Commission Regulation (EU) No 1008/2010Show full title

ANNEX III U.K. Requirements for windscreen wiper and washer systems

1. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS U.K.

1.1. Windscreen wiper system. U.K.

1.1.1. Every vehicle shall be equipped with a windscreen wiper system which is able to function when the vehicle master control switch has been activated, without any action by the driver other than switching the operating control, needed for starting and stopping the windscreen wiper system, to the on position. U.K.

1.1.1.1. The windscreen wiper system shall consist of one or more wiper arms which shall have wiper blades that are easily replaceable. U.K.

1.1.2. The windscreen wiper field shall cover at least 98 % of vision area A, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex III. U.K.

1.1.3. The windscreen wiper field shall cover at least 80 % of vision area B, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex III. U.K.

1.1.4. The windscreen wiper field shall meet the requirements of paragraph 1.1.2. and 1.1.3. when the system is operating at a sweep frequency corresponding to paragraph 1.1.5.1. and shall be tested under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.1.10. to 2.1.10.3. of this Annex. U.K.

1.1.5. The windscreen wiper system shall have at least two sweep frequency settings: U.K.

1.1.5.1.

One frequency of not less than 10 and not more than 55 cycles per minute.

1.1.5.2.

One frequency of not less than 45 complete cycles per minute.

1.1.5.3.

The difference between the highest and a lower sweep frequency setting shall be at least 15 cycles per minute.

1.1.5.4.

Intermittent operation of the windscreen wiper system may be used to comply with the requirements of paragraph 1.1.5.1. to 1.1.5.3. of this Annex.

1.1.6. The frequencies referred to in paragraph 1.1.5. to 1.1.5.3. shall be tested under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.1.1. to 2.1.6 and 2.1.8. of this Annex. U.K.

1.1.7. When the windscreen wiper system is stopped as a result of switching the operating control to the off position, the wiper arm(s) and blade(s) shall return to their position of rest. U.K.

1.1.8. The windscreen wiper system shall be capable of withstanding stalling for at least 15 seconds. The use of automatic circuit protection devices is allowed, provided that for possible resetting no action is required other than operation of the windscreen wiper operating control. U.K.

1.1.9. The capability to withstand stalling of the windscreen wiper system referred to in paragraph 1.1.8. shall be tested under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.1.7. of this Annex. U.K.

1.1.10. If the position of rest of the windscreen wiper arm(s) or blade(s) is not outside of vision area B, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex III, it shall be possible to manually displace the wiper arm(s) in such a manner that the wiper blade(s) can be lifted from its position on the windscreen to allow that the windscreen is manually cleaned. U.K.

1.1.11. The windscreen wiper system shall be capable of operating for two minutes on a dry windscreen in an ambient temperature of – 18 °C, without degradation of performance. U.K.

1.1.12. The performance of the windscreen wiper system at – 18 °C shall be tested under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.1.11. of this Annex. U.K.

1.1.13. The windscreen wiper system shall continue to meet the requirements of paragraph 1.1.2. of this Annex without any degradation of efficiency, when it is operating at maximum frequency and when the vehicle is subjected to a relative air speed equal to 80 % of the vehicle’s maximum design speed or 160 km/h, whichever is lower. Vision area A of the windshield shall be prepared in accordance with paragraph 2.1.8. and 2.1.9. of this Annex. The aerodynamic effects associated with the size and shape of the windscreen, wiper arm(s) and wiper blade(s) shall be verified under these conditions, also taking into account paragraph 2.1.9.1. During the test, the wiper blade(s) shall remain in contact with the windscreen and complete lift-off shall not be permitted. The wiper blade(s) shall stay in full contact with the windscreen in the area as established in paragraph 1.1.2. for each complete cycle and any partial lift-off during upwards as well as downwards stroke shall not be permitted. U.K.

1.2. Windscreen washer system. U.K.

1.2.1. Every vehicle shall be fitted with a windscreen washer system which is able to function when the vehicle master control switch has been activated, and which is capable of withstanding the loads and pressures resulting when the nozzles are plugged and the system is actuated in accordance with the procedure set out in paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.1.2. of this Annex. U.K.

1.2.2. The performance of the windscreen washer system shall not be adversely affected by exposure to the temperature cycles in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1. to 2.2.5. of this Annex. U.K.

1.2.3. The windscreen washer system shall have the ability to spray fluid onto the target area of the windscreen, without any trace of leakage, disconnection of any tubing and malfunctioning of any nozzle, at normal conditions when subjected to ambient temperatures between – 18 °C and 80 °C. In addition, when the nozzles are blocked, the system shall also show no signs of leakage and disconnection of any tubing. U.K.

1.2.4. The windscreen washer system shall be capable of delivering sufficient fluid to clear at least 60 % of vision area A, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex III, under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.2.6. to 2.2.6.4. of this Annex. U.K.

1.2.5. The windscreen washer system shall be capable of being manually activated by means of the washer control. In addition, activation and deactivation of the system may also be coordinated and combined with any other vehicle system. U.K.

1.2.6. The capacity of the reservoir containing the liquid shall not be less than 1,0 litre. U.K.

2. TEST PROCEDURE U.K.

2.1. Windscreen wiper system test conditions. U.K.

2.1.1. The tests described below shall be carried out under the conditions as stated in paragraph 2.1.2. to 2.1.5. unless specified otherwise. U.K.

2.1.2. The ambient temperature shall be between 5 °C and 40 °C. U.K.

2.1.3. The windscreen shall be kept constantly wet. U.K.

2.1.4. In the case of an electric windscreen wiper system, the following additional conditions shall be met. U.K.

2.1.4.1. All batteries shall be fully charged at the start of the test. U.K.

2.1.4.2. The engine, if fitted, shall run at a speed not exceeding 30 % of the speed corresponding to its maximum power output. However, if this is proven not to be practicable due to specific engine control strategies, for instance in the case of electric hybrid vehicles, a realistic scenario taking into account the engine speeds, periodical absence or complete absence of a running engine during normal driving conditions, shall be determined. If the windscreen wiper system can meet the requirements without a running engine, the engine does not have to run at all. U.K.

2.1.4.3. The passing beam headlamps shall be switched on. U.K.

2.1.4.4. All fitted heating, ventilation, defrosting and demisting systems (regardless of the location in the vehicle) shall be operating at maximum electrical consumption. U.K.

2.1.5. Compressed air or vacuum operated windscreen wiper systems shall be able to function continuously at the prescribed sweep frequencies whatever the engine speed and engine load or minimum and maximum battery charge levels specified by the manufacturer for normal operation. U.K.

2.1.6. The sweep frequencies of the windscreen wiper system shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 1.1.5. to 1.1.5.3. of this Annex after a preliminary operating time of 20 minutes on a wet windshield. U.K.

2.1.7. The requirements of paragraph 1.1.8. of this Annex shall be satisfied when the wiper arms are restrained in a position corresponding to half a cycle, for a period of 15 seconds with the windscreen wiper control set at the maximum sweep frequency. U.K.

2.1.8. The outer face of the windscreen shall be thoroughly degreased by means of methylated spirit or an equivalent degreasing agent. After drying, a solution of ammonia of not less than 3 % and not more than 10 % shall be applied. The surface shall be allowed to dry again and shall then be wiped with a dry cotton cloth. U.K.

2.1.9. A coating of the test mixture, in accordance with the specifications as laid down in Appendix 4 to Annex III, shall be applied uniformly to the outer surface of the windscreen and allowed to dry. U.K.

2.1.9.1. Where the outer face of the windscreen has been prepared in accordance with paragraph 2.1.8. and 2.1.9., the windscreen washer system may be used during the applicable tests. U.K.

2.1.10. The wiper field of the windscreen wiper system, as prescribed in paragraph 1.1.4. of this Annex, shall be determined as follows. U.K.

2.1.10.1. The outer face of the windscreen shall be treated in accordance with paragraph 2.1.8. and 2.1.9. U.K.

2.1.10.2. In order to verify that the requirements of paragraph 1.1.2. and 1.1.3. of this Annex are met, the windscreen wiper system shall be activated, taking into account paragraph 2.1.9.1., and a trace of the wiper field shall be made and compared to a trace of the vision areas A and B, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex III. U.K.

2.1.10.3. The technical service may agree to an alternative test procedure (eg. virtual testing) to verify that the requirements of paragraph 1.1.2. and 1.1.3. of this Annex are met. U.K.

2.1.11. The requirements of paragraph 1.1.11. shall be met at an ambient temperature of – 18 ± 3 °C at which the vehicle has been stored for a minimum of four hours. The vehicle shall be prepared to operate under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.1.4. to 2.1.5. During the test, the wiper system shall be operating normally, but at the maximum sweep frequency. The wiper field does not have to be observed. U.K.

2.2. Windscreen washer system test conditions. U.K.

2.2.1. Test No 1. The windscreen washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C for a minimum of four hours. The water shall be stabilized at this temperature. U.K.

2.2.1.1. All nozzle outlets shall be plugged and the windscreen washer control shall be actuated six times in one minute, each time for at least three seconds. U.K.

2.2.1.1.1. If the windscreen washer system is powered by the muscular energy of the driver, the force applied shall be 11,0 to 13,5 daN in case of a hand operated pump. The force applied shall be 40,0 to 44,5 daN in case of a foot operated pump. U.K.

2.2.1.1.2. In case of electric pumps, the test voltage shall not be less than the rated voltage and not more than the rated voltage plus 2 Volt. U.K.

2.2.1.2. The performance of the windscreen washer system at the end of the test shall be in compliance with paragraph 1.2.3. of this Annex. U.K.

2.2.2. Test No 2. The windscreen washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of – 18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours. The water does not have to be stabilized at this temperature. U.K.

2.2.2.1. The windscreen washer control shall be actuated six times in one minute, each time for at least three seconds, in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1.1. and 2.2.1.1.2. The system shall then be placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C until the ice has completely thawed. The water does not have to be stabilized at this temperature. The performance of the windscreen washer system shall then be verified by actuating the system in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.2. U.K.

2.2.3. Test No 3. Low temperature cycle exposure test. U.K.

2.2.3.1. The windscreen washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of – 18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours so that the total mass of the water in the washer system is frozen. The system shall then be placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C until the ice has completely thawed, but in any case no longer than four hours. This freeze/thaw cycle shall be repeated six times. Finally, when the windscreen washer system is placed in the ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C and the ice has completely thawed, although the water does not have to be stabilized at this temperature, the performance of the windscreen washer system shall be verified by actuating the system in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.2. U.K.

2.2.3.2. The windscreen washer system shall be filled and fully primed with a low-temperature windscreen washer fluid consisting of a 50 % solution of methanol, or alternatively isopropyl alcohol, in water with a hardness not exceeding 205 mg/l (Ca). The system shall be placed in an ambient temperature of – 18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours. The fluid does not have to be stabilized at this temperature. The performance of the windscreen washer system shall then be verified by actuating the system in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.2. U.K.

2.2.4. Test No 4. High temperature cycle exposure test. U.K.

2.2.4.1. If any part of the windscreen washer system is situated in the engine compartment, the system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 80 ± 3 °C for a minimum of eight hours. The water does not have to be stabilized at this temperature. The performance of the windscreen washer system shall then be verified by actuating the system in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.2. U.K.

2.2.4.2. If no part of the windscreen washer system is situated in the engine compartment, the system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 80 ± 3 °C for a minimum of eight hours. The water does not have to be stabilized at this temperature. Subsequently, the system is placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C. When the temperature of the water has stabilized, the performance of the windscreen washer system shall be verified by actuating the system in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.2. After this, the system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 60 ± 3 °C for a minimum of eight hours. The water does not have to be stabilized at this temperature. The performance of the windscreen washer system shall then be verified by actuating the system in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.1. to 2.2.1.2. Alternatively, the manufacturer may request that the windscreen washer system is tested under the conditions as set out in paragraph 2.2.4.1. U.K.

2.2.5. The windscreen washer tests as set out in paragraph 2.2.1. to 2.2.4.2. shall be carried out in sequence on the same windscreen washer system. The system may be either tested as installed on the vehicle type for which EC type-approval is sought, or separately. In case EC type-approval is sought for a separate technical unit, the system shall be tested separately. U.K.

2.2.6. Test No 5. Windscreen washer system capability test U.K.

2.2.6.1. The windscreen washer system shall be filled with water and fully primed. With the vehicle stationary and no significant wind effect, the nozzle(s) may, if possible, be adjusted as to being pointed towards the target area on the outer face of the windscreen. U.K.

2.2.6.2. The outer face of the windscreen shall be treated as prescribed in paragraph 2.1.8 and 2.1.9. of this Annex. U.K.

2.2.6.3. The windscreen washer system shall be actuated according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking into account paragraph 2.2.1.1.1 and 2.2.1.1.2. of this Annex. The total duration of the test shall not exceed 10 complete cycles of automatic operation of the windscreen wiper system operating at the maximum sweep frequency. U.K.

2.2.6.4. In order to verify that the requirements of paragraph 1.2.4. of this Annex are met, a trace of the relevant cleaned area shall be made and compared to a trace of the vision area A, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex III. If it is clearly obvious to the observer that the requirements are met, it is not required that the traces are prepared. U.K.

2.2.7. The test as set out in paragraph 2.2.6. to 2.2.6.4. shall always be performed on the vehicle type for which EC type-approval is sought, even in the case when an approved separate technical unit is installed on the vehicle. U.K.

Appendix 1

Procedure for verification of the R-point or seating reference point U.K.

The R-point or seating reference point is established in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex 3 to UNECE Regulation No 17(1).

Appendix 2

Procedure for determining primary reference marks in the three-dimensional reference system U.K.

The dimensional relationships between primary reference marks on drawings and their position on the actual vehicle are established in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex 4 to UNECE Regulation No 125(2).

Appendix 3

Procedure for determining vision areas on windscreens of vehicles U.K.

The vision areas A and B are established in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex 18 to UNECE Regulation No 43.

Appendix 4

Specifications of the test mixture for testing the windscreen wiper and washer systems U.K.

1. The test mixture referred to in paragraph 2.1.9. of Annex III shall consist of the following: U.K.

1.1.

Water, with a hardness of less than 205 mg/l (Ca): 92,5 % by volume.

1.2.

Aqueous saturated salt (sodium chloride), solution: 5,0 % by volume.

1.3.

Dust, in accordance with the specifications of paragraph 1.3.1. to 1.3.2.6. below: 2,5 % by volume.

1.3.1. Specifications of the test dust analysis U.K.

1.3.1.1.

68 ± 1 % SiO₂ by mass

1.3.1.2.

4 ± 1 % Fe₂O₃ by mass

1.3.1.3.

16 ± 1 % Al₂O₃ by mass

1.3.1.4.

3 ± 1 % CaO by mass

1.3.1.5.

1,0 ± 0,5 % MgO by mass

1.3.1.6.

4 ± 1 % Alkalis by mass

1.3.1.7.

2,5 ± 0,5 % Ignition loss by mass

1.3.2. Specifications of the particle-size distribution in course-grade dust U.K.

1.3.2.1.

12 ± 2 % of 0 to 5 μm particle-size

1.3.2.2.

12 ± 3 % of 5 to 10 μm particle-size

1.3.2.3.

14 ± 3 % of 10 to 20 μm particle-size

1.3.2.4.

23 ± 3 % of 20 to 40 μm particle-size

1.3.2.5.

30 ± 3 % of 40 to 80 μm particle-size

1.3.2.6.

9 ± 3 % of 80 to 200 μm particle-size

(1)

OJ L 373, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)

OJ L 200, 31.7.2010, p. 38.