M1 Testing Q&A

What is M1 testing?

M1 testing is a safety test that provides certification to show the seat or seat accessory meets European standards for strength and crash safety in passenger vehicles

Who can conduct M1 testing?

M1 testing is conducted by trained engineers in specialist laboratories certified by the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency)

How is M1 testing conducted for a swivel plate?

M1 testing is carried out by fitting the swivel plate to the seat as it would be in the travelling position, if the vehicle seat uses a seat-box this needs form part of the test as well, the unit as a whole is then attached to a specialist test rig and is subjected to predetermined crash-like forces (as set out in Regulation ECE R14) the anchor points and seatbelts are loaded with a predetermined force based on the weight of the seat-box, swivel plate, seat and seat occupant(s) frames and seatbelts are pulled with high loads to check they can safely withstand the stresses of a collision. 

What is the difference between regulations ECE R14, ECE R16 and ECE R17?

It gets a bit more complicated here! ECE R14 is the foundation of seat safety ensuring seats and fixings can withstand crash forces, ECE R16 focuses more on the seatbelts themselves whereas ECE R17 concentrates on the unit as a whole and how it interacts with the vehicle itself, ECE R14 can be conducted outside of the vehicle on a surrogate floor, ECR R17 must be conducted inside a vehicle shell which allows for additional data to be collected.

Do I need R14, R16 and R17 to be legal and compliant?

This is a complicated question and the answer varies depending on the country or state for which the item in question will be used in. In the UK seats/swivel plates tested to R14 are insurance compliant and will pass an MOT without any problems, some European countries require either or both R16 and R17, rules and regulations change so if in doubt its always worth checking with your authorities prior to purchase, we can provide pdf copies of our test reports prior to purchase if required.

What testing have R&J Camper Solutions swivel plates been subjected to?

Our swivel plates have been M1 tested to ECE R14.07/08 depending on model, they have not been tested to ECE R16 or ECE R17.

In addition to ECE R14 all of our swivel plates have been independently approved by the DTC (DynamicTest Centre) in Switzerland.

Why are R&J Camper Solutions swivel plates not tested to ECE R17?

We are a UK based company that manufactures swivel plates primarily for use in the UK, the testing we have had conducted meets all requirements for use within the UK and shows that our swivel plates have surpassed the safety standards as set out in ECE R14.

ECE R14 directly measures the strength and safety of seat anchorages, ECE R16 and ECE R17 mainly apply to seatbelts and complete seats respectively, so they don't provide relevant data for a swivel plate, by focussing on the correct test, we ensure safety without adding unnecessary cost.

Summary:

ECE R14 is the benchmark of seat/swivel testing and is the minimum requirement, ECE R16/17 are supplementary to ECE R14 but are sometimes required to legalize the item for use in different EU countries or states, the actual mechanical test is the same test using the same forces and load points, however to gain these accreditations additional data must to be collected during the test and in the case of ECE R17 must be conducted inside a donor vehicle shell.