IEC 60809:2021

IEC 60809 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Lamps and light sources for road vehicles –
Dimensional, electrical and luminous requirements

Lampes et sources lumineuses pour véhicules routiers –
Exigences dimensionnelles, électriques et lumineuses

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IEC 60809 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Lamps and light sources for road vehicles –

Dimensional, electrical and luminous requirements

Lampes et sources lumineuses pour véhicules routiers –

Exigences dimensionnelles, électriques et lumineuses

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.20; 43.040.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-1034-3

– 2 – IEC 60809:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 8
1 Scope . 10
2 Normative references. 10
3 Terms and definitions . 12
4 Requirements and test conditions for filament lamps . 15
4.1 General requirements . 15
4.2 Lamp marking . 15
4.3 Bulbs . 15
4.4 Colour . 15
4.4.1 Colour of light . 15
4.4.2 Colour endurance . 17
4.4.3 Coated bulb . 17
4.5 Lamp dimensions . 17
4.6 Caps and bases . 18
4.7 Initial electrical and luminous requirements . 18
4.8 Check on optical quality . 18
4.8.1 General . 18
4.8.2 12 V lamps emitting white light . 18
4.8.3 6 V and 24 V lamps emitting white light . 18
4.8.4 Lamps emitting selective-yellow light . 19
4.9 UV radiation . 19
4.10 Standard (étalon) filament lamps . 19
4.11 Non-replaceable filament lamps . 20
4.11.1 General . 20
4.11.2 Fixation . 21
4.11.3 Lifetime . 21
4.11.4 Colour endurance . 22
4.11.5 Luminous flux and colour maintenance . 22
4.11.6 Vibration and shock resistance . 22
5 Requirements and test conditions for discharge lamps . 22
5.1 General requirements . 22
5.2 Lamp marking . 22
5.3 Bulbs . 23
5.4 Caps . 23
5.5 Position and dimensions of electrodes, arc and black stripes . 23
5.5.1 Measurements . 23
5.5.2 Electrodes . 23
5.5.3 Arc . 23
5.5.4 Black stripes . 23
5.6 Starting, run-up and hot-restrike characteristics . 24
5.6.1 Starting . 24
5.6.2 Run-up . 24
5.6.3 Hot-restrike . 24
5.6.4 Compliance . 24
5.7 Electrical and photometric characteristics . 25
5.7.1 Voltage and wattage . 25
5.7.2 Luminous flux . 25

5.7.3 Compliance . 25
5.8 Colour . 25
5.9 UV radiation . 26
5.10 Standard (étalon) discharge lamps . 27
6 Requirements and test conditions for LED light sources . 27
6.1 General requirements . 27
6.2 Light source marking . 27
6.3 Optical surfaces . 27
6.4 Colour of light . 27
6.5 Lamp dimensions . 27
6.6 Caps and bases . 28
6.7 Initial electrical and photometrical requirements . 28
6.8 Red content . 28
6.9 UV radiation . 29
6.10 Standard (étalon) light sources . 29
7 Sampling and conditions of compliance . 29
8 Lamp data sheets . 29
8.1 General . 29
8.2 List of specific lamp types . 30
8.3 Data sheets not transferred to UN R.E.5 . 34
Annex A (normative) Filament shape, length and position . 54
A.1 General . 54
A.2 Filaments shown as points . 54
A.3 Line filaments . 54
A.4 Coiled-coil filaments . 54
A.5 Extreme filament turns . 54
A.6 Filament extremities . 54
A.6.1 General . 54
A.6.2 Axial filaments . 54
A.6.3 Transverse filaments . 54
A.7 Determination of filament length . 55
A.8 Filament offsets . 55
A.9 Lateral deviation . 55
A.10 Filament location check system (box system) . 55
Annex B (normative) Measurement method of the colour of filament lamps . 58
B.1 General . 58
B.2 Colour . 58
B.3 Measuring directions . 58
B.3.1 General . 58
B.3.2 Filament lamps used in headlamps . 58
B.3.3 Filament lamps used in light signalling devices . 59
Annex C (normative) Test conditions for electrical and luminous characteristics . 60
C.1 Filament lamps . 60
C.1.1 Ageing . 60
C.1.2 Test conditions . 60
C.1.3 Electrical instrumentation . 60
C.1.4 Photometry . 60
C.2 LED light sources . 60

– 4 – IEC 60809:2021 © IEC 2021
C.2.1 Test conditions . 60
C.2.2 Luminous flux . 60
C.2.3 Normalized luminous intensity . 61
C.2.4 Colour . 61
C.2.5 Power consumption . 61
C.2.6 Luminous flux and colour at elevated temperature . 62
Annex D (normative) Measurement method of internal elements of R2 lamps . 65
D.1 General test conditions . 65
D.1.1 Measurement position . 65
D.1.2 Ageing . 65
D.1.3 Test conditions . 65
D.2 Reference axis, reference plane and planes for measurements . 65
D.2.1 Reference axis . 65
D.2.2 Reference plane . 65
D.2.3 Plane V-V . 65
D.2.4 Plane H-H . 65
D.2.5 Plane X-X . 65
D.2.6 Plane Y1-Y1 . 65
D.2.7 Plane Y2-Y2 . 65
D.3 Viewing directions (see Figure D.1) . 66
D.3.1 Viewing direction ① . 66
D.3.2 Viewing direction ② . 66
D.3.3 Viewing direction ③ . 66
D.4 Measuring points (MP) . 66
D.5 Dimensions to be measured . 67
Annex E (normative) Measurement method of internal elements of H4 and HS1 lamps . 70
E.1 General test conditions . 70
E.1.1 Measurement position . 70
E.1.2 Ageing . 70
E.1.3 Test conditions . 70
E.2 Reference axis, reference plane and planes for measurement . 70
E.2.1 Reference axis . 70
E.2.2 Reference plane . 70
E.2.3 Plane V-V . 70
E.2.4 Plane H-H . 70
E.2.5 Plane X-X . 70
E.2.6 Plane Y1-Y1 . 70
E.2.7 Plane Y2-Y2 . 71
E.2.8 Plane Y3-Y3 . 71
E.2.9 Plane Y4-Y4 . 71
E.2.10 Plane Y5-Y5 . 71
E.3 Viewing directions (see Figure E.1) . 71
E.3.1 Viewing direction ① . 71
E.3.2 Viewing direction ② . 71
E.3.3 Viewing direction ③ . 71
E.3.4 Viewing direction ④ . 71
E.4 Measuring points (MP) . 71
E.4.1 General . 71
E.4.2 Shield and filaments (see Figure E.2) . 72

E.4.3 Top obscuration (see Figure E.3) . 72
E.5 Dimensions to be measured . 72
Annex F (normative) Measurement method of internal elements of HB1 lamps . 77
F.1 General test conditions . 77
F.1.1 Measurement position . 77
F.1.2 Ageing . 77
F.1.3 Test conditions . 77
F.2 Dipped-beam filament location. 77
F.2.1 Horizontal location . 77
F.2.2 Vertical location . 77
F.2.3 Axial location . 77
F.3 Main-beam filament location . 77
F.3.1 Horizontal location . 77
F.3.2 Vertical location . 77
F.3.3 Axial location . 78
Annex G (informative) Optical set-up for the measurement of the position and form of
the arc and of the position of the electrodes of discharge lamps . 79
Annex H (normative) Measurement method of electrical and photometric
characteristics of discharge lamps . 80
H.1 General . 80
H.2 Ballast . 80
H.3 Burning position . 80
H.4 Ageing . 80
H.5 Supply voltage . 80
H.6 Starting test . 80
H.7 Run-up test . 80
H.8 Hot restrike test . 80
H.9 Electrical and photometric test . 81
H.10 Colour . 81
Annex I (informative) Overview of lamp types and their applications . 82
Annex J (normative) Test conditions for colour endurance measurements . 85
J.1 General . 85
J.2 Calibration and ageing . 85
J.3 Test voltage . 86
J.4 Operating position . 86
J.5 Test rack . 86
J.6 Operating cycles . 86
J.7 Closure . 89
Annex K (informative) Method(s) to determine the value of the light centre length for
Lx3A, Lx3B, Lx4A, Lx4B, Lx5A, Lx5B, L1A/6 and L1B/6 . 90
K.1 Measurement and calculation method based on ray tracing . 90
K.2 Alternative method . 91
Annex L (informative) Method to determine the maximum luminance gradient of LED
light sources . 92
L.1 Measuring the luminance . 92
L.2 Calculating the maximum luminance gradient . 92
Bibliography . 94

Figure A.1 – Determination of apexes, filament length and filament offsets (A and B) . 56

– 6 – IEC 60809:2021 © IEC 2021
Figure A.2 – Determination of filament centre . 56
Figure A.3 – Determination of lateral deviations (A and B) and tolerance on the light
centre length (C) . 57
Figure B.1 – Positions of the colorimetric receiver when measuring lamps used in
headlamps . 59
Figure B.2 – Positions of the colorimetric receiver when measuring lamps used in light
signalling devices . 59
Figure C.1 – Schematic representation of the set-up to measure the luminous flux and
colour at elevated temperature . 63
Figure C.2 – Schematic representation of the set-up to measure the luminous flux and
colour at elevated temperature . 64
Figure D.1 – Viewing directions, seen from the top of the lamp . 68
Figure D.2 – Position of measuring points of R2 lamps . 69
Figure E.1 – Viewing directions, seen from the top of the lamp . 74
Figure E.2 – Position of measuring points of H4, H17, H19 and HS1 lamps . 75
Figure E.3 – Top obscuration . 76
ab
Figure F.1 – Side view, view from ③ . 78
a
Figure F.2 – Plan view, view from ④ . 78
Figure G.1 – Optical system . 79
Figure J.1 – Side view of box . 86
Figure J.2 – Front view of box . 86
Figure J.3 – Temperature in the climate chamber during one operating cycle . 87
Figure J.4 – Relative humidity in the climate chamber during one operating cycle . 87
Figure J.5 – Switching modes of filament lamps for intermittent operation during one
operating cycle . 88
Figure J.6 – Switching modes of filament lamps for intermittent and continuous
operation during one operating cycle . 88
Figure J.7 – Switching modes of filament lamps for continuous operation during one
operating cycle . 89
Figure J.8 – Switching modes of filament lamps for intermittent and continuous
operation during one operating cycle . 89
Figure K.1 – Set-up to measure the luminance distribution of the A versions of the LED
light sources . 90
Figure K.2 – Set-up to measure the luminance distribution of the B versions of the LED
light sources . 91
Figure L.1 – Example of a luminance image and the calculated average luminance
values L(x) . 93
Figure L.2 – Example for 1 µm-interpolation and position of maximum luminance
gradient . 93

Table 1 – Lifetime of non-replaceable light sources used in devices (luminaires) . 21
Table 2 – Spectral weighting function . 26
Table 3 – List of specific lamp types . 30
Table C.1 – Luminous flux tolerance limits . 61
Table D.1 – Dimensions to be measured for R2 lamps . 67
Table E.1 – Dimensions to be measured for H4, H17, H19 and HS1 lamps . 73
Table I.1 – Overview of lamp types and their applications . 82

Table J.1 – Applicable switching modes . 85
Table J.2 – Applicable boxes of the test racks . 85
Table J.3 – Dimensions of the applicable boxes and the relative position of the centre
of the filament . 86
Table J.4 – Timing during one operating cycle . 87
Table J.5 – Switching modes of the filament lamps . 88

– 8 – IEC 60809:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMPS AND LIGHT SOURCES FOR ROAD VEHICLES –
DIMENSIONAL, ELECTRICAL AND LUMINOUS 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
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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.
IEC 60809 has been prepared by subcommittee 34A: Electric light sources, of IEC technical
committee 34: Lighting. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2014, Amendment 1:2017,
Amendment 2:2017 and Amendment 3:2019. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Introduction of a light technical measurement on LED light sources intended for use in front-
lighting applications.
b) As the original data sheets and some figures from previous editions were not available in
an editable format, they have been reproduced from their old format, following the current
drafting rules and are now in single language format. Some reproductions constitute minor
(obvious) editorial changes of the original text sections and original figures; no technical
changes were introduced.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
34A/2232/FDIS 34A/2235/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 10 – IEC 60809:2021 © IEC 2021
LAMPS AND LIGHT SOURCES FOR ROAD VEHICLES –
DIMENSIONAL, ELECTRICAL AND LUMINOUS REQUIREMENTS

1 Scope
This document is applicable to electric light sources (see Note 1) for use in automotive
applications, for example in road illumination devices and/or light signalling devices for road
vehicles.
It is especially applicable to light sources listed in UN Resolution R.E.5 and light sources subject
to other legislations.
This document specifies the technical requirements for interchangeability for example
dimensional, electrical and photometrical characteristics, and includes test methods.
For the light sources listed in this document, the data sheets are contained either in this
document or are included by reference to UN Resolution R.E.5.
Performance requirements are specified in IEC 60810, for example life, torsion strength,
resistance to vibration and shock.
The requirements for miniature light sources for supplementary purposes, not subject to
legislation, are specified in IEC 60983.
NOTE 1 The terms "lamp" and "light source" are both used in this document to mean the same product, so the two
terms are interchangeable throughout this document.
NOTE 2 In various vocabularies and standards, different terms are used for "incandescent lamp"
(IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-07-04), "discharge lamp" (IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-07-17) and "LED lamp". In this
document "filament lamp", "discharge lamp" and "LED light source" are used, however, where only "lamp" or "light
source" is written, all light sources, independent of the technology used, are meant, unless the context clearly shows
that it applies to one kind of technology only. In the UN Regulations, the word "light source" is used for the products
specified in this document.
NOTE 3 Wherever the term "device" is used, it is meant to designate equipment which is used as a luminaire. It
can for instance take the form and purpose of a headlight or signal light.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 60050-845, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 845: Lighting (available at
http://www.electropedia.org/)
IEC 60051-1, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and their
accessories – Part 1: Definitions and general requirements common to all parts
IEC 60061-1, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability
and safety – Part 1: Lamp caps (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60061)
IEC 60810:2017, Lamps, light sources and LED packages for road vehicles – Performance
requirements
IEC 60810:2017/AMD1:2019
CIE 015:2018, Colorimetry
United Nations, Vehicle Regulations – 1958 Agreement, Agreement concerning the Adoption of
Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts
which can be Fitted and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal
Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these United Nations Regulations
(Revision 3)
Available at: www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29regs.html (website checked 2021-01-18)
Addendum 3: Regulation No. 4, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of devices for
the illumination of rear registration plates of power-driven vehicles and their trailers
Addendum 5: Regulation No. 6, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of direction
indicators for power-driven vehicles and their trailers
Addendum 6: Regulation No. 7, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of front and
rear position lamps, stop-lamps and end-outline marker lamps for motor vehicles and their
trailers
Addendum 22: Regulation No. 23, Uniform provisions concerning
...

IEC 60809 ®
Edition 4.1 2023-11
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Lamps and light sources for road vehicles – Dimensional, electrical and
luminous requirements
Lampes et sources lumineuses pour véhicules routiers – Exigences
dimensionnelles, électriques et lumineuses

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
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International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

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IEC 60809 ®
Edition 4.1 2023-11
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Lamps and light sources for road vehicles – Dimensional, electrical and
luminous requirements
Lampes et sources lumineuses pour véhicules routiers – Exigences
dimensionnelles, électriques et lumineuses
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.20, 43.040.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-7833-8

IEC 60809 ®
Edition 4.1 2023-11
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Lamps and light sources for road vehicles – Dimensional, electrical and
luminous requirements
Lampes et sources lumineuses pour véhicules routiers – Exigences
dimensionnelles, électriques et lumineuses

– 2 – IEC 60809:2021+AMD1:2023 CSV
© IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 8
1 Scope . 10
2 Normative references . 10
3 Terms and definitions . 12
4 Requirements and test conditions for filament lamps . 15
4.1 General requirements . 15
4.2 Lamp marking . 15
4.3 Bulbs . 16
4.4 Colour . 16
4.4.1 Colour of light . 16
4.4.2 Colour endurance . 17
4.4.3 Coated bulb . 18
4.5 Lamp dimensions . 18
4.6 Caps and bases . 18
4.7 Initial electrical and luminous requirements . 18
4.8 Check on optical quality . 18
4.8.1 General . 18
4.8.2 12 V lamps emitting white light . 18
4.8.3 6 V and 24 V lamps emitting white light . 19
4.8.4 Lamps emitting selective-yellow light . 19
4.9 UV radiation . 19
4.10 Standard (étalon) filament lamps . 20
4.11 Non-replaceable filament lamps . 20
4.11.1 General . 20
4.11.2 Fixation . 21
4.11.3 Lifetime . 21
4.11.4 Colour endurance . 22
4.11.5 Luminous flux and colour maintenance . 22
4.11.6 Vibration and shock resistance . 22
5 Requirements and test conditions for discharge lamps . 22
5.1 General requirements . 22
5.2 Lamp marking . 22
5.3 Bulbs . 23
5.4 Caps . 23
5.5 Position and dimensions of electrodes, arc and black stripes . 23
5.5.1 Measurements . 23
5.5.2 Electrodes . 23
5.5.3 Arc . 23
5.5.4 Black stripes . 23
5.6 Starting, run-up and hot-restrike characteristics . 24
5.6.1 Starting . 24
5.6.2 Run-up . 24
5.6.3 Hot-restrike. 24
5.6.4 Compliance . 24
5.7 Electrical and photometric characteristics . 25
5.7.1 Voltage and wattage . 25
5.7.2 Luminous flux . 25

© IEC 2023
5.7.3 Compliance . 25
5.8 Colour . 25
5.9 UV radiation . 26
5.10 Standard (étalon) discharge lamps . 27
6 Requirements and test conditions for LED light sources . 27
6.1 General requirements . 27
6.2 Light source marking . 27
6.3 Optical surfaces . 27
6.4 Colour of light . 27
6.5 Lamp dimensions . 27
6.6 Caps and bases . 28
6.7 Initial electrical and photometrical requirements . 28
6.8 Red content . 28
6.9 UV radiation . 29
6.10 Standard (étalon) light sources . 29
7 Sampling and conditions of compliance . 29
8 Lamp data sheets . 29
8.1 General . 29
8.2 List of specific lamp types . 30
8.3 Data sheets not transferred to UN R.E.5 . 34
9 Requirements and test conditions for matrix light sources (MLSs) . 34
9.1 General requirements . 34
9.2 Photometrical requirements and test conditions . 35
9.2.1 Measurement methods . 35
9.2.2 Reference system . 35
9.2.3 Operating conditions . 35
9.2.4 Parameters determined by all pixels . 35
9.2.5 Parameters determined per pixel . 36
9.2.6 Characteristic parameters for luminance contrast behaviour . 39
Annex A (normative) Filament shape, length and position . 61
A.1 General . 61
A.2 Filaments shown as points . 61
A.3 Line filaments . 61
A.4 Coiled-coil filaments. 61
A.5 Extreme filament turns . 61
A.6 Filament extremities . 61
A.6.1 General . 61
A.6.2 Axial filaments . 61
A.6.3 Transverse filaments . 61
A.7 Determination of filament length. 62
A.8 Filament offsets . 62
A.9 Lateral deviation . 62
A.10 Filament location check system (box system) . 62
Annex B (normative) Measurement method of the colour of filament lamps . 65
B.1 General . 65
B.2 Colour . 65
B.3 Measuring directions . 65
B.3.1 General . 65

– 4 – IEC 60809:2021+AMD1:2023 CSV
© IEC 2023
B.3.2 Filament lamps used in headlamps . 65
B.3.3 Filament lamps used in light signalling devices . 66
Annex C (normative) Test conditions for electrical and luminous characteristics . 67
C.1 Filament lamps . 67
C.1.1 Ageing . 67
C.1.2 Test conditions . 67
C.1.3 Electrical instrumentation . 67
C.1.4 Photometry . 67
C.2 LED light sources . 67
C.2.1 Test conditions . 67
C.2.2 Luminous flux . 67
C.2.3 Normalized luminous intensity . 68
C.2.4 Colour . 68
C.2.5 Power consumption . 68
C.2.6 Luminous flux and colour at elevated temperature . 69
Annex D (normative) Measurement method of internal elements of R2 lamps . 72
D.1 General test conditions . 72
D.1.1 Measurement position. 72
D.1.2 Ageing . 72
D.1.3 Test conditions . 72
D.2 Reference axis, reference plane and planes for measurements . 72
D.2.1 Reference axis . 72
D.2.2 Reference plane . 72
D.2.3 Plane V-V . 72
D.2.4 Plane H-H . 72
D.2.5 Plane X-X . 72
D.2.6 Plane Y1-Y1 . 72
D.2.7 Plane Y2-Y2 . 72
D.3 Viewing directions (see Figure D.1) . 73
D.3.1 Viewing direction ① . 73
D.3.2 Viewing direction ② . 73
D.3.3 Viewing direction ③ . 73
D.4 Measuring points (MP) . 73
D.5 Dimensions to be measured . 74
Annex E (normative) Measurement method of internal elements of H4 and HS1 lamps . 77
E.1 General test conditions . 77
E.1.1 Measurement position. 77
E.1.2 Ageing . 77
E.1.3 Test conditions . 77
E.2 Reference axis, reference plane and planes for measurement . 77
E.2.1 Reference axis . 77
E.2.2 Reference plane . 77
E.2.3 Plane V-V . 77
E.2.4 Plane H-H . 77
E.2.5 Plane X-X . 77
E.2.6 Plane Y1-Y1 . 77
E.2.7 Plane Y2-Y2 . 78
E.2.8 Plane Y3-Y3 . 78

© IEC 2023
E.2.9 Plane Y4-Y4 . 78
E.2.10 Plane Y5-Y5 . 78
E.3 Viewing directions (see Figure E.1) . 78
E.3.1 Viewing direction ① . 78
E.3.2 Viewing direction ② . 78
E.3.3 Viewing direction ③ . 78
E.3.4 Viewing direction ④ . 78
E.4 Measuring points (MP) . 78
E.4.1 General . 78
E.4.2 Shield and filaments (see Figure E.2) . 79
E.4.3 Top obscuration (see Figure E.3) . 79
E.5 Dimensions to be measured . 79
Annex F (normative) Measurement method of internal elements of HB1 lamps . 84
F.1 General test conditions . 84
F.1.1 Measurement position. 84
F.1.2 Ageing . 84
F.1.3 Test conditions . 84
F.2 Dipped-beam filament location . 84
F.2.1 Horizontal location . 84
F.2.2 Vertical location . 84
F.2.3 Axial location . 84
F.3 Main-beam filament location . 84
F.3.1 Horizontal location . 84
F.3.2 Vertical location . 84
F.3.3 Axial location . 85
Annex G (informative) Optical set-up for the measurement of the position and form of
the arc and of the position of the electrodes of discharge lamps . 86
Annex H (normative) Measurement method of electrical and photometric
characteristics of discharge lamps . 87
H.1 General . 87
H.2 Ballast . 87
H.3 Burning position . 87
H.4 Ageing . 87
H.5 Supply voltage . 87
H.6 Starting test . 87
H.7 Run-up test . 87
H.8 Hot restrike test . 87
H.9 Electrical and photometric test . 88
H.10 Colour . 88
Annex I (informative) Overview of lamp types and their applications . 89
Annex J (normative) Test conditions for colour endurance measurements . 92
J.1 General . 92
J.2 Calibration and ageing . 92
J.3 Test voltage . 93
J.4 Operating position . 93
J.5 Test rack . 93
J.6 Operating cycles . 93
J.7 Closure . 96

– 6 – IEC 60809:2021+AMD1:2023 CSV
© IEC 2023
Annex K (informative) Method(s) to determine the value of the light centre length for
Lx3A, Lx3B, Lx4A, Lx4B, Lx5A, Lx5B, Lx6A, Lx6B, L1A/6 and L1B/6 . 97
K.1 Measurement and calculation method based on ray tracing . 97
K.2 Alternative method . 98
Annex L (informative) Method to determine the maximum luminance gradient of LED
light sources . 99
L.1 Measuring the luminance . 99
L.2 Calculating the maximum luminance gradient . 99
Bibliography . 101

Figure 1 – Illustration of a grid of pixels with corresponding LEAs and subsections of
pixels under test . 38
Figure 2 – Illustration of method to determine the gap width . 39
Figure 3 – Example of gap width characterization (luminance profile) . 39
Figure 4 – Illustration of method to determine the luminance contrast for a column . 41
Figure 5 – Example of luminance contrast determination (luminance profile) . 41
Figure A.1 – Determination of apexes, filament length and filament offsets (A and B). 63
Figure A.2 – Determination of filament centre . 63
Figure A.3 – Determination of lateral deviations (A and B) and tolerance on the light
(C) . 64
centre length
Figure B.1 – Positions of the colorimetric receiver when measuring lamps used in
headlamps . 66
Figure B.2 – Positions of the colorimetric receiver when measuring lamps used in light
signalling devices . 66
Figure C.1 – Schematic representation of the set-up to measure the luminous flux and

colour at elevated temperature . 70
Figure C.2 – Schematic representation of the set-up to measure the luminous flux and
colour at elevated temperature . 71
Figure D.1 – Viewing directions, seen from the top of the lamp . 75
Figure D.2 – Position of measuring points of R2 lamps . 76
Figure E.1 – Viewing directions, seen from the top of the lamp . 81
Figure E.2 – Position of measuring points of H4, H17, H19 and HS1 lamps . 82
Figure E.3 – Top obscuration . 83
ab
Figure F.1 – Side view, view from ③ . 85
a
Figure F.2 – Plan view, view from ④ . 85
Figure G.1 – Optical system . 86
Figure J.1 – Side view of box . 93
Figure J.2 – Front view of box . 93
Figure J.3 – Temperature in the climate chamber during one operating cycle . 94
Figure J.4 – Relative humidity in the climate chamber during one operating cycle . 94
Figure J.5 – Switching modes of filament lamps for intermittent operation during one
operating cycle . 95
Figure J.6 – Switching modes of filament lamps for intermittent and continuous
operation during one operating cycle . 95
Figure J.7 – Switching modes of filament lamps for continuous operation during one
operating cycle . 96

© IEC 2023
Figure J.8 – Switching modes of filament lamps for intermittent and continuous
operation during one operating cycle . 96
Figure K.1 – Set-up to measure the luminance distribution of the A versions of the LED

light sources . 97
Figure K.2 – Set-up to measure the luminance distribution of the B versions of the LED
light sources . 98
Figure L.1 – Example of a luminance image and the calculated average luminance
values L(x) . 100
Figure L.2 – Example for 1 µm-interpolation and position of maximum luminance

gradient . 100

Table 1 – Lifetime of non-replaceable light sources used in devices (luminaires) . 21
Table 2 – Spectral weighting function. 26
Table 3 – List of specific lamp types . 30
Table C.1 – Luminous flux tolerance limits . 68
Table D.1 – Dimensions to be measured for R2 lamps . 74
Table E.1 – Dimensions to be measured for H4, H17, H19 and HS1 lamps . 80
Table I.1 – Overview of lamp types and their applications . 89
Table J.1 – Applicable switching modes . 92
Table J.2 – Applicable boxes of the test racks . 92
Table J.3 – Dimensions of the applicable boxes and the relative position of the centre
of the filament . 93
Table J.4 – Timing during one operating cycle . 94
Table J.5 – Switching modes of the filament lamps . 95

– 8 – IEC 60809:2021+AMD1:2023 CSV
© IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMPS AND LIGHT SOURCES FOR ROAD VEHICLES –
DIMENSIONAL, ELECTRICAL AND LUMINOUS REQUIREMENTS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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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.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 60809 edition 4.1 contains the fourth edition (2021-04) [documents 34A/2232/FDIS and
34A/2235/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2023-11) [documents 34A/2370/FDIS and
34A/2378/RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content is
modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red
text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publication.

© IEC 2023
IEC 60809 has been prepared by subcommittee 34A: Electric light sources, of IEC technical
committee 34: Lighting. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Introduction of a light technical measurement on LED light sources intended for use in front-
lighting applications.
b) As the original data sheets and some figures from previous editions were not available in
an editable format, they have been reproduced from their old format, following the current
drafting rules and are now in single language format. Some reproductions constitute minor
(obvious) editorial changes of the original text sections and original figures; no technical
changes were introduced.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document and its amendment will remain
unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the
data related to the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 10 – IEC 60809:2021+AMD1:2023 CSV
© IEC 2023
LAMPS AND LIGHT SOURCES FOR ROAD VEHICLES –
DIMENSIONAL, ELECTRICAL AND LUMINOUS REQUIREMENTS

1 Scope
This document is applicable to electric light sources (see Note 1) for use in automotive
applications, for example in road illumination devices and/or light signalling devices for road
vehicles.
It is especially applicable to light sources listed in UN Resolution R.E.5 and light sources subject
to other legislations.
This document specifies the technical requirements for interchangeability for example
dimensional, electrical and photometrical characteristics, and includes test methods.
For the light sources listed in this document, the data sheets are contained either in this
document or are included by reference to UN Resolution R.E.5.
Performance requirements are specified in IEC 60810, for example life, torsion strength,
resistance to vibration and shock.
The requirements for miniature light sources for supplementary purposes, not subject to
legislation, are specified in IEC 60983.
NOTE 1 The terms "lamp" and "light source" are both used in this document to mean the same product, so the two
terms are interchangeable throughout this document.
NOTE 2 In various vocabularies and standards, different terms are used for "incandescent lamp"
(IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-0
...