EN 60838-1:2017

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60838-1:2005
SIST EN 60838-1:2005/A1:2008
SIST EN 60838-1:2005/A2:2011
Razni okovi za žarnice in sijalke - 1. del: Splošne zahteve in preskusi (IEC 60838-
1:2016)
Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests (IEC 60838-1:2016)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60838-1:2017
ICS:
29.140.10 Grla in držala žarnic Lamp caps and holders
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60838-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2017
ICS 29.140.10 Supersedes EN 60838-1:2004
English Version
Miscellaneous lampholders -
Part 1: General requirements and tests
(IEC 60838-1:2016)
Douilles diverses pour lampes - Partie 1: Exigences Sonderfassungen - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen und
générales et essais Prüfungen
(IEC 60838-1:2016) (IEC 60838-1:2016)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2016-06-23. 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 CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre 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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2017 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 60838-1:2017 E
European foreword
The text of document 34B/1850A/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 60838-1, prepared by SC 34B “Lamp
caps and holders” of IEC/TC 34 “Lamps and related equipment” was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC
parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN 60838-1:2017.

The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2017-10-28
• latest date by which the document has to be
implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2020-04-28
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60838-1:2004.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60838-1:2016 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:

IEC 60061-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60061-1.
IEC 60061-4 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60061-4.
IEC 60068-2-20 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-20.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE 1 When an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available here:
www.cenelec.eu
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60061 Series Lamp caps and holders together with EN 60061 Series
gauges for the control of interchangeability
and safety
IEC 60061-2 -  Lamp caps and holders together with EN 60061-2 -
gauges for the control of interchangeability
and safety -
Part 2: Lampholders
IEC 60061-3 -  Lamp caps and holders together with EN 60061-3 -
gauges for the control of interchangeability
and safety -
Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60068-2-75 2014 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-75 2014
Part 2-75: Tests - Test Eh: Hammer tests
2003 Method for the determination of the proof EN 60112 2003
IEC 60112
and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
+A1 2009  +A1 2009
IEC 60227 Series Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated - -
voltages up to and including 450/750 V
IEC 60238 -  Edison screw lampholders EN 60238 -
IEC 60245 Series Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages - -
up to and including 450/750 V
IEC 60352-1 -  Solderless connections - EN 60352-1 -
Part 1: Wrapped connections - General
requirements, test methods and practical
guidance
IEC 60399 -  Barrel thread for lampholders with shade EN 60399 -
holder ring
IEC 60417-DB -  Graphical symbols for use on equipment - -
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

1989 Degrees of protection provided by EN 60529 1991
IEC 60529
enclosures (IP Code) + corr. May 1993
+A1 1999  +A1 2000
+A2 2013  +A2 2013
IEC 60598-1 (mod) 2014 Luminaires - EN 60598-1 2015
Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60664-1 -  Insulation coordination for equipment EN 60664-1 -
within low-voltage systems -
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11 -  Fire hazard testing - EN 60695-2-11 -
Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test
methods - Glow-wire flammability test
method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5 -  Fire hazard testing - EN 60695-11-5 -
Part 11-5: Test flames - Needle-flame test
method - Apparatus, confirmatory test
arrangement and guidance
ISO 1456 -  Metallic and other inorganic coatings - EN ISO 1456 -
Electrodeposited coatings of nickel, nickel
plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of
copper plus nickel plus chromium
ISO 2081 -  Metallic and other inorganic coatings - EN ISO 2081 -
Electroplated coatings of zinc with
supplementary treatments on iron or steel
ISO 2093 -  Electroplated coatings of tin; Specification - -
and test methods
ISO 4046-4 2002 Paper, board, pulps and related terms - - -
Vocabulary - Part 4: Paper and board
grades and converted products
IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –

Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-3356-6

– 2 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirement . 9
5 General conditions for tests . 9
6 Classification . 10
7 Marking . 11
8 Protection against electric shock . 13
9 Terminals . 13
10 Provision for earthing . 15
11 Construction . 16
12 Moisture resistance, insulation resistance and electric strength . 17
13 Mechanical strength . 19
14 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 20
15 Creepage distances and clearances . 20
16 Endurance . 23
17 Resistance to heat and fire . 24
18 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 27
Annex A (informative) Lampholders covered by this standard. 29
Annex B (normative) Suitable metals . 31
Annex C (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 32
Annex D (normative) Pendulum impact test apparatus . 34
Annex E (informative) Schedule of amended clauses and subclauses containing more
serious/ critical requirements which require products to be retested . 36
Bibliography . 37

Figure 1 – Ball-pressure test apparatus . 25
Figure D.1 – Impact test apparatus . 34
Figure D.2 – Mounting fixture . 35

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance. 18
Table 2 – Height of fall . 19
Table 2a – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages − Impulse
withstand category II . 21
Table 2b – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages − Impulse
withstand category III . 22
Table 3 – Minimum distances for non-sinusoidal pulse voltages . 22
Table A.1 – Lampholders covered by this standard . 29
Table C.1 – Test solution . 32

IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

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 itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
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 60838-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2004, Amendment
1:2008 and Amendment 2:2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes in this edition with respect to the previous edition include
the introduction of new or revised requirements for single and dual contact ignition voltages,
steel test caps and brass test caps and an Annex E listing amended requirements/clauses
which require products to be retested.

– 4 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34B/1850A/FDIS 34B/1856/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.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60838 series, published under the general title Miscellaneous
lampholders, can be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability 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.
IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 5 –
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60838 applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building-in
(to be used with general purpose light sources, projection lamps, floodlighting lamps and
street-lighting lamps with caps as listed in Annex A) and the methods of test to be used in
determining the safe use of lamps in lampholders.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire. It covers
the requirements for the lampholder only.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders integrated in an outer shell and dome similar
to Edison screw lampholders. Such lampholders are further tested in accordance with the
relevant clauses of IEC 60238.
Requirements for lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps, Edison screw lampholders and
bayonet lampholders are covered by separate standards.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60061 (all parts), Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60061)
IEC 60061-2, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 2: Lampholders
IEC 60061-3, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60112:2003/AMD1:2009
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60238, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
– 6 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
IEC 60352-1, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General requirements,
test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1:2014, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60664-1, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 1456, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel, nickel
plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium
ISO 2081, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings of zinc with
supplementary treatments on iron or steel
ISO 2093, Electroplated coatings of tin – Specification and test methods
ISO 4046-4:2002, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
board grades and converted products
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
lampholder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage that may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp is removed
3.3
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
___________
A consolidated version of this publication exists, comprising IEC 60529:1989, IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999 and
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013.
IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 7 –
3.4
lampholder for building-in
lampholder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.4.1
unenclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example
enclosures, to meet the requirements of this standard with regard to protection against
electric shock
3.4.2
enclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it fulfils on its own the requirements of this
standard with regard to protection against electric shock
3.5
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the lampholder is designed
3.6
rated pulse voltage
highest peak value of pulse voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.7
lamp connector
set of contacts specially designed to provide for electrical contact but not supporting the lamp
3.8
type test
test or series of tests made on a type test sample, for the purpose of checking compliance of
the design of a given product with the requirements of the relevant standard
3.9
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar specimens submitted by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor for the purpose of a type test
3.10
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.11
impulse withstand category
numeral defining a transient overvoltage condition
Note 1 to entry: Impulse withstand categories I, II, III and IV are used.
a) Purpose of classification of impulse withstand categories
Impulse withstand categories are to distinguish different degrees of availability of equipment with regard to
required expectations on continuity of service and on an acceptable risk of failure.
By selection of impulse withstand levels of equipment, insulation co-ordination can be achieved in the whole
installation reducing the risk of failure to an acceptable level providing a basis for overvoltage control.
A higher characteristic numeral of an impulse withstand category indicates a higher specific impulse withstand
of the equipment and offers a wider choice of methods for overvoltage control.
The concept of impulse withstand categories is used for equipment energized directly from the mains.
b) Description of impulse withstand categories
Equipment of impulse withstand category I is equipment which is intended to be connected to the fixed
electrical installations of buildings. Protective means are taken outside the equipment – either in the fixed

– 8 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
installation or between the fixed installation and the equipment – to limit transient overvoltages to the specific
level.
Equipment of impulse withstand category II is equipment to be connected to the fixed electrical installations of
buildings.
Equipment of impulse withstand category III is equipment which is part of the fixed electrical installations and
other equipment where a higher degree of availability is expected.
Equipment of impulse withstand category IV is for use at or in the proximity of the origin of the electrical
installations of buildings upstream of the main distribution board.
3.12
primary circuit
circuit which is directly connected to the AC mains supply
Note 1 to entry: It includes, for example, the means for connection to the AC mains supply, the primary windings
of transformers, motors and other loading devices.
3.13
secondary circuit
circuit which has no direct connection to a primary circuit and derives its power from a
transformer, converter or equivalent isolation device, or from a battery
Note 1 to entry: Exception: autotransformers. Although having direct connection to a primary circuit, the tapped
part of them is also deemed to be a secondary circuit as defined above.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. Also
inductive ballasts reduce the mains transient voltage height. Therefore, components located after a primary circuit
or after an inductive ballast can be suited for an impulse withstand category of one step lower, i.e. for impulse
withstand category II.
3.14
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
Note 1 to entry: Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
3.15
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation
3.16
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.17
reinforced insulation
single insulation system applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against
electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified
Note 1 to entry: The term "insulation system" does not imply that the insulation shall be one homogeneous piece.
It may comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.18
enclosed reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements for double or
reinforced insulated parts in class II applications
3.19
partly reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in, so designed that some parts of the lampholder require additional
means to fulfil the requirements with regard to double or reinforced insulation
Note 1 to entry: In some cases, the dimensions might be achieved only after mounting into the luminaire.

IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 9 –
3.20
polarized lampholder
lampholder for building-in, specially designed for asymmetric rated pulse voltages, where the
rated ignition voltage (higher rated pulse voltage) is designated to a fixed contact
3.21
single contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which appears on one contact of the lampholder only
3.22
dual contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which is split between the two contacts of the lampholder
4 General requirement
Lampholders shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they function reliably
and cause no danger to persons or surroundings.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
NOTE 1 The requirements and tolerances permitted by the standard are related to testing of type test sample
submitted for that purpose. Compliance of type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of
a manufacturer with this safety standard. Conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can
include routine tests and quality assurance in addition to type testing.
NOTE 2 For further information on conformity testing during manufacture see IEC 60061-4.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are made at an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C and with the holder in the most unfavourable position for normal use.
If a lampholder is declared to accept different lamp fits, it shall comply with the requirements
of each of the fits mentioned.
Compliance is checked with separate sets of specimens according to 5.3.
If the use of different lamp fits in turn is permitted by the manufacturer, only one set of
specimens is used to check compliance with all requirements.
For all tests the most critical of the relevant fits and gauges shall be used and in the most
onerous sequence.
5.3 The tests and inspections are carried out in the order of the clauses, on a total of
– 10 pairs of matching holders intended for linear double-capped lamps;
If a pair of holders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient that one holder instead of
one pair is subjected to all the tests, except for the tests of Clause 8, of 11.2, 11.3, of
Clause 13, Clause 16 and of 17.6 where pairs are needed.
– 10 specimens intended for single-capped lamps;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 4 up to and including Clause 15 (except for 9.2);

– 10 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
NOTE The tests of 9.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 16 and 17.6;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.1;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.3;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.4;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.5 and Clause 18.
Together with these units, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 7.3) shall be
supplied.
In such cases, where according to the mounting instructions the rated pulse voltage of the
holder can only be achieved with a cap inserted, suitable caps shall be supplied together with
the type test sample. The relevant tests are then carried out with a cap inserted.
5.4 Lampholders are deemed to comply with this standard if no specimen fails in the
complete series of tests specified in 5.3.
If one specimen fails in one test, that test and the preceding ones which may have influenced
the result of that test are repeated on another set of specimens for the number required by
5.3, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent tests.
Lampholders are deemed not to comply with this standard if there are more failures than one.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of specimens, the additional set which
may be needed in case of failure of one specimen. The testing station shall then, without
further request, test the additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs.
If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen
will entail the rejection.
6 Classification
Lampholders are classified as follows.
6.1 According to their installation conditions
− unenclosed lampholders;
− enclosed lampholders;
− partly reinforced insulated lampholders;
− enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
NOTE 1 Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it can be
regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.
6.2 According to their resistance to heat:
– for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;
– for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C (T-marked lampholders).
The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder which makes
electrical contact with the lamp cap/base. If the heat resistance of insulating parts, terminals
and leads of the lampholder deviates from this operating temperature, these different values
shall be stated in the manufacturer's catalogue and are checked after appropriate installation
in a luminaire or other additional enclosure, when that equipment is tested according to its
own standard.
IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 11 –
6.3 According to polarization
− non-polarized lampholders;
− polarized lampholders.
6.4 According to the application of ignition voltages
− lampholders for single-contact ignition voltages
− lampholders for dual-contact ignition voltages
NOTE 2 By using dual contact ignition voltages advantage can be taken of reduced creepage distance and
clearance requirements.
7 Marking
7.1 Lampholders shall be marked with the following mandatory markings:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) either a unique catalogue number or an identifying reference.
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer such as printed catalogues or online
catalogues shall allow a clear identification of a lampholder either by a unique catalogue
number or by an identifying reference on the holder, specifying the essential characteristic
features and the basic design of the product supplemented by a clear description. Variations
of the basic design, for example different cable length, fixing means, colours, which do not
affect safety or performance of the lampholder, may be disregarded in the type reference
marked on the product. Variations included in the type testing procedure are listed in the
corresponding test reports.
If a combination of lampholder components determines the lampholder designation, for
example an assembly of a lamp connector and a retaining spring, the combination should be
clearly identifiable.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall be given
either on the lampholder or be made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like:
a) the rated voltage in volts and rated pulse voltage in kilovolts (kV), if applicable; for
polarized lampholders, the rated voltage in volts and the pair of rated pulse voltages;
NOTE 1 Some lampholders still show rated voltages higher than 500 V. This is an earlier way of expressing
the permissible pulse voltage via a rated voltage. For such lampholders, the creepage distances and
clearances can be found in IEC 60598-1.
b) the rated current in amperes;
c) the rated operating temperature T, if greater than 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C;
d) the conductor sizes for which the terminal is designed;
e) the high voltage arrow (see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10) for polarized lampholders to identify
the connection for the higher pulse voltage, if applicable; it shall be visible close to the
relevant terminal or wire entry during lampholder installation;
f) information on the application of ignition voltages.
If symbols are used, these shall be as follows.
For electrical rating:
– volt: V;
– 12 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
– ampere: A;
– watt: W;
– pulse voltage: kV;
− high pulse voltage terminal/wire on polarized lampholders:
(see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10)
NOTE 2 Alternatively, for volt and ampere ratings, figures can be used alone, the figure for the rated current
being marked before or above that for the rated voltage and separated from the latter by an oblique stroke or line.
Therefore the marking of current and voltage can be as follows:
2 A 250 V or 2/250 or
For the rated pulse voltage, the symbol shall be preceded by its value (e. g. 5 kV). For
polarized lampholders as well as for dual contact ignition voltage lampholders, the two rated
pulse voltages shall be separated by an oblique stroke (e. g. 15/2,5 kV or 5/2,5 kV).
If a lamp holder is intended to be used for dual contact ignition voltages this information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For polarized lampholders the figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the higher
pulse voltage, the figure behind represents the rated pulse voltage based on the impulse
withstand category of the lampholder. For dual contact ignition voltage lampholders the figure
marked before the oblique stroke represents the total ignition voltage, the figure behind the
oblique stroke represents the ignition voltage from the contacts to the mounting surface or the
outer accessible surface.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
For lampholders according to this standard, the distances for impulse withstand category II
are usually applicable. For holders in equipment where a higher degree of availability is
expected, distances for impulse withstand category III may be applicable. This information
has to be indicated in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like.
Enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders offer an adequate level of protection for use in
luminaires where they are accessible in normal use. This information shall be indicated in the
manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For partly reinforced insulated lampholders, sufficient creepage distances and clearances to
outer accessible surfaces will require additional protection to some parts of the lampholder by
the luminaire design or by use of additional attachment(s) or cover(s). This information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
7.3 The instructions supplied by the holder manufacturer or responsible vendor shall
contain all the information required to ensure correct mounting and operation of the
connectors or holders.
NOTE The information could be part of the manufacturer's or responsible vendor's catalogue.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.4 Marking shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, after the tests of 17.6 have been completed, by
trying to remove the marking by rubbing lightly for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water
and for a further 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.

IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 13 –
After the test the marking shall still be legible.
NOTE The petroleum spirit used typically consists of a solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum
0,1 volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-point of
approximately 69 °C and a specific density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Enclosed lampholders shall be so constructed that, when the holder has been built in or
installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not accessible
– without a lamp inserted;
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion or removal of the lamp.
For lampholders which have been in use for a long time, such as B22d-3, BY22d, G22, G38,
P28s, P30s and P40, the above requirement applies only with the appropriate lamp inserted.
The insertion of only one pin of the lamp (in case of caps with more than one pin) to the first
point of contact with live parts shall be prevented.
Lampholders G22 and G38 are exempted from this requirement.
Compliance is checked by means of the standard test finger specified in IEC 60529.This test
finger is applied in every possible position with a force not exceeding 10 N, an electrical
indicator being used to show contact with live parts.
It is recommended that a voltage of not less than 40 V be used.
The lampholders are mounted as in normal use, i.e. on a supporting surface or the like with
the most unfavourable conductor size fitted for which it is intended before being subjected to
the above test.
Unenclosed lampholders are only tested after appropriate installation in a luminaire or other
additional enclosure when that equipment is tested according to its own standard.
8.2 Lampholders for double-ended lamps shall be so constructed that, when the two
holders have been built in or installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not
accessible
– without a lamp inserted,
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion and removal of the lamp.
In case of lampholders R7s/RX7s, a test which simulates insertion or removal of the lamp is
not available because in both cases testing has to be done against the spring force of the
single contact. This situation does not give the repeatability required for judgement.
Therefore, this test is replaced by one with the lamp inserted.
Compliance is checked in accordance with IEC 60061 or unless otherwise specified in
IEC 60061, with the standard test finger.
9 Terminals
9.1 Lampholders shall be provided with at least one of the following means of connection:
– screw-type terminals;
– 14 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
– screwless terminals;
– tabs or pins for push-on connections;
– posts for wire wrapping;
– soldering lugs;
– connecting leads (tails).
Terminal screws and nuts shall have a metric ISO thread.
Lampholders with screwless terminals, unless intended for sale to luminaire or equipment
manufacturers, shall be provided with terminals which are equally satisfactory with both rigid
(solid or stranded) conductors and flexible cables or cords.
Other means of connection than those specified are permitted provided they are equal in
performance to the methods listed. An example for such a means of connection is a contact of
a lampholder for extra low voltage halogen lamps providing electrical connection to a metal
part of the luminaire during lampholder assembly.
Compliance is checked by the tests of 9.2 or 9.3 respectively.
9.2 Terminals shall comply with the following requirements.
– Screw-type terminals shall comply with Section 14 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Screwless terminals shall comply with Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Tabs or pins for push-on connections shall comply with Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Posts for wire wrapping shall comply with IEC 60352-1. Wire wrapping applies only to
single solid round wire for internal wiring.
– Soldering lugs shall comply with the requirements for good solderability. Suitable require-
ments can be found in IEC 60068-2-20.
– Connecting leads (tails) shall comply with the requirements prescribed in 9.3.
For T-marked lampholders, the terminals are tested at the rated operating temperature,
unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
Lampholders for extra low voltage halogen lamps, having a contact providing electrical
connection to a metal part of the luminaire during lampholder assembly are for use of
luminaire manufacturers only and are not for retail sale.
The conditions for a reliable installation and operation shall be given
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