What is the ANSI C136.31-2023 Testing Standard?

Latest Standard | National Standard for Roadway and Area Lighting Fixtures in the U.S. – Vibration NEMA ANSI C136.31-2023 Standard Interpretation

1. Test Scope:

   This standard covers the minimum vibration resistance and vibration testing methods for roadway and area lighting fixtures. It does not apply to natural or catastrophic disasters.

2. Vibration Impact on Roadway and Area Lighting in Actual Use:

   a. Vibration caused by wind.

   b. Vibration caused by passing vehicles.

3. Test Methods:

   3.1 Resonant Frequency Search:

   - Frequency Range (Hz): 2-30

   - Acceleration (g): 0.2

   - Sweep Rate (oct/min): 1

   - Test Axes: X, Y, Z

   In other words: Within the frequency range of 2-30 Hz, with an acceleration of 0.2 g and a sweep rate of 1 octave per minute, the resonant frequencies of the fixture in the three axes (X/Y/Z) are measured. The most severe frequency is then used for the durability test (resonant frequency).

   3.2 Fixed Frequency Durability Test:

   - Test Frequency: The resonant frequency measured in 3.1; if no resonant frequency is found, 30 Hz is used.

   - Acceleration: Select from Table 1/Table 2, typically 3 g.

   - Number of Tests: 100,000 cycles.

   Test Time: T = N / 60f, where N is the number of tests and f is the test frequency.

   For example: If the resonant frequency is measured as 6.95 Hz, then the test time T = 4 hours.

4. Practical Case:

   (The image below shows a dedicated fixture for street lights, simulating the actual installation state.)