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What is the difference between SAE Class 1, SAE Class 2 and SAE Class 3 Warning Lights?
SAE Certified Warning Lights

Understanding SAE Class for Vehicle Safety Warning Lights 

This article explains in basic terms how SAE class is determined, when it is used, and the difference between the three SAE classifications for warning lights. Click on these links for our SAE rated lights: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3.

The Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a standardized classification system for vehicle warning lights. This system is called SAE Class and there are three levels: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Before we explain the differences between the three classes, let’s begin by understanding how SAE Class is determined.

SAE Class is determined using the SI unit of measurement, Candela. Candela (cd) is a quantifiable measurement of brightness and refers to the intensity of a single beam of light in a particular direction. The SAE relies on candela to create its class rankings because automotive warning lights typically use concentrated beams of light to alert oncoming traffic of potential danger or hazard. Using another unit of measurement, like lumens for incandescent bulbs, would be ineffective since lumens represents the total area illuminated by a light, rather than the distance from which the light can be seen. Imagine a standard incandescent light bulb with a high lumen value placed on top of an ambulance. Though it would successfully light up the area around the ambulance, it would likely do very little to alert distant vehicles of an emergency. However, when an ambulance uses a focused beam of light with a low lumen value but high candela value, the light can be seen from miles away. Simply put, the larger the candela value, the greater the intensity and visibility of a light over extended distances. 

What is the difference between SAE J595 and SAE J845?

When choosing the best light for your application, you may come across the identifiers SAE J595 and SAE J845 followed by Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3. It is important to note that these titles refer to the functionality of light and that the SAE Class ratings are equivalent in both instances. SAE J595 refers to directional flashing optical warning lights (think flashlight pointed in a single direction). SAE J845 refers to omnidirectional or 360 degree optical warning lights (think lighthouse or emergency vehicles). The distinction between these two categories lies in the direction of the light--directional, which is only visible from a particular direction or omnidirectional, which is visible from all directions. While these categories are distinct, the light intensity is measured the same. Therefore, a SAE J845 Class 1 warning light and a SAE J595 Class 1 warning light can be equal in candela output (intensity); the only difference is that the SAE J595 Class 1 warning light can be seen only from a singular direction while the SAE J845 Class 1 light can be seen from all directions (360 degrees).

What is the difference between SAE Class 1, SAE Class 2 and SAE Class 3 Warning Lights?

SAE Class 1 Warning Lights
SAE Class 1 Warning Lights are most often used for emergency response vehicles such as police, fire and ambulance. Lights in this class have a candela value greater than 8100, with some reaching close to 18,000 cd-s/m when used to clear traffic in emergencies. SAE Class 1 lights are 4 times more intense than SAE Class 2 lights and 10 times more intense than SAE Class 3 lights. 

SAE Class 2 Warning Lights
SAE Class 2 Warning Lights are commonly used on utility and service vehicles moving at or below the speed of traffic. Candela values in this class range from 1981 cd to 8099 cd-s/m. Vehicles that are slow-moving or blocking traffic typically have warning lights with a candela value close to 4,500. SAE Class 2 lights are approximately 2.5 times as bright as SAE Class 3 lights.

SAE Class 3 Warning Lights
Because SAE Class 3 Warning Lights have the lowest light intensity of the three SAE classes, they are typically used inside of buildings where there is little or no ambient sunlight. Class 3 warning lamps may be used on forklifts, specialized machinery, or for an attention-grabbing effect at trade shows and indoor events. 

The requirements for warning light classification requirements vary based upon the jurisdiction and application. We recommend that you consult with your local jurisdiction to determine which classification of lights is appropriate for your application.

Flashing Personal Safety Light with Remote Control, Magnet Mount, Photocell - PSLM2HRC Series

Alert and provide a clear safety warning with the PSLM2H High Output Portable Battery Powered LED Light. This portable safety signal provides 360-degrees of ultra-bright LED light produced from 36 LEDs behind magnifying lenses. The industrial strength magnetic mount allows you to mount the light easily to metal surfaces such as vehicles, metal posts and shelving units. The case is weather proof for either outdoor or indoor use. There are 2 user-selectable light patterns: steady on or strobe flashing at 60 triple flashes per minute. And because the light is battery-operated, you can expect to get 200 hours of use on just 2 "D" sized batteries. Turn on and off the light with the included remote control which works from up to 150 feet away. This light provides ultimate portability, convenience and flexibility for many uses such as emergency response, construction, traffic control and other industrial applications. It even make a great addition for a passenger car's emergency kit. This product is made to order. Please allow 7 to 10 business days for factory assembly.

  • 36 ultra-bright LEDs
  • Remote-control operates the light from 150 feet away 
  • Optional photocell to turn off in daylight and on at night
  • Uses 2 D size batteries (not included)
  • Estimated battery life is 200 hours
  • Weather resistant
  • Industrial strength magnetic base mounts strongly on metal surfaces
  • Carrying strap attached to top of light
  • Size: 4.5 inch diameter by 5.75 in. tall.
  • Please allow 7-10 business days for beacon to be built
MicroBurst SAE Class 1 LED Strobe Light with Multiple Flash Patterns - LED375 Series

The Micro-Burst High Power Strobe LED Warning Light provides SAE Class 1 lighting for vehicles needing safety visibility on the road. It features 5 user-selected flash patterns. Municipalities, utilities, road paving contractors, and waste contractors will appreciate the versatility and superior visibility in a small, economical package. This powerful strobe has a sonic welded housing which is sealed to protect it from dirt and moisture. It is also reinforced to protect against shock and vibration.

The LED375 Strobe Light features a 5 flash patterns that can be selected by the user including single flash and hex flash providing SAE Class 1 visibility. This beacon light can be hard wired to 12V - 24V power source for permanent or semi-permanent installation with its flange base or temporarily installed on a vehicle with a magnetic mount and vehicle power adapter. This product is made to order. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for factory assembly.

Features:

  • 5-year warranty, best in industry
  • SAE Class 1 Warning Light in Hex and Single Flash Modes
  • 5 User-select flash patterns 
  • 12 to 24 Volts DC, 1.2 Amps
  • Size: 4.6 inches diameter by 4 inches tall
  • Mounting options:  Permanent, pipe or magnetic mount with vehicle adapter 
  • Download PDF data sheet for this product
Ultra-Bright Vibration Resistant Double Flash Strobe Warning Light - DFS750 Series
Focus attention and safety to your vehicles while stationary or moving. The versatile and durable DFS750 Series Strobe Light provides bright SAE Class 2 light output for on highway use. The DFS750 Strobe Series features a linear strobe bulb for superior light output in all directions. Paving contractors, municipalities, utilities and waste management companies will find this light a staple for their fleets.

The DFS750 Safety Strobe operates at 12/24 volt DC, standard for most all vehicle applications. This bright strobe warning light produces an incredible 1200 candelas/second light output. The polycarbonate Fresnel lens maximizes the light visibility and is sealed to an aluminum base which can be power painted black or left as anodized aluminum. Multiple mounting options are available for convenient installation. Through bolt permanent, flange, 3/4" pipe and magnetic mounts provide the flexibility needed for any application.  The magnetic mount includes a 15 foot coiled cord with vehicle power adapter and on/off switch. The other mounts are ready to be hardwired to their power sources. This product is made to order. Please allow 7 to 10 business days for factory assembly.
  • 12/24 V DC, 1.8 Amperes, 15.75 Joules
  • Extra bright double flash display
  • Black powder painted aluminum base
  • 75 Double flashes per minute
  • Replacement strobe bulb (L3-77)
  • 1200 candelas/second
  • Mounting Options: Through bolt permanent, 1/2" pipe, and magnetic with vehicle adapter
  • Dimensions: 6 inches tall, 6 inches in diameter
  • Download PDF data sheet for this product
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