If you're already convinced of the importance of having a V16 warning light in your vehicle, it's vital that you make sure it's properly approved to guarantee your safety and that of other drivers in a roadside assistance situation.
Approval is the best guarantee , as it guarantees that the product has been manufactured following strict safety criteria established by regulations and not solely for commercial purposes . You may be interested in reading: How to know if a V16 light signal is approved or not.
The importance of the type of light
The regulations specify that the device must emit its yellow light beam in a perfect circumference, with a power, intensity, and within certain frequency parameters that guarantee proper signaling. These factors determine the visibility of the obstacle and the identification of the light class. Non-approved device does not guarantee the correct light output, irradiance, color, or frequency , so our visibility will be seriously compromised in the event of a breakdown or road accident.
The stability that prevents new accidents
The approval of a V16 sign guarantees that it has been tested to be stable on a flat surface and withstand a minimum resistance of approximately 180 pascals . This, while seemingly trivial, is regulated to prevent the sign from falling to the ground when other vehicles, especially heavier ones, pass over it and cause another accident. Help Flash© offers two high-quality magnetic bases capable of overcoming this resistance, as well as additional adhesive that immobilizes the sign under any conditions.
Resistance to adverse weather conditions: IP54 protection
Spain has a very diverse climate, so V16 warning lights must be manufactured following the same sealing criteria as professional lighting equipment (police, ambulances, firefighters, etc.). They must meet an IP54 protection rating against the ingress of solid particles and water . Many emergency driving situations are associated with adverse weather conditions. In this scenario, it is vital to have the security of approved equipment, whose operation will not be affected by rain, fog, or snow . This condition is also important when storing the device in our vehicle . The resistance of an approved V16 warning light to the combined action of humidity and extreme temperatures prevents internal damage to the device, ensuring that it is in perfect condition for use in the event of an emergency.
Behavior in extreme temperatures
Furthermore, the approval criteria stipulate that the equipment must be functional between -10 and 50 degrees Celsius during its usability period. The quality of the internal components , tested in the relevant tests required for approval, guarantees their durability in extreme temperatures . This quality may not be a manufacturing criterion for other non-approved devices designed solely for commercial purposes.
Autonomous equipment: vital in vehicle electrical failures
Nearly 50% of vehicle breakdowns are directly related to the vehicle's electrical power systems , which are compromised or rendered inoperable. Therefore, it is imperative that V-16 beacons operate exclusively autonomously . This is one of the specifications that governs the approval of a device, since if the beacon were powered directly by the vehicle's battery and it failed, we would not be able to use our light signal to warn of an emergency. Help Flash© works with non-rechargeable alkaline batteries, which guarantees immediate availability at maximum light output and longevity.
The autonomy time
This type of equipment must provide a minimum autonomy of 30 minutes, operating within the maximum power established by regulations. This time is vital to protect the user as effectively as possible until emergency services or roadside assistance arrive. Non-approved equipment lacks a range criterion , which poses a very high risk in the event of an unexpected stop, especially at night or in adverse conditions.
Reliability
The function of these types of devices as emergency signaling devices makes it even more important to minimize potential malfunctions, resulting from a delicate internal structure that combines electronics and mechanics . The rigorous testing passed by certified equipment is the best guarantee of quality , as they ensure the proper functioning of all its components. On the other hand, the possibility of failure in non-certified equipment that has not passed any type of inspection increases exponentially.
What else does a Help Flash© give you?
In addition to meeting all the specifications regulated by the Help Flash© regulations, it is designed to provide the highest level of safety and quality for the user. Its patented magnetic activation system, by simple contact with a metal surface, simplifies its use in the delicate moments of stress associated with sudden emergency stops on the road. Help Flash© is manufactured with high-quality materials , and all its components are designed to offer the greatest possible safety to the user. Each of our devices is associated with a unique identification number , which is only affixed once the device has passed all internal quality processes, just before final packaging.
This simple label represents our ongoing commitment and is proof of our quality assurance. Likewise, and as required by regulations, the device is engraved with its approval code, which can also be found on its original packaging and in more detail on our website.
