GB12708-2020
Colours of light signals on aids to navigation
航标灯光信号颜色
GB 12708-2020 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Colours of light signals on aids to navigation. It appears in the Machinery compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Dec 1, 2023.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard is applicable to various light signals used on aids to navigation in both Chinese sea areas and inland waterways. It specifically regulates the colorimetric characteristics of navigation light signals and is mandatory for manufacturers and operators of these aids. It does not apply to non-navigation lighting or decorative lights. The standard replaces the previous GB 12708-1991 and introduces updated requirements for color categories and measurement procedures.
Technical requirements
GB 12708-2020 establishes a strict five-color system for navigation light signals, mandating the use of red, yellow, green, white, and blue lights. The use of any other colors is strictly prohibited. The standard defines the specific chromaticity region boundaries for each of these five colors using CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates (x, y). Regardless of the filter materials used, the chromaticity coordinates of the emitted light must fall within the designated regions specified in the standard. This ensures visual consistency and accurate recognition of light signals by mariners under various conditions. The standard also references GB/T 8417-2003 for related color signal definitions.
Testing methods
The color of navigation light signals must be determined by obtaining their CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates. For lights using LED light sources, the standard specifically mandates the use of the spectral radiometric colorimetry method to acquire these coordinates. Measurements must be conducted within the effective divergence angle of the light beam, with a minimum of 10 measurement points selected to comprehensively reflect the color across the effective radiation space. Testing must be performed in a darkroom at a controlled temperature of (25±3)°C, with the measurement voltage complying with the specifications in GB/T 8417-2003.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 12708-2020?
GB 12708-2020 regulates the light signals on aids to navigation used in Chinese sea areas and inland waterways. This includes any equipment emitting red, yellow, green, white, or blue navigation lights.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 12708-2020?
Yes, compared to the previous GB 12708-1991, this version adds notes on color categories, deletes boundary equations, modifies the chromaticity region ranges, adjusts restrictions on non-standard colors, and introduces general measurement requirements.
How are LED navigation lights tested under this standard?
For LED light sources, the standard requires the use of the spectral radiometric colorimetry method to obtain the CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates. Measurements must be taken at no fewer than 10 points within the light beam's effective divergence angle.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 12708-2020. To ensure complete compliance for your navigation aids entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 12708-2020 today to access all detailed chromaticity coordinate tables, boundary definitions, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- R63
- ICS
- 03.220.40
- Competent department
- Ministry of Transport
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Transport
Relationships
Replaces:GB 12708-1991