EN 61347-1, “Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements”, sets the common safety rules for LED drivers, electronic ballasts and similar lamp controlgear. It gives the general rules and is applied with the relevant part of the EN 61347-2 series for the type of controlgear. It is the basis of LVD testing for driver and ballast manufacturers.
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EN 61347-1 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN 61347-1:2015 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements |
| Legislation supported | Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU |
| Type of standard | Product standard |
Products covered
The standard covers controlgear that is supplied from the mains or from a battery and operates a light source. Built-in, independent and integral types are distinguished by the way they are mounted. Typical examples:
- Electronic controlgear for LED modules (LED drivers)
- Electronic and magnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
- Ballasts and ignitors for discharge lamps
- Electronic transformers for halogen lamps
- Battery-supplied controlgear for emergency lighting
Additional rules for each type are in the relevant Part 2; LED drivers, for example, are assessed with EN 61347-2-13. Where the controlgear is inside the lamp, as in a capped LED lamp, the lamp standard applies. The module fed by the driver falls under EN IEC 62031.
Main requirements of the standard
- Classification: Controlgear is classified as built-in, independent or integral, and protection is assessed accordingly.
- Marking: Ratings, the wiring diagram, the point of maximum permitted case temperature (tc) and the relevant symbols appear on the product.
- Protection against contact with live parts: Independent controlgear prevents access to live parts; for built-in types the luminaire completes the protection.
- Terminals and earthing: Terminals must give a safe connection and the earthing must be continuous and reliable.
- Moisture resistance and insulation: Insulation resistance and electric strength must be adequate after humidity conditioning.
- Fault conditions: A component fault, a short-circuited output or operation without a lamp must not produce flame, molten material or hazardous voltage.
- Thermal protection and winding endurance: The thermal endurance of windings is verified for wound controlgear; thermally protected types have additional rules.
- Construction and insulation distances: Clearances and creepage distances must suit the working voltage.
- Resistance to heat, fire and tracking: Insulating parts must resist heat, ignition and tracking.
EN 61347-1 tests
The tests are type tests on samples; the relevant Part 2 states which tests apply.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Marking check | The required information is legible and durable |
| Insulation resistance and electric strength | Insulation between input, output and case is adequate |
| Fault condition tests | The controlgear causes no hazard under a single fault |
| Heating and tc measurement | The case temperature does not exceed the declared tc value |
| Thermal endurance test of windings | The insulation of wound ballasts will last for the intended life |
| Measurement of insulation distances | Clearances and creepage distances are sufficient |
| Heat and ignition tests | The insulating material resists heat and flame |
For independent controlgear the IP degree of protection of the enclosure is verified as well.
Its place in CE marking
- Risk assessment: Hazards are identified and the applicable standards selected.
- Design: The controlgear is designed to EN 61347-1 and the Part 2 for its type.
- Verification tests: Type tests are carried out on samples and reported.
- Technical file: Diagrams, the parts list and the test report go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN 61347-1 is listed among the standards applied and the CE marking is affixed.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the corresponding safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Controlgear is also subject to EMC; radio disturbance is measured to EN 55015.
Standards applied together
- EN 61347-2-13: Electronic controlgear for LED modules
- EN 61347-2-3: Electronic controlgear for fluorescent lamps
- EN IEC 62031: LED modules
- EN IEC 60598-1: Luminaires
- EN 55015: Radio disturbance of lighting equipment
- EN 61547: EMC immunity requirements for lighting equipment
Frequently asked questions
Which standards apply to an LED driver?
For safety, EN 61347-1 is applied together with EN 61347-2-13. On the EMC side EN 55015, EN 61547 and the harmonic current standard come in.
What does the tc point mean?
It is the point marked on the case by the manufacturer where the highest temperature, which must not be exceeded in normal operation, is measured. The luminaire design must keep the driver below this temperature.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal under the Low Voltage Directive is EN 61347-1:2015. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN IEC 61558-1: Transformers and Power Supply Units
- EN IEC 62031: LED Modules
- EN 62477-1: Power Electronic Converters
- EN 60335-2-15: Appliances for Heating Liquids
