SVP 1166 SAE code

I am curious to find what the SAE W3-78 rating means on the round reflector SVP 1166 teardrop beacons means? I can't find anything on it on the internet so far. Does anyone know?

Thanks!
 
Hi,

SAE W3 means warning lights. as opposed to other vehicle lighting.

Class-1 is the highest intensity and for emergency vehicles and other stuff outdoors and in the roadway. Candela rating 8100 or greater. Four times as bright as Class 2. Ten times are bright as Class 3.

Class-2 is the middle intensity and are for utility vehicles and equipment. Think stuff outdoors alongside the roadway. Candela rating 1981 to 8099.

Class-3 is the lowest intensity and are for indoor use, such as forklifts. Candela ratiing 1800 and below.

Class-1 and -2 have to battle the sunlight. Class-3 does not.

Stan
 
Understood. Does this have any link to the class 1, 2 or 3 ratings for today's standards?

As I understand it, W3 designates the type of light (warning) the same way that P2 designates another type of light (clearance/marker). The current warning light standards are J595 (directional) and J845 (omnidirectional). The current warning light intensity ratings are 1, 2, 3 as described above. I don't think the intensity ratings had been developed when your 1166 was made, usually manufacturers would advertise the "CP" or candlepower instead. That leads down another rabbit hole because candlepower of a rotating light not only involves the wattage of the bulb but also the size and shape of the reflector, the dwell time which depends on rotation speed, and the lens color. Strobes were a whole other thing with "effective candlepower." Dashlights such as your 1166 were typically advertised as 50,000 CP. All in all the current 1, 2, 3 system is probably more useful.
 

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