Faq - Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions about Toplight products

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Lighting

What is a canbus?

A Canbus is a component that provides electric resistance thereby increasing the load on the circuit. The reduced absorption of LEDs on the circuit causes the “bulb out” warning issue in cars with Canbus diagnostics. The resistors are used simulate the missing load, thereby preventing error messages

What is a warning canceller?

A warning canceller is a device with a capacitor inside, which stores electricity and releases it at a steady rate. The build-up of electricity within the capacitor also creates a load on the circuit that helps prevent the “bulb out” warning from turning on.

How do i know when install a canbus or a warning canceller?

There isn’t a strict rule for when to use a CAN bus or a canceller. It depends on the car and its on-board features. In other words, you need to try to see if you need one or the other.

Proceed as follows: try connecting to the current before installing the kit. If you notice any anomalies, such as switching off of the light, flashing or check control on, Perform the following 2 tests: install a CAN bus; if this does not solve the problem, try a canceller. In some rare cases, you actually need to use both.

What are Kelvin degrees?

Each light source has its specific colour. The colour temperature is measured in Kelvin degrees (K). For example the average daylight colour temperature is 5,500K and its colour is blue. The average colour temperature of a halogen bulb is 3,200K and its colour is yellow-orange. The colour temperature of a LED bulb is approximately 6000K, which is the closest to the sun’s.

Scala temperatura colore

WHat does warm light and coll light mean?

When we talk about warm light, we are actually referring to a colour with a low colour temperature and vice-versa. The reason for this definition is merely psychological, since the human mind tends to associate colours such as orange and yellow with the idea of warm and colours, such as white or blue, with the idea of cool.

What are Lumens?

Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by bulbs at 360 degrees. The more light is emitted and the higher the number of Lumens

What is a Lux?

The lux (symbol: lx) is the SI derived unit of illuminance. It is equal to one lumen per square metre

What's the difference between Lux and Lumen?

Lux and Lumens are two different measurement units. Lux measures the illuminance, while lumens measure the luminous flux.

A flux of 1000 lumens, concentrated on an area measuring one square metre, lights up that square metre with an illuminance of 1000 lux. However, the same 1000 lumens spread out over a screen measuring ten square metres produce a dimmer illuminance of only 100 lux.

Therefore, the illuminance measured in lux refers to the illuminated object, not the source. This is essential because it determines how much a source can light up a body or a surface

Why is it important to replace the intermittence when installing LEDs in direction indicators?

LED bulbs feature a lower current absorption. When you install them on a car instead of traditional indicator bulbs, the control unit could receive a “bulb out” signal. To warn the driver about the anomaly, when the direction indicator is activated, the original intermittence increases the intermittence frequency. Therefore, to return to the original frequency, you need to replace the intermittence.

I can’t find the Xenon kits for my car in the catalogue?

The catalogue includes pre-assembled H7 or H4 xenon conversion kits. If your car has different bulbs, you can still assemble the kit using the ballasts sold separately in a double pack and matching them to the bulb (H1, H3, H8, H9, H11, H13, H27, HB5, etc.)

Wiper blades

What are the pros and cons of a metal wiper blade?

The advantage of metal wiper blades is that their secondary levers, which run along their entire length, keeps the rubber pressed down evenly along the length of the entire wiper. On the other hand, due to their construction, metal wiper blades are not very aerodynamic, so when you travel at high speed they may lift off from the glass, thereby losing their effectiveness.

What are the pros and cons of a flat wiper blade?

Flat wiper blades have a high drag coefficient because of their flatness and their aerodynamic structure. When activated, they press against the windscreen by means of the metal spine they have inside. However, the longer the blade and the more it loses effectiveness at the ends.

What is a hybrid wiper blade?

Hybrid wiper blades combine the aerodynamic shape of a flat blade with the construction of a conventional wiper.

What are the advantages of a hybrid wiper blade?

Hybrid wiper blades are recommended because they combine the advantages of flat blades (excellent aerodynamic coefficient) and metal ones (excellent adherence to the windscreen along the entire length of the blade) without any of their disadvantages. This type of blade is now fitted as a standard by many automakers.

Can I replace metal wiper blades with flat or hybrid ones?

Of course, you can. Both have an adapter for the hook-shaped arm used to install conventional metal blades.

Can I replace OE flat wiper blades with TOPLIGHT hybrid ones?

Yes, of course you can. Toplight hybrid wiper blades are equipped with 9 adapters to allow them to be used on 16 different arm types, which means 99% of vehicles on European roads.

The wiper blades’ size in cm is not the same as the ones I had before

Sometimes, the size in cm shown on the packaging does not correspond to the other sizes (e.g. 41 cm vs 40 cm or 38 cm vs 39 cm). Wiper blades are actually measured in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm). Therefore, the size in cm is always rounded up or rounded down.

What is the spine of a wiper blade?

Conventional, flat, and hybrid wiper blades all have a metal spine, which is the core of their structure. A good spine is made of spring steel to made it flexible and ensure its pressure against the windscreen to prevent lift-off when the blade is activated.

Regulations and approvals

What are SAE standards?

SAE International (SAE) is a standard development body in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial-vehicle industries. It is based in Troy, Michigan (USA).

SAE International develops engineering standards for motor vehicles of any kind, including cars, trucks, ships, and aircraft.

SAE standards also apply to wiper blades, which undergo the following tests:

  • OZONE EXPOSURE TEST
    No cracks should be visible under a magnifying glass, 72 hours after exposure to ozone.
  • SALT FOG TEST
    No rust should be detected on the wiper blades 245 hours after exposure to salt fog.
  • TEMPERATURE TEST
    Wiper blades should work properly at a temperature ranging from -40 °C to 70 °C.
  • AGEING AND CHEMICAL RESISTANCE TESTS
  • RUBBER DURABILITY TEST
    Result: elongation coefficient > 350%
  • LIFE TEST IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS:
    – 75% effective wipe after 500,000 cycles
    – still working after 1,500,000 cycles
  • WATER TRACE TEST: after 500,000 cycles
    – no leaks or jumping
    – water smearing: no more than two smears
What is the ECE standard?

The ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) standard provides a set of internationally recognised technical regulations for motor vehicles and their accessories.

This standard has also been approved by a few non-European countries, such as Japan.

What is the ECE R37 Marking?

ECE R37 is the EU regulation that ensures the performance standards of filament bulbs.

This regulation applies to most exterior lights used across Europe. Only bulbs with this marking can be used on European roads.

Off-road vehicles are exempted, while HID bulbs have their own standard of reference, which is ECE R99.

Are LEDs type-approved?

No, LEDs are not ECE-approved for road use. According to the regulations in force, they can only be used for interior lighting or off-road use.

News

Toplight at Autpromotec 2022
Network / Events

Toplight at Autpromotec 2022

TopLight will be at Bologna's Autopromotec 2022 from 25 till 28 May, at Pad 14 Stand E 32

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