The new european standard EN 16662-1
Road safety is a top priority worldwide. To ensure the protection of vehicles and their users, specific regulations are developed that set standards for various automotive components and devices.
One of these relevant standards is the EN 16662:2020 standard for additional traction devices. In this article, we will explore this standard in detail and understand its importance in ensuring the safe and effective use of supplementary traction devices.
What is the EN 16662-1 about?
EN 16662-1:2020 is a technical standard developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) for supplementary grip devices used in motor vehicles. The standard sets out the safety and performance requirements that these devices must meet in order to comply with European regulations.
Objectives
The EN 16662-1 was created with several main objectives:
- Safety: The standard focuses on the safety of supplementary traction devices, ensuring that they are designed and constructed in such a way that they do not compromise the stability, manoeuvrability and structural integrity of the vehicle.
- Performance: The standard defines minimum requirements for the performance of supplementary traction devices, ensuring that they are able to provide the required level of supplementary traction without adversely affecting the vehicle’s other driving characteristics.
- Compatibility: The standard also addresses the compatibility of supplementary traction devices with motor vehicles. This includes aspects such as dimensions, installation and interaction with other vehicle components.
Key requirements of EN 16662-1
EN 16662-1:2020 sets out several requirements that supplementary drive devices must meet in order to be compliant.
Some of the key requirements include:
- Structural strength: Supplementary drive devices must be designed and constructed to withstand high loads and stresses without failure or deformation.
- Weather protection: Supplementary drive devices must be resistant to environmental conditions such as rain, snow, mud and extreme temperatures.
- Fastening systems: Supplementary drive devices must be equipped with a secure and reliable fastening system to ensure adequate stability during use.
- Electromagnetic compatibility: Supplementary drive devices must be designed so that they do not interfere with the vehicle’s electronic systems and must be immune to external interference.
- Instructions for use: Supplementary drive devices must be supplied with clear instructions for installation, use and maintenance to ensure correct and safe use.
Main differences versus the previous standards O-Norm V5117 and UNI 11313
Apart from the strictly technical aspects of performance and resistance, the real innovation introduced by the standard is the openness towards devices with non-metallic constructions, such as GoSoft textile devices.
The EN 16662-1 standard is an important reference for manufacturers of additional traction devices. Compliance with this standard ensures that such devices are designed and manufactured to high standards of safety and performance. Vehicle users can rely on these devices to improve traction in adverse road conditions while maintaining vehicle stability and safety.
By choosing GoSoft snow socks, you are assured of purchasing a tested and certified device that fully complies with legal requirements.
