PREAMBLE (NOT PART OF THE STANDARD)

In order to promote public education and public safety, equal justice for all, a better informed citizenry, the rule of law, world trade and world peace, this legal document is hereby made available on a noncommercial basis, as it is the right of all humans to know and speak the laws that govern them.

END OF PREAMBLE (NOT PART OF THE STANDARD)

NOTICE OF
ADOPTION

ADOPTION NOTICE 1
20 October 1989 for      
SAE J588-84                 
November 1984             

Society of Automotive Engineers document SAE J588-84 was adopted on 20 October 1989 and is approved for use by the Department of Defense (DOD). Copies of this document are stocked at the Naval Publications and Forms Center, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120 for issue to DOD activities only. Other Government activities, contractors, private concerns or other requestors must obtain the document from the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096, or some other authorized distributor.

TITLE OF DOCUMENT: Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall Width

DATE OF SPECIFIC ISSUE ADOPTED: November 1984

RELEASING NON-GOVERNMENT STANDARDS BODY: Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

Military Coordinating Activity:
Army - AT
(Project 6220-1021)

FSC 6220

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising there from, is the sole responsibility of the user.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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Image

SURFACE VEHICLE STANDARD

an American National Standard

Image J588   REV.
NOV84

Issued     1927-02
Revised   1984-11

(R) TURN SIGNAL LAMPS FOR USE ON MOTOR
VEHICLES LESS THAN 2032 mm IN OVERALL WIDTH

1. SCOPE:

This SAE Standard provides test procedures, requirements, and guidelines for turn signal lamps intended for use on vehicles of less than 2032 mm in overall width.

2. DEFINITIONS:

2.1 TURN SIGNAL LAMPS: The signalling elements of a turn signal system which indicate an intention to turn by giving a flashing light on the side toward which the turn will be made.

3. LIGHTING IDENTIFICATION CODE:

Turn signal lamps for use on vehicles less than 2032 mm in overall width may be identified by the codes 1, 12, 13, 14, or 15 in accordance with SAE J759, Lighting Identification Code.

4. TESTS:

4.1 SAE J575, Tests for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components is a part of this report. The following tests are applicable with modifications as indicated.

4.1.1 Vibration Test

4.1.2 Moisture Test

4.1.3 Dust Test

4.1.4 Corrosion Test

4.1.5 Photometry Test

SAE Technical Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

Copyright 1980 Society of Automotive Engineers, inc. All right reserved

Printed in U.S.A

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4.1.5.1 Photometric measurements shall be made with the light source of the signal lamp at least 3m from the photometer. The H-V axis shall be taken as parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

4.1.5.2 Photometric measurements shall be made with the bulb filament steadily burning. Photometric measurements of multiple compartment lamps or multiple lamp arrangements shall be made by either of the following methods by aligning the axis of each lamp or compartment with the photometer:

4.1.5.2.1 All compartments or lamps shall be photometered together provided that a line from the light source of each compartment or lamp to the center of the photometer sensing device does not make an angle of more than 0.6 deg with the photometer H-V axis. When compartments or lamps are photometered together, the H-V axis shall intersect the midpoint between their light sources.

4.1.5.2.2 Each compartment or lamp shall be photometered separately. The photometric measurement for the entire multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamp arrangement shall be determined by adding the photometric outputs from each individual lamp or component at corresponding test points.

4.1.6 Warpage Test for Devices with Plastic Components

4.2 Color Test: SAE J578, Color Specification for Electric Signal Lighting Devices is a part of this report.

5. REQUIREMENTS:

5.1 Performance Requirements: A device when tested in accordance with the test procedures specified in Section 4, shall meet the following requirements:

5.1.1 Vibration: SAE J575

5.1.2 Moisture: SAE J575

5.1.3 Dust: SAE J575

5.1.4 Corrosion: SAE J575

5.1.5 Photometry: SAE J575

5.1.5.1 The lamp under test shall meet the photometric performance requirements contained in Table 1, Photometric Requirements, and its footnotes. The summation of the luminous intensity measurements at the specified test points in a zone shall be at least the value shown.

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TABLE 1 - Photometric Requirementsc
Zone Test PointsR
(deg)
Minimum Luminous Intensity (cd)d
Front Signals Rear Signals
Yellow Red Yellow
Lighted sections 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
1 10U—5L
  5U—20L
  5D—20L
10D—5L
130 155 180 50 60 70 80 100 120
2 5U—10L
  H—10L
5D—10L
250 295 340 100 115 135 165 185 220
3 5U—V
  H—5L
  H—V  
  H—5R
5D—V
950 1130 1295 380 445 520 610 710 825
4 5U—10R
  H—10R
5D—10R
250 295 340 100 115 135 165 185 220
5 10U—5R
  5U—20R
  5D—20R
10D—5R
130 155 180 50 60 70 80 100 120
Maximum Luminous Intensity (cd)
Rear Lamps Onlyb ________ 300 360 420 750 900 900
aThe measured values at each test point shall not be less than 60% of the minimum value in Table 3.
bThe listed maximum shall not be exceeded over any area larger than that generated by an 0.5 deg radius within the solid angle defined by the test points in Table 1.
cRatio requirements of paragraph 5.1.5.3 apply.
dMultipliers of Table 2 are applicable per paragraph 5.1.5.4.

5.1.5.2 A multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamps may be used to meet the photometric requirements of a turn signal lamp. If a multiple compartment or multiple lamps are used and the distance between adjacent light sources does not exceed 560 mm for two compartment or lamp arrangements and does not exceed 410 mm for three compartments or lamp arrangements, then the combination of the compartments or lamps must be used to meet the photometric requirements for the corresponding number of lighted sections (Table 1, Photometric Requirements). If the distance between adjacent light sources exceeds the above dimensions, each compartment or lamp shall comply with the photometric requirements for one lighted section (Table 1, Photometric Requirements).

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5.1.5.3 When a tail lamp or parking lamp is combined with the turn signal lamp, the signal lamp shall not be less than three times the luminous intensity (a) of the tail lamp at any test point, or (b) of the parking lamp at any test point on or above horizontal except that at H—V, H—5L, H—5R, and 5U—V, the signal lamp shall not be less than five times the luminous intensity of the tail lamp or parking lamp. If a multiple compartment or multiple lamp arrangement is used and the distance between optical axis for both the tail lamp (parking lamp) and the turn signal is within the dimensions specified in 5.1.5.2, the ratio of the signal to the tail lamp (parking lamp) shall be computed with all the compartments or lamps lighted. If a multiple compartment or multiple lamp arrangement is used and the distance between optical axis for one of the functions exceeds the dimensions specified in 5.1.5.2, the ratio shall be computed for only those compartments or lamps where the tail lamp (parking lamp) and turn signal are optically combined. Where the tail lamp is combined with the turn signal lamp, and the maximum luminous intensity of the tail lamp is located below horizontal and within an area generated by an 0.5 deg radius around a test point, the ratio for the test point may be computed using the lowest value of the tail lamp luminous intensity within the generated area.

5.1.5.4 In the case where the front turn signal is mounted in close proximity to the low beam headlamp or any additional lamp used to supplement or used in lieu of the low beam, such as an auxiliary low beam or fog lamp, Table 2, Luminous Intensity Multipliers for Front Turn signal Lamp Spacings shall be used to modify Table 1, Photometric Requirements, as follows:

5.1.5.4.1 Spacing for a direct light source type design front turn signal lamp, that is, a lamp primarily employing a lens to meet photometric requirements (for example, a lamp that does not employ a reflector) shall be measured from the light source to the lighted edge of the low beam headlamp or any additional lamp used to supplement or used in lieu of the lower beam, such as an auxiliary low beam or fog lamp.

5.1.5.4.2 Spacing for a front turn signal lamp which primarily employs a reflector (for example, one of parabolic section) in conjunction with a lens to meet photometric requirements, shall be measured from the geometric centroid of the front turn signal functional lighted area to the lighted edge of the low beam headlamp or any additional lamp used to supplement or used in lieu of the lower beam, such as an auxiliary low beam or fog lamp.

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TABLE 2 — Luminous Intensity Multipliers for Front Turn Signal Spacings
Spacing to Lighted Edge of Low Beam Headlampa Multiplier of Table 1 and 3 Values to Obtain Required Minimum Luminous Intensities
100 mm or greater 1.0
75 mm to less than 100 mm 1.5
60 mm to less than 75 mm 2.0
Less than 60 mm 2.5
aSee paragraph 5.1.5 for methods to be used for measurements of spacings.

5.1.6 Warpage: SAE J575

5.1.7 Color: The color of light from the turn signal lamps shall be red or yellow to the rear and yellow to the front of the vehicle as specified in J578.

5.2 Materials Requirements: Plastic materials used in the optical parts shall meet the requirements of SAE J576, Plastic Materials for Use in Optical Parts Such as Lenses and Reflectors of Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices.

5.3 Design Requirements:

5.3.1 If a turn signal is optically combined with the tail lamp and a two-filament bulb used, the bulb shall have an indexing base and the socket shall be designed so that bulbs with nonindexing bases cannot be used. Removable sockets shall have an indexing feature so that they cannot be re—inserted into lamp housings in random positions, unless the lamp will perform its intended function with random light source orientation.

5.3.2 The functional lighted lens area of a single compartment lamp shall be at least 37.5 cm2 for a rear lamp and at least 22 cm2 for a front lamp.

5.3.3 If a multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamps are used to meet the photometric requirements of a rear turn signal lamp, the functional lighted lens area of each compartment or lamp shall be at least 22 cm2 provided the combined area is at least 37.5 cm2.

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5.4 Installation Requirements: The turn signal lamp shall meet the following requirements as installed on the vehicle:

5.4.1 Visability of the signal shall not be obstructed by any part of the vehicle throughout the photometric test angles for the lamps unless the lamp is designed to comply with all photometric and visibility requirements with these obstructions considered. Signals from lamps mounted on the left side of the vehicle shall be visible through a horizontal angle of 45 deg to the left and signals from lamps mounted on the right side of the vehicle shall be visible through a horizontal angle of 45 deg to the right. To be considered visible, the lamp must provide an unobstructed view of the outer lens surface, excluding reflex reflectors, of at least 12.5 cm2 measured at 45 deg to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

5.4.2 When a stop signal is optically combined with the turn signal, the circuit shall be such that the stop signal can not be turned on if the turn signal is flashing.

5.4.3 Turn Signal Pilot Indicator:

5.4.3.1 If one right and one left turn signal are not readily visible to the driver, there shall be an illuminated indicator provided to give a clear and unmistakable indication that the turn signal system is activated. The illuminated indicator shall consist of one or more lights flashing at the same frequency as the signal lamps.

5.4.3.2 If the illuminated indicator is located inside the vehicle, it should emit a green colored light and have a minimum area of 18 mm2.

5.4.3.3 If the illuminated indicators are located on the outside of the vehicle, for example on the front fenders, they should emit a yellow colored light and have a minimum projected illuminated area of 60mm2.

5.4.3.4 The minimum required illuminated area of the indicators specified in 5.4.3.2 and 5.4.3.3 shall be visible according to the procedures described in SAE J1050, Describing and Measuring the Driver's Field of View. The steering wheel shall be turned to a straight-ahead driving position and in the design location for an adjustable wheel or column.

6. GUIDELINES:

6.1 Photometric Design Guidelines: For turn signal lamps when tested in accordance with 4.1.5 of this report, are contained in Table 3, Photometric Design Guidelines, and its footnotes. Depending on the spacing of the front turn signal relative to the forward illumination lamps as defined in 5.1.5 of this technical report, the multipliers specified in Table 2, Luminous Intensity Multipliers for Front Turn Signal Lamp Spacings are applicable to the values to Table 3, Photometric Design Guidelines.

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TABLE 3 — Photometric Design Guidelines
Test Points (deg) Minimum Luminous Intensity (cd)
Front Signals Rear Signals
Yellow Red Yellow
Lighted Sections 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
10U, 10D 5L, 5R   40   48   55 16 19   22   26   30   35
  20L, 20R   25   30   35 10 12   15   15   20   25
5U, 5D 10L, 10R   75   88 100 30 35 40 50 55 65
  V 175 205 235 70 82 95 110 130 150
  10L, 10R 100 120 140 40 47 55 65 75 90
H 5L, 5R 200 240 275 80 95 110 130 150 175
  V 200 240 275 80 95 110 130 150 175
Maximum Luminous Intensity (cd)
Rear Lamps Onlya _______ 300 360 420 750 900 900
a The maximum design of a lamp intended for the rear of the vehicle should not exceed the listed design maximum over any area larger than the generated by 0.25 deg radius within the solid angle defined by the test points in Table 3.

6.2 Installation Guidelines: The following guidelines apply to front and/or rear signal lamps as used on the vehicle and shall not be considered part of the requirements.

6.2.1 Signal lamps on the front and rear of the vehicle should be spaced as far apart laterally as practicable, so that the direction of turn will be clearly understood.

6.2.2 The luminous intensity of incandescent filament bulbs will vary with applied voltage. The electrical power system of the vehicle should, under normal running conditions, provide design voltage to the lamp as closely as practical bearing in mind the inherent variability of such systems.

6.2.3 Performance of lamps may deteriorate significantly as a result of dirt, grime, and/or snow accumulation on the optical surfaces. Installation of lamps on vehicles should be considered to minimize the effect of these factors.

6.2.4 Where it is expected that lamps must perform in severe environments, e.g. be totally immersed in water periodically, the user should specify lamps designed for such use.

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7. APPENDIX:

As a matter of additional information, attention is called to SAE J567, Lamp Bulb Retention System, for requirements and gages to be used in socket design.

The (R) is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. If the symbol is next to the report title, it indicates a complete revision of the report.

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J588 NOV84

RATIONALE:

The following changes, in general, have been made in completely revising the technical report:

  1. The format has been changed to agree with that proposed by the Editorial Advisory Committee.
  2. All requirements for vehicles of 2032 mm or over in overall width were removed since they will be covered by a separate SAE Technical Report.
  3. Metric dimensions have been used throughout the report.
  4. Some additional definitions used within the technical report have been identified.
  5. Multipliers for the photometric performance and photometric design guidelines, as established in the observations of SAE J1221, have been incorporated.
  6. Zonal photometric performance requirements, based on the ECE grid, have been incorporated for the harmonization of standards.
  7. The photometric design guidelines are based on the ECE grid for the harmonization of standards, which basically defines the same beam pattern as the SAE grid and reduces the number of test points, which must be measured.
  8. The minimum lighted lens area requirements for rear turn signals have been reduced from 50 cm2 (8 in2) to 37.5 cm2 (6 in2) in accordance with the observations made and reported in the SAE Lighting Committee minutes dated December 17, 1980.

The rationale for each item above may be found in the test results and/or recommendations in the reports cited.

The following rationale is to establish the ECE grid photometric values in Tables 1 and 3. The document shows the SAE grid along with the final grouping of SAE test points and the proposed grouping of test points when using the ECE grid.

The values in Table 3 are unchanged from the former SAE values. The only change occurs at the 10U and 10D test points at 5L and 5R for which the former SAE grid has no values. To establish these values, the 20% of H-V value specified for the ECE grid was used for the yellow signal intensity.

The red signal intensity values were established by using the 1.6 ratio between yellow and red values, which is the ratio at all other test points. In most cases, the intensity values were rounded off to the nearest whole number.

The values established for Table 1 photometric requirements are the sum of the intensity values at the test points listed for each zone from Table 3 rounded off to the nearest multiple of five at or below the true sum.

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RELATIONSHIP OF SAE STANDARD TO ISO STANDARD:

Not applicable.

APPLICATION:

Not applicable.

REFERENCE SECTION:

SAE J567, Lamp Bulb Retention System

SAE J575, Tests for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components

SAE J576, Plastic Materials for Use in Optical Parts Such as Lenses and Reflectors of Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices

SAE J578, Color Specification for Electric Signal Lighting Devices

SAE J759, Lighting Identification Code

SAE J1050, Describing and Measuring the Driver's Field of View

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION:

DEVELOPED BY THE SAE LIGHTING COMMITTEE

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