples of passed and not passed luminance distributions for the white/yellow colour, class luminance L3, and beam width class B2 at a sign illuminance of 40 000 lx. The luminance for this colour at the reference axis should be in the range 10 540 cd/m2 to 52 700 cd/m2. Suppose the actual measured luminance at the reference axis obeys this requirement and is 30 000 cd/m2. Then the maximum luminance at all other angles is
1,5 x 30 000 = 45 000 cd/m2. The minimum luminance at within the beam width angles shall not be lower than
0,5 x 30 000 = 15 000 cd/m2. Outside the beam width angles the luminance is allowed to be zero, but never larger than
57 200 cd/m2.



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 16
Key
1 = minimum luminance at reference axis 2 = maximum luminance at reference axis 3 = actual measured luminance (Lmes) at reference axis 4 = maximum luminance at all angles 5 = lower limit (50 % of Lmes) 6 = upper limit (150 % of Lmes) 7 = passed distributions 8 = not passed distributions 9 = horizontal angle (degrees) 10= luminance (cd·m-²)
Figure 2— Examples of passed and not passed luminance distributions for class luminance L3, colour white/yellow, and beam width class B2 at a sign illuminance of 40 000 lx



EN 12966-1:2005 (E) 17 Table 6 — Test angles for the various beam width classes Test angles (degrees) Beam width class Horizontal Vertical B1 -5 +5 0 0 0 -5 B2 -7 +7 0 0 0 -5 B3 -10 +10 0 0 0 -5 B4 -10 +10 0 0 0 -10 B5 -15 +15 0 0 0 -5 B6 -15 +15 0 0 0 -10 B7 -30 +30 0 0 0 -20
Class B7 is only recommended for specific applications. 7.6 Uniformity Uniformity measurements shall be done in accordance with 9.3.4. For the luminous intensities of any individual element of the test module the ratio of the average output from the highest 12 % of the elements, to the lowest 12 %, shall be less then 3:1. The ratio of the average output from the highest 4 % of the elements, to the lowest 4 %, shall be less then 5:1. The number of elements in consideration shall be rounded to the next highest whole number. The luminous intensity uniformity shall apply to for each separate colour. 7.7 Visible flicker When the light sources of a test module are
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