The final word regarding HID's (?)

[TERRA Operative]

I see so many threads around the place asking about HID conversions. People talk about the ADR's, but never actually tell anyone what they really say.

I've done a little research, and this is what i've found....




Ok, here are the ADR's regarding HID headlamps and normal headlamps...

Links here:
Third Edition Australian Design Rules
ADR 13
ADR 45

Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles

6.2.9. Other requirements

The requirements of paragraph 5.5.2. shall not apply to dipped-beam headlamps. Dipped-beam headlamps shall not swivel according to the angle of lock of steering. Dipped-beam headlamps with gas-discharge light sources shall only be permitted in conjunction with the installation of headlamp cleaning device(s) according to Regulation No. 45. In addition, with respect to vertical inclination, the provision of paragraph 6.2.6.2.2. shall not be applied when these headlamps are installed.

Paragraph 5.5.2 basically says that if a fitting won't work just by fitting a globe, it's not considered a light. (Ie optional driving lights that aren't fitted aren't lights etc).

And regarding 6.2.6.2.2...

6.2.6.2.2. However, devices which are adjusted manually, either continuously or non- continuously, shall be permitted, provided they have a stop positon at which the lamps can be returned to the initial inclination defined in paragraph 6.2.6.1.1. by means of the usual adjusting screws or similar means.
These manually adjustable devices must be operable from the driver's seat.
Continually adjustable devices must have reference makes indicating the loading conditions that require adjustment of the dipped-beam.
The number of positions on devices which are not continuously adjustable must be such as to ensure compliance with the range of values prescribed in paragraph 6.2.6.1.2. in all the loading conditions defined in Annex 5.
For these devices also, the loading conditions of Annex 5 that require adjustment of the dipped-beam shall be clearly marked near the control of the device (see Annex 8).

So according to 6.2.9, the part of clause 6.2.6.2.2 that states manual adjustment is permitted, is NOT permitted in the case of HID fitment, ie, manual adjustment isn't allowed. So that means you need to comply with the previous clause, which is shown below:

6.2.6.2.1. In the case where a headlamp levelling device is necessary to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs 6.2.6.1.1. and 6.2.6.1.2., the device shall be automatic.

Therefore, automatic self levelling is required. (the two paragraphs mentioned refer to the actual specifications for beam angle etc).


But what about ADR 45?, well that refers mainly to signal lamps, but it does outline the colour variations permitted for lighting. I haven't converted the numbers to easy to understand form, but basically, white has to be white, not blue, yellow or purple. Ie 10,000K HID's are illegal.

Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations

45.2. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

45.2.1. Lamps shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use, despite the vibrations to which they may then be subjected, they continue to function satisfactorily and retain the characteristics prescribed by this Rule.

45.2.2. The colour of the light emitted shall be within the limits of the co-ordinates prescribed in Clause 45.2.2.1 for the colour in question.

45.2.2.1. Colours of Lamps- Trichromatic Co-ordinates

Photometric blah blah stuff.... Just keep it white (ie under 6500K).

Then we get to the gas discharge specific ADR's.....

Links:
ADR75 - Headlamp Cleaners
ADR 77 - Gas Discharge Headlamps
ADR 78 - Gas Discharge light Sources

Australian Design Rule 75/00 - Headlamp Cleaners

6 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

6.1 The headlamp cleaner shall be designed and constructed to clean those parts of the light-emitting surface of the headlamp which distribute the passing beam and the driving beam so that at least the cleaning effect specified in paragraph 7 below is achieved.

6.2 The headlamp cleaner shall be furthermore so designed that:

6.2.1 When parts of the headlamp cleaner in the rest position(s) are on the headlamps' illuminating surface, the photometric values of the headlamps, .... blah blah, not more than a 5% reduction in light output.....

6.2.1.1 Paragraph 6.2.1. is not applicable when the headlamp and the parts of the headlamp cleaner referred to in paragraph 6.2.1. form a complete assembly during the approval of the headland;

6.2.2 During operation, except in the rest position, the mechanical parts shall not cover more than:

6.2.2.1 20 % of the illuminating surface of a passing lamp,

6.2.2.2 10 % of the illuminating surface of a driving lamp with no high beam.

6.2.3 It is able to operate at all temperatures between -10 degrees C and +35 degrees C and to operate satisfactorily at speeds between 0 and 130 km/h (or the maximum speed of the vehicle if it is below 130 km/h); .......... the cleaner shall remain undamaged if exposed to a temperature of -35 degrees C and of +80 degrees C respectively for a period of one hour;

6.2.4 In normal use, in spite of the vibration to which it may be subjected, its satisfactory operation continues to be ensured;

6.2.5 It will not be functionally damaged due to water, ice or snow accumulating on it during normal operation of the vehicle, even if the cleaning liquid is frozen; a temporary failure due to freezing or deposit of snow shall not be considered as damage, provided that the device can be made to work again by simple means;

6.2.6 Elements which may come into contact with the cleaning fluid must be resistant against a mixture consisting of 50 % methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol and 50 % water;

6.2.7 Its parts do not hinder the adjustment of the headlamps or the inserting or changing of filament lamps; if necessary, the cleaner or parts of it may be detachable, if they can be removed with simple tools.

6.3 Parts of the headlamp cleaner which, in the rest position(s) and/or during operation, form part of the external surface of the vehicle, shall meet the following requirements:

6.3.x. goes on to basically state that there are to be no no sharp or pointy parts, like bonnet scoops but scaled down..... Have a read for the details.

6.5 In case of approval of a vehicle the following requirements shall also be met:

6.5.1 Cleaning of all passing (high beam) headlamps shall be compulsory. If there are more than two driving headlamps, the cleaning of one pair of these headlamps shall be sufficient;

6.5.2 If the cleaner has a fluid container this may be combined with the fluid container for the windscreen washers and the rear window washer.......

ADR 77 states the following items of interest:

Australian Design Rule 77/00 - Gas Discharge Headlamps


6.1.1 Headlamps shall be so made that with suitable gas-discharge light source they give adequate illuminance without dazzle when emitting the passing beam, and good illumination when emitting the driving beam.

6.1.6 The trichromatic coordinates of the light of the beams emitted by headlamps using gas- discharge light sources must be in the following boundaries:

limit towards:
blue: x > 0.310
yellow: x < 0.500
green: y < 0.150 + 0.640x
green: y < 0.440
purple: y > 0.050 + 0.750x
red: y > 0.382

6.2.1 The passing beam must produce a sufficiently sharp "cut-off" to permit a satisfactory adjustment with it's aid. The "cut-off" must be a horizontal straight line on the side opposite to the direction of traffic for which the headlamp is intended: on the other side .....(it can't be too high or low)...... A cut-off extending above a combination of these lines shall in no circumstances be permitted.

6.2.2.1 .....in the case of headlamps designed to meet the requirements of left-hand traffic, the "cut-off" on the right-half of the screen is horizontal.....

So dazzle and light spill above the horizontal (slightly higher on the passenger side) is a no go.

(If anyone can convert those trichromatic coordinates to a more 'real world' figure, I love you long time....)

6.2.5 Only one gas-discharge light source is permitted for each passing beam headlamp.

So no doubling up of HID globes in your headlights. Levelling is taken care of in ADR 13 above. ('aint the labrynth of ADR's wonderful??)



And ADR 78 basically goes into the specifics of globe design, specifics on the arc discharge (shape, photometrics etc) but I wouldn't worry too much about that, as long as you dont have blue or purple HID's.





So there you go, after all the lawyer speak and technical jargon. If the HID fitting isn't self levelling, doesn't have a headlamp cleaning system and isn't white (as in, white), then it's illegal.

Actually, technically ANY retrofit is illegal, due to the lack of relevant testing and certification (read ADR 77 for the testing method if you can't sleep...), but if you follow the above, your HID retrofit will at least be technically compliant and won't blind me when I drive past!

[greywolf]

Now if only half of Australia would read Toymods ! HID's shit me to tears, for the reason stated above, they just about blind me when ever they are in my rear vision mirrors.

This thread is 99% sticky worthy too.

[TC1600]

Top work, +1 for sticky.

[TERRA Operative]

Heh, badly installed HID are a pet hate of mine, can't you tell?

I'll update and ammend later to add detail etc. (specifics on permitted colour variations etc)
Time for bed...

[andyroo]

Now if only half of Australia would read Toymods ! HID's shit me to tears, for the reason stated above, they just about blind me when ever they are in my rear vision mirrors.

This thread is 99% sticky worthy too.

Well the police will probably catch on eventually, it usually takes about a year or so for a problem to be targeted, for whatever reason, funding awareness etc. I agree totally, they are blinding at night, but its not just retrofits, though new cars may comply with these rules, they are exploiting them, especially honda, Ive no idea of the ugly model I saw tonight but I actually flashed my high beams as I thought their lights were on high.. then they flashed back.. it seems auto manufacturers are again exploiting these rules to have pretty bright white lights for their new cars..

[Esteban]

Just like new factory cars receiving 100% tint no questions asked

[Sam_Q]

good work Terra, I am so over the whole high glare thing too. What I have done is take a 6500K globe out which is the colour for pure white despite what ebay sellers sometimes say and put in a 4300K replacement. I have found that it still has the massive light output and visabilty of a 35W HID however it doesnt have no-where as near as much glare and also whilst still illegal they are not easly spotted as being a HID driven fitting. Best of both worlds if you ask me.

[af300e]

I used to fit aftermarket kits to german cars and have researched the adr's before.

Excellent thread.

Now it's time to wage war on the tossers who use their foglights ALL THE TIME!!!

[Chrisso]

Awesome bit of research Terra. I'd rep you but I have to share the love.

[Moppitt]

Now it's time to wage war on the tossers who use their foglights ALL THE TIME!!!

* EleventyBillion.

Also need to spread the love. +1 for sticky.

So dazzle and light spill above the horizontal (slightly higher on the passenger side) is a no go.

[TERRA Operative]

Once I've got this one sorted to my satisfaction, I might do fog lights. I'll tie in the regional road rules and legislation to the ADR's too. Just because they're compliant, doesn't meen you won't get fined etc etc.

[wilbo666]

And regarding 6.2.6.2.2...

So according to 6.2.9, the part of clause 6.2.6.2.2 that states manual adjustment is permitted, is NOT permitted in the case of HID fitment, ie, manual adjustment isn't allowed. So that means you need to comply with the previous clause, which is shown below:

6.2.6.2.2. However, devices which are adjusted manually, either continuously or non- continuously, shall be permitted, provided they have a stop positon at which the lamps can be returned to the initial inclination defined in paragraph 6.2.6.1.1. by means of the usual adjusting screws or similar means.
These manually adjustable devices must be operable from the driver's seat.
Continually adjustable devices must have reference makes indicating the loading conditions that require adjustment of the dipped-beam.
The number of positions on devices which are not continuously adjustable must be such as to ensure compliance with the range of values prescribed in paragraph 6.2.6.1.2. in all the loading conditions defined in Annex 5.
For these devices also, the loading conditions of Annex 5 that require adjustment of the dipped-beam shall be clearly marked near the control of the device (see Annex 8).


6.2.6.2.1. In the case where a headlamp levelling device is necessary to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs 6.2.6.1.1. and 6.2.6.1.2., the device shall be automatic.

Therefore, automatic self levelling is required. (the two paragraphs mentioned refer to the actual specifications for beam angle etc).

My quick reading of that points me to say, that I think self levelling is only needed if the loading of the car (as described in annex 5) causes the beam angle / etc of the beam to go outside the accepted range...

Also, these ADRs are for post 89, most people on this forum will be pre that... and my quick look didn't even find an ADR for headlights pre 89?

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...tion_adrs.aspx

For vehicles manufactured up until July 1989, the application of the ADRs is the responsibility of the state and territory governments. Vehicle users should consult with their state or territory transport authority for the Second and Third Edition ADRs that apply to these vehicles.

Cheers
Wilbo

[thechuckster]

i think the leveling (manual or automatic) would only apply to a vehicle that has some kind of existing manual in-car or automatic dipped headlight adjustment based on vehicle load?

[wilbo666]

i think the leveling (manual or automatic) would only apply to a vehicle that has some kind of existing manual in-car or automatic dipped headlight adjustment based on vehicle load?

I believe it applies if the loading of the car (loading in accordance with annex5), can cause the alignment of the beam to go outside the acceptable range...

16kg springs FTW?

Cheers
Wilbo

[thechuckster]

well ... kidney stones would be a thing of the past if you ran 16kg springs front & back