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BRITISH STANDARD AUTOMOBILE SERIES |

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Specification for |
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Retroreflecting number |
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ICS 43.020 |
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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 BS AU 145d : 1998

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
Licensed Copy: I.P Newcastle University, Newcastle University, 02/04/2013 09:58, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by Technical Committee

AUE/1, Vehicle lighting and signaling, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Chief Police Officers of England and Wales

British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation
British Numberplate Manufacturers' Association
British Plastics Federation
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Highways Agency)
Glass and Glazing Federation
Motor Cycle Industry Association Ltd.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Engineering
Sector Board, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes into
effect on
15 January 1998

 BSI 24 August 2001

Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Text affected

13195 24 August 2001 Indicated by a sideline

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference AUE/1
Draft for comment 94/705491 DC

ISBN 0 580 28985 0

 BS AU 145d : 1998

Contents
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Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
Specification
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Design 1
5 Marking 1
6 Colour 3
7 Retroreflection 3
8 Testing 3
9 Colorimetric test 4
10 Retroreflection test 4
11 Resistance to bending 4
12 Resistance to solvents 4
13 Thermal resistance 7
14 Resistance to impact 7
15 Resistance to corrosion 7
16 Resistance to weathering 7
17 Resistance to vibration and shock 8
Annexes
A (normative) Method of test for impact resistance 10
B (normative) Method of test for thermal resistance 10
C (normative) Method and apparatus for accelerated artificial
weathering tests 10
D (normative) Procedure for preparing a dirty number plate
for test purposes 13
Tables
1 Daylight chromaticity and luminance factor limits 3
2 Minimum coefficient of retroreflection, R9 3
3 Test schedules 4
4 Cam-profile radii 9
C.1 Temperature 13
Figures
1 Dimensions and layout of sample unit 2
2 Arrangement of apparatus for measuring the coefficient of
retroreflection 5
3 Number plate bend-test arrangement 6
4 Test arrangements for measurement of the coefficient of
retroreflection of wet specimens 8
5 Vibration and shock test machine 9
A.1 Apparatus for impact resistance test 11
A.2 Number plate holding fixture 12
B.1 Sample support stand for thermal resistance test 13
List of references Inside back cover

 BSI 24 August 2001 i

 BS AU 145d : 1998

Foreword
Licensed Copy: I.P Newcastle University, Newcastle University, 02/04/2013 09:58, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee AUE/ 1. It was first
published in 1967 and revised as BS AU 145a : 1972. Subsequently, the following
revisions were made BS AU 145b : 1989 and BS AU 145c : 1995.
This new edition of BS AU 145 takes account of changes in the production of number
plates and legislative requirements. It supersedes BS AU 145c : 1995, which is
withdrawn.
NOTE 1. This standard will only become effective when it is invoked by regulations, made by the
Secretary of State for Transport, which apply to vehicles registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

NOTE 2. Upon publication of this standard, BSI Customer Services will respond to purchase orders for
BS AU 145 by supplying copies of the 1998 edition. Copies of the 1972 edition may be obtained by quoting
the number BS AU 145a/72.

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Attention is drawn to the Roads Traffic Act 1991 [1] and the Road Vehicles
(Registration and Licensing) Regulations [2].

Summary of pages
This document comprises of a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii, pages 1
to 14, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was
last issued.
Sidelining in this document indicates the most recent changes by amendment.

ii  BSI 24 August 2001


Specification
Licensed Copy: I.P Newcastle University, Newcastle University, 02/04/2013 09:58, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013
1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for
retroreflecting number plates for vehicles. The
standard includes requirements for colorimetric and
photometric properties and tests for weather
resistance, resistance to impact, bending, vibration,
corrosion, solvents, water and extremes of
temperature.
NOTE. Retroreflecting number plates may be manufactured from
any material which performs satisfactorily in service, providing
the requirements of this standard are met.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
This British Standard incorporates, by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are made
at the appropriate places in the text and the cited
publications are listed on the inside back page. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies; any
subsequent amendments to, or revisions of the cited
publication apply to this British Standard only when
incorporated in the reference by amendment or
revision. For undated references, the latest edition of
the cited publication applies, together with any
amendments.
2.2 Informative references
This British Standard refers to other publications
that provide information or guidance. Editions of
these publications current at the time of issue of this
standard are listed on the inside back page, but
reference should be made to the latest editions.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
following definitions apply.
3.1 character
A letter or number making up part of a vehicle
registration mark.
3.2 coefficient of luminous intensity, R
The quotient of the luminous intensity of the
retroreflector in the direction of observation by the
illuminance at the retroreflector on a plane
perpendicular to the direction of the incident light.
3.3 coefficient of retroreflection, R9
The quotient of the coefficient of luminous intensity
of a plane retroreflecting surface by its area.
1) Marking BS AU 145d on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer's declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on behalf
of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is solely the claimant's
responsibility. Such a declaration is not to be confused with third party certification of conformity, which might also be desirable.
 BSI 24 August 2001
BS AU 145d : 1998
3.4 entrance angle
The angle characterizing the angular position of the
retroflector with respect to the direction of the
incident light.
3.5 observation angle
The angle by which the direction of observation of
the retroreflector differs from the direction of
incident light.
3.6 retroreflecting number plate
A plate exhibiting the registration mark of a vehicle
in which only the background to the registration
mark consists of retroreflecting material.
3.7 retroreflection
Reflection in which the reflected rays are
preferentially returned in directions close to the
opposite of the direction of the incident rays, this
property being maintained over wide variations of
the direction of the incident rays.
3.8 sample unit
A pair of retroreflecting number plates within the
dimensions shown in figure 1, one with a white and
one with a yellow retroreflecting background, or in
the case of a motorcycle one only with a yellow
retroreflecting background, as used, complete with
between two and seven characters and in the format
and size specified in the appropriate regulations and
including a representative method of fixing where
appropriate.
4 Design
NOTE. The appropriate regulations of the Road Traffic Act [1]
specify size and type of letters, numbers and margins of
retroreflecting number plates.
5 Marking
5.1 Each number plate shall be permanently and
legibly marked with the following information:
a) the number of this British Standard, i.e. BS AU
145d1);
b) the name, trade mark or other means of
identification of the manufacturer or component
supplier;
c) name and postcode of the supplying outlet.
NOTE.1. This information should be displayed as shown in figure
1 and can be in any colour as long as it is not retroreflective.
d) If a border is displayed it shall be as shown in
figure 1 and shall not be retroreflective.
NOTE.2. The border may be any non-retroreflective colour.
e) There shall be no other marking, other than the
two to seven characters specified in the
regulations.
1
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2

BS AU 145d : 1998
NOTE 1. All dimensions are in millimetres
NOTE 2. See 3.8
NOTE 3. The figure is not to scale

Figure 1. Dimensions and layout of sample unit

 BSI 24 August 2001
 BS AU 145d : 1998
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5.2 Adequate fixing instructions shall be provided to 7 Retroreflection

avoid damage to the number plate when it is being
fitted to vehicles. 7.1 The complete retroreflecting background area of
the number plate shall be a continuous, substantially
flat surface except that an integral raised or
6 Colour depressed margin, of width and height not exceeding
6.1 Backgrounds 5 mm and 2 mm respectively, is permitted around
the number plate periphery.
The daylight colour of the retroreflecting
backgrounds shall be as follows: 7.2 The number plate background shall have a
minimum coefficient of retroreflection, R9, as given
± front facing: white; in table 2 for each of the observation angles and
± rear facing: yellow. entrance angles specified. At any of the test points at
the 1Ê 309 observation angle the value of R9 shall not
| When tested in accordance with clause 9, the exceed 150 cd/lx per square metre.
| chromaticity of the surfaces of background shall be 7.3 The characters shall have a coefficient of
| within the area defined by the co-ordinates given in retroreflection not greater than 0.5 cd/lx per square
| columns 1 to 4 of table 1 for the appropriate colour. metre at the angles specified in table 2 when tested
| The luminance factor shall be as given in table 1. in accordance with clause 10.
6.2 Characters 7.4 When tested in accordance with clause 10 the
| The complete surface of the characters shall be a minimum coefficient of retroreflection, R9, for each
| shade of black. No part of the character shall have a angle shall conform to table 2.
luminance factor greater than that given for black in
table 1. 8 Testing
| 6.3 Colour deleted A schedule shall accompany every sample unit
| detailing the materials used in its construction. The
| tests specified in this standard shall be carried out
| in the sequence specified in table 3.
|
Table 1. Daylight chromaticity and luminance factor limits
Colour Axes Co-ordinates Luminance
factor
1 2 3 4

White x 0.355 0.305 0.285 0.335 $ 0.34

y 0.355 0.305 0.325 0.375
Yellow x 0.545 0.487 0.427 0.465 $ 0.27
y 0.454 0.423 0.483 0.534 # 0.40
| Black Ð Ð Ð Ð Ð # 0.05

Table 2. Minimum coefficient of retroreflection, R9

Colour Observation angle Entrance angle
5Ê left and 5Ê right 30Ê left and 30Ê right 45Ê left and 45Ê right
cd/lx per square metre

White 0Ê 129 60 25 6
0Ê 209 40 14 3
1Ê 309 4 2 0.7
Yellow 0Ê 129 40 18 4
0Ê 209 30 10 2
1Ê 309 3.5 1.5 0.5

 BSI 24 August 2001 3

 BS AU 145d : 1998
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Table 3. Test schedules

Number of samples and tests Clause Test schedule Total
1 2 3 4
No. of sample units required (see 3.8) 1 1 3 1 6

1 Colorimetric test 9 ì Ð Ð Ð
2 Retroreflection test 10 ì Ð Ð Ð
3 Resistance to bending 11 ì Ð Ð Ð
4 Resistance to solvents 12 ì Ð Ð Ð
5 Thermal resistance 13 Ð ì Ð Ð
6 Resistance to impact 14 Ð Ð ì Ð
7 Resistance to corrosion 15 Ð Ð ì Ð
8 Resistance to weathering 16 Ð Ð Ð ì
9 Resistance to vibration and shock (where 17 Ð ì Ð Ð
applicable)

9 Colorimetric test A vertical height gauge shall be positioned at the end

Each sample unit shall be tested in accordance with
the provisions of CIE Publication No 15 : 1986 when
illuminated with a source simulating the CIE
Standard Illuminant D 65 of that standard at 45Ê to
the normal and viewed along the normal (45/0
geometry).
10 Retroreflection test
10.1 The sample unit shall be tested in accordance
with 10.2 and shall conform to 7.4.
10.2 Each sample unit shall be tested in accordance
with the procedure defined in CIE Publication No. 54
(TC - 2.3) : 1982 when illuminated with a source
simulating the CIE Standard Illuminant A of CIE
Publication No. 15. The entrance and observation
angles shall be in the same plane, as shown in figure
2, and the angle subtended by the sample unit at the
receiver shall not exceed 1Ê 209. Measurements shall
be taken on the sample unit using a minimum area
of 2000 mm2.
11 Resistance to bending
11.1 The sample unit shall be tested in accordance
with 11.2 and shall conform to 11.3.
11.2 Each sample unit shall be positioned in the
holding fixture and clamped as for impact testing
(see annex A), except that the end of the number
plate to be used for the deflection test shall extend
125 mm from the clamp bar (see figure 3). A test
mass, M, shall be attached, and suspended by means
of a clamp, from a point on the longitudinal centre
line of the number plate and 10 mm in from the
free-end. The total mass suspended from the plate
(including the mass, M, its suspension and its clamp)
shall be not less than 3 kg.
of the number plate to measure the deflection when
the 3 kg mass is applied (see figure 3).
11.3 The sample unit under test shall be
preconditioned at 20 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for at least 2 h and
shall be tested at 20 ÊC ± 2 ÊC. The maximum
deflection, within 60 s of applying the mass, shall be
not greater than 25 mm.
12 Resistance to solvents
12.1 When tested in accordance with 12.2 the
sample unit shall conform to 12.3.
12.2 The front face surface of the sample unit shall
be wiped for 1 min per solvent with cotton rag
saturated with each of the three following solvents:
a) white spirit in accordance with BS 245;
b) paraffin class c1 in accordance with BS 2869 :
Part 2 : 1988.
Use a fresh rag for each solvent.
12.3 After 5 min the sample unit shall show no
evidence of softening or dissolving of the surface or
edges or any deleterious effect. In cases of doubt,
the value of R9 shall be measured as specified in 7.2
at an observation angle of 0Ê 129 and entrance angles
of 5Ê left and 5Ê right only, and shall be not less than
the values specified in table 2.

4  BSI 24 August 2001

 BS AU 145d : 1998
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NOTE. The arrangement illustrated shows a measurement being taken with a negative
entrance angle. In the case of measurements at positive entrance angles, the projector
will be to the left of plane A±A. The positions of the projector and receiver relative to
one another remain the same, the only movement being to adjust the observation angle.
Figure 2. Arrangement of apparatus for measuring the
coefficient of retroreflection

 BSI 24 August 2001 5

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6

BS AU 145d : 1998
NOTE 1. All dimensions are in millimeters.
NOTE 2. The diagram is not to scale.
Figure 3. Number plate bend-test arrangement
 BSI 24 August 2001

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13 Thermal resistance
13.1 A sample unit shall be tested in accordance
with annex B for five cycles.
13.2 The sample shall be compared visually with
the unexposed reference specimen referred to in
16.1.
The exposed sample shall show no appreciable
evidence of cracking, blistering or delamination. The
colour of the exposed specimen shall continue to
conform to 6.1 and table 1. There shall be no
shrinkage of background material in excess of 1 % or
1 mm, whichever is the lesser, in any linear direction
measured from the edge of the material. The sample
shall show no distortion along its longitudinal axis
greater than 10 mm.
13.3 The value of R9 for the exposed sample tested
at an observation angle of 0Ê 129 and entrance angles
of 5Ê left and 5Ê right shall be not less than 80 % of
the values given in table 2.
14 Resistance to impact
14.1 Three sample units shall be tested in
accordance with annex A using a 1 kg mass which
shall impact on the background material as near as
possible to the geometric centre of the number plate.
14.2 The sample unit shall be conditioned for 2 h
and then tested in accordance with annex A at a
temperature of 20 ÊC ± 2 ÊC and a relative humidity
of 35 % to 50 %. The impact energy shall be 7.5 J.
Any crack on either face of the sample unit shall be
limited to within a radius of 20 mm of the centre of
impact. No part of the number plate shall become
detached, otherwise the unit shall have been deemed
to fail. All three sample units shall meet these
requirements.
14.3 In cases of doubt, after the test the value of R9
for the retroreflective background shall be measured
in accordance with 7.2. The measurements shall be
taken over an area of 25 mm radius around the
impacted area at an observation angle of 0Ê 129 and
at entrance angles of 5Ê left and 5Ê right only and
shall be not less than 80 % of the values given in
table 2.
15 Resistance to corrosion
15.1 The sample units which have been tested as
specified in clause 14 shall be subjected to the
action of a saline mist for 10 periods of exposure of
22 h, each period separated by suitable periods
during which the sample unit is allowed to dry. The
saline mist shall be produced by atomizing, at a
temperature of 35 ÊC ± 2 ÊC, a saline solution
obtained by dissolving 5 ± 1 parts m/m of sodium
chloride in 95 parts m/m of distilled water
containing not more than 0.02 % m/m of impurities.
 BSI 24 August 2001
BS AU 145d : 1998
15.2 Immediately after completion of the test the
sample unit shall not show signs of corrosion or
moisture ingress liable to impair the efficiency of the
sample unit.
16 Resistance to weathering
16.1 General
For each treatment, each number plate of a sample
unit shall be cut into two or more parts and the cut
edges sealed, if necessary, by means appropriate to
the materials. Each part shall include a character
and a portion of the permitted markings. One
specimen shall be placed in the dark in a dry
container for subsequent use as a reference
unexposed specimen. The other specimen which
shall be of minimum size 100 mm 3 100 mm, shall
undergo a weathering test in accordance with 16.2.
After the test the specimen shall be washed in a
dilute detergent solution and examined for
conformance to 16.3, 16.4 and 16.5.
16.2 Weathering
The specimen shall be exposed to an accelerated
artificial weathering test in accordance with
annex C.
16.3 Visual appearance
No area of the exposed specimen shall show any
appreciable evidence of cracking, scaling, pitting,
blistering, delamination, blooming, corrosion or
chalking. There shall be no shrinkage of background
material in excess of 1 % or 1 mm, whichever is the
lesser, in any linear direction measured from the
edge of the material.
NOTE. See the note to clause 4.
16.4 Colour fastness
The colour of the exposed specimen shall continue
to conform to clause 6.
16.5 Coefficient of retroreflection
16.5.1 The effect of weathering on the value of R9
shall be measured only at an observation angle of 0Ê
129 and at entrance angles of 5Ê left and 5Ê right and
45Ê left and 45Ê right (see 7.2 and table 2).
16.5.2 The value of R9 for the exposed specimen,
when dry, shall be not less than 80 % of the relevant
value specified in table 2 for the test angles stated in
16.5.1.
16.5.3 The specimen shall be then subjected to a
water spray using the apparatus shown in figure 4
and the surface shall be kept continuously wetted.
The value of R9 for the specimen shall be measured
at an observation angle of 0Ê 129 and at entrance
angles of 5Ê left and 5Ê right and during this
condition it shall be not less than 72 % of the
minimum relevant value specified in table 2.
7
 BS AU 145d : 1998
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NOTE 1. All dimensions are in millimetres.

NOTE 2. The diagram is not to scale.
Figure 4. Test arrangements for measurement of the
coefficient of retroreflection of wet specimens (see 16.5.3)

16.6 Effect of dirt 17 Resistance to vibration and shock

16.6.1 When exposed to artificial dirt, in
accordance with annex D, test specimens
conforming to 16.5 shall conform to 16.6.2.
16.6.2 The coefficient of retroreflection R9 of the
test specimen shall then be measured in accordance
with 16.5.1.
a) The value of R9 shall be not less than 80 % of
the relevant value given in table 2 for the specified
test angles.
b) The luminance factor for white and yellow
backgrounds shall be not less than 80 % of the
relevant minimum values for the retroreflecting
backgrounds given in table 1. The luminance
factor for yellow and black shall not exceed the
maximum values for the retroreflecting
backgrounds given in table 1.
NOTE. This test is applicable only to number plates where the
characters are fixed by mechanical fixings.
17.1 A sample unit shall be fixed on a suitable
support in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions for fixing the number plate to the
vehicle (see 5.2). Holes drilled for fixing the number
plate, in the absence of specific instructions shall be
6 mm in diameter, drilled 25 mm from the top edge
of the number plate and spaced at 260 mm centres
equally disposed about the centre line of the number
plate.
The unit shall be vibrated at approximately
750 cycles/min through a distance of 3 mm for 1 h.
The table of the test machine shall be spring
mounted at one end and fitted with steel contact
blocks on the underside of the other end. The blocks
shall make contact with a steel anvil once during
each cycle at the completion of the fall of the table,
which shall be operated under a spring tension of
265 N to 310 N.
NOTE. A typical test machine is shown in figure 5.
17.2 After the test the sample unit shall be
examined and shall not show evidence of material
weakness, delamination or displacement of
characters.

8  BSI 24 August 2001

 BS AU 145d : 1998
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NOTE 1. All linear dimensions are in millimetres.

NOTE 2. See table 4 for cam dimensions.
NOTE 3. The diagram is not to scale.
Figure 5. Vibration and shock test machine

Table 4. Cam-profile radiil)

Point Radius Point Radius Point Radius
mm mm mm
1 14.000 8 15.461 15 17.594
2 14.000 9 15.765 16 17.899
3 14.064 10 16.070 17 18.204
4 14.241 11 16.375 18 18.509
5 14.546 12 16.680 19 18.686
6 14.851 13 16.985 20 18.763
7 15.156 14 17.289
1) The cam width is between 12 mm and 25 mm.

 BSI 24 August 2001 9

 BS AU 145d : 1998
Annexes
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Annex A (normative)
Method of test for impact resistance
A.1 Apparatus
A.1.1 General
The apparatus shall be as shown in figure A.1.
A.1.2 Number plate holding fixture
The number plate holding fixture shall consist of a
piece of steel channel 400 mm 3 250 mm 3 75 mm on
which two sample supports of 75 mm 3 10 mm are
located in a vertical position, resting on the long
cross-section edge, across the width of the flat face of
the steel channel. The spacing of the support plates
shall be equidistant from the centre of the steel
channel. The distance between the inside faces of the
support plates shall be 250 mm. (See figure A.2.)
Clamping of the test sample to each support shall be
by means of a 9 mm square bar. The bar is the same
length as the support plate and shall be retained in
alignment by a pair of vertical steel bars attached to
each end of the support plate. A 20 mm square steel
bar shall be attached to the top of the alignment
plates, in a horizontal position, to form a bridge over
the support plate and clamping bar. The M8 set screws
located in the threaded holes positioned in the centre
of the span of each bridge bar, shall be used to apply
pressure to the clamp bars.
A.1.3 Falling mass
The falling mass (striker) shall be constructed from
steel rod and shall have a spherical striking nose of
6.5 mm radius. It shall be used with a drop tube of any
suitable material which is straight and which has an
inside diameter slightly larger than the falling mass and
does not restrict its free fall.
A.2 Determination of impact resistance
The impact resistance value shall be calculated by
multiplying the height of the fall by the mass used.
A.3 Method
Lay the test sample flat with the front surface
uppermost and with an overhang at each end. Tighten
the set screw to a torque of 7 N´m to secure the test
sample. Raise the mass to the required height and
retain it by the location pin. When the number plate
and apparatus have attained the required conditions,
remove the pin and allow the mass to fall freely.
10
Annex B (normative)
Method of test for thermal resistance
B.1 Principle
Expose sample units to a temperature cycle to test
their thermal resistance.
B.2 Procedure
B.2.1 Test a sample unit in the normal vehicle attitude
by holding it in a simple support system, such as that
shown in figure B.1, to within ±10Ê of the vertical.
B.2.2 Support the sample unit in a dry atmosphere at
a constant temperature of 65 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for 7 h, then
removed to room temperature (20 ÊC ± 2 ÊC) for 1 h.
B.2.3 Condition the sample unit in accordance with
B.2.2. Immediately after conditioning the sample unit
place it in a dry atmosphere at a constant temperature
of 240 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for a period of 15 h, then remove to
room temperature (20 ÊC ± 2 ÊC) for 1 h before
re-exposing it to the atmosphere specified in B.2.2.
Annex C (normative)
Method and apparatus for accelerated
artificial weathering tests
C.1 Apparatus
C.1.1 Xenon-arc artificial exposure equipment,
conforming to BS 2782 : Part 5 : Method 540B : 1995.
C.2 Test conditions
C.2.1 General
Appropriate filters shall be placed between the light
source and the sample unit to considerably reduce
radiations with wavelengths shorter than 295 nm and
longer than 2500 nm.
C.2.2 Irradiance level
The irradiance level shall be 550 W/m2 ± 55 W/m2
(over the 300 nm to 800 nm range), when measured in
the plane of the exposed specimens.
 BSI 24 August 2001
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 BSI 24 August 2001

NOTE 1. All dimensions are in millimetres.

NOTE 2. The diagram is not to scale.

BS AU 145d : 1998
Figure A.1 Apparatus for impact resistance test
11
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12

BS AU 145d : 1998
NOTE 1. All dimensions are in millimetres.
NOTE 2. The diagram is not to scale.
Figure A.2 Number plate holding fixture
 BSI 24 August 2001
 BS AU 145d : 1998
Licensed Copy: I.P Newcastle University, Newcastle University, 02/04/2013 09:58, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Figure B.1 Sample support stand for thermal resistance test

C.2.3 Temperature C.3 Procedure

The temperature shall be as specified in table C.1. Expose the sample unit under the test conditions in
accordance with either the test methods described in
BS 2782 : Part 5 : Method 540D : 1995 or BS 2782 :
Table C.1 Temperature
Part 5 : Method 540B : 1982.
Placement of Temperature
retroreflecting Black standard Black panel
material thermometer thermometer
Annex D (normative)
Retroreflective 50 ÊC ± 3 ÊC 45 ÊC ± 3 ÊC
Procedure for preparing a dirty number
material behind plate for test purposes
rigid transparent D.1 Principle
panel The specimen exposed as described in 16.2 and tested
Retroreflecting 70 ÊC ± 3 ÊC 63 ÊC ± 3 ÊC as described in 16.5, is artificially made dirty for the
material forms purpose of the test described in 16.6.
front surface of D.2 Artificial dirt
the plate Artificial dirt shall consist of the following mixture:
± nine parts by mass of silica sand with particle size
C.2.4 Relative humidity # 100 mm;
Relative humidity shall be 65 % ± 5%, when measured ± one part by mass of vegetable carbon dust with
during the light-only portion of the exposure cycle. particle size # 100 mm;
± 0.2 parts by mass of sodium
C.2.5 Radiant exposure carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and an appropriate
Radiant exposure shall be 4500 MJ/m2 ± 250 MJ/m2 at quantity of distilled water with conductivity less than
the recommended irradiance level of 550 W/m2 ± 55 or equal to 10 mS/cm.
W/m2 (over the 300 nm to 800 nm range).
NOTE. This gives an exposure time of approximately 2275 h. The NaCMC used in the dirt mixture shall have a
degree of substitution 0.6 to 0.7 and a viscosity of
C.2.6 Exposure cycle 200 mPa´s to 300 mPa´s (200 cP to 300 cP) at
The exposure cycle shall be 102 min of light only at 20 ÊC for a 2 % by m/m solution. The test mixture shall
the black panel temperature specified in C.2.3, be not more than 14 days old.
followed by 18 min of light with specimen spray. D.3 Procedure
NOTE. Water used for the specimen spray may contain a Apply the mixture to the front surface of the
maximum of 1 ppm dissolved solids and 0.1 ppm maximum silica.
Water of the required purity can be achieved by distillation or a
weathered specimen so that the background is
combination of deionization and reverse osmosis. obscured. Allow the mixture to dry and leave it on the
surface for three days. Then clean the surfaces by
washing with a clean mixture of water and a neutral
detergent, using a soft natural bristle brush if
necessary.

 BSI 24 August 2001 13

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14
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 BS AU 145d : 1998

List of references
Licensed Copy: I.P Newcastle University, Newcastle University, 02/04/2013 09:58, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Normative references

BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 245 : 1976 Specification for mineral solvents (white spirit and

related hydrocarbon solvents) for paints and other
purposes
BS 2782 Methods of testing plastics
BS 2782 : Part 5 : Optical and colour properties, weathering
BS 2782 : Part 5 : Method 540E : 1995 Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources Ð
Xenon arc sources
BS 2782 : Part 5 : Method 540D : 1995 Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources
(General guidance)
BS 2869 : Fuel oils for non-marine use
BS 2869 : Part 2 : 1988 Specification for fuel oil for agricultural and
industrial engines and burners (classes A2, C1, C2,
D, E, F, G and H)

CIE publications
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF ILLUMINATION (CIE), Vienna. (All publications are available from Customer Services BSI.)

Publication CIE No. 15 : Second edition, 1986 Colorimetry

Publication CIE No. 54 : (TC-2.3) : 1982 Retroreflection definition and measurement

Informative references

[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Road Traffic Act 1991. London : HMSO.

[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, as amended.
London : HMSO.

 BSI 24 August 2001

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