EN IEC 60598-1, “Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests”, defines how luminaires are classified and marked, how they are built mechanically and electrically, and how this is tested. It is the common basis for every kind of luminaire, from LED fittings and floodlights to street lanterns and desk lamps. Each kind of luminaire also has a Part 2 standard, which states the rules of Part 1 that apply.
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EN IEC 60598-1 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN IEC 60598-1:2021 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests |
| Legislation supported | Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU |
| Type of standard | Product standard |
| Voltage limit | Luminaires for supply voltages not exceeding 1,000 V |
Products covered
The standard applies to luminaires that incorporate electric light sources. Typical examples and their Part 2 standards:
- Fixed general purpose luminaires (EN 60598-2-1)
- Recessed luminaires (EN 60598-2-2)
- Road and street lighting luminaires (EN 60598-2-3)
- Portable general purpose luminaires such as desk and floor lamps (EN 60598-2-4)
- Floodlights (EN 60598-2-5)
- Lighting chains (EN 60598-2-20)
- Emergency lighting luminaires (EN 60598-2-22)
The LED module itself is assessed with EN IEC 62031 and controlgear such as drivers and ballasts with EN 61347-1; the luminaire standard expects these components to comply.
Main requirements of the standard
- Classification: A luminaire is classified by its protection against electric shock (class I, II, III), its degree of protection against dust and water, and the material of the mounting surface.
- Marking: Rated voltage, wattage, class and IP symbols and, where needed, the minimum distance to lit objects appear on the luminaire and in the instructions.
- Construction and wiring: Mechanical rules for lampholders, wireways, suspension and adjusting devices, screwed connections and glass covers; conductor size, cord anchorage and routing away from sharp edges.
- Earthing and protection against electric shock: Accessible metal parts of class I luminaires are bonded with low resistance, and live parts cannot be touched in normal use, including lamp replacement.
- Dust and moisture: The declared IP rating is verified by test, followed by humidity conditioning.
- Insulation, creepage distances and clearances: Insulation resistance, electric strength, touch current and minimum insulation distances.
- Endurance and thermal tests: The luminaire must not overheat its components or the mounting surface in long operation or under fault conditions.
- Resistance to heat, fire and tracking: Behaviour of insulating materials and plastic housings exposed to heat and flame.
Typical test programme
The tests are applied together with the Part 2 standard of the luminaire. The programme depends on class, IP rating and light source.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Marking check and durability | Markings are complete and permanent |
| Mechanical strength (impact) test | Housing and covers still protect after impact |
| Earth continuity | The resistance of the protective connection is low |
| IP test and humidity conditioning | Dust and water do not impair safety |
| Insulation resistance and electric strength | Insulation is still adequate after the humidity test |
| Endurance test | The luminaire remains safe after cycled operation at raised ambient temperature |
| Thermal test (normal and abnormal operation) | Temperatures of components, wiring and mounting surface stay within limits |
| Ball pressure, glow-wire and needle flame tests | Plastic parts resist heat and ignition |
The IP rating is verified by IP testing and, where declared, impact resistance by the IK code.
Place in the CE marking process
- Risk assessment: Hazards of electric shock, fire, heat and mechanical injury and the optical radiation of the light source are assessed.
- Design: Protection class, IP rating, driver and LED module are chosen to meet the standard.
- Verification and testing: The sample is tested to EN IEC 60598-1 and the relevant Part 2; EMC tests are done separately.
- Technical file: Test reports, diagrams, the list of critical components and the instructions go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN IEC 60598-1 is listed among the standards applied and the CE marking is affixed.
Compliance with the harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive. Turkey applies the same rules through its own aligned regulation.
Standards applied together
- EN 55015: radio disturbance of lighting equipment; EN 61547 for immunity
- EN 62471: photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems, including blue light assessment
- EN 62493: assessment of lighting equipment related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields
- Ecodesign and energy labelling rules for light sources and separate control gears are assessed separately
Frequently asked questions
Can Part 1 be applied on its own?
In practice no. A luminaire is assessed together with the Part 2 standard for its type, and both are listed in the declaration of conformity.
Are certificates for the driver and LED module enough?
No. Compliant components are necessary, but heating, insulation distances and the IP rating are verified on the complete luminaire.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN IEC 60598-1:2021. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN 60335-2-80: Fans
- EN 60335-2-23: Skin and Hair Care Appliances
- EN 62368-1: Audio Video and ICT Equipment
- EN 61010-1: Measurement Control and Laboratory Equipment
