Reflective Engineer and High Intensity Grade Chevrons and Striping Tapes for Fire Apparatus - NFPA 1901
Beginning in 2009 Fire Trucks and Emergency vehicles will be subject to new standards for retro reflective striping. The new standards call for reflectivity levels of type I or better. Type I is also referred to as engineer grade reflective and is the most affordable class of tape. Type III is known as high intensity reflective tape and is more expensive but still relatively affordable. We carry both of these types of reflective tapes in yellow and red and in both 4" and 6" by 150 foot rolls. The two tapes are further described below. The specifics of the new regulation are as follows:
NFPA 1901 Standards For Retro Reflective Striping on Fire Trucks and Emergency Vehicles
15.9.3* Reflective Striping.
15.9.3.1* A retroreflective stripe(s) shall be affixed to at least 50 percent of the cab and body length on each side, and at least 25 percent of the width of the front of the apparatus.
15.9.3.1.1 The stripe or combination of stripes shall be a minimum of 4 in. (100 mm) in total width.
15.9.3.1.2 A graphic design shall be permitted to replace all or part of the required striping material if the design or combination thereof covers at least the same perimeter length(s) required by 15.9.3.1.
15.9.3.2 At least of 50% of the rear vertical surfaces of the apparatus shall be equipped with a minimum 4 inch alternating YELLOW and RED chevron retroreflective striping sloping downward and away from the centerline of the vehicle at an angle of 45 degrees.
15.9.3.3 All retroreflective material required by 15.9.3.1 and 15.9.3.2 shall conform to the requirements of ASTM D 4956, Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, Type I or better.
A.15.9.3 The purchaser should specify whether the striping required under this standard will be provided by the manufacturer on delivery of the apparatus, or will be installed by the purchaser or its designee following delivery. In any event, the required striping must be installed before the unit is placed in emergency service.
A.15.9.3.1 If the purchaser specifies roll-up doors, they should consider affixing a strip of reflective material to the rail area below the door. If the purchaser specifies vertically hinged compartment doors, they should consider affixing 4 in.(100 mm) minimum width reflective stripes or chevron-type reflective stripes on the inside of the doors
Engineer grade or Type I reflective tape has no pattern on top and is simply a solid color to the naked eye. When light strikes the tape it is reflected back to the source and the tape appears to light up. Engineer grade tapes typically reflect at a rate of about 75 candlepower for white and less for other colors.
This is the same material that you would typically find on a speed limit or stop sign. It is also very popular on emergency vehicles and makes up most of the reflective lettering that you see. We carry the flexible engineer grade version because it will stretch making it perfect for applications on vehicles.
High intensity reflective tape is characterized by a honeycomb pattern and is also referred to as encapsulated lens reflective tape. Within each honeycomb there are concentrations of glass beads. Many more per square centimeter than engineer grade tape. This concentration of glass beads creates a much brighter tape. High Intensity tapes give off around 250 candlepower for the white and less for other colors. Traffic cones and road barrels use this material as well as many brighter street signs. Many fire departments prefer the high intensity type III material because it can be seen from further away.
Click Here for High Intensity Type III Reflective Tape in 4" or 6" Widths
Click Here for Engineer Grade Type I Reflective Tape in 4" Widths
Click Here for Engineer Grade Type I Reflective Tape in 6" Widths
If you have any questions about which tape is right for your application or need samples feel free to email me at steve@colebrothers.com
Steve Cole - Owner
850-934-3157
