Reflective sheeting used on traffic signs is classified based on its retroreflective performance, the ability to reflect light back towards its source, such as vehicle headlights. While Class R3 Reflective films are primarily used for large traffic signs on motorways, Class RA2 Reflective is used for both permanent and temporary road signs on high-speed roads.
What is Class RA2 Reflective?
Reflective films used for traffic signs are classified based on retroreflective performance. Class R3 reflective films are typically used only for the largest traffic signs on motorways, like gantry signs. In contrast, Class RA2 reflective films are ideal for permanent and temporary road signs on high-speed roads.
Why Reflective Class Is Important for High-Speed Signs
On faster roads, drivers have less time to recognise hazards or directions and react. The class of reflective used for road signs is vital in ensuring they are clear & visible.
Class RA2 Reflective offers several advantages:
- Improved long-distance road sign visibility
- Higher brightness under vehicle headlights
- Better performance at wider viewing angles
- Clearer messaging in poor weather or low light
These factors help ensure traffic signs remain effective, even in demanding conditions.
What’s the Difference Between Prismatic & Glass-Bead Reflective?
Reflective sheeting used on traffic signs generally falls into two main construction types: glass-bead and microprismatic. While both types focus then reflect light to its source, the methods and performance levels they deliver are quite different.
Prismatic Films
Prismatic, or microprismatic films use small prisms to reflect up to 80% of light to its source. Prismatic film provides an intense, concentrated reflection which is highly effective at long-range distances over 1000 yards. In addition, prismatic films maintain their retroreflectivity better in adverse weather & rain.
Glass-Bead Films
Glass-bead films use small glass spheres to reflect up to 30% of light to its source. The beads scatter the light at a wider angle than prisms, meaning it is visible at multiple angles at short distances of a few hundred feet. Glass bead films are more pliable & economical than prismatic but provide lower performance.
Why RA2 Reflective Is Important for Temporary High-Speed Signs
Schemes used for high-speed roads will specify a high-performing Class RA2 Reflective. This specification gives drivers more time to read and react to the work’s road signs. If the scheme requires a prismatic reflective film, then it wants its signs to be visible at longer distances.
Supporting the UK Traffic Sign Industry
As the UK Master Distributor for ORALITE Reflective Sheeting from ORAFOL, we support permanent traffic sign makers with a fully certified range of films & printers. For traffic management companies, we manufacture temporary road signs according to the schemes they provide, including ORALITE 5960 Reflective, our go-to film for high-speed temporary road signs.
Our goal is to ensure sign makers & TM companies have access to high-quality reflective materials that meet demanding road safety requirements. Contact us for more information on our catalogue of traffic sign films or trading terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Class RA2 reflective mean?
A: Class RA2 reflective sheeting refers to a high-performance reflective material used on traffic signs. It provides significantly higher retroreflective brightness than engineering grade materials, making it easier for drivers to see signs at night or in poor visibility conditions.
Q: Is RA2 reflective required for UK road signs?
A: Many UK traffic sign specifications recommend or require RA2 reflective materials, particularly for high-speed roads and locations where increased visibility is important. Always refer to the relevant highway authority guidance or traffic sign specifications when selecting reflective materials.
Q: What is the durability or lifecycle of RA2 reflective?
A: The durability of RA2 reflective sheeting depends on the individual film and environmental conditions. The RA2 reflective we distribute has a lifecycle of between 5 to 10 years dependent on each film. Typically reflective used on permanent signs for high-speed roads & motorways have the longest durability.