SAE Class Ratings

Back-Up Alarms

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed performance standards for electric back-up alarms that are intended for use on heavy construction machinery. The chart below shows the decibel level established for each of six classes defined in SAE standard J944. The sound level tolerance for each class is +/- 4dB(A). Alarms conforming to SAE J944 must also meet additional criteria relating to sound frequency, temperature range and resistance to rain, vibration and corrosion.

Class	Sound Level
A	112 dB(A)
B	107 dB(A)
C	97 dB(A)
D	87 dB(A)
E	77 dB(A)
F	Other

Strobe Beacons

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed performance standards for 360° gaseous discharge (strobe) warning lamps. the chart below shows the three classes defined is SAE Standard J1318 and their intended use.Each class is defined by specific photometric criteria for flash brightness and distribution that are to complex and numerous to be listed here. Beacons conforming to SAE J1318 must also meet additional criteria relating to housing durability,temperature range and resistance to rain, vibration and corrosion.

Class	Intended Function
1	Emergency Response
2	Warning
3	Identification