Traffic lights are specially designed signals that control the flow of traffic on roads, highways, and intersections. The use of traffic lights ensures a smooth and safe flow of traffic, reducing the risk of accidents. However, like any other technology, traffic lights also require tests and certification to ensure they function correctly.
How can GTG assist you with the tests on traffic lights?
(1) Electrical safety test
- Insulation resistance test: this test checks the insulation resistance of the traffic light’s electrical wiring. The test ensures that there is no leakage of current from the wiring and that the wiring is not prone to short circuits.
- Earth continuity test: this test checks the continuity of the earth wire, which is essential for the safety of the traffic light. The test ensures that the traffic light has a good earth connection, which prevents electrical shocks and other safety hazards.
- Dielectric strength test: this test checks the strength of the insulation material used in the traffic light. The test ensures that the insulation material can withstand high voltage without breaking down, which can lead to electrical faults.
(2) Photometric test
- Photometric test for luminous intensity: luminous intensity is the measure of the amount of light that is emitted from a source in a particular direction. The test measures how much light is emitted from the traffic light in different directions.
- Photometric test for chromaticity: chromaticity is the measure of the color of the light emitted from a source. The test measures the color of the light emitted by the traffic light and ensures that it meets the required standards.
- Photometric test for uniformity: this test ensures that the light emitted from the traffic light is evenly distributed across the signal. It ensures that the light is not too bright in some areas and too dim in others.
- Photometric test for glare: this test measures the amount of light that is reflected from the traffic signal and ensures that it does not cause any glare for motorists or pedestrians.
- Photometric test for contrast: this test measures the difference in brightness between the signal and the surrounding background. It ensures that the signal is easily visible to motorists and pedestrians.
- Photometric test for flicker: this test measures the rate at which the signal flickers. It ensures that the signal does not flicker too fast, which can cause discomfort for motorists and pedestrians.
- Photometric test for visibility distance: this test measures the distance at which the signal can be seen by motorists and pedestrians. It ensures that the signal is visible from a safe distance, allowing motorists and pedestrians to react in time.
- Photometric test for daylight visibility: this test measures the visibility of the signal under daylight conditions. It ensures that the signal is visible even in bright sunlight.
- Photometric test for nighttime visibility: this test measures the visibility of the signal under nighttime conditions. It ensures that the signal is visible even in low light conditions.
- Photometric test for weather conditions: this test measures the performance of the signal under different weather conditions. It ensures that the signal is visible even in heavy rain, fog, or snow.
- Photometric test for temperature conditions: this test measures the performance of the signal under different temperature conditions. It ensures that the signal is visible even in extreme temperatures.
- Photometric test for vibration and shock: this test measures the performance of the signal under different vibration and shock conditions. It ensures that the signal remains functional even in the event of an earthquake or other natural disasters.
(3) Photobiological safety test
- Spectral analysis: this test determines the spectral characteristics of the light emitted by the traffic light. The spectral characteristics include wavelength, color, and intensity. The spectral analysis helps to identify any potential risks associated with the light emitted by the traffic light.
- Radiant exposure test: the radiant exposure test measures the amount of light energy that is absorbed by the skin and eyes. This test helps to determine the potential for harm caused by the light emitted by the traffic light. The test results are used to establish safe exposure limits for the traffic light.
- Blue light hazard test: the blue light hazard test measures the potential for harm caused by blue light emitted by the traffic light. Blue light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other colors, making it more harmful to the eyes. The blue light hazard test helps to determine safe exposure limits for blue light emitted by traffic lights.
- Flicker test: flicker testing measures the frequency of the light emitted by the traffic light. This test helps to determine the potential for harm caused by the flicker of the traffic light. The results of the flicker testing are used to establish safe exposure limits for the flicker of the traffic light.
- Pulse width modulation test: pulse width modulation testing measures the duration of the light pulse emitted by the traffic light. This test helps to determine the potential for harm caused by the duration of the light pulse. The results of the pulse width modulation testing are used to establish safe exposure limits for the duration of the light pulse.
- Ultraviolet test: ultraviolet testing measures the amount of ultraviolet light emitted by the traffic light. This test helps to determine the potential for harm caused by ultraviolet light. The results of the ultraviolet testing are used to establish safe exposure limits for ultraviolet light emitted by traffic lights.
- Infrared test: infrared testing measures the amount of infrared light emitted by the traffic light. This test helps to determine the potential for harm caused by infrared light. The results of the infrared testing are used to establish safe exposure limits for infrared light emitted by traffic lights.
- Laser test: laser testing measures the potential for harm caused by laser light emitted by the traffic light. This test helps to determine the safe exposure limits for laser light emitted by traffic lights. Laser light is more harmful than other types of light, and thus requires more stringent safety standards.
(4) EMC test
- Radiated emissions test: the test measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the traffic lights. The traffic lights must meet the limits set in the relevant EMC standards to ensure that they do not interfere with other electronic devices operating in the same environment.
- Conducted emissions test: the test measures the amount of electromagnetic energy conducted through the wiring and power lines of the traffic lights. The traffic lights must meet the limits set in the relevant EMC standards to ensure they do not interfere with other electronic devices connected to the same power source.
- Electrostatic discharge test: the test simulates the effects of static electricity on the traffic lights. The traffic lights are subjected to a series of static discharges to ensure that they can withstand the effects of static electricity without malfunctioning.
- Electrical fast transient test: the test simulates the effects of sudden, high-frequency voltage spikes on the traffic lights. The traffic lights are subjected to a series of high-frequency voltage spikes to ensure that they can withstand the effects of such spikes without malfunctioning.
- Surge immunity test: the test simulates the effects of power surges on the traffic lights. The traffic lights are subjected to a series of power surges to ensure that they can withstand the effects of power surges without malfunctioning.
- Conducted immunity test: the test simulates the effects of electromagnetic interference caused by other electronic devices operating in the same environment. The traffic lights are subjected to a series of electromagnetic interference to ensure that they can withstand the effects of such interference without malfunctioning.
- Radiated immunity test: the test simulates the effects of electromagnetic radiation caused by other electronic devices operating in the same environment. The traffic lights are subjected to a series of electromagnetic radiation to ensure that they can withstand the effects of such radiation without malfunctioning.
- Power frequency magnetic field test: the test measures the amount of magnetic field generated by the traffic lights. The traffic lights must meet the limits set in the relevant EMC standards to ensure that they do not interfere with other electronic devices operating in the same environment.
- Voltage dips and interruptions test: the test simulates the effects of voltage dips and interruptions on the traffic lights. The traffic lights are subjected to a series of voltage dips and interruptions to ensure that they can withstand the effects of such dips and interruptions without malfunctioning.
- Harmonics and flicker test: the test measures the amount of harmonic distortion and flicker generated by the traffic lights. The traffic lights must meet the limits set in the relevant EMC standards to ensure that they do not interfere with other electronic devices operating in the same environment.
(5) Energy efficiency test
Traffic lights consume a considerable amount of energy, and optimizing their energy consumption can have a positive impact on the environment and reduce energy costs.
The primary energy efficiency test conducted on traffic lights is the power usage test. This test evaluates the amount of power the traffic light consumes during operation. The power usage test is conducted using a specialized device that measures the energy consumed by the traffic light. The data obtained from the test is used to determine the energy efficiency of the traffic light.
(6) Mechanical tests
- Vibration test: vibration test is carried out to ensure that the traffic lights can withstand the vibrations caused by passing vehicles and harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and earthquakes. The test involves mounting the traffic lights on a vibration table and subjecting them to different frequencies and amplitudes of vibration.
- Impact Test: impact test is carried out to ensure that the traffic lights can withstand impact from vehicles and other objects. The test involves subjecting the traffic lights to different levels of impact and checking for any signs of damage.
(7) Environmental test
- Temperature test: temperature test is carried out to ensure that the traffic lights can function correctly in extreme temperatures. The test involves placing the traffic lights in an environmental chamber and subjecting them to high and low temperatures.
- Water resistance test: water resistance testing is carried out to ensure that the traffic lights can withstand exposure to rain and other forms of moisture. The test involves spraying the traffic lights with water and checking for any signs of water damage.
- Dust resistance test: dust resistance test is carried out to ensure that the traffic lights can withstand exposure to dust and other particulate matter. The test involves placing the traffic lights in a dust chamber and subjecting them to high levels of dust.
- Corrosion resistance test: corrosion resistance test is carried out to ensure that the traffic lights can withstand exposure to corrosive substances, such as salt and acid. The test involves subjecting the traffic lights to different types of corrosive substances and checking for any signs of corrosion.
How can GTG assist you with the certifications or markings for traffic lights?
(1) CE marking
This certification is mandatory for all traffic lights that are sold in the European Union (EU). It ensures that the manufacturer has complied with the essential health and safety requirements set by the EU.
(2) UL certification
This certification is issued by Underwriters Laboratories, a US-based organization that tests and certifies products for safety and environmental standards. UL certification ensures that the traffic light meets the safety standards set by the US National Electrical Code.
(3) CSA certification
CSA certification is similar to UL certification and is issued by the Canadian Standards Association. It ensures that the traffic light meets safety and environmental standards set by the Canadian Electrical Code.
(4) IEC certification
This certification is issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and ensures that the traffic light meets the safety and environmental standards set by the IEC.
(5) RoHS certification
This certification ensures that the traffic light is free from hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and other harmful chemicals.
(6) FCC certification
This certification is issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and ensures that the traffic light meets the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards set by the FCC.
(7) JIS certification
This is a Japanese standard that ensures that the traffic light meets the safety and environmental standards set by the Japanese government.
(8) E-mark certification
This certification is mandatory for all traffic lights that are sold in the European Union (EU). It ensures that the traffic light meets the safety and environmental standards set by the EU.
(9) EN certification
This certification ensures that the traffic light meets the safety and environmental standards set by the European Norm (EN).
(10) IP rating
IP rating is an international standard that measures the level of protection provided by a traffic light against dust, water, and other environmental factors. The higher the IP rating, the better the protection.
(11) AS/NZS certification
This is an Australian and New Zealand standard that ensures that the traffic light meets the safety and environmental standards set by the Australian and New Zealand governments.
Why the biggest brands trust GTG Group?
GTG Group (Global Testing Group) is a certification company that offers testing and certification services to different industries. Our expertise in traffic lights testing and certification has made us a trusted name in the industry.
(1) Independent and impartial testing
GTG Group is a third-party testing company, which means we are not affiliated with any specific manufacturer. This impartiality can provide camera manufacturers and consumers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the testing process, and ensure that the camera meets the required standards.
(2) Confidentiality and security
GTG Group understands the importance of confidentiality and security when it comes to testing and certification. We ensure that our clients’ data and information are kept confidential and secure at all times. This ensures that our clients’ intellectual property and trade secrets are protected.
Contact GTG Group today for traffic lights testing and certification to avoid any legal issues that may arise from using faulty traffic lights.
