EN 60929:2006

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 60929:2006
STANDARD
oct 2006
Izmenično napajane elektronske predstikalne naprave za cevaste
fluorescenčne svetilke – Tehnične zahteve (IEC 60929:2006)
AC-supplied electronic ballasts for tubular fluorescent lamps - Performance
requirements (IEC 60929:2006)
ICS 29.140.30 Referenčna številka
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 60929
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2006
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 29.140.30 Supersedes EN 60929:2004

English version
AC-supplied electronic ballasts for tubular fluorescent lamps -
Performance requirements
(IEC 60929:2006)
Ballasts électroniques alimentés  Wechselstromversorgte elektronische
en courant alternatif pour lampes Vorschaltgeräte für röhrenförmige
tubulaires à fluorescence - Leuchtstofflampen -
Exigences de performances Anforderungen an die Arbeitsweise
(CEI 60929:2006) (IEC 60929:2006)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2006-02-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2006 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60929:2006 E
Foreword
The text of document 34C/700/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 60929, prepared by SC 34C, Auxiliaries for
lamps, of IEC TC 34, Lamps and related equipment, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote
and was approved by CENELEC as EN 60929 on 2006-02-01.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60929:2004.
The essential change with respect to en 60929:2004 is the introduction of the principle of preheat energy.
The main impact of this is on Clause 7 and Annex D.
In this edition, references to IEC 60928 have been replaced by references to IEC 61347-2-3 which, in
conjunction with IEC 61347-1, replaces IEC 60928.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2006-11-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2013-02-01
This European Standard makes reference to International Standards. Where the International Standard
referred to has been endorsed as a European Standard or a home-grown European Standard exists, this
European Standard shall be applied instead. Pertinent information can be found on the CENELEC web
site.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60929:2006 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
__________
NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
INTERNATIONAL
Troisième édition
STANDARD
Third edition
2006-01
Ballasts électroniques alimentés en courant
alternatif pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence –
Exigences de performances
AC-supplied electronic ballasts
for tubular fluorescent lamps –
Performance requirements
 IEC 2006 Droits de reproduction réservés  Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
XG
PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

60929  IEC:2006 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5
INTRODUCTION.9

1 Scope.11
2 Normative references .11
3 Terms and definitions .11
4 General notes on tests .15
5 Marking .15
6 General statement .17
7 Starting conditions.17
8 Operating conditions .23
9 Circuit power factor .25
10 Supply current .25
11 Maximum current in any lead to a cathode.25
12 Lamp operating current waveform.27
13 Impedance at audio frequencies .27
14 Operational tests for abnormal conditions.27
15 Endurance.29

Annex A (normative) Tests.39
Annex B (normative) Reference ballasts .45
Annex C (normative) Conditions for reference lamps .51
Annex D (informative) Explanation of starting conditions.53
Annex E (normative) Control interface for controllable ballasts .61
Annex F (informative) A guide to quoting product life and failure rate.127
Annex G (informative) Test procedures for ballasts with digital control interface
according to Clause E.4.129

Bibliography.285

Figure 1 – Schematic illustration of the energy required for preheating and starting.31
Figure 2 – Test circuits for non-preheat starting mode .33
Figure 3 – Measurement of impedance at audio frequencies.35
Figure 4 – Test circuit for ballasts for preheat starting mode .35
Figure 5 – HF reference circuit.37
Figure E.1 – Replacement diagram at ballast’s control terminals.71
Figure E.2 – Required timing at the ballast terminals of the digital interface.75
Figure E.3 – Voltage and current levels for forward and backward channeling at the
ballast's digital interface terminals .77
Figure E.4 – Example of command repetition time .81

60929  IEC:2006 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
AC-SUPPLIED ELECTRONIC BALLASTS
FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT LAMPS –
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60929 has been prepared by subcommittee 34C: Auxiliaries for
lamps, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2003 and constitutes a
technical revision. The essential change with respect to the second edition is the introduction
of the principle of preheat energy. The main impact of this is on clause 7 and annex D.
In this edition, references to IEC 60928 have been replaced by references to IEC 61347-2-3
which, in conjunction with IEC 61347-1, replaces IEC 60928.

60929  IEC:2006 – 7 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34C/700/FDIS 34C/711/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60929  IEC:2006 – 9 –
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard covers performance requirements for electronic ballasts for use
on a.c. supplies up to 1 000 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz with operating frequencies deviating from the
supply frequency, associated with tubular fluorescent lamps as specified in IEC 60081 and
IEC 60901, and other tubular fluorescent lamps for high frequency operation, still to be
standardised.
These ballasts are intended to operate lamps at various frequencies including high
frequencies and at various lamp powers. Attention is drawn to the fact that operating
frequencies below 20 kHz may cause audio noise disturbance, whereas frequencies above
50 kHz may increase radio interference problems.
Some lamps may be specifically designed for high-frequency operation on high-frequency
ballasts. Two starting modes, preheat and non-preheat, are described.
NOTE Lamps, only specified for preheat starting may be operated on other types of circuits. The ballast
manufacturer should provide test data which shows satisfactory starting and operation similar as the ones stated in
Clause 6.
In order to obtain satisfactory performance of fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts, it is
necessary that certain features of their design be properly co-ordinated. It is essential,
therefore, that specifications for them be written in terms of measurement made against some
common baseline of reference, permanent and reproducible.
These conditions may be fulfilled by reference ballasts. Moreover, the testing of ballasts for
fluorescent lamps will, in general, be made with reference lamps and, in particular, by
comparing results obtained on such lamps with ballasts to be tested and with a reference
ballast.
Whereas the reference ballast for frequencies of 50 Hz or 60 Hz is a self-inductive coil, the
high-frequency reference ballast is a resistor because of its independence of frequency and
the lack of influence of parasitic capacitance.

60929  IEC:2006 – 11 –
AC-SUPPLIED ELECTRONIC BALLASTS
FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT LAMPS –
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies performance requirements for electronic ballasts for use
on a.c. supplies up to 1 000 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz with operating frequencies deviating from the
supply frequency, associated with tubular fluorescent lamps as specified in IEC 60081 and
IEC 60901 and other tubular fluorescent lamps for high frequency operation.
NOTE 1 Tests in this standard are type tests. Requirements for testing individual ballasts during production are
not included.
NOTE 2 There are regional standards regarding the regulation of mains current harmonics and immunity for end-
products like luminaires and independent controlgear. In a luminaire, the controlgear is dominant in this respect.
Controlgear, together with other components, should comply with these standards.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 60669-2-1, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 2-1:
Particular requirements – Electronic switches
IEC 60901, Single-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 61347-1, Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements
IEC 61347-2-3, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-3: Particular requirements for a.c. supplied
electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:
3.1
starting aid
a conductive strip affixed to the outer surface of a lamp, or a conductive plate which is spaced
within an appropriate distance from the lamp. A starting aid is usually connected to earth
potential, and can only be effective when it has an adequate potential difference from one end
of the lamp
60929  IEC:2006 – 13 –
3.2
ballast lumen factor
blf
ratio of the luminous flux of the lamp when the ballast under test is operated at its rated
voltage, to the luminous flux of the same lamp operated with the appropriate reference ballast
supplied at its rated voltage and frequency
3.3
reference ballast
special ballast, either inductive for lamps for operation on a.c. mains frequencies, or resistive
for lamps for operation on high frequency. It is designed for the purpose of providing
comparison standards for use in testing ballasts, for the selection of reference lamps and for
testing regular production lamps under standardised conditions. It is essentially characterised
by the fact that, at its rated frequency, it has a stable voltage/current ratio which is relatively
uninfluenced by variations in current, temperature and magnetic surroundings, as outlined in
this standard.
[IEV .845-08-36, modified]
3.4
reference lamp
lamp selected for testing ballasts which, when associated with a reference ballast, has
electrical characteristics which are close to the nominal values as stated in the relevant lamp
standard
NOTE Specified conditions are given in Annex C.
3.5
calibration current of a reference ballast
value of the current on which are based the calibration and control of the reference ballast
NOTE Such a current should preferably be approximately equal to the rated current of the lamps for which the
reference ballast is suitable.
3.6
total circuit power
total power dissipated by ballast and lamp in combination, at rated voltage and frequency of
the ballast
3.7
circuit power factor
λ
power factor of the combination of a ballast and the lamp or lamps for which the ballast is
designed
3.8
high power factor ballast
ballast having a circuit power factor of at least 0,85
NOTE 1 The value 0,85 takes into account the distortion of the current waveform.
NOTE 2 For North America, a high power factor is defined as a power factor of at least 0,9.
3.9
high audio-frequency impedance ballast
ballast of which the impedance in the frequency range 250 Hz to 2 000 Hz exceeds the values
specified in Clause 13 of this standard

60929  IEC:2006 – 15 –
3.10
preheat starting
type of circuit in which the lamp electrodes are brought to emission temperature before the
lamp actually ignites
3.11
non-preheat starting
type of circuit which utilises a high open-circuit voltage causing secondary electron emission
from electrodes
3.12
pre-start time
for ballasts according to 3.11, period after switching on the supply voltage during which the
lamp current is ≤10 mA
4 General notes on tests
4.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
NOTE The requirements and tolerances permitted by this standard are based on the testing of a type test sample
submitted by the manufacturer for that purpose. In principle this type test sample should consist of units having
characteristics typical of the manufacturer’s production and be as close to the production centre point values as
possible.
It may be expected with the tolerances given in this standard that products manufactured in accordance with the
type test sample will ensure compliance with the standard for the majority of the production. However, due to the
production spread, it is inevitable that there will sometimes be products outside the specified tolerances. For
guidance on sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes, see IEC 60410.
4.2 The tests are carried out in the order of the clauses, unless otherwise specified.
4.3 One ballast is submitted to all tests.
4.4 In general, all tests are made on each type of ballast or where a wattage range of
similar ballasts is involved, for each rated wattage in the range or on a representative
selection from the range as agreed with the manufacturer.
4.5 The tests are made under the conditions specified in Annex A. Lamp data sheets not
published in an IEC publication shall be made available by the lamp manufacturer.
4.6 All ballasts specified in this standard shall comply with the requirements of
IEC 61347-2-3.
4.7 Attention is drawn to lamp performance standards which contain “information for
ballast design”; this should be followed for proper lamp operation; however, this standard
does not require the testing of lamp performance as part of the type test approval for ballasts.
5 Marking
5.1 Ballasts shall be clearly marked with the following mandatory marking.
a) Circuit power factor e.g. 0,85.
If the power factor is less than 0,95 capacitive, it shall be followed by the letter C, e.g.
0,85 C.
60929  IEC:2006 – 17 –
The following marking shall also be added, if appropriate:
Z
b) The symbol which indicates that the ballast is designed to comply with the conditions for
audio-frequency impedance.
5.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall either be
given on the ballast or be made available in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
a) a clear indication regarding the type of starting, viz. preheat or non-preheat;
b) indication whether a ballast needs a starting aid.
c) ballast lumen factor if different from 1±0,05.
5.3 Non-mandatory information which may be made available by the manufacturer:
a) rated output frequency at rated voltage, with and without lamp operating;
b) limits of the ambient temperature range within which the ballast will operate satisfactorily
at the declared voltage (range);
c) total circuit power.
6 General statement
It may be expected that ballasts complying with this standard, when associated with lamps
which comply with IEC 60081 or IEC 60901 or other fluorescent lamps for high-frequency
operation, will provide satisfactory starting of the lamp at an air temperature immediately
around the lamp between 10 °C and 35 °C and operation between 10 °C and 50 °C at
voltages within 92 % and 106 % of the rated voltage.
NOTE 1 The electrical characteristics as given on the lamp data sheets of IEC 60081 and IEC 60901, and
applying to operation on a reference ballast at rated voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, may deviate when
operating on a high frequency ballast and the conditions of item b) of 5.3 above.
NOTE 2 In some regions there are laws on EMC for luminaires. The controlgear is also contributing to this EMC
behaviour. See Bibliography for reference.
7 Starting conditions
Ballasts shall start lamps without adversely affecting the performance of the lamp when
operated according to intended use. An explanation of the starting conditions is given in
Annex D.
Compliance is checked by the tests according to 7.1 to 7.3, as appropriate, with the ballast
operating at any supply voltage between 92 % and 106 % of its rated value.
7.1 Conditions for ballasts with preheating
Ballasts shall be tested according to the following requirements and in line with the
requirements of Clause A.3. The same requirements for preheating also apply to controllable
ballasts at starting in any dimming position.

60929  IEC:2006 – 19 –
The lamp data sheet provides one substitution resistor R which is used with the ballast
sub(min)
in order to test its capability to produce the minimum energy according to the lamp data sheet.
If the ballast does not provide at least the minimum energy, it has failed. The maximum
energy line has to be tested with another substitution resistor R which corresponds to
sub(max)
the upper energy. If the ballast generates too high energy, it has failed. The value of the

second resistor is also given on the lamp data sheet. In cases where no value is given,
preliminary values may be obtained from the lamp manufacturer.
7.1.1 Preheat energy
The ballast shall deliver at least the minimum total heating energy E at t according to the
min 1
time/energy limits on the relevant lamp data sheets (see Figure 1). Within the interval (t , t )
1 2
the total heating energy shall be between E and E according to the relevant lamp data
min max
sheet (see Figure 1).
The maximum heating energy shall not exceed the limits specified on the relevant lamp data
sheet at any time before t . This does not apply in the interval (t , t ), if t - t < 0,1 s.
2 1 2 2 1
The absolute minimum preheat time shall be 0,4 s unless otherwise specified on the relevant
lamp data sheet.
In order to prevent arcing, the voltage supplied to the substitution resistor should remain
below 11 V r.m.s., for E < E .
min
If a lamp data sheet does not give any energy data for preheating, and the preheat current
requirements are not applicable, the lamp manufacturer shall provide appropriate preheat
data.
Compliance with the requirements for the cathode preheat current can be tested as follows:
With a non-inductive substitution resistor of the value specified on the relevant lamp data
sheet, substituted for each lamp cathode, the ballast shall deliver a minimum and maximum
total heating current according to the time/current limits specified on the relevant lamp data
sheet. The minimum preheat current i is defined as
k
a
i = + i
k m
t
e
a: constant (A s) for a specific cathode type
i : absolute minimum value of the effective heating current (A) to achieve emission, if
m
application time is of sufficiently long duration (e.g. ≥ 30 s from cold)
t : time (s) to emission
e
NOTE Emission time less than 0,4 s is normally not acceptable because experience has shown that satisfactory
cathode preheating is not always achievable in practice.
Values for a and i are given on the lamp data sheet.
m
Measurements are conducted with a non-inductive substitution resistor for testing cathode
preheat requirements of the value specified on the relevant lamp data sheet, substituted for
each lamp cathode, also in case of two or more lamps simultaneously operated.

60929  IEC:2006 – 21 –
7.1.2 Open-circuit voltage
The open-circuit voltage between any pair of substitution resistors shall not exceed the
maximum value specified on the lamp data sheet, during the preheat period. After the preheat
period it shall be, or rise to a value, not less than the minimum value equal to the ignition
voltage as specified on the lamp data sheet.
Where two or more lamps are operated in series or parallel circuits, each position is
measured in turn. The positions where not to measure are equipped with reference lamps, the
position where to measure is equipped with a pair of substitution resistors for testing open-
circuit voltage.
The open-circuit voltage is measured between the substitution resistors and shall comply in
all cases with the value specified on the relevant lamp data sheet for one lamp.
Voltage peaks shall be smaller or equal to r.m.s. open-circuit voltage as specified in the
relevant lamp data sheet times 1,4. Narrow voltage peaks during the first half period of the
mains voltage after switching on preheat shall be disregarded when testing controlgear
against this subclause.
Measurement is made with an oscilloscope. Measurements are conducted with a non-
inductive substitution resistor for testing open-circuit voltages as specified on the relevant
lamp data sheet.
The ballast manufacturer provides on request the value of the cathode substitution resistor
within the specified range which results in the lowest open-circuit voltage for ignition.
A small d.c. offset of the open circuit voltage does not affect the lamp starting voltage.
Negligible values are under consideration.
7.2 Conditions for ballasts without preheating
Ballasts in accordance with definition 3.11 shall be so designed that the cumulated glow
discharge periods during starting do not exceed 100 ms when measured with a reference
lamp and without any earthed metal parts close by which might act as a starting aid. The glow
discharge period is deemed to have finished if the lamp current is at least 80 % of the rated
lamp current.
A ballast is deemed to conform with the above requirements when the following conditions are
fulfilled.
7.2.1 Open-circuit voltage
Measurement is made with an oscilloscope. With a non-inductive substitution resistor R of
C
the value specified on the relevant lamp data sheet, substituted for each lamp cathode (see
Figure 2a), the open-circuit voltage shall comply with the value specified on the relevant lamp
data sheet.
Where two or more lamps are operated in series or parallel, each position is measured in turn.
The positions where not to measure are equipped with reference lamps, the position where to
measure is equipped with a pair of cathode substitution resistors.

60929  IEC:2006 – 23 –
The open-circuit voltage is measured between the substitution resistors and shall comply in
all cases with the value specified on the relevant lamp data sheet for one lamp.
NOTE In the case of additional cathode heating during the starting process, lower values may be sufficient
provided the glow discharge period does not exceed 100 ms.
7.2.2 Ballast impedance test
With a non-inductive lamp substitution resistor R of the value specified on the relevant lamp
L
data sheet, substituted for the lamp and a non-inductive resistor R of the value specified on
C
the relevant lamp data sheet, substituted for each lamp cathode, (see Figure 2b), and at 92 %
of the rated voltage, the ballast shall deliver a current not less than the minimum value
specified on that data sheet.
7.2.3 Cathode current
Ballasts of the non-preheat start type may supply some cathode heating during the starting
process. In Figure 2c, the cathode (heating) current is measured in M1 and M2 as the lower
current.
The cathode current, if any, shall not exceed the maximum value specified on the relevant
lamp data sheet.
The measurement is carried out with substitution resistors R (see Figure 2c), the value of
i
which is calculated as follows:
11V
R =
i
2,1 x I
r
where I is the rated value of the lamp operating current.
r
This requirement does also apply to electronic ballasts with output terminals for more than
one lamp. The positions where not to measure are equipped with reference lamps, the
position where to measure is equipped as shown in Figure 2c.
7.3 Starting aid and distances
Lamps operated with electronic ballasts complying with this standard may require a starting
aid as specified in IEC 60081 or 60901. The open-circuit voltage and voltage to starting aid,
during preheat and starting, shall be within the limits specified in the information for ballast
design on the relevant lamp data sheet.
8 Operating conditions
8.1 At rated voltage and ambient temperature of (25±2) °C, the ballast lumen factor shall not
be less than 95 % of the value declared by the manufacturer or not less than 0,95 if not
declared.
NOTE The luminous flux of a lamp is usually measured with an integrating photometer. For ratio measurements, a
suitable luxmeter is sufficient as there is close relationship between flux and luminous intensity at a fixed point.
If the declared lumen factor of the ballast is less than 0,9, evidence shall be given that the
performance of lamps operated on that ballast is not impaired. A relevant test is under
consideration.
60929  IEC:2006 – 25 –
8.2 At rated voltage, the total circuit power shall be not more than 110 % of the value
declared by the manufacturer, when the ballast is operated with (a) reference lamp(s).
8.3 Requirements for dimming
8.3.1 Lamp cathode heating
When operating lamps at lower lumen levels than the optimum design point, care shall be
taken that the ballast provides cathode heating continuously to the lamp(s) so that the lamp
life is not degraded.
8.3.2 Control interfaces
Requirements are specified in Annex E and according to the ballast manufacturer’s
declarations.
There are presently also other non-standardised interfaces which can lead to problems of
interchangeability between interfaces. These have to be tested according to the
manufacturer’s specifications.
8.4 Unless otherwise specified on the relevant lamp data sheet, the ballast at rated voltage
shall limit the current delivered to a reference lamp to a value not exceeding 115 % of that
delivered to the same lamp when it is operated with a reference ballast.
9 Circuit power factor
The measured circuit power factor shall not differ from the marked value by more than 0,05
when the ballast is operated with one or more reference lamp(s) and the whole combination is
supplied at its rated voltage and frequency.
For controllable ballast the power factor is measured at full power.
10 Supply current
At rated voltage, the supply current shall not differ by more than ±10 % from the value marked
on the ballast or declared in the manufacturer’s literature, when the ballast is operated with
(a) reference lamp(s).
For controllable ballasts the supply current shall not exceed the value marked on the ballast
according to IEC 61347-1 by more than 10 % in any dimming position. The scan over all
dimming positions can be replaced, if the value of the maximum supply current and the
corresponding dimming positions are provided.
11 Maximum current in any lead to a cathode
In normal operation at any supply voltage between 92 % and 106 % of the rated value, the
current flowing in any one of the cathode terminations shall not exceed the value given on the
relevant lamp data sheet.
The measurement is made with an oscilloscope or another suitable device. The
measurements shall be made with a reference lamp at all contacts to the cathodes.

60929  IEC:2006 – 27 –
12 Lamp operating current waveform
The ballast shall be operated with a reference lamp or lamps at its rated voltage. After lamp
stabilisation, the waveform of the lamp current shall comply with the following conditions.
a) In every successive half-cycle, the enveloping wave of the lamp current shall not differ by
more than 4 % at the same time after phase zero passage of the mains supply voltage.
NOTE The purpose of this requirement is to avoid flicker due to the inconsistency of the wave shape of the
enveloping wave from half mains cycle to half mains cycle.
b) The maximum ratio of peak value to r.m.s. value of the lamp current shall not exceed 1,7.
NOTE In Japan, a crest factor of 2,1 maximum is permitted, when additional cathode heating is applied.
13 Impedance at audio frequencies
Ballasts marked with the audio-frequency symbol (see 5.1) are tested in accordance with
Clause A.2.
For every signal frequency between 400 Hz and 2 000 Hz, the impedance of the ballast when
operated with a reference lamp supplied at its rated voltage and frequency shall be inductive
in characteristic. Its impedance in ohms shall be at least equal in value to the resistance of
the resistor which would dissipate the same power as the lamp/ballast combination in
question when it is supplied at its rated voltage and frequency. The ballast impedance is
measured with a signal voltage equal to 3,5 % of the rated supply voltage of the ballast.
Between 250 Hz and 400 Hz, the impedance shall be at least equal to half the minimum value
required for frequencies between 400 Hz and 2 000 Hz.
NOTE Radio interference suppressors consisting of capacitors of less than 0,2 µF (total value) which may be
incorporated in the ballast may be disconnected for this test.

14 Operational tests for abnormal conditions
14.1 Removal of lamp(s)
During the operation of the ballast at rated voltage +10 % and in association with (an)
appropriate lamp(s), the lamp(s) shall be disconnected for 1 h from the ballast without
switching off the supply voltage. At the end of this period, the lamp(s) is (are) reconnected
and shall start and operate normally. If the lamp(s) does (do) not start, the supply voltage
shall be switched off for 1 min and switched on again. After that, the lamp(s) shall start.
14.2 Lamp fails to start
With an appropriate dummy cathode resistor as specified on the relevant data sheet
connected in place of each lamp cathode, the ballast shall be operated at rated voltage +10 %
for 1 h. At the end of this period, the resistors shall be removed; (an) appropriate lamp(s) is
(are) connected and shall start and operate normally. If the lamp(s) does (do) not start, the
supply voltage shall be switched off for 1 min and switched on again. After that, the lamp(s)
shall start.
60929  IEC:2006 – 29 –
15 Endurance
15.1 Before the test the ballast shall be subjected to a temperature cycling and an open-
circuit switching test, as follows.
a) Temperature cycle test
The ballast is stored firstly at the lower limit of the ambient temperature for 1 h. The
temperature is then raised to t for 1 h. Five such temperature cycles are carried out. If a
c
lower limit is not declared, a value of +10 °C shall be used.
b) Switching cycle test
At rated supply voltage (or the most onerous voltage of a voltage range, to be indicated by
the manufacturer) the ballast is switched on and off each for 30 s. This cycle is repeated
1 000 times with the output terminals open.
15.2 The ballast shall then be operated with an appropriate lamp at rated supply voltage
and in an ambient temperature which produces t , until a test period of 200 h has elapsed. At
c
the end of this time, and after cooling down to room temperature, the ballast shall correctly
start and operate an appropriate lamp for 15 min. During this test the lamps are placed
outside the test enclosure at an ambient temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C.
15.3 The mentioned t is the t measured at the most onerous dimming position. This
c c
dimming position may be given by consultation with the manufacturer.
NOTE When testing the t temperature within the luminaire the same onerous dimming position applies.
c
60929  IEC:2006 – 31 –
E (J)
E
max
P
E
Q min
t (s)
0 0,4 3,0
V
Vt ()
V
ignition
V
non ignition
t (s)
t
IEC  2478/05
Key
Grey area: Energy supply to the cathode permitted
Dark grey area: Ignition permitted
E: Energy supplied to the electrode for preheating (J)
E = Q + P • t = minimum cathode preheat energy
min min min
E = Q + P • t = maximum cathode preheat energy
max max max
V(t) : Voltage, measured at the output terminals of the ballast
t = t (V )
1 non-ignition
t = t (V )
2 ignition
NOTE For the values of Q (J), Q (J), P (W), P (W), V (V) and V (V) see lamp data
min max min max non ignition ignition
sheet.
Figure 1 – Schematic illustration of the energy required for preheating and starting

60929  IEC:2006 – 33 –
R
c
UM
D.U.T.
R
c
IEC  2479/05
Key
U  Supply                       M  Measuring device
D.U.T.  Device (ballast) under test     R  See 7.2.1
c
Figure 2a – Test circuit for open-circuit voltage
R
c
R
L
U
D.U.T.
R
c
M
IEC  2480/05
Key
U  Supply                    R  See 7.2.2
c
D.U.T.  Device (ballast) under test  R  See 7.2.2
L
M  Measuring device
Figure 2b – Test circuit for ballast impedance
M1
R
i
M2
L
U
D.U.T.
R
i
Key
IEC  2481/05
U  Supply                    R  See 7.2.3
i
D.U.T.  Device (ballast) under test  L  Lamp
M  Measuring device
Figure 2c – Test circuit for cathode current
Figure 2 – Test circuits for non-preheat starting mode

60929  IEC:2006 – 35 –
A
200 kOhm D.U.T.
U
Z
R
G
Z
5 Ohm
C
F
W
Key
IEC  2482/05
U Supply 50 Hz (60 Hz)
G Generator 250 Hz…2 000 Hz
A Supply transformer 50 Hz or 60 Hz
D.U.T. Device (ballast) under test
Z Impedance of value sufficiently high for 50 Hz or 60 Hz, sufficiently low for 250 Hz to 2 000 Hz (e.g.
resistance 15 Ω + capacitance 16 µF)
Z Impedance of value sufficiently low for 50 Hz or 60 Hz, sufficiently high for 250 Hz to 2 000 Hz (e.g.
inductance 20 mH)
F Filter 50 Hz or 60 Hz
W Selective voltmeter or wave analyser
NOTE The value of 200 kΩ for one branch of the bridge is not critical.

Figure 3 – Measurement of impedance at audio frequencies

M
R
U
M
D.U.T.
M
R
Key
IEC  2483/05
U Supply
D.U.T. Device (ballast) under test
M Measuring device
R  See lamp data sheets, substitution resistor for testing cathode preheat requirements
Figure 4 – Test circuit for ballasts for preheat starting mode

60929  IEC:2006 – 37 –
R
T
Lp
G PA V V
S
SU
A
IEC  2484/05
Key
SU Supply
G Sine generator
PA Power amplifier
T Isolating transformer
R Reference resistor
Lp Lamp
S Starting switch
Figure 5 – HF reference circuit

60929  IEC:2006 – 39 –
Annex A
(normative)
Tests
A.1 General requirements
Tests are type tests. One sample shall be submitted to all tests.
A.1.1 Ambient temperature
Tests shall be made in a draught-free room and at an ambient temperature within the range
20 °C to 27 °C.
For those tests which require constant lamp performance, the ambient temperature around
the lamp shall be within the range 23 °C to 27 °C and shall not vary by more than 1 °C during
the test.
A.1.2 Supply voltage and frequency
A.1.2.1 Test voltage and frequency
Unless otherwise specified, the ballast to be tested shall be operated at its rated voltage and
the reference ballast at its rated voltage and f
...