Ref: Update to Recent Changes to ABYC C-5 Standard for Construction and Testing of All Electric Navigation Lights
This update addresses the new testing required to meet “ABYC C-5 Requirements for Construction and Testing of All Electric Navigation Lights.” As previously stated in our September notice to customers, the original deadline of July 2022 has been extended to July 31st, 2023, by the ABYC Product Technical Committee.
The ABYC has introduced new construction and test standards as contained in the C-5 standard. These standards incorporate the IEC 60945 test standards and procedures for navigation and radio communications equipment and systems. TACO is pleased to inform you that ALL TACO Rub Rail Navigation lights have recently been tested and successfully meet or exceed all the new requirements. Below is a synopsis of the testing criteria the lights have successfully met. Specifications of tests conducted, and test results, are available to our OEM partners upon request.
The ABYC A-16 standard for “installation and operation of navigation lights” is based on the USCG COLREGS72. These standards have not changed: they have always been the only legal requirements enforced by the US Coast Guard relating to navigation lights on vessels. These regulations provide for positional information, angular projection limitations, and chromaticity standards for navigation lights. TACO Rub Rail Navigation Lights have been thoroughly tested with a third party USCG-certified testing facility[1]. Our lights meet or exceed USCG COLREG72 standards for 2 nautical miles. As a result of all that is mentioned above, ABYC has identified that TACO Navigation lights meet the A-16 standard for use offshore and in international waters.
As it relates to the mounting location of the TACO Rub Rail Navigation Lights, and particularly, their mounting location in relation to the sheer line of a boat, the TACO Rub Rail Navigation Lights can be installed on vessels operating inside the line of demarcation of the United States. This means that for all pleasure recreational vessels operating within the Inland Water of the United States, also known as the territorial waters, inland of the line of demarcation of the United States, the TACO Rub Rail Navigation Lights are permissible and can continue to be used as they have been for the past many years. Based on our experience, all of TACO’s OEM network builds recreational vessels primarily used within the inland waters of the United States. For vessels that are designed to travel into international waters we have several viable alternatives that will install above the sheer line to meet USCG requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the information provided above or would like to review testing data or any supplemental information, please contact your TACO representative so that information can be made available to you. As always, thank you for your partnership, and we look forward to being your valued supplier for all your future needs.
[1] ITL Boulder, Independent testing lab 303-442-1255 report # ITL90172 and ITL 90171
New ABYC C-5 Requirements for Construction and Testing of All Electric Navigation Lights
- Luminous Intensity and Range of Visibility – Must meet USCG 72 COLREGS
- Colorimetric Requirements - Must meet USCG 72 COLREGS
- Markings – Identification of range and angle
- Vibration test – as specified in IEC 60945 standard.
- Mechanical Shock Test – Meets IEC 60068-2-27 Standards on x, y, z axis
- Dry Heat and Low Temperature test - as specified in IEC 60945 standard.
- Solar Radiation Test - as specified in IEC 60945 standard.
- Rain and Spray test - as specified in IEC 60945 standard. Or meets IP-67
- Corrosion Test – 7-day salt spray test
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Test - as specified in IEC 60945 standard.
- Housing Temperature Test – Not to exceed 121°F
- Photometric Test – Angle testing by USCG certified test lab.
- Colorimetric Test - testing by USCG certified test lab.
All above effective July 31st, 2023.
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