What is Meant by PC-Rated Trailer Lighting and When Are This Type Required

Updated 05/16/2014 | Published 05/15/2014

Question:

I am updating all lights on my over 80inch utility trailer to meet federal guidelines. Some lights say pc rated and others are non pc rated. What is that and do I need rated lights.

asked by: Ed B

Expert Reply:

The term PC-Rated in reference to trailer lighting means Photometrically Certified. What this means in actual practice is that a light fixture is viewable from a 90-degree angle. Other non-PC-rated lights are considered to be viewable from a 45 degree angle.

The PC-rated 90-degree viewable angle can be built-in to a light fixture (as in the case of a PC-rated light) or it can be achieved by mounting a non-PC-rated light such as # A91AB on the trailer in such a way that is can be seen from both the side of the trailer and either the front or rear.

Mandatory requirements for lighting on trailers over 80-inches are a minimum of 2 red rear clearance lamps placed symmetrically at the widest point; exactly 3 red rear ID lamps centered horizontally and spaced from 6- to 12-inches apart; and a minimum of 2 amber front-facing clearance lamps placed symmetrically and a high as possible.

expert reply by: Adam R