Globally, the lighting industry has experienced significant recalls due to safety hazards. Common issues include structural defects, inadequate external and internal wiring, insufficient resistance to heat and fire, and inadequate protection against electric shock.

Ensuring the quality and safety of luminaires is paramount for both buyers and manufactures. This article outlines detailing the significance of IEC 60598-1 standards, a comprehensive lighting third-party inspection plan, specific inspection requirements.

GIS Inspection is a leading third-party quality control and quality assurance inspection agency in China and Asia. we specialize in quality control inspections for lighting fixtures.

What is IEC 60598-1 Luminaires. General requirements and tests?

IEC 60598-1 is an international safety standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which specifies the general safety requirements and tests for luminaires (lighting fixtures). It applies to electrical luminaires designed for use with supply voltages up to 1,000V AC or 1,500V DC.

Understand the IEC 60598-1 Luminaires. General requirements and tests

IEC 60598-1 covers general safety requirements for all types of luminaires, including indoor, outdoor, fixed, portable, recessed, and emergency lighting. It applicable to LED lighting, fluorescent, incandescent, and other light sources.

IEC 60598-1 Luminaires. General requirements and tests specify the main safety requirements including electrical safety, mechanical safety, thermal safety, ingress protection, as well as marking and labeling requirements.

This standard ensures that luminaires meet global safety regulations, protecting both users and manufacturers from electrical and mechanical hazards.

Update for IEC/EN 60598-1 General Safety Requirements for Luminaires

On Nov 6, 2024, general safety requirements for luminaires IEC 60598-1:2014 (Ed. 10) was published, it replaced the previous version IEC 60598-1:2020 (Ed. 9).

IEC 60598-1:2024 specifies general safety requirements for luminaires incorporating electric light sources. These updates address emerging technologies, increased safety concerns, and evolving industry standards.

It focuses on adding new structure to comply with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, luminaires using batteries, additional requirements for luminaires using controllable controlgear providing SELV output(s), marking of mains socket outlet moved from information requirements.

IEC 60598-1:2024 also revise requirements for SPDs and for SPCs, conductor mechanical stress, controlgear, earthing test, suspension by magnets, draught-proof enclosure, inconsistencies in the inclusion of the limits of voltage ranges, looping-in, photobiological safety, aiming to provide more comprehensive safety regulations for modern luminaire designs.

Safety Requirement for Lighting Quality Assurance

IEC 60598-1 is the international standard for luminaires, which sets out the general safety requirements and testing procedures for luminaires, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and meet specific performance standards. This standard is critical for manufacturers to ensure that their lighting products comply with global safety regulations.

The requirements for luminaire testing, as outlined in IEC 60598-1, cover a broad range of safety and performance criteria, including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and photobiological aspects.

Below is an overview of the key testing requirements outlined in IEC 60598-1:

1. Electrical Safety Testing

One of the primary concerns for luminaires is electrical safety. IEC 60598-1 specifies a series of electrical tests to verify that luminaires are safe to use and do not pose any electrical hazards. These include:

• Dielectric Strength Test: Luminaires must undergo a dielectric strength test to verify that their insulation can withstand high voltage without breaking down. This test ensures that there is no risk of electric shock or short circuits when the luminaire is in use.
• Insulation Resistance Test: The insulation resistance test checks the effectiveness of the electrical insulation within the luminaire. The luminaire must maintain sufficient insulation resistance to prevent any leakage current that could pose a risk to users.
• Leakage Current Test: This test measures the amount of current that might flow through a person if they were to touch the luminaire. The leakage current must be below specified limits to ensure that the luminaire is safe for use.
• Grounding and Earthing Test: Luminaires that are designed for connection to an earth ground must be tested to verify that they have proper grounding. This test helps prevent potential electric shock hazards.

2. Mechanical Safety Testing

Mechanical safety is another critical aspect of luminaire testing. IEC 60598-1 requires several mechanical tests to ensure that luminaires are durable, stable, and structurally sound. These include:

• Impact Resistance: Luminaires must be able to withstand physical impacts without breaking or causing injury. This test typically involves applying a specified force to the luminaire to assess its ability to resist damage from drops or impacts.
• Stability and Strength Tests: Luminaires must be able to stay securely mounted and resist any mechanical stresses during normal operation. Tests may include assessing the strength of mounting brackets, fastening components, and ensuring that the luminaire will not easily fall or be dislodged.
• Vibration Testing: Some luminaires, especially those used in industrial or outdoor environments, must undergo vibration tests to ensure they can tolerate movement, such as vibrations from machinery or transportation, without losing functionality or structural integrity.

3. Thermal Testing

Thermal safety is particularly important for luminaires that generate significant heat, such as incandescent or LED-based products. IEC 60598-1 outlines tests to evaluate the thermal performance and heat resistance of luminaires:

• Temperature Rise Test: This test measures the temperature increase in various parts of the luminaire under normal operating conditions. Luminaires must not exceed specified temperature limits to prevent fire hazards or damage to internal components.
• Heat Resistance of Materials: Materials used in the luminaire, especially plastics, must be able to withstand high temperatures without degrading or melting. This ensures that the luminaire remains functional and safe throughout its lifecycle.
• Overheating Protection: Luminaires must be equipped with safety features to prevent overheating. This may include thermal protection devices or shutdown mechanisms to prevent excessive temperature rise that could cause fires or other hazards.

4. Ingress Protection (IP) Testing

Ingress protection (IP) ratings indicate how well a luminaire can resist the entry of solid objects and liquids, which is especially important for outdoor or industrial lighting. IEC 60598-1 specifies testing procedures to determine the luminaire’s IP rating, which is assigned based on its ability to prevent dust and water ingress:

• Dust and Water Resistance Tests: Luminaires must be tested for their ability to resist dust and water infiltration. The testing involves exposing the luminaire to various environments, including dusty, wet, or humid conditions, to verify its durability and safety.
• Moisture and Condensation Resistance: For luminaires used in environments with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, additional tests for moisture resistance and condensation buildup are conducted to ensure that the luminaire’s electrical components remain safe and functional.

5. Photobiological Testing

With the increasing use of LED technology, photobiological safety has become a major consideration in the lighting industry. IEC 60598-1 requires luminaires to undergo photobiological tests to ensure that they do not emit harmful levels of radiation, especially in terms of blue light hazard, which could pose risks to the eyes.

• Blue Light Hazard Test: Luminaires, particularly those using high-intensity LEDs, must be evaluated for blue light exposure to ensure they do not exceed safe limits. This is crucial for protecting the eyes, particularly in applications where lighting is close to the user.

Quality Control Inspection for Lighting Products

GIS Inspection(General Inspection Service) is a global provider in lighting quality control inspection services. For total quality assurance across safety, performance, and quality, GIS has the expertise to quickly bring lighting fixtures to global markets.

Our highly experienced team of inspectors is well-versed with the lighting quality control standards. Different types of inspections are performed at various stages of the lighting manufacturing process. These include:

Pre-Production Inspection(PPI)

Before the actual production commences, the pre-production assessment takes place. During this phase, inspectors examine and verify the quality of individual components that will be used in the lighting fixtures, such as bulbs, LEDs, wiring, housing materials, and electrical components.

During Production Inspection (DUPRO)

The LED or other lighting parts will be examined for their appearance, construction, and function to ensure that quality requirements and specifications are met. Inspectors identify and rectify any defects, irregularities, or deviations from quality standards that may arise during production.

If issues are identified, inspectors collaborate with manufacturers to promptly implement corrective actions, preventing the production of substandard lighting products.

Pre-Shipment Inspection(PSI)

We will select a random sample of finished LED or other lighting products before shipment to ensure they meet the specified quality benchmarks and comply with safety regulations. The functionality of lighting features, such as switches, dimmers, and adjustable components, is tested to ensure optimal performance.

Inspectors supervise the packaging process to verify that the lighting products are adequately protected for transportation. They also ensure proper loading onto shipping containers to prevent damage during transit.

After the inspection, we provide detailed reports outlining findings, test results, and any non-conformities identified.

Loading Supervision (LS)

Generally conducted at the factory or port to verify count, confirm load and seal container prior to the container being sealed for export.

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Conclusion: Lighting Quality Control Standard

Implementing a rigorous third-party inspection plan ensures that luminaires meet the highest standards of quality and safety, aligning with IEC 60598-1 requirements. Staying informed about global market trends enables stakeholders to make strategic decisions in a dynamic industry landscape.

GIS Inspection is a leading quality assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 20 offices and more than 15 countries, delivers innovative inspection, audit, and test solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. We're committed to driving quality and sustainability in all our initiatives.

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