COMPATIBILITY TESTING
Our testing methods have been both "Static destruction and "Dynamic" impact, using advanced computer comparison programs to ensure that the product tested does not adversely affect the correct deployment of the vehicle's air bag system, or any built-in crumple zones such as crush cans. To accurately record the data needed to engineer such products and complete this testing, ECB employed the professional services of various institutions and automotive safety engineers to design our own testing facility. Using researched information on Air bag deployment, ECB's testing allows a maximum margin of 10 percent either way in the timing of airbag deployment. Remember, we are talking about milliseconds in the time it takes for an airbag to deploy, and ten percent of a millisecond is not even the blink of an eye.
Early into the research and testing our engineers found that each vehicle tested had different characteristics and requirements, and so we ensured that each different vehicle together with each different product is always tested independently.


AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS AND DESIGN RULES
ECB has played a major part as a key member of the Australian Standards Working Committee who where responsible for the introduction of the Australian Standard AS4876.1-2002.  This standard requires all VFPS for new model vehicles manufactured after 1 January 2003 to contour to the shape of the front of the vehicle. As a responsible manufacturer almost all ECB VFPS already conform to this standard but as an innovator and leader in this field we are already working toward the requirements for future developments in 2005.The implementation of this standard represents the culmination of the dedication and effort of a consultative committee comprised of responsible vehicle manufacturers, industry groups and the Pedestrian Safety Council of Australia.  New South Wales has proposed new legislation adopting the new standard as a requirement for vehicle registration. Under NSW legislation any VFPS released after 1 January 2004 that is not compliant may compromise vehicle roadworthiness.  With the other states also considering the same action ECB sees this as a positive step toward greater road safety and will continue to be the leader in industry standards compliant VFPS.  It is important to mention that under ADR 69, which is the Australian regulation regarding occupant safety, there is no mention of VFPS, However, what ECB has done is build into every design features that will not affect the correct operation of the SRS system within the vehicle, or alter the vehicle's pre designated crumple rate. At ECB we know we have achieved this, and when you purchase an ECB `Air bag Compatible` VFPS you're getting exactly that. A correctly designed, engineered and certified protection system that will not alter the correct operation of your vehicle's inbuilt safety features.

DON'T RISK UNTESTED OR INCORRECTLY DESIGNED PRODUCTS
Some manufacturers are willing to put you at risk by supplying non tested or incorrectly designed products. Ultimately this action could compromise your safety, as ECB's and independent research and testing has clearly found. An incorrectly designed frontal protection bar can interfere with the correct operation of SRS systems, is likely not to comply with the new Australian Standard requirements and is potentially illegal under pending legislation in some states.

ECB goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure each product provides maximum performance, without compromising safety. Don’t assume that a certified  product is a weaker or any less effective than a traditional frontal protection bar. In some cases products have been upgraded in terms of performance and strength in developing them for air bag equipped vehicles.
Quite simply if a product has not been suitably engineered, correctly developed and fully certified through an extensive testing program you should not buy it. It is not worth the risk.