EN 12368 Traffic Signal Standard: Requirements and Testing Guide
Introduction
EN12368 is the European product standard for traffic signal heads. It defines optical performance, mechanical construction, environmental resistance and testing. EN 12368 is commonly referenced for European projects and may also be cited in other markets. Buyers should verify the current tender and destination-country requirements before specifying compliance. This guide explains the questions to confirm.
Scope of EN12368
EN12368 covers fixed signal heads for road traffic signal installations. It does NOT cover:
- Vehicle bollards and road studs (covered by EN12352)
- Warning lights (covered by EN12368)
- Pedestrian signal heads (also covered by EN12368)
- Controllers (covered by EN12675)
For a complete signal installation, EN12368 is one of several required standards.
Intensity Classes
EN12368 defines three intensity classes:
- Class 1: minimum intensity for low-speed, well-lit urban roads
- Class 2: medium intensity for typical urban roads
- Class 3: maximum intensity for high-speed or sun-blasted approaches
The required performance class should be fixed in the order specification and verified against the test report for the exact signal-head model and configuration.
Chromaticity
EN12368 specifies the colour of red, yellow and green within tight CIE chromaticity boundaries. The boundaries are stricter than MUTCD at the green-yellow interface, which is why some US-spec signal heads fail EN12368 testing even if they look correct visually.
The buyer should confirm that the offered LED module and production configuration are covered by suitable chromaticity evidence. When a batch-specific inspection record is required, include it in the purchase and acceptance documents.
Beam Distribution
Beam distribution is evaluated against defined angular and intensity criteria. Do not select a product from a single on-axis candela value; request the applicable class, full test method and report for the exact optical assembly.
Environmental Testing
The compliance plan should identify the required ingress, temperature, vibration, impact and other environmental tests from the current licensed standard and project specification. Confirm the exact classes and acceptance criteria instead of copying generic values from a catalogue.
Test Reports and CE Marking
Request the declaration, test report, product label and certification evidence required by the destination market and contract. Check that every document covers the supplied model, size, optical configuration and production revision; a report for a similar family is not automatically evidence for every variant.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies EN12368-compliant signal heads with test reports and CE marking. See the EN12368 certification page.
Conclusion
EN12368 is the European standard for traffic signal heads. GAOQIAO supplies compliant heads with test reports. Send us your destination market and we will return a certification package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need EN12368 for export to Africa?
Not automatically. Requirements vary by country, road authority and tender. Check the current project specification and the destination country's standards or procurement authority before offering EN 12368 as the compliance basis.
How long does EN12368 testing take?
Timing depends on the selected laboratory, product scope, sample availability and failed-test corrections. Build the quotation schedule from a written laboratory plan rather than using a universal lead-time estimate.
Is EN12368 accepted in South America?
Acceptance is project-specific. South American countries and municipalities may use local standards or tender requirements. Confirm the destination rules before quoting and do not present EN 12368 as a universal substitute for local compliance.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.