Interpretation ID: 1984-2.16

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 07/03/84

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Frank Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Automobile Importers of America

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

Bruce Henderson Automobile Importer of America 1735 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 1002 Arlington, VA 22202

Dear Mr. Henderson:

This is to follow-up on your phone conversation with Stephen Oesch of my staff concerning Safety Standard No. 201, Occupant protection in interior impact. Your specific question was whether a fuse box cover must comply with the requirements of section 3.3 of the standard. As explained below, a fuse box cover does not have to comply with section 3.3.

Section 3.3 of the standard provides that each "interior compartment door" in certain vehicle locations must remain closed when subjected to the specified performance tests. Section 571.3 defines an interior compartment door as "any door in the interior of the vehicle installed by the manufacturer as a cover for storage space normally used for personal effects." The definition is meant to include such storage areas as the "glovebox" which has a large door which could fly open in a crash, and not a portion of the vehicle's electrical system such as a fuse box, which is not used as storage space.

Although not covered by the standard, we would urge a manufacturer carefully to design the fuse box in such a way as to prevent injuries if it is located in an area which could be struck by an occupant in a crash.

If you have further questions, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Frank Berndt Chief Counsel