IEC 60968:2015

IEC 60968 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps for general lighting services – Safety
requirements
Lampes à fluorescence à ballast intégré pour l'éclairage général – Règles
de sécurité
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IEC 60968 ®
Edition 3.0 2015-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps for general lighting services – Safety

requirements
Lampes à fluorescence à ballast intégré pour l'éclairage général – Règles

de sécurité
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-2244-7

– 2 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references. 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General requirements and general test requirements . 8
5 Marking . 8
5.1 Lamp marking . 8
5.2 Additional marking . 8
5.3 Compliance of marking . 9
5.4 Locations where marking is required (See Table 1) . 10
6 Interchangeability, mass and bending moment . 10
6.1 Interchangeability . 10
6.2 Bending moment and mass imparted by the lamp at the lampholder . 10
7 Protection against electric shock . 12
8 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 13
8.1 General . 13
8.2 Insulation resistance . 13
8.3 Electric strength . 13
9 Mechanical strength . 13
9.1 General . 13
9.2 Torsion resistance . 14
9.2.1 Torsion resistance of unused lamps . 14
9.2.2 Torsion resistance of lamps after a defined time of usage . 16
9.3 Axial strength of Edison caps . 16
10 Cap temperature rise . 17
11 Resistance to heat . 18
12 Resistance to flame and ignition. 19
13 Fault conditions . 20
13.1 General requirements . 20
13.2 Test conditions . 20
13.3 Test setup for non-starting lamp . 21
14 Creepage distances and clearances . 21
15 Lamp end of life . 21
15.1 General requirements . 21
15.2 Test setup . 21
15.3 Compliance . 22
16 Photobiological safety . 22
16.1 UV radiation . 22
16.2 Other photobiological effects . 22
17 Abnormal operation . 22
18 Test conditions for dimmable and three-way lamps . 23
19 Whole production assessment . 24
20 Collation of type test verification . 24
21 Information for luminaire design . 25

Annex A (informative) Whole production assessment . 26
A.1 Assessment – General . 26
A.2 Whole production assessment by means of the manufacturer’s records . 26
Annex B (informative) Information for luminaire design . 28
B.1 Water contact . 28
Bibliography . 29

Figure 1 – Dimming not allowed . 9
Figure 2 – Lamp to be used in dry conditions or in a luminaire that provides protection . 9
Figure 3 – Sample test arrangement for bending moment imparted by the lamp at the
lampholder . 11
Figure 4 – Standard test finger (according to IEC 60529) . 12
Figure 5 – Holder for torsion test on lamps with screw caps . 15
Figure 6 – Holder for torsion test on lamps with bayonet caps . 15
Figure 7 – Test equipment for applying an axial force . 17
Figure 8 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 18
Figure 9 – Schematic diagram for non-starting lamp test . 21
Figure 10 – Test circuit for testing a non-dimmable lamp at a dimmer or electronic
switch . 23

Table 1 – Locations where marking is required . 10
Table 2 – Bending moments and masses . 11
Table 3 – Torsion test values for unused lamps . 16
Table 4 – Values for axial force . 17
Table 5 – Maximum cap temperature rise . 18
Table 6 – Sampling sizes for type test . 24
Table A.1 – Production assessment . 26

– 4 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SELF-BALLASTED FLUORESCENT LAMPS
FOR GENERAL LIGHTING SERVICES –
SAFETY 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 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 60968 has been prepared by subcommittee 34A: Lamps, of IEC
technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2012. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition, where additions have been made to the following:
a) caps and prevention of cap misuse;
b) interchangeability;
c) mechanical and electrical strength;
d) creepage distances and clearances;
e) end of lamp life precaution;
f) abnormal operation;
g) test conditions for dimmable and three-way lamps;
h) water contact related marking;
i) verification, and assessment;
j) information for luminaire design in the form of annexes.
The text of this third edition is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34A/1811/FDIS 34A/1838/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.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– Requirements proper: in roman type.
– Test specifications: in italic type.
– Explanatory matter: in smaller roman 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.
The contents of the corrigendum of March 2015 have been included in this copy.

– 6 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
SELF-BALLASTED FLUORESCENT LAMPS
FOR GENERAL LIGHTING SERVICES –
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the safety and interchangeability requirements, together
with the test methods and conditions required to show compliance of tubular fluorescent
lamps with integrated means for controlling starting and stable operation (self-ballasted
fluorescent lamps).
These lamps are intended for domestic and similar general lighting purposes, having a rated
voltage of 50 V to 250 V, having a rated frequency of 50 Hz or 60Hz and having IEC 60061-1
compliant caps.
For a cap-holder system not specifically mentioned in this standard, the relevant information
on safety related tests provided by the manufacturer will apply.
The requirements of this standard relate only to type testing.
Recommendations for whole product testing or batch testing are given in Annex A.
This part of the standard covers photobiological safety according to IEC 62471 and
IEC TR 62471-2. Blue light and infrared hazards are below the level which requires marking.
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 60061-1, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 1: Lamp caps
IEC 60061-3, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60360, Standard method of measurement of lamp cap temperature rise
IEC 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-10, Fire hazard testing - Part 2-10: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods - Glow-
wire apparatus and common test procedure
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end products
IEC 60901, Single-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 61199, Single-capped fluorescent lamps – Safety specifications

IEC 61347-1:2015, Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements
ISO 4046-4:2002, Paper, board, pulp 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
self-ballasted lamp
unit which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, provided with a lamp
cap and incorporating a light source and any additional elements necessary for starting and
stable operation of the light source
3.2
nominal value
approximate quantity value used to designate or identify a lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 60901:1997, 1.4.3]
3.3
rated value
quantity value for a characteristic of a lamp for specified operating conditions
Note 1 to entry: The value and the conditions are specified in this standard, or assigned by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor.
[SOURCE: IEC 60901:1997, 1.4.4, modified — The second sentence is moved to a note to
entry.]
3.4
cap temperature rise
∆t
s
surface temperature rise (above ambient) of a standard test lampholder fitted to the lamp’s
cap, when measured in accordance with the standard method described in IEC 60360
[SOURCE: IEC 60432-1:1999, 1.3.8
3.5
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock in normal use
3.6
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
3.7
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar units submitted by the manufacturer or responsible
vendor for the purpose of the type test
3.8
specific effective radiant UV power
effective power of the UV radiation of a lamp related to its luminous flux

– 8 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
Note 1 to entry: The specific effective radiant UV power is expressed in mW/klm.
Note 2 to entry: The effective power of the UV radiation is obtained by weighting the spectral power distribution of
the lamp with the UV hazard function S (λ). Information about the relevant UV hazard function is given in
UV
IEC 62471. It only relates to possible hazards regarding UV exposure of human beings. It does not deal with the
possible influence of optical radiation on materials, like mechanical damage or discoloration.
3.9
test family
lamp groups which are distinguished by common features of materials relevant to the test
applied
4 General requirements and general test requirements
4.1 Self-ballasted lamps shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they
function reliably and cause no danger to the user or surroundings.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
4.2 All measurements unless otherwise specified in this standard, shall be carried out at
rated voltage and frequency and in a draught-proof room. The ambient temperature shall be
from 23 °C to 27 °C inclusive and shall not vary by more than 1 °C during the measurements.
If lamps are rated for alternative frequencies the test shall be carried out at the most onerous
of these.
The test voltages are specified in the relevant clauses.
4.3 Self-ballasted lamps are non-repairable, factory sealed units. They shall not be opened
for any tests with exemption of 13.2. In the case of substantiated doubt based on the
inspection of the lamp and the examination of the circuit diagram, and in agreement with the
manufacturer or responsible vendor, lamps specially prepared so that a fault condition can be
simulated shall be submitted for testing (see Clause 13 and Clause 15).
5 Marking
5.1 Lamp marking
The following information shall be marked on the lamp.
1) Mark of origin (this may take the form of a trademark, the manufacturer's name or the
name of the responsible vendor).
2) Rated voltage(s) or rated voltage range (marked "V" or "volts").
3) Rated power (marked "W" or "watts").
4) Rated frequency (frequencies) (marked in "Hz").
5) Any further information needed to identify the product type e.g. model number or type
reference.
5.2 Additional marking
In addition the following information shall be given by the lamp manufacturer either on the
lamp, the packaging or in the installation instructions.
1) Rated lamp current.
2) For lamps with a weight significantly higher than that of the lamps for which they are a
replacement, attention should be drawn to the fact that the increased weight may reduce
the mechanical stability of certain luminaires.

3) Lamps that are not suitable for dimming shall be marked according to Figure 1 or be
provided with a written cautionary notice. The marking shall be provided on the packaging
or accompanying information and its height shall be at least 5 mm.
IEC
Figure 1 – Dimming not allowed
4) Lamps shall be marked with the symbol according to Figure 2. The marking shall be
provided on the packaging or accompanying information. The symbol is not needed if a
written cautionary notice is provided.

[SOURCE: IEC 60417-6179-1 (2014-10)]

Figure 2 – Lamp to be used in dry conditions or in a luminaire that provides protection

5.3 Compliance of marking
Compliance is checked by the following.
1) Presence and legibility of the marking required in 5.1 – by visual inspection.
2) The durability of the marking is checked by trying to remove it by rubbing lightly for 15 s
with a piece of cloth soaked in water. The marking shall be legible after the test.
3) Availability of information required in 5.2 – by visual inspection.

– 10 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
5.4 Locations where marking is required (See Table 1)
Table 1 – Locations where marking is required
Product
Product
Marking item Product datasheets
Packaging
or leaflets
Mark of origin x x x
Rated voltage(s) or rated voltage range x x x
Rated power x x x
Rated frequency x x x
Product identification x x x
Rated lamp current - x x
Access weight - x x
Dimming restriction - x x
Water contact prevention - x x
x = required
– = not required but optional
6 Interchangeability, mass and bending moment
6.1 Interchangeability
Interchangeability shall be ensured by the use of caps in accordance with IEC 60061-1.
Compliance of the finished lamp shall be checked by the use of gauges for checking the
dimensions controlling interchangeability in accordance with IEC 60061-3.
6.2 Bending moment and mass imparted by the lamp at the lampholder
The value of the bending moment, imparted by the lamp at the lampholder shall not exceed
the value given in Table 2. The bending moment shall be determined by measuring the
downward force of the lamp (e.g. by means of a scale) at the tip of the bulb of the horizontally
held lamp and multiplying this force by the distance between the tip of the bulb and the pivot
point. The pivot line shall lie at the bottom end of the cylindrical part (for Edison and bayonet
caps) or at the end of the contact pins (for pin caps). It shall be supported by an upright held
thin metal sheet or a similar means. Sample test arrangement for bending moment test is
shown in Figure 3. For lamps with caps different to those in Table 2, the effect of the bending
moment shall be regarded and limited. A measurement method for these lamps with these
caps is under consideration. It shall be taken care that the luminaire surface where the
lampholder is fixed to, can withstand the bending moment. For the calculation of this bending
moment, the length of the lampholder shall be taken into account when measuring the overall
length. This shall be ensured for the elevated temperature during operation in order to check
the possible softening of the surface material.

Force gauge
(e.g. spring balance)
L
(The distance between the pivot
line and the top of the lamp)
Supporting means
(e.g. thin metal sheet)
IEC
Figure 3 – Sample test arrangement for bending moment imparted
by the lamp at the lampholder
The mass as given in Table 2 shall not be exceeded.
Table 2 – Bending moments and masses
Cap Bending moment Mass
Nm kg
a
B15d 1
B22d 2 1
a
E11 0,5
a
E12 0,5
a
E14 1
E17 1 1
E26 2 1
E27 2 1
a
a
E39 1
a
a
E40 1
a
GU10 0,1
a
GZ10 0,1
a
GX53 0,3
a
a
R7s 1
a
Under consideration.
– 12 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
7 Protection against electric shock
The lamps shall be so constructed that, without any additional enclosure in the form of a
luminaire, no internal metal parts, basic insulated external metal parts or live metal parts of
the lamp cap or of the lamp itself are accessible when the lamp is installed in a lampholder
according to the relevant IEC lampholder data sheet.
Compliance is checked by means of the test finger specified in Figure 4 with a force of 10 N if
necessary.
Linear dimensions in millimetres
IEC
Material: metal, except where otherwise specified.
Tolerances on dimensions without specific tolerance:
+0
– on angles:
−10′
– on linear dimensions:
+0
• up to 25 mm:
−0,05
• over 25 mm: ± 0,2 mm
Both joints shall permit movement in the same plane and the same direction through an angle of 90° with a 0° to
+10° tolerance.
Figure 4 – Standard test finger (according to IEC 60529)

Requirements for lamps with GX53 caps are under consideration.
External metal parts other than current-carrying metal parts of the cap shall not be or become
live. For testing, any movable conductive material shall be placed in the most onerous
position without using a tool.
Compliance is checked by means of the insulation resistance and electric strength test (see
Clause 8).
8 Insulation resistance and electric strength
8.1 General
Insulation resistance and electric strength shall be adequate between live parts of the lamp
and accessible parts of the lamp.
During the test, the supply contacts of the cap are short-circuited. Accessible parts of the
lamp are fully covered with metal foil. Care shall be taken that the metal foil is placed so that
no flashover occurs at the edges. The creepage distance between the foil and the live parts
shall be equal to or greater than the creepage distance of reinforced insulation according to
Clause 11 of IEC 60598-1, with a maximum distance of 6 mm.
The lamp shall be conditioned for 48 h in a cabinet containing air with a relative humidity
between 91 % and 95 %. The temperature of the air is maintained within 1 °C of any
convenient value between 20 °C and 30 °C. The tests of 8.2 and 8.3 shall be carried out in
the humidity cabinet under the above conditions.
8.2 Insulation resistance
Insulation resistance shall be measured with a DC voltage of approximately 500 V, 1 min after
application of the voltage.
The insulation resistance between live parts of the cap and the foil shall be not less than
4 MΩ. The requirements of Annex A of IEC 61347-1: — shall be complied with.
NOTE The insulation resistance of bayonet caps between shell and contacts is under consideration.
8.3 Electric strength
Electric strength shall be measured between the live parts and the foil and shall withstand a
voltage test for 1 min with an AC voltage as follows.
Initially, no more than half the voltage prescribed in Table 10.2 of IEC 60598-1 for Class II
luminaires is applied between the contacts and the metal foil. It is then gradually raised to the
full value.
No flashover or breakdown shall occur during the test.
9 Mechanical strength
9.1 General
The lamp construction shall withstand externally applied axial pull and bending moment. For
the measurement method, see A.2.1 of IEC 61199. Pull force resistance for GRZ10d and
GRZ10t caps shall be as specified in A.1.1 of IEC 61199, for GR10q caps.

– 14 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
9.2 Torsion resistance
9.2.1 Torsion resistance of unused lamps
In order to test the connection of the cap to the lamp shell the torsion resistance of unused
lamps is tested as follows.
IEC
Surface finish of screw thread R = 0,4 µm minimum (see note).
a
NOTE A smoother surface can result in mechanical overloading of the cap, see also C.1.2 of IEC 60432-1,.

Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension E12 E14 E17 E26 and E26d E27 Tolerance
C 15,27 20,0 20,0 32,0 32,0 Min.
K  9,0 11,5 10,0 11,0 13,5 0,0
-0,3
O  9,5 12,0 14,0 23,0 23,0
+0,1
-0,1
S  4,0  7,0  8,0 12,0 12,0 Min.
d 11,89 13,89 16,64 26,492 26,45 +0,1
-0,0
d 10,62 12,29 15,27 24,816 24,26
+0,1
-0,0
P  2,540  2,822  2,822  3,629  3,629 –
r  0,792  0,822  0,897  1,191  1,025 –
The drawing illustrates the essential dimensions of the holder which need only be checked if doubt arises from
the application of the test.
Figure 5 – Holder for torsion test on lamps with screw caps
IEC
B15 B22 Tolerance
Dimension
mm mm mm
A 15,27 22,27
+0,03
19,0 19,0 Min.
B
C 21,0 28,0 Min.
D  9,5  9,5 Min.
E  3,0  3,0 +0,17
G 18,3 24,6 ±0,3
H  9,0  12,15 Min.
K 12,7 12,7 ±0,3
R  1,5  1,5 Approximate
The drawing illustrates the essential dimensions of the holder which
need only be checked if doubt arises from the application of the test.
Figure 6 – Holder for torsion test on lamps with bayonet caps

– 16 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
Table 3 – Torsion test values for unused lamps
Cap Torsion moment
Nm
B15d 1,15
B22d 3
E11 0,8
E12 0,8
E14 1,15
E17 1,5
E26 3
E26d 3
E27 3
E39 5
E40 5
GX53 3
Before each use, the test holder for screw caps shall be checked to ensure that it is clean and
completely free of lubricants and grease.
The cap of the test lamp shall be placed in the appropriate holder shown in Figure 5 and 6.
Either the cap or the part of the lamp which is used for inserting or removing the lamp may be
mechanically clamped.
Torque shall be applied steadily to the appropriate lamp component, so that no jerk occurs.
The application of the torque may follow either of the following schemes.
a) The required torque shall be applied, according to the limits given in Table 3.
b) Higher torque values than the relevant limit shall be applied so that the value of torque for
failure is obtained. In this case, the equipment is to be provided with suitable means for
measuring torque over a wide range of failure levels.
Compliance:
The cap shall remain firmly attached to the bulb or that part of the lamp which is used for
inserting or removing the lamp when subjected to the torque levels listed in Table 3 above.
Some lamps are made with parts designed to be moved after insertion (for example a light
sensor). Movement of these parts does not constitute non-compliance.
In the case of un-cemented caps, relative movement between cap and bulb is permitted
provided it does not exceed 10°.
In case of doubt of the electrical integrity of the lamp after the test, repeat the test in
Clause 7.
9.2.2 Torsion resistance of lamps after a defined time of usage
The torsion resistance of used lamps is under consideration.
9.3 Axial strength of Edison caps
The lamps shall be screwed into gauge of Table 4. After full insertion an axial force of Table 4
is applied to the central contact. See Figure 7

In case axial strength of the cap does not decrease when the unmounted cap was assembled
to the finished lamp, test results on the unmounted cap can be applied.
NOTE The gauges are used to hold the lamp. Calibration is not required.
Compliance:
After this test the insulation around the central contact shall remain intact. The application of
the torque in 9.2 shall not lead to impressing the bottom part of the cap into the shell.
Table 4 – Values for axial force
Cap Gauge Axial force Additional information
N
E11 7006-6-1 Under consideration
E12 7006-27H-1 Under consideration The portion for contact making check is not needed; Full
threaded gauge with T1 height; C and H dimensions are
irrelevant
E14 7006-27F-1 80
E26 7006-27B-1 120
E26d 7006-27B-1 120
E27 7006-27B-1 120
E39 7006-24B-1 Under consideration
E40 7006-27-7 Under consideration

Axial force
Gauge
Support
Lamp under test
IEC
Figure 7 – Test equipment for applying an axial force
10 Cap temperature rise
The cap temperature rise ∆t of the complete lamp during run-up, stabilization period and after
s
stabilization shall not exceed the values mentioned in Table 5 below when measured under
the conditions specified in IEC 60360.

– 18 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
Table 5 – Maximum cap temperature rise
Cap Temperature rise
K
B15d 120
B22d 125
E12 90
E14 120
E17 90
E26 125
E26d 125
E27 120
NOTE In Japan, maximum cap
temperature rise of self-ballasted
lamps with E26 and E17 cap are
determined as 60 K by domestic
regulation.
For GRZ10d and GRZ10t cap requirements and conditions of compliance as specified in 4.9
of IEC 61199 for GR10q caps apply.
Measurement shall be carried out at maximum rated voltage.
11 Resistance to heat
Self-ballasted lamps shall be sufficiently resistant to heat. External parts of insulating material
providing protection against electric shock, and parts of insulating material retaining live parts
in position shall be sufficiently resistant to heat.
Compliance is checked by subjecting the material to a ball-pressure test by means of the
apparatus shown in Figure 8.
R = 2,5 mm
Spherical
Specimen
IEC
Figure 8 – Ball-pressure apparatus
The test is made in a heating cabinet at a temperature of (25 ± 5) °C in excess of the
operating temperature of the relevant part according to Clause 10, with a minimum of 125 °C
for other parts. The surface of the part to
for parts retaining live parts in position and 80 °C
be tested is placed in the horizontal position and a steel ball of 5 mm diameter pressed
against this surface with a force of 20 N.
_____________
Under consideration.
The test load and the supporting means are placed within the heating cabinet for a sufficient
time to ensure that they have attained the stabilized testing temperature before the test
commences.
The part to be tested is placed in the heating cabinet, for a period of 10 min, before the test
load is applied.
If the surface under test bends, the part where the ball presses is supported. For this purpose
if the test cannot be made on the complete specimen, a suitable part may be cut from it.
The specimen shall be at least 2,5 mm thick, but if such a thickness is not available on the
specimen then two or more pieces are placed together.
After 1 h the ball is removed from the specimen, which is then immersed for 10 s in cold water
for cooling down to approximately room temperature. The diameter of the impression is
measured, and shall not exceed 2 mm.
In the event of curved surfaces the shorter axis is measured if the indent is elliptical.
In case of doubt, the depth of the impression is measured and the diameter calculated using
the formula φ = 2 p (5− p) , in which p = depth of impression.
The test is not made on parts of ceramic material.
12 Resistance to flame and ignition
Parts of insulating material retaining live parts in position and external parts of insulating
material providing protection against electric shock are subjected to the glow-wire test in
accordance with IEC 60695-2-10 and IEC 60695-2-11 subject to the following details.
– The test specimen is a complete lamp. It may be necessary to take away parts of the lamp
to perform the test, but care is taken to ensure that the test conditions are not significantly
different from those occurring in normal use.
– The test specimen is mounted on the carriage and pressed against the glow-wire tip with a
force of 1 N, preferably 15 mm, or more, from the upper edge, into the centre of the
surface to be tested. The penetration of the glow-wire into the specimen is mechanically
limited to 7 mm.
If it is not possible to make the test on a specimen as described above because the
specimen is too small, the above test is made on a separate specimen of the same
material, 30 mm square and with a thickness equal to the smallest thickness of the
specimen.
– The temperature of the tip of the glow-wire is 650 °C. After 30 s the specimen is withdrawn
from contact with the glow-wire tip.
The glow-wire temperature and heating current are constant for 1 min prior to commencing
the test. Care is taken to ensure that heat radiation does not influence the specimen
during this period. The glow-wire tip temperature is measured by means of a sheathed
fine-wire thermocouple constructed and calibrated as described in IEC 60695-2-10.
– Any flame or glowing of the specimen shall extinguish within 30 s of withdrawing the glow-
wire, and any flaming drop shall not ignite a piece of the tissue paper, spread out
horizontally 200 mm ± 5 mm below the specimen. The tissue paper is specified in 4.187 of
ISO 4046-4:2002.
– The test is not made on parts of ceramic material.

– 20 – IEC 60968:2015 © IEC 2015
13 Fault conditions
13.1 General requirements
The lamps shall not impair safety when operated under fault conditions which may occur
during the intended use.
13.2 Test conditions
Each of the following fault
...