Article Contents
Industry Insight: Led Running Board Lights
The Rising Spec-Grade Standard for LED Running Board Lights
Why ETL/CE-Certified, Factory-Direct Supply Matters to Importers, Contractors & Fleet Specifiers
Global demand for LED running board lights has migrated from automotive accessory stores to commercial & industrial procurement lists. Pick-up fleets, utility crews, ambulance converters and refrigerated trailer OEMs now treat the step/bar light as a safety-critical, specification-grade component, not an aftermarket styling item.
This shift is driven by three hard factors:
1. Regulatory harmonisation – FMVSS-108, DOT, CE EMC and ETL/UL 8750 tests are being written into tender documents.
2. Total-cost scrutiny – fleets keep vehicles 8–10 years; a 0.2 % failure rate can erase warranty reserves.
3. Installer liability – contractors who hard-wire non-certified products carry the compliance risk.
Consequently, distributors and project managers are screening suppliers on certification depth, photometric consistency and OEM traceability—areas where “Amazon-ready” trading houses typically fail.
Market Snapshot (2023-2028 CAGR)
| Segment | Volume Growth | Price Trend | Specification Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick-up & van fleets | 11 % | −4 % /a | ETL+DOT combo |
| Off-road & agriculture | 9 % | stable | IP68 & 9-36 V input |
| Refrigerated trailers | 14 % | −3 % /a | CE EMC, 24 V system |
| Emergency converters | 12 % | stable | TUV-CE, CISPR-25 |
Source: IHS Markit Light Vehicle Aftermarket, Q4-2023
Certification ≠ Paperwork—It’s Engineering Insurance
An ETL-listed or TUV-CE marked LED running board bar has survived:
Thermal cycling −40 °C ↔ +85 °C, 500 cycles
1 kV surge on 24 V supply lines
7 V*M radiated immunity, 20-1000 MHz
IP68 2 m, 4 h with cable gland attached
Salt spray 1000 h per ASTM B117
For an importer, that translates into <0.3 % field return rate and zero border-seizure risk—a cost delta that outweighs a 5 % unit-price saving from an uncertified source.
Beauty (STC) Manufacturing Co., Ltd – Veteran OEM Since 1998
Located in Jiangmen’s high-tech zone, Beauty STC has produced LED strips, panels and exterior luminaires for 25+ years, shipping to 50+ countries under private-label and ODM contracts.
Capability Brief
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Plant area | 18 000 m² |
| SMD lines | 8 Yamaha high-speed lines (Juki TX for COB) |
| Optical lab | 2 m integrating sphere, goniophotometer, EMC 3 m chamber |
| Certifications held | ETL/cETL (US & Canada), TUV CE, RoHS, REACH, ISO9001:2015 |
| Standard warranty | 5 years on LED running board series |
| OEM/ODM MOQ | 200 pcs (mixed lengths allowed) |
All running board SKUs are tooled in-house—from SMT, silicone extrusion, over-mould cable to vacuum potting—giving distributors full BOM traceability for insurance and fleet audits.
Next Step – From Spec Sheet to First Article
Whether you tender 48-inch white/amber step lights for Amazon-type delivery vans or 70-inch sequential turn/DRL bars for refrigerated trailers, Beauty STC can lock the test protocol, label artwork and carton barcode in 3 weeks engineering cycle, followed by ETL-witnessed production and drop-ship to your 3 PL.
Contact the export engineering desk for IES files, CISPR-25 reports and pricing matrix.
[email protected] | +86-139-0288-5704
Technical Specs & Certifications (ETL/CE)
Technical Specifications & Quality Standards for Professional Applications
Core Technical Parameters for Running Board Lighting Systems
Lumen Efficacy
Lumen efficacy (lm/W) is a critical metric for energy efficiency in commercial and industrial applications. Generic market products typically deliver 80–100 lm/W, often resulting in higher operational costs and reduced system longevity. Beauty STC Lighting optimizes LED binning and driver efficiency to achieve 120–130 lm/W, ensuring maximum light output per watt while minimizing energy consumption—critical for fleet operators and contractors prioritizing total cost of ownership.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
Accurate color representation is essential for safety-critical applications like vehicle lighting. Generic products frequently exhibit CRI values of 70–80, leading to distorted color perception under low-light conditions. Beauty STC maintains a minimum CRI of 90+ through precision phosphor-coated LEDs and rigorous spectral validation, ensuring clear visibility of road hazards, signage, and vehicle components in all ambient lighting scenarios.
Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
Outdoor vehicle environments demand robust protection against dust, moisture, and temporary submersion. Standard generic units typically meet IP65 (dust-tight and resistant to water jets), but fail under prolonged exposure to heavy rain or mud. Beauty STC’s running board lights are certified to IP67, withstanding submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes—verified through standardized IEC 60529 testing—to guarantee reliability in extreme off-road, marine, or industrial conditions.
PCB Design & Thermal Management
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) architecture directly impacts thermal performance and service life. Generic solutions commonly use single-layer copper PCBs with minimal thermal management, causing LED degradation within 1–2 years due to heat buildup. Beauty STC employs double-sided copper PCBs with thermal vias and aluminum-core substrates, reducing thermal resistance by 40% compared to industry averages and extending operational lifespan beyond 50,000 hours under continuous use.
Quality Assurance Protocols for Consistent Performance
Beauty STC Lighting’s 25+ years of manufacturing expertise since 1998 underpins our commitment to industrial-grade consistency. Every batch undergoes multi-stage validation: thermal cycling (–40°C to +85°C), vibration resistance (IEC 60068-2-64), and accelerated lifespan testing (LM-80/LM-84). Our ETL (USA/Canada) and TUV CE (Europe) certifications validate compliance with global safety standards, while OEM/ODM capabilities ensure precise adherence to client specifications through documented process controls, material traceability, and 100% pre-shipment inspection.
| Specification | Generic Market Quality | Beauty STC Certified Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Lumen Efficacy | 80–100 lm/W | 120–130 lm/W |
| CRI | 70–80 | >90 (minimum) |
| IP Rating | IP65 (water jet resistance) | IP67 (submersible to 1m/30min) |
| PCB Construction | Single-layer copper, minimal thermal management | Double-layer copper with thermal vias, aluminum-core substrate |
| Certifications | Often incomplete or non-compliant | ETL (USA/Canada), TUV CE (Europe) |
| Consistency Tolerance | ±15% variation in output/color | ±3% variation via strict binning |
Note: All specifications validated through third-party testing per IEC, UL, and EN standards. Full test reports available upon request.
Factory Tour: Manufacturing Excellence
Manufacturing Process & OEM Capabilities – Jiangmen Headquarters
Our 26,000 m² plant in Jiangmen’s High-tech Industrial Zone has produced safety-critical LED assemblies since 1998. Every LED running-board light shipped to North America or the EU leaves the same line, built under dual ETL & TÜV CE quality plans and audited twice a year by Intertek and TÜV Rheinland.
SMT & Precision Assembly Line
| Work cell | Equipment | Tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCB loading | Yamaha YSM-20R 2× mounters | ±40 µm @ 3 σ | 01005– 8 mm components |
| Solder reflow | Heller 1913 MK7 10-zone | ΔT ≤ 5 °C | N₂ atmosphere for Pb-free |
| Conformal coat | PVA Delta-8 selective | 25–75 µm | IP67 gasket path masked |
| Optical QC | Koh Young 3-D AOI | 15 µm/px | Real-time SPC to ETL trace file |
| Final electrical | Chroma 8000 ATS | ±0.1 % | 100 % hi-pot & insulation |
Burn-in & Reliability Protocol
- Thermal aging: 4 h @ 85 °C powered, 2 h –40 °C un-powered (IEC 60598-2-22)
- On/off cycling: 30,000 cycles, 15 s on / 15 s off; forward current = 1.2 × rated
- Salt spray: 48 h for Al extrusion, 500 h for bracket hardware (ASTM B117)
- Vibration: 10–500 Hz, 5 g, 3 axes, 2 h (MIL-STD-810G for commercial vehicle)
Failure rate target: ≤ 0.2 % in first 5,000 h; data logged to 18-digit serial number.
OEM / ODM Customisation Matrix
| Parameter | Standard Offer | Custom Range | MOQ | Tooling Lead-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 48 in / 60 in | 200 – 2,500 mm | 100 pcs | 7 days |
| LED pitch | 20 mm | 8 – 40 mm | 100 pcs | none (program change) |
| CCT | 6,000 K + 3,000 K switch-back | 2,200 – 6,500 K selectable per segment | 100 pcs | bin-code reservation |
| Lumen density | 1,200 lm/m | up to 2,400 lm/m (3 W LED) | 200 pcs | aluminium width + thermal sim. |
| Optics | PC frost | PMMA clear / micro-prism / black-out lens | 500 pcs | extrusion die 10 days |
| PCB colour | White solder mask | Black / red / custom logo print | 100 pcs | silk-screen 3 days |
| Cable exit | 300 mm pigtail | Deutsch, AMP, or JST position on request | 100 pcs | cable-form jig 2 days |
| Package | Brown export carton | Retail box, sleeve, Amazon FBA label | 100 pcs | auto-folder 5 days |
All custom builds are compiled into a controlled BOM and entered into our ERP within 24 h; first article inspection report (FAIR) supplied with sample photos and I-V curve.
Compliance & Documentation Bundles
ETL cETLus file 5020278, UL 2108 & CSA C22.2 #250.0 for 12 V & 24 V systems
TÜV CE, EN 55015 / 61547, EN 61000-3-2, RoHS 2011/65/EU, REACH 219 SVHC
TM-21 L70 report, ISTMT for high-density variants (available for distributor submittals)
PPAP level 3 on request for tier-1 truck outfitters
Capacity & Lead-times (2024)
| Quarter | SMT lines | Daily output | OEM slot lead-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3-Q4 | 6 (2 fully NPI) | 8,000 m PCB | 3–4 weeks FOB Shenzhen |
Need a project-specific length, colour temperature or connector interface? Send your CAD or lighting schedule to [email protected]; our NPI team will return a DFM checklist and formal quotation within 48 h.
Installation & Application Scenarios
Strategic Application Scenarios for LED Running Board Lights
LED running board lights are engineered for high-reliability applications in demanding environments where safety, durability, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. As a certified manufacturer with 25+ years of industrial lighting expertise (established 1998), Beauty STC Lighting delivers solutions tailored to global commercial, emergency, and industrial requirements. Below are key application scenarios and technical best practices for contractors and project managers.
Commercial Vehicle & Fleet Applications
Commercial fleets require lighting that enhances operational safety while meeting stringent regulatory standards. LED running board lights serve critical functions:
Cargo Handling Safety: Illuminating loading zones to prevent slips, trips, and falls during nighttime operations.
Regulatory Compliance: FMVSS 108 compliance for side marker lights on trucks and trailers in North America.
Visibility Enhancement: Reducing blind spots during maneuvering in congested urban environments.
Beauty STC’s ETL-certified running board lights feature aerospace-grade aluminum housings and IP67-rated construction, ensuring resilience against vibration, road debris, and weather extremes. Our OEM capabilities support custom configurations for fleet-specific requirements, including CAN bus integration and color temperature optimization.
Emergency & Service Vehicles
Emergency response vehicles demand lighting that adheres to strict safety protocols while maintaining operational reliability during critical missions. Key applications include:
SAE J845-Compliant Strobe Patterns: Customizable sequential amber/white flash sequences for fire/rescue vehicles.
EU Emergency Vehicle Standards: TUV CE-certified configurations meeting EN 1589 requirements for ambulances and police units.
Dual-Functionality: Simultaneous running lights and emergency signaling without compromising beam uniformity.
All products undergo thermal cycling tests (-40°C to +85°C) and vibration resistance validation per IEC 60068-2-6. Beauty STC’s technical team provides compliance documentation for regional certification submissions.
Recreational & Off-Road Vehicles
RV and off-road operators require lighting that withstands extreme environmental stressors while supporting extended off-grid use:
All-Weather Durability: IP67 sealing protects against mud, sand, and submersion during river crossings or coastal travel.
Battery Efficiency: Low power draw (3–5W per foot) preserves electrical system integrity during prolonged camping.
Customizable Aesthetics: RGB or dual-color (white/amber) options for personalized vehicle styling without sacrificing functionality.
Beauty STC’s military-grade PCB designs and silicone encapsulation ensure consistent performance in high-shock environments, with certifications for Australian AS/NZS 60598 and Japanese JIS standards.
Industrial & Logistics Operations
Warehousing, cargo terminals, and shipping yards demand lighting that meets OSHA and IEC safety requirements for industrial facilities:
Loading Dock Safety: Illuminating cargo transfer zones to comply with OSHA 1910.176(b) illumination standards.
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel mounting hardware and epoxy-coated PCBs for saltwater exposure in marine logistics.
Modular Scalability: 100mm incremental length customization for trailer and container integration.
Our products are tested per IEC 60598-2-1 for industrial luminaires, with thermal management systems maintaining 95% lumen retention at 50,000 hours.
Installation Best Practices for Contractors
Mounting Considerations
Proper installation ensures longevity and performance in high-stress environments:
Surface Preparation: Clean mounting surfaces with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove oils and contaminants.
Adhesive vs. Mechanical Mounting:
High-vibration scenarios (e.g., commercial trucks): Use stainless steel brackets with M3 screws and Loctite 243 threadlocker.
Curved surfaces (e.g., RV body panels): Apply 3M VHB tape with 24-hour curing time and 50psi pressure during installation.
Alignment Precision: Use laser guides for uniform spacing; tolerance ±1mm for visual continuity.
Beauty STC provides CAD templates and installation guides with all OEM orders to simplify complex geometries.
Electrical Integration
Correct wiring prevents system failures and ensures compliance with global standards:
Wire Gauge Selection:
≤5m runs: 18 AWG stranded copper wire.
5m runs: 16 AWG to maintain voltage stability (max 0.5V drop).
Fusing Requirements: Install 5A in-line fuses per SAE J1171 standards on positive leads.
Waterproof Connections: Use heat-shrink terminals with silicone sealant or IP68-rated Deutsch DT connectors for exposed junctions.
All Beauty STC products feature polarity-marked connectors and pre-terminated leads to reduce installation errors. Technical support is available for CAN bus or multiplexed system integration.
Compliance & Safety Standards
Global projects require adherence to region-specific certifications:
| Region | Certification Standard | Key Requirements |
|——–|————————|——————|
| North America | ETL (UL 1598, FMVSS 108) | Lumen maintenance >70% at 50,000h; dielectric strength ≥1,500V |
| Europe | TUV CE (EN 60598-2-1) | IP67 ingress protection; flicker-free operation (<5% flicker index) |
| Australia | AS/NZS 60598.2.1 | Salt spray test (1,000h); UV resistance per ISO 4892-2 |
Beauty STC provides batch-specific test reports and RoHS/REACH compliance certificates upon request. Our 25+ years of export experience ensures seamless certification alignment for all target markets.
Product Specification Overview
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP67 (dust-tight; 1m water immersion for 30 mins) |
| Voltage Range | 12V DC / 24V DC (auto-sensing) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Lumen Output | 120–180 lm/W (depending on model) |
| Color Options | White (6000K), Amber (590nm), RGB, Dual-Color (White+Amber) |
| Customization | Length (100mm increments), flash patterns, connectors, housings |
Beauty STC Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has delivered certified industrial LED solutions since 1998. Our OEM/ODM capabilities support global project requirements with technical documentation and compliance certifications for all major markets.
Contact: [email protected] | +86 13902885704
Address: 41st, Caihong Road, High-tech Industrial Zone, Jianghai District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong, China
Why Choose Beauty STC Lighting
Partner with Beauty STC Lighting – Industrial-Grade LED Running Board Solutions
Factory Credentials You Can Specify With Confidence
| Item | Verified Data |
|---|---|
| Plant Established | 1998 – 25 consecutive years ISO-tracked production |
| Certifications (file-ready) | ETL/cETL (US & Canada), TÜV CE / RoHS / REACH (EU), SAA (Australia), KC (Korea) |
| Export Record | 50+ countries, recurring shipments to EU, NAFTA, CIS, ASEAN, Oceania |
| Production Lines | 6 SMT lines (Yamaha & Juki), 3 IP67 silicone-extrusion lines, in-house EMC & integrating-sphere lab |
| OEM/ODM MOQ | 300 pcs per SKU (blank label) / 100 pcs (custom label & packaging) |
Engineering Capabilities for Running Board Programs
| Technical Module | Beauty STC Standard | Customizable Range |
|---|---|---|
| LED Source | 2835, 3-in-1 RGB or 3030 automotive bin | 2216, CSP, 5050, addressable |
| Board Structure | 1 oz double-layer FR4, 3 M VHB tape underside | ALU MCPCB, FPC, hybrid rigid-flex |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 (full silicone sleeve) | IP68, IP69K on request |
| Optics | 120° clear silicone | 60°–160°, milky or diffused |
| Voltage Input | 12 Vdc | 9–36 Vdc, 24 Vac, 48 V PoE |
| Compliance | CISPR-25 / ISO-7637, SAE J1113 | ECE R10, ADR, JIS D 5550 |
| Length Segments | 48-in / 60-in / 70-in standard | Cuttable every 25 mm or 50 mm |
| Signal Channels | White courtesy + amber sequential turn | RGB, strobe, brake, reverse, logo projection |
Why Global Specifiers Embed Beauty STC in BOMs
- Single-source liability: From 0.2 W SMD to 200 W linear array, all produced under one Jiangmen campus—traceability lot codes printed on every PCB.
- Pre-shipment compliance bundle: ETL test report, TÜV CE DoC, LM-80 snapshot, TM-21 projection, and RoHS material list shipped with every lot—no third-party add-on fees.
- 25-year failure database: Real-time SPC trending since 2004; MTBF report available for insurance-grade projects.
- Logistics-ready packaging: 5-layer kraft + molded EPE, pallet height ≤1.1 m, FBA and NVOCC labels pre-applied; 40 HQ load 1,200 ctns (≈ 28 km strip).
Next Step for Distributors, Contractors & Architects
Send your drawing, photometric target or vehicle CAD. Our PE team returns a DFM + driver spec within 48 h, including wire-harness routing and Deutsch connector part numbers.
Contact the export engineering desk:
[email protected]
+86-139 0288 5704 (WhatsApp/WeChat)
Beauty (STC) Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
41th Caihong Road, Hi-tech Zone, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
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