Commercial and recreational vehicles: How do you know if a product requires R10 certification?
As part of an international agreement on vehicle safety, various legal texts regulate the use of on-board electronic or electrical products. The ECE-R10 regulation, or R10, plays a crucial role in the commercial and recreational vehicle (CRV) industry. But what exactly does this standard entail, and how do you know if a product needs to be type-approved?
Understanding ECE-R10 regulations: regulatory framework and requirements
ECE-R10 type approval, also known as Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regulation R10, is a European regulatory standard that defines electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for vehicles and their electrical and electronic components.
To obtain ECE R10 approval, electrical and electronic products installed in vehicles must meet a few criteria, including the following :
- Not generate excessive electromagnetic interference that could affect the operation of other vehicle equipment or surrounding vehicles.
- Be able to withstand electromagnetic interference from outside sources, such as other equipment or electrical sources.
- Be designed and manufactured in accordance with the technical standards specified in ECE-R10 to ensure electromagnetic compatibility and safety of use.
- Be subjected to laboratory tests to verify compliance with the standards requirements.
To comply with ECE-R10, products must be designed and tested according to strict electromagnetic compatibility standards to ensure proper operation and safety when used in vehicles.
Products Covered by ECE-R10 Certification
ECE-R10 regulations apply to a wide range of products used in different types of vehicles, including L, M, N, O, T, R and S1 category vehicles.
But how do you know if these regulations cover an embedded electrical system (EES)? There are several aspects to consider, and the question arises at the product design stage.
This applies first and foremost to "active" equipment, i.e. batteries, chargers, lighting systems, inverters and even horns, radios and other communication systems... But more importantly, it applies to fixed components that cannot be removed from the vehicle without tools.
This also applies to equipment temporarily or permanently connected to the wiring harness if not via a type-approved interface. Equipment that incorporates a connection system for charging such equipment must also meet the requirements of the regulation.
In short, it’s important to ensure that the above regulations are applied:
- If the EEM is intended for a vehicle,
- If active, its use is not restricted when the vehicle is stopped,
- If it is mechanically attached to the vehicle
- Or connected to the wiring harness or a non-R10-approved interface
The Importance of the Dolphin Charger Certification
Electronics manufacturers play a vital role in providing certified products to comply with ECE-R10 regulations. Dolphin Charger is fully committed to ensuring that its chargers, batteries and other electrical equipment meet the strictest standards of electromagnetic compatibility to ensure the safety and reliability of commercial and recreational vehicles.
At Dolphin Charger, all products certified to ECE-R10 standards are approved by UTAC, a specialized laboratory that certifies and assigns an approval number to ensure product traceability and conformity.
To facilitate the process of selecting R10-certified products, organizations such as Martin 3D offer comprehensive lists of certified products, simplifying the selection process for manufacturers and users alike. Ensure your equipment meets the highest standards.
Want to learn more? Please contact us.
