M-TECH expands its range of Black Series long-range and reversing lights.
M-TECH has always relied on products created using the highest quality components, such as branded diodes and the latest, often innovative solutions. With the development and advancement of technology, the traditional halogen accessory work lamps began to be replaced by products incorporating the latest light sources in the form of LEDs. As a result, products in this segment have become slimmer and at the same time much more efficient in terms of, for example, luminous flux.
M-TECH is introducing brand new models of driving lights from the BLACK series and another model of reversing lamp. The first of the novelties is an LED Driving Light with a classic round shape and the most popular size of 9'' (220mm). The other three WLBC162, WLBC164 and WLBC166 are driving lights of the lightbar type in the most popular market sizes of 11.2'' (283mm), 14.5'' (367mm) and 21.1'' (534mm). What all models have in common is that they have a parking light function. The last novelty is the WLR242 model, which is a 2.9'' (73x97/73x31mm) square reversing lamp.
All the models being introduced have ECE R149 and ECE R23 road homologation, making them legal for use on public roads in the European Union. Of course, the new lamps are compatible with both 12V and 24V installations.
BLACK series - what is it...
Back in 2020, to meet market expectations, M-TECH introduced the BLACK series of driving lights. The unwavering popularity of the products in this range of lights has led M-TECH to expand the range with the addition of further models of LED long-range lights WLBC162, WLBC164, WLBC166 and WLBC167. All novelties feature an additional parking light function, which distinguishes them from the already available models in M-TECH's range. It is worth mentioning that all models of the Black range fulfil another aspect that is very important to the end user, namely the appearance. The unconventional design, which includes the effect of smoked glass obtained through the use of appropriate optical techniques, is an unquestionable asset, which further distinguishes them from the competition.
WLBC167…
The WLBC167 represents the segment of LED long-range lamps with the most classic round shape that has been on the market forever. The lamp has been manufactured with the best available components and using the latest technology such as LEDs. As a result, it has been possible to construct the lamp in such a way as to dissipate heat as much as possible while making maximum use of the LEDs themselves. The light source is four very powerful LEDs, two at 20W and two at 40W. This has made it possible to achieve a luminous flux of 11,000lm maximum, which provides an excellent beam of light illuminating the road in front of the vehicle. This guarantees safety, as it allows you to react more quickly to possible dangers even on very dark and narrow roads.
The WLBC167 meets all the homologation standards of the R149 Directive, as confirmed by ECE homologation, which allows it to be used legally on public roads in the European Union. The lamp also has ECE R10 certification, which is a guarantee that the product does not cause electromagnetic field interference (e.g. radio). The WLBC167 is IP67 and IP69K rated, guaranteeing reliability even in the harshest conditions. The lamp is equipped with a BOOST function, which further amplifies the light beam (please note that this can only be used off-road). Like the other models already available in the range, the WLBC167 is distinguished by a smoked glass effect giving it an unparalleled character.
The WLBC167 is also equipped with an X-shaped parking light, which adds to the character of the lamp itself. The icing on the cake is the M-TECH company logo in the centre, which is also illuminated along with the parking light function. This distinctive feature leaves no doubt as to which logo the WLBC167 lamp originates from.
A mounting bracket is included along with the necessary components in the form of screws and nuts.
WLBC162, WLBC164 and WLBC166…
The WLBC162, WLBC164 and WLBC166 are a family of driving lights belonging to the lightbar type. They are characterized by a narrow shape in the form of a single row beam. The models have been selected to meet the needs of the end users of this type of product as much as possible. All three models are ECE R149 approved, allowing them to be used legally on public roads throughout the European Union, and ECE R10 certified, ensuring that they do not interfere with the vehicle's electromagnetic field. The materials used in the manufacturing process and the design of the lamps have resulted in a protection level and water resistance class of IP67 and an IP69K certificate guaranteeing additional protection against high pressure and high temperature. All this means that they can be used without hindrance even in the most difficult conditions.
In addition, all of the above models are equipped with a parking light function. A feature that distinguishes the WLBC162, WLBC164 and WLBC166 models is that the parking light switches on and off dynamically (the luminous flux runs from the right to the left and back again and then begins to shine in a steady light).
The WLBC162
is the shortest lamp in the range. With dimensions of 283x54x58mm, this model is ideal for vehicles where there is not much space to install additional accessory lighting of this type. The lamp is equipped with 9 HP (High Power) LEDs of 5W each, making a total of 45W. This has resulted in a maximum luminous flux of 3780lm, which, with its small size, puts it at the forefront of this type of product available on the market in this respect.
The WLBC164
model is the second lamp to be introduced. Similarly to the WLBC164, its dimensions of 367x54x58mm have been selected to meet the needs of the largest possible group of users of this type of product. Responsible for the source of light are 5W High Power diodes from renowned manufacturers, in an amount of 12, which gives a total power of 60W and allows a luminous flux of max. 5040lm. For a product of such small dimensions, this is an impressive result.
The WLBC166
The longest and also the most powerful of the presented models is the WLBC166. Its dimensions are 534x54x58mm and, like the WLBC162 and WLBC164, it is equipped with extremely efficient 5W High Power LEDs. The lamp has 18 such LED chips, which makes its output 90W and the amount of light emitted reaches up to max. 7650lm. Until now, such values were reserved for long-range lamps of much larger dimensions.
The kit includes two mounting brackets with the necessary components in the form of screws and nut.
WLR reversing lamps
The latest addition to the range is the WLR242 model, which joins the family of approved reversing lamps, the WLR228 and WLR243 models. It is a lamp with a classic square shape, and in the production process the best materials and components were used, which are a guarantee of the highest quality and reliability. The light source consists of 5 HP (High Power) LEDs with a capacity of 1.5W, which allows for a luminous flux of max. 950lm, ensuring excellent visibility during the reversing manoeuvre regardless of the time (e.g. night), unfavourable conditions (e.g. fog, heavy rain) or location (e.g. narrow and cramped streets). The size of the lamp itself is 2.9'' (73x97/73x31mm), which makes it probably the smallest ECE R23-approved lamp of this type available on the market (the R23 directive contains precise guidelines as to what parameters this type of lamp should meet in order not to pose a danger to other road users). The WLR242 is also ECE R10 certified, which guarantees that the product does not cause electromagnetic field interference (e.g. radio). The WLR242 has an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning it is completely dustproof and highly water resistant. The IP68 standard guarantees complete protection against the ingress of dust. In addition, unless otherwise marked in the user manual, an IP68 device is resistant to splashing, rain and deliberate total immersion.
Two mounting brackets are included, along with the necessary components in the form of screws and nuts.
In summary
As a leader in the automotive lighting industry, M-TECH has always listened to the needs of the market, which, combined with its Research & Development department and engineering team, has resulted in products of the highest quality, often incorporating the latest innovative solutions. The WLBC167, WLBC162, WLBC164 and WLBC166 models represent a new opening in the BLACK series driving lights segment. Thanks to the additional function of the parking light, which in the WLBC167 takes the form of an 'X' with an illuminated M-TECH logo, while in the WLBC162, WLBC164 and WLBC166 it comes in the form of a strip located at the bottom of the lamp, which additionally switches on and off dynamically. This gives a unique character to each of the lamps mentioned. In addition, the smoked glass effect that is characteristic of the entire BLACK series sets them apart from similar products available on shop shelves. The WLR242 model completes the range of reversing lamps in the M-TECH range and is probably the smallest lamp of this type available on the market.
All models introduced meet the homologation standards provided for in the R23 and R149 directives, which is confirmed by ECE homologation, allowing them to be legally used on public roads in the European Union. The lamps also have the ECE R10 certificate, which is a guarantee that the product does not cause electromagnetic field interference (e.g. radio). The materials used in the manufacturing process and the construction of the lamps have resulted in a degree of protection and a water resistance class of IP67, IP68 and IP69 (depending on the model) guaranteeing additional protection against dust, water, high pressure and high temperature. All of this means that they can be used without hindrance even in the most difficult conditions. Of course, the new lights are compatible with both 12V and 24V installations.
When installing this type of lighting, it is important to comply with the current regulations arising from the R149 and R23 standards. According to these, cars and lorries may be fitted with a maximum of four and six high-beam headlamps respectively, mounted in pairs, in the designated areas. In the case of reversing lights, a car weighing up to 3.5 tonnes may have two such lamps, while a maximum of four may be fitted to vehicles above 3.5 tonnes. In all cases, the total number of accessory lamps fitted also includes the headlamps and lamps factory fitted to the vehicle.
It is worth mentioning at this point the EU directive R10, which is inseparable from driving lights and work lamps. On the market, you can find products offered as approved lamps with the characteristic letter "E" printed in a circle next to which there is information on which directive (regulation number, e.g. R10). Unfortunately, very often ECE R10 is confused with road homologation R149. The problem is that R10 (ECE R10) only means that the device in question does not emit an electromagnetic field that could interfere with other electrical and electronic equipment in the vehicle. It is not, however, a certification that allows the lamp in question to be used legally on the roads of the European Union.
Bartłomiej Szternal
Product Manager