EN12368 Traffic Signal Standard Complete Guide: Requirements and Testing
Introduction
EN12368 is the European product standard for traffic signal heads. It defines optical performance, mechanical construction, environmental resistance and testing. If you export to Europe, the Middle East, Africa or most of Asia, EN12368 compliance is required. This guide walks through the standard.
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
GAOQIAO signal heads are tunable across all three classes by selecting the appropriate LED current at order time.
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.
GAOQIAO signal heads use LED bins that meet EN12368 chromaticity in production. Each shipment includes a chromaticity test certificate.
Beam Distribution
EN12368 specifies the luminous intensity distribution in horizontal and vertical planes:
- Horizontal: 20° to the left and right of the axis
- Vertical: 10° up and down from the axis
Intensity at the edges of these zones must meet the class requirement with a minimum factor (typically 50% of on-axis). GAOQIAO signal heads are tested with a goniophotometer to verify beam distribution.
Environmental Testing
EN12368 specifies:
- IP rating: minimum IP65 for outdoor use
- Temperature range: -40 to +70°C operating, -40 to +85°C storage
- Humidity: 95% at 55°C
- Vibration: sinusoidal and random per IEC 60068
- Impact: IK08 for polycarbonate lenses, IK10 for aluminium housings
GAOQIAO signal heads are tested to all of the above by accredited third-party labs.
Test Reports and CE Marking
EN12368 conformance is documented via:
- Type test report from a notified body (TÜV, DEKRA, etc.)
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC) signed by the manufacturer
- CE mark on the product label
GAOQIAO supplies all three with every shipment to EN12368 markets.
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?
Most African countries adopt EN12368 by reference. Check the specific country's standards body for confirmation.
How long does EN12368 testing take?
4-8 weeks for a new product. GAOQIAO pre-tested product families have existing reports; lead time for a certificate is 1-2 weeks.
Is EN12368 accepted in South America?
Some South American countries accept EN12368 (Brazil, Argentina, Chile). Others have local standards. Check before quoting.
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.