Electrical Engineering Standards Summary - September 2025

Looking back at September 2025, the Electrical Engineering sector witnessed focused standardization activity surrounding the safety, design, and interoperability of devices for the connection of luminaires—commonly referred to as DCLs. Two technically significant standards were published, shaping the compliance landscape for manufacturers, installers, quality assurance professionals, and anyone involved in lighting system integration for households and similar environments. This monthly overview provides expert analysis of these standards, helping professionals bridge knowledge gaps and prepare for compliance demands ahead.

Monthly Overview: September 2025

In September 2025, the Electrical Engineering field saw a targeted release of standards aimed at improving both the safety and compatibility of electrical accessories for luminaires. The standards—FprEN IEC 61995-1:2025 and FprEN IEC 61995-2:2025—constitute the second editions within the harmonized framework addressing DCL plugs and outlets for household and similar uses.

These publications represent a continued push toward global harmonization of product requirements across the European and international markets. The scope encompasses both general safety/functional requirements (Part 1) and standardized interface designs (Part 2), taking into account recent technological advances, new installation methods, and evolving regulatory expectations.

When compared to typical periods, September’s standards activity noticeably concentrated on this critical infrastructure segment, reflecting the industry's prioritization of safe and interoperable connection devices in the face of increasing system complexity, modular lighting, and sustainability pressures. Together, these standards highlight the sector’s focus on user protection, ease of installation, and future-ready design.

Standards Published This Month

FprEN IEC 61995-1:2025 – General Requirements for Devices for the Connection of Luminaires

Devices for the connection of luminaires for household and similar purposes – Part 1: General requirements

This standard establishes the fundamental safety and performance requirements for devices known as DCLs, which provide the electrical connection between fixed luminaires (Class I or II) and household electrical circuits. The requirements apply to DCL plugs and outlets rated up to 16 A, with particular provisions for those not designed to offer mechanical support for the luminaires.

Adopted as a technical revision, FprEN IEC 61995-1:2025 cancels and replaces the first edition (2005) and Amendment 1:2016. Its updates are significant:

• Scope and Applicability: The standard covers all DCLs for fixed luminaires intended for household and similar environments, specifying ratings, environmental tolerances (ambient not exceeding +40°C), and types of installation (fixed or floating outlets, rewirable/non-rewirable plugs).
• Safety and Testing: Comprehensive type testing is required to validate dimensions, electrical safety, temperature rise, mechanical strength, and insulation. New classifications refine requirements for different DCL outlet and plug types, suspensions, and capacities.
• Key Additions and Revisions:
  • Additional requirements for DCLs with suspension means—including mounting methods, the maximum mass supported (up to 5 kg), and suitability for ceiling/wall types.
  • Introduction of insulation piercing terminals (IPT), with dedicated tests for their safe performance.
  • Detailed thermal performance testing (temperature rise), improved mechanical withdrawal/insertion force limitations, and enhanced marking and instructional requirements.
  • Clarified requirements for EMC and electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions, aligning with current global expectations.

Who Should Comply?

This standard is essential for manufacturers of DCL accessories, third-party certifiers, installation engineers, and organizations involved in product specification, procurement, and quality assurance.

Broader Context

As part of the evolving regulatory landscape for electrical accessories, this revision aligns DCL device standards closer to comparable plug and socket requirements, reflecting a commitment to safer domestic and semi-professional lighting infrastructure. The emphasis on additional suspension means speaks to current trends in modular, flexible lighting and renovation projects.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive classifications for DCL outlets and plugs (fixed, floating, flexible cable types)
• New suspension requirements for luminaires up to 5 kg
• Safety enhancements for insulation piercing terminals (IPT)

Access the full standard:View FprEN IEC 61995-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

FprEN IEC 61995-2:2025 – Standard Sheets for Devices for the Connection of Luminaires

Devices for the connection of luminaires for household and similar purposes – Part 2: Standard sheets

Building on the general requirements established by Part 1, this standard details the precise interface designs for DCLs, specifying standard sheets essential for product interoperability at the system level. The standard supports household applications at 250 V AC, 6 A.

This updated Part 2 revises and supersedes the 2009 edition and its 2016 Amendment. The revision reflects key industry feedback, harmonizes with the changes in Part 1, and clarifies technical details to ensure interchangeability and safety.

• Scope and Structure: The standard is designed for concurrent use with IEC 61995-1 and covers fixed luminaire connections up to the prescribed voltage and current. It delineates dimensions, tolerances, contact arrangements, and mounting box geometries in standardized detail sheets, ensuring universal compatibility of DCL outlets and plugs.
• Key Changes:
  • Technical requirements governing withdrawal and insertion force have been consolidated and relocated to Part 1, streamlining compliance processes.
  • Precise alignment with the revised edition of Part 1, ensuring product design and testing programs share a common baseline of criteria.
  • Enhanced interface specifications provide manufacturers and installers with reliable reference points, minimizing installation errors and foreshadowing pan-European adoption.

Who Should Comply?

Manufacturers, design engineers, and quality professionals responsible for the physical compatibility of electrical accessories must adhere to this standard. It is also relevant to procurement specialists sourcing system components across multiple markets.

Context and Integration

The systematic use of standard sheets in product conformity and production helps enforce a global standard for DCL installations, reducing market fragmentation and promoting cross-border trade in electrical products and modules. By aligning test and design requirements between Parts 1 and 2, the standard delivers an integrated compliance package for the sector.

Key highlights:

• Fully harmonized with the revised Part 1 general requirements
• Detailed standard sheets covering interface geometry, pin dimensions, and mounting layouts
• Streamlined clauses for withdrawal force and alignment processes

Access the full standard:View FprEN IEC 61995-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Several prominent themes emerged in September 2025’s Electrical Engineering standardization activity:

• Safety by Design: Both standards reinforce a risk-based approach to electrical safety, particularly regarding accidental contact, thermal management, and proper earthing—even when system configurations continue to diversify (fixed, floating, and flexible types).
• Installation Flexibility: The explicit support for additional suspension means and floating-type DCLs enables broader use cases in modern architectural and retrofit projects, mirroring trends in adaptive reuse, home automation, and user-customized lighting systems.
• Standardization and Interoperability: Harmonized interface specifications drive cross-vendor compatibility, support modular product ecosystems, and simplify procurement—further benefiting projects spanning multiple jurisdictions or supply chains.
• Forward-looking Specification: The integration of EMC/EMF requirements, focused marking and instructional clarity, and robust mechanical endurance tests demonstrates the industry’s readiness for higher energy efficiency, IoT integration, and the demands of emerging smart home technologies.

Altogether, these trends signal industry movement toward holistic, user-focused product ecosystems in line with regulatory, safety, and market-driven requirements.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations in the Electrical Engineering sector, these September 2025 standards have tangible implications for compliance, product development, and procurement:

• Transition and Enforcement: Professionals should assess their current device portfolios against the new requirements—paying special attention to withdrawal force, suspension systems, and IPT features. The stability date (projected to 2030) offers medium-term certainty for investment and product cycles.
• Documentation and Marking: Enhanced marking, labeling, and instructional requirements mean manufacturers and installers must review packaging, manuals, and installation guidance to align with the updated standards.
• Testing and Certification: New or modified DCL designs must be validated through comprehensive type testing, especially regarding suspension means, cable terminations, and temperature rise. Engage accredited test laboratories early to streamline time-to-market.
• Interoperability Assurance: Procurement and specification teams should update vendor requirements to ensure only DCL products compliant with the latest interface standard sheets (IEC 61995-2:2025) are sourced, preventing costly redesigns or installation delays.

Priority Recommendations:

• Conduct a gap analysis of current DCL offerings and installation practices against both standards.
• Update technical documentation, procurement specifications, and staff training materials promptly.
• Establish timelines for phasing out legacy devices and transitioning to compliant models in new-build and retrofit scenarios.

Getting Started:

• Access the full standards via iTeh Standards for in-depth reference.
• Engage internal compliance and quality teams early to map out necessary product/process changes.
• Monitor national and regional adoption timelines for enforcement specifics in your jurisdiction.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from September 2025

The September 2025 round of Electrical Engineering standardization marked a pivotal update for stakeholders involved with luminaire connection devices. Both standards—FprEN IEC 61995-1:2025 and FprEN IEC 61995-2:2025—deliver advanced requirements that respond to evolving installation practices, stricter safety regulations, and the need for global product interoperability.

For industry professionals, staying abreast of these changes is essential for:

• Ensuring continued compliance and market access
• Supporting the deployment of safe, efficient, and flexible lighting systems
• Avoiding costly rework or certification delays

We recommend that engineers, quality managers, and procurement specialists review these standards in full, update their processes, and track subsequent regulatory developments. Leveraging the comprehensive resources and expertise available through platforms like iTeh Standards will position your organization for long-term success in a dynamic and regulated market.