What is TS EN 12368 Traffic Control Equipment – Signal Head Standards?

TS EN 12368 standard or certificate is first thing comes to mind when the traffic signal heads are mentioned. So, what is TS EN 12368? TS EN 12368:2015 is a standard which is last revised in October 2015, created for signal lights (traffic light, signal heads, traffic lamps)

Signal heads are essentially used to transmit the safety messages to persons using the road and take certain reactions. Signal lamps on road traffic transmit this message to the lights optically which has a certain meaning, and which has differences between the light color and the design of illumination surface.

The visible distance of a signal light depends on its color, luminous intensity, distribution of luminous intensity, lux value, luminous uniformity, luminous intensity of environment (background luminous intensity), the size of illuminated area by signal light, phantom class (phantom signal), the distance and the angle between observer and signal head.

TS EN 12368:2015 standard involves only 200mm and 300mm, red, yellow and green signal lights which covered with glass that used in road traffic. It defines the visual, structural, environmental performances and specifies properties that belong to the tests of signal heads. Portable signal heads are out of this standard.

The tests applied within the scope of TS EN 12368:2015 standards are as follows:

1. Electromagnetic Compatibility Tests (EN 50293)2. Diameter of Signal Lights3.      Luminous Intensities of Signal Lights4.      Distribution of Luminous Intensity5.      Luminance Uniformity6.      Maximum Phantom Signal7.      Colors of Signal Lights8.      Signal Head with Masks9.      Visible Flicker10.   Impact Resistance (EN 60598-1:2014)11.   Constructional Integrity (EN 60068-2-64)12.   Ingress Protection (EN 60529)13.   Tolerance to Temperature (EN 60068)In order to have TS EN certificate, a traffic signal light should get positive results from all the above tests. Therefore, we can say that for signal light that has TS EN 12368:2015 certificate is reliable, conforming to standards, durable and proper product. Traffic lights that do not have this certificate should not be used. Authorities such as general directorate of highways and municipalities in Turkey are stipulate this certificate.