EN 60929:2004

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60929
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2004
ICS 29.140.30 Supersedes EN 60929:1992 + A1:1995 + A2:1996

English version
A.C. supplied electronic ballasts for tubular fluorescent lamps -
Performance requirements
(IEC 60929:2003)
Ballasts électroniques alimentés  Wechselstromversorgte elektronische
en courant alternatif pour lampes Vorschaltgeräte für röhrenförmige
tubulaires à fluorescence - Leuchtstofflampen -
Prescriptions de performances Anforderungen an die Arbeitsweise
(CEI 60929:2003) (IEC 60929:2003)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2004-03-01. 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, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and 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

© 2004 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60929:2004 E
Foreword
The text of document 34C/618/FDIS, future edition 2 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 2004-03-01.

This European Standard Supersedes EN 60929:1992 + A1:1995 + A2:1996.

In this new edition digital signal control of electronic ballasts has been introduced.

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) 2004-12-01

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2007-03-01

Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60929:2003 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
__________
- 3 - EN 60929:2004
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE Where an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
1) 2)
IEC 60081 - Double-capped fluorescent lamps - EN 60081 1998
Performance specifications
1)
IEC 60410 - Sampling plans and procedures for - -
inspection by attributes
1)
3)
IEC 60669-2-1 - Switches for household and similar fixed EN 60669-2-1 -
(mod) electrical installations
Part 2-1: Particular requirements -
Electronic switches
1) 2)
IEC 60901 - Single-capped fluorescent lamps - EN 60901 1996
Performance specifications
IEC 61000-3-2 2000 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) EN 61000-3-2 2000
(mod) Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic
current emissions (equipment input
current up to and including 16 A per
phase)
A1 2001 - -
1) 2)
IEC 61347-1 - Lamp controlgear EN 61347-1 2001
Part 1: General and safety requirements + corr. July 2003

1) 2)
IEC 61347-2-3 - Part 2-3: Particular requirements for a.c. EN 61347-2-3 2001
supplied electronic ballasts for + corr. July 2003
fluorescent lamps
1) 2)
IEC 61547 - Equipment for general lighting purposes - EN 61547 1995
EMC immunity requirements
1)
Undated reference.
2)
Valid edition at date of issue.
3)
In preparation.
NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
INTERNATIONAL
Deuxième édition
STANDARD
Second edition
2003-12
Ballasts électroniques alimentés en courant
alternatif pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence –
Prescriptions de performances
AC-supplied electronic ballasts for tubular
fluorescent lamps –
Performance requirements
© IEC 2003 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
y compris la photocopie et les photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
électronique ou mécanique,
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. the publisher.
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Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

60929 © IEC:2003 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7
INTRODUCTION.11
1 Scope.13
2 Normative references .13
3 Terms and definitions .13
4 General notes on tests .17
5 Marking .17
6 General statement .19
7 Starting conditions.19
8 Operating conditions.25
9 Circuit power factor .25
10 Supply current .27
11 Maximum current in any lead to a cathode.27
12 Current waveform .27
13 Magnetic screening .29
14 Impedance at audio frequencies .29
15 Mains transient overvoltages .29
16 Operational tests for abnormal conditions.31
17 Endurance.31
Annex A (normative)  Tests.47
Annex B (normative) Reference ballasts .57
Annex C (normative) Reference lamps.63
Annex D (informative)  Explanation of starting conditions.65
Annex E (normative) Control interface for controllable ballasts .75
Annex F (informative)  A guide to quoting product life and failure rate.137
Annex G (informative) Test procedures for ballasts with digital control interface
according to Clause E.4.139
Figure 1 – Interpretation of effective heating current .35
Figure 2 – Open-circuit voltage requirements for ballasts with current-controlled
preheating .37
Figure 3 – Test circuit for non-preheat starting mode .39
Figure 4 – Measurement of current waveform .41
Figure 5 – Measurement of impedance at audio frequencies.43
Figure 6 – Test circuit for ballasts for current-controlled preheat starting mode.43
Figure 7 – HF reference circuit.45
Figure 8 – Cathode heating current requirements for current-controlled ballasts .45

60929 © IEC:2003 – 5 –
Figure E.1 – Replacement diagram at ballast’s control terminals.85
Figure E.2 – Required timing at the ballast terminals of the digital interface.89
Figure E.3 – Voltage and current levels for forward and backward channeling at the
ballast's digital interface terminals .91
Figure E.4 – Example of command repetition time .95
Table A.1 – Test transient overvoltages .53

60929 © IEC:2003 – 7 –
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 second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1990, Amendment 1
(1994) and Amendment 2 (1996). This second edition constitutes a technical revision.
In this new edition digital signal control of electronic ballasts has been introduced.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 9 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34C/618/FDIS 34C/622/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 the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
2005. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60929 © IEC:2003 – 11 –
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
standardized.
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 The possibility exists for operation of lamps designed for preheat starting on circuits of the non-preheat type.
Lamps specified for operation on both types of circuits may appear in IEC 60081, or lamp manufacturers can authorize
such operation of their lamps.
In order to obtain satisfactory performance of fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts, it is
necessary that certain features of their design be properly coordinated. It is essential, therefore,
that specifications for them be written in terms of measurement made against some common
baseline of reference, which must be reasonable, 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 independency of frequency and the lack
of influence of parasitic capacitance.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 13 –
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 Tests in this standard are type tests. Requirements for testing individual ballasts during production are not
included.
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 60410:, Sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes
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 61000-3-2:2000, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) − Part 3-2: Limits − Limits for
harmonic current emissions (equipment input current <= 16A per phase)
Amendment 1 (2001)
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
IEC 61547, Equipment for general lighting purposes – EMC immunity requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:
3.1
starting aid
aid that can be either a conductive stripe affixed to the outer surface of a lamp, or a conductive
plate which is spaced within an appropriate distance from a lamp.
NOTE A starting aid can only be effective when it has an adequate potential difference from one end of the lamp.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 15 –
3.2
ballast lumen factor
ratio of the light output of the lamp when the ballast under test is operated at its rated voltage,
compared with the light output of the same lamp operated with the appropriate reference ballast
supplied at its rated voltage and frequency
3.3
reference ballast
special ballast designed for the purpose of providing comparison standards for testing ballasts
and for selecting reference lamps
NOTE It is essentially characterized 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.
3.4
reference lamp
lamp selected for testing ballasts which, when associated with a reference ballast under
specified conditions, has electrical characteristics which are close to the nominal values as
stated in the relevant lamp standard for that particular type of lamp
3.5
calibration current of a reference ballast
value of the current on which are based the calibration and functioning of the ballast
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
λλ
λλ
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 of power factor takes into account the effect of the distortion of the current waveform.
NOTE 2  For North America, 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 14 of this standard
3.10
low-distortion type ballast
ballast of which the harmonic content complies with the more severe requirements of 12.1 of this
standard
3.11
preheat starting
type of circuit in which the lamp electrodes are brought to emission temperature before the lamp
actually ignites
60929 © IEC:2003 – 17 –
3.12
non-preheat starting
type of circuit which utilizes a high open-circuit voltage causing field emission from electrodes
3.13
pre-start time
for ballasts according to 3.12, 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 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 61347-1
and IEC 61347-2-3.
5 Marking
5.1 Ballasts shall be clearly marked with the following mandatory marking:
a) Circuit power factor, for example 0,85.
If the power factor is less than 0,95 leading, it shall be followed by the letter C, for example
0,85 C.
The following markings shall also be added, if appropriate:
b) The symbol Z≈ which indicates that the ballast is designed to comply with the conditions for
audio-frequency impedance.
c) The symbol H which indicates that the ballast is not of the low distortion type.
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:

60929 © IEC:2003 – 19 –
a) a clear indication regarding the type of starting, viz. preheat or non-preheat;
b) indication whether a ballast needs a starting aid.
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) ballast lumen factor and total circuit power in combination.
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 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.
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 7.4, as appropriate, with the ballast
operating at any supply voltage between 92 % and 106 % of its rated value.
NOTE Preheat current or voltage requirements also apply to controllable ballasts in any dimming position.
7.1 Ballasts for current-controlled preheat starting mode
For ballasts of this category, the following requirements apply. The tests shall be carried out in
accordance with the requirements of Clause A.4.
7.1.1 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 total effective
heating current according to the time/current limits specified on the relevant lamp data sheets
(see Figure 1).
The absolute minimum preheat time shall be at least 0,4 s, unless otherwise specified on the
relevant lamp data sheet.
The maximum effective heating current shall not exceed the limits specified on the relevant lamp
data sheet at any time t.
60929 © IEC:2003 – 21 –
7.1.2 The open-circuit voltage between any pair of substitution resistors representing a lamp
shall not exceed the maximum values specified on the lamp data sheets, during the preheat
period. After the preheat period it shall be, or rise to a value, not less than the minimum value for
lamp starting, as specified on the lamp data sheet.
If the current through the substitution resistor, as specified in 7.1.1, is interrupted before the
minimum specified voltage for lamp starting has been reached, the voltage rise to minimum
starting voltage shall take place within not more than 0,1 s (see Figure 2a).
If the voltage rise takes more than 0,1 s, the current through the substitution resistor shall not fall
below the absolute minimum value specified (see Figure 2b).
The crest factor of the open-circuit voltage shall not exceed 1,8. Even very narrow voltage peaks
which do not influence the r.m.s. value shall not occur during the minimum preheat period.
7.2 Ballasts for voltage-controlled preheat starting mode
Ballasts of this type shall provide proper cathode preheating voltage, cathode operating voltage,
and lamp starting voltage. Limiting values and appropriate substitution resistors are specified on
the relevant lamp data sheets in IEC 60081 and IEC 60901.
Lamps with either low resistance cathodes or high resistance cathodes may be operated by this
method.
7.2.1 Ballasts shall deliver r.m.s. cathode heating voltage, within the limits specified on the
relevant lamp data sheet, to the specified substitution resistors, when rated supply voltage is
applied.
It is permitted to exceed the maximum cathode voltage limit provided the maximum cathode
current is in accordance with the requirements for current-controlled preheating.
The minimum application time of the cathode heating voltage shall be 0,4 s.
Dependent upon lamp data sheet requirements, the cathode heating voltage after 0,4 s may be:
a) applied continuously during operation;
b) reduced to a lower level;
c) reduced to zero.
7.2.2 Ballasts shall provide the lamp starting voltages specified on the relevant lamp data sheet
for:
a) r.m.s. voltage across the lamp, and
b) peak voltage to starting aid, if required.
Starting requirements for various series circuits may be specified. For operation of lamps in
parallel circuits, the relevant single lamp requirement shall be provided for each lamp.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 23 –
The starting voltages may be available simultaneously with the cathode preheating voltage or
they may be elevated to those levels after 0,4 s elapsed time. Any voltage applied before 0,4 s
shall be lower than the level that would cause starting of the lamp or shall be in accordance with
the values given for current-controlled preheating.
7.3 Ballasts for non-preheat starting mode
Ballasts in accordance with definition 3.12 shall be so designed that the cumulative 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 nominal
lamp current.
A ballast is deemed to conform with the above requirements when the following conditions are
fulfilled.
7.3.1 Open-circuit voltage
Measurement is made with an oscilloscope. With a non-inductive substitution resistor R of the
c
value specified on the relevant lamp data sheet, substituted for each lamp cathode (see Figure
3a), the open-circuit voltage shall comply with the value specified on the relevant lamp data
sheet.
Where two lamps are operated in series, the open-circuit voltage delivered to each lamp shall be
determined in turn, by substituting a reference lamp in one lamp position and substitution
resistors, of the value specified on the relevant lamp data sheet, in place of the electrodes in the
other lamp position.
The open-circuit voltage is measured between the substitution resistors and shall comply in both
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.
7.3.2 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 the
c
relevant lamp data sheet, substituted for each lamp cathode, (see Figure 3b), and at 92 % of the
rated voltage, the ballast shall deliver a current not less than the minimum value specified on
that data sheet.
7.3.3 Cathode current
Ballasts of the non-preheat start type may supply some cathode heating during the starting
process.
The cathode current, if any, shall not exceed the maximum value specified on the relevant lamp
data sheet.
The measurement is carried out with a substitution resistor R (see Figure 3c), the value of which
i
is calculated as follows:
–1
R = 11 (2,1 I )
i n
where I is the nominal value of the lamp operating current.
n
60929 © IEC:2003 – 25 –
7.4 Starting aid and distances
Lamps operated with electronic ballasts complying with this standard may require a starting aid
as specified in IEC 60081. The open-circuit voltage and voltage to starting aid (if required),
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, the ballast lumen factor shall not be less than 95 % of the value declared
by the manufacturer.
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.
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 Lamp power control
Requirements are specified in Annex E.
There are presently also other non-standardized interfaces, which can lead to problems of
interchangeability between interfaces. These have to be tested according to the manufacturers'
specifications. The type of interface shall be marked on the ballast.
8.4 Unless otherwise specified on the relevant lamp data sheet, the ballast 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.
Measurement is made in the circuit of Figure 4.
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 ballasts, the power factor is measured at full power.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 27 –
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 by
more than 10 % in any dimming position.
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.
12 Current waveform
12.1 Supply current waveform
The harmonics of the input current for luminaires shall comply with IEC 61000-3-2.
NOTE The above requirements apply to luminaires or ballasts which are intended to be connected to supplies
prescribed in Clause 4 of IEC 61000-3-2.
If separate tests with reference lamps have proved that ballasts for fluorescent lamps comply
with the requirements as specified in the relevant table of IEC 61000-3-2, the luminaire is
deemed to comply with these requirements and need not be checked. Manufacturers shall
indicate whether or not the ballast under test shall be subjected to the following test.
Where these components have not been approved separately or do not comply, the luminaire
itself is tested and shall comply.
The test is carried out in accordance with the requirements of Clause A.2. The ballast shall be
operated at its rated voltage with a reference lamp or lamps. After lamp stabilization, the
waveform of the supply current shall be such that the harmonics shall not exceed the limits given
in the relevant table of IEC 61000-3-2.
12.2 Lamp operating current waveform
The test is carried out in accordance with the requirements of Clause A.2.
The ballast shall be operated with a reference lamp or lamps at its rated voltage. After lamp
stabilization, 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 1 The purpose of this requirement is to avoid the inconsistency of the wave shape of the enveloping wave
from half mains cycle to half mains cycle.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 29 –
b) The maximum ratio of peak value to r.m.s. value shall not exceed 1,7 individual high-
frequency crest factor.
In the case where the high frequency is modulated at mains frequency, the maximum lamp
1)
current crest factor for the modulated envelope should not exceed 1,7 .
NOTE 2 High frequency current crest factor is equal to peak current of the modulated or unmodulated envelope
divided by the r.m.s. current.
13 Magnetic screening
Ballasts shall be effectively screened against magnetic influence of adjacent ferromagnetic
materials.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
The ballast shall be operated at rated voltage with an appropriate lamp. After stabilization, a
steel plate 1 mm thick and of length and breadth greater than those of the ballast under test is
successively placed in direct contact with the bottom plate of the ballast and at a distance of
1 mm from each face of the latter. During this operation, the lamp current is measured and this
shall not change by more than 2 % due to the presence of the steel plate.
14 Impedance at audio frequencies
Ballasts marked with the audio-frequency symbol (see 5.1) are tested in accordance with Clause
A.3.
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.
15 Mains transient overvoltages
Mains transients of either polarity, randomly phased and superimposed on the mains voltage, as
specified in Clause A.5, shall not disturb the intended functioning of the equipment or lead to
damage. Direct influence of lightning on the mains distribution has not been taken into account.
The test shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Clause A.5.
________
1)
In Japan, a crest factor of 2,1 maximum is permitted.

60929 © IEC:2003 – 31 –
16 Operational tests for abnormal conditions
16.1 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 at least after line re-switch on.
16.2 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 resistor shall be removed; (an) appropriate lamp(s) is (are) connected
and shall start and operate normally at least after line re-switch on.
17 Endurance
17.1 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, the ballast is switched on and off each for 30 s. This cycle is
repeated 1 000 times with the output terminals open.
17.2 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 the end of
c
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.
17.3 The mentioned t is the t measured at the most onerous dimming position. This dimming
c c
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:2003 – 33 –
IEC  2716/03
Figure 1a
IEC  2717/03
Figure 1b
Figure 1a: Ballast complies with 7.1.1. Varying r.m.s. current i never falls below steady state
p
r.m.s. current i (at t ), therefore the r.m.s. envelope of current i can be used to show
k e p
t t
e e
2 2
i dt > i dt
p k
³ ³
o o
Figure 1b: Ballast does not comply with 7.1.1. Varying r.m.s. current i only reaches the level of
p
steady state r.m.s. current i (at t ) just before time t , therefore the r.m.s. envelope of current i
k e e p
can be used to show
t t
e e
2 2
i dt < i dt
p k
³ ³
o o
60929 © IEC:2003 – 35 –
IEC  2718/03
Figure 1c
Figure 1c: Ballast may or may not comply with 7.1.1. The varying r.m.s. current i only exceeds
p
the steady state r.m.s. current i (at t ) for part of the time period to t . Energy measurements or
k e e
calculations are necessary to determine whether
t t
e e
2 2
i dt ≥ i dt
p k
³ ³
o o
The total heating effect of the varying heating current to time t shall not be less than the
e
equivalent of the steady state r.m.s. current i (at t ) for the same heating effect.
k e
Possible instances are shown in the three figures.
Figure 1 – Interpretation of effective heating current

60929 © IEC:2003 – 37 –
IEC  2719/03
Figure 2a – Ballasts which remove preheating current when
open-circuit voltages are elevated
IEC  2720/03
Figure 2b – Ballasts which have open-circuit voltage transition time > 100 ms
Figure 2 – Open-circuit voltage requirements for ballasts
with current-controlled preheating

60929 © IEC:2003 – 39 –
IEC  2721/03
Figure 3a – Test circuit for open-circuit voltage
IEC  2722/03
Figure 3b – Test circuit for ballast impedance
IEC  2723/03
Figure 3c – Test circuit for cathode current
Figure 3 – Test circuit for non-preheat starting mode

60929 © IEC:2003 – 41 –
IEC  2724/03
The measuring device is connected to the output which is nearest to earth potential.
Earthing of any output circuit is not necessary.
Figure 4 – Measurement of current waveform

60929 © IEC:2003 – 43 –
IEC  2725/03
NOTE The value of 200 000 Ω for one branch of the bridge is not critical.
Figure 5 – Measurement of impedance at audio frequencies
IEC  2726/03
Figure 6 – Test circuit for ballasts for current-controlled preheat starting mode

60929 © IEC:2003 – 45 –
IEC  2727/03
Figure 7 – HF reference circuit
IEC  2728/03
Figure 8 – Cathode heating current requirements for
current-controlled ballasts
60929 © IEC:2003 – 47 –
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
Te
...