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    ASTM E809 - 08(2013)

    Standard Practice for Measuring Photometric Characteristics of Retroreflectors

    Active Standard ASTM E809 | Developed by Subcommittee: E12.10

    Book of Standards Volume: 06.01

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    Significance and Use

    5.1 This practice describes procedures used to measure photometric quantities that relate to the visual perception of retroreflected light. The most significant usage is in the relation to the nighttime vehicle headlamp, retroreflector, and driver's eye geometry. For this reason the CIE Standard Source A is used to represent a tungsten vehicle headlamp and the receptor has the photopic, V (λ), spectral responsivity corresponding to the light adapted human eye. Although the geometry must be specified by the user, it will, in general, correspond to the relation between the vehicle headlamp, the retroreflector, and the vehicle driver's eye position.

    1. Scope

    1.1 This practice describes the general procedures for instrumental measurement of the photometric characteristics of retroreflective materials and retroreflective devices.

    1.2 This practice is a comprehensive guide to the photometry of retroreflectors but does not include geometric terms that are described in Practice E808.

    1.3 This practice describes the parameters that are required when stating photometric measurements in specific tests and specifications for retroreflectors.

    1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

    1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.


    2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

    ASTM Standards

    E284 Terminology of Appearance

    E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System

    E808 Practice for Describing Retroreflection

    CIE Documents

    CIE Publication No. 69-1987 Methods of Characterizing Illuminance Meters and Luminance Meters

    ICS Code

    ICS Number Code 17.180.20 (Colours and measurement of light)

    UNSPSC Code

    UNSPSC Code 41115311(Photometers)

    Referencing This Standard
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    DOI: 10.1520/E0809-08R13

    Citation Format

    ASTM E809-08(2013), Standard Practice for Measuring Photometric Characteristics of Retroreflectors, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013, www.astm.org

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