IEC 61347-2-3:2024

IEC 61347-2-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Lamp control gear –
Controlgear for electric light sources – Safety –
Part 2-3: Particular requirements – AC or DC supplied electronic controlgear for
fluorescent lamps
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IEC 61347-2-3 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Lamp control gear –
Controlgear for electric light sources – Safety –
Part 2-3: Particular requirements – AC or DC supplied electronic controlgear for
fluorescent lamps
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.140.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-8911-2
– 2 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 2
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirements . 10
5 General notes on tests . 11
6 Classification . 11
7 Marking . 12
7.1 Marking and information . 12
7.1.1 Mandatory marking . 12
7.1.2 Information to be provided, if applicable . 12
7.2 Durability and legibility of markings . 12
7.3 Built-in controlgear . 12
8 Terminals . 12
9 Provisions for Earthing . 12
10 Protection against accidental contact with live parts . 13
11 Moisture resistance and insulation . 13
12 Electric strength . 13
13 Thermal endurance test for windings of ballasts . 13
14 Fault conditions . 13
15 Protection of associated components. 13
15.1 Maximum allowed peak voltage under normal operation conditions . 13
15.2 Maximum working voltage under normal and abnormal operating conditions . 14
15.3 Maximum working voltage and rectifying effect . 14
15.4 Output voltage and abnormal conditions . 14
15.5 Isolation of input terminals of controllable electronic controlgear . 14
16 Abnormal conditions . 15
16.1 Abnormal conditions for AC and DC controlgear . 15
16.2 Additional abnormal conditions for DC supplied electronic controlgear . 16
17 Behaviour of the controlgear at end of lamp life . 16
17.1 End of lamp life effects . 16
17.2 Asymmetric pulse test . 16
17.3 Asymmetric power test . 18
17.4 Open filament test . 20
17.4.1 Selection . 20
17.4.2 Measurements to be carried out prior to test procedure A . 20
17.4.3 Test procedure A . 21
17.4.4 Test procedure B . 21
18 Construction . 22
19 Creepage distances and clearances . 23
20 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 23
21 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 23
22 Resistance to corrosion . 23

23 Applicable annexes of IEC 61347-1 . 24
Annex IA (normative) Measurement of high-frequency leakage current . 31
Annex JB (normative) Particular additional safety requirements for a.c., a.c./d.c. or
d.c. supplied electronic Additional requirements for centrally supplied controlgear
for emergency lighting . 36
B.1 Marking . 36
B.1.1 Mandatory markings . 37
B.1.2 Information to be provided if applicable . 37
B.2 General statement . 37
B.3 Starting conditions . 38
B.4 Operating conditions . 38
B.5 Current . 38
B.6 Maximum current in any lead to a cathode . 38
B.7 Lamp operating current waveform . 38
B.8 EMC immunity. 38
B.9 Pulse voltage from central battery systems . 38
B.10 Tests for abnormal conditions . 39
B.11 Temperature cycling test and endurance test . 39
B.12 Functional safety (EBLF) . 39
Annex KC (informative) Components used in the asymmetric pulse test circuit . 40
Annex D (informative) Schedule of more onerous requirements . 42
Bibliography . 43

Figure 1 – Asymmetric pulse test circuit . 18
Figure 2 – Asymmetric power detection circuit . 20
Figure 3 – Open filament test circuits . 22
Figure 4 – Circuit for testing rectifying effect . 25
Figure 5 – Nomographs for the capacitive leakage current limits of HF-operated
fluorescent lamps. 28
Figure IA.1 – Leakage current test arrangement for various fluorescent lamps . 35

Table 1 – Relation between RMS working voltage and maximum allowed peak voltage . 14
Table JB.1 – Pulse voltages . 39
Table KC.1 – Material specification . 40
Table KC.2 – Transformer specification . 40

– 4 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMP CONTROL GEAR –
CONTROLGEAR FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES – SAFETY –

Part 2-3: Particular requirements – AC or DC
supplied electronic controlgear for fluorescent lamps

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
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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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) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
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the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 61347-2-3:2011+AMD1:2016 CSV. A vertical bar appears
in the margin wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions
are in strikethrough red text.

IEC 61347-2-3 has been prepared by subcommittee 34C: Auxiliaries for lamps, of IEC technical
committee 34: Lighting. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011 and
Amendment 1:2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) introduction of dated references where appropriate;
b) clarification of sample item numbers;
c) alignment of clause numbers with those of IEC 61347-1.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
34C/1586/CDV 34C/1594/RVC
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/publications.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 61347-1:2015 and
IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017. Where the requirements of any of the clauses of
IEC 61347-1:2015 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017 are referred to in this document by the
phrase "IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause n and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, Clause n apply", this
phrase is interpreted as meaning that all the requirements of the clause in question of
IEC 61347-1:2015 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017 apply, except any which are clearly
inapplicable to the specific type of controlgear covered by this document.
NOTE In this document, the following print type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61347 series, published under the general title Controlgear for
electric light sources – Safety, can be found on the IEC website.
Future documents in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
documents in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.

– 6 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
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, or
• revised.
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.

INTRODUCTION
This second edition of IEC 61347-2-3, published in conjunction with IEC 61347-1, represents
an review of the first edition of IEC 61347-2-3. The formatting into separately published parts
provides for ease of future amendments and revisions. Additional requirements will be added
as and when a need for them is recognized.
This standard, and the parts which make up IEC 61347-2, in referring to any of the clauses of
IEC 61347-1, specify the extent to which such a clause is applicable and the order in which the
tests are to be performed; they also include additional requirements, as necessary. All parts
which make up IEC 61347-2 are intended to be self-contained and, therefore, do not include
references to each other. However, for the case of emergency lighting lamp control gear, some
cross-referencing has been necessary.
Where the requirements of any of the clauses of IEC 61347-1 are referred to in this standard
by the phrase ”The requirements of clause n of IEC 61347-1 apply”, this phrase is interpreted
as meaning that all requirements of the clause in question of part 1 apply, except any which are
clearly inapplicable to the specific type of lamp control gear covered by this particular part of
IEC 61347-2.
The technical requirements in this document compared to IEC 61347-2-3:2011 and
IEC 61347-2-3:2011/AMD1:2016 are essentially unchanged. Nevertheless, a new edition of this
document could not be avoided, as without the introduction of dated references to
IEC 61347-1:2015 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, the fourth edition of IEC 61347-1:—
would have been implicitly applicable due to the undated nature of the references to
IEC 61347-1 in IEC 61347-2-3:2011 and IEC 61347-2-3:2011/AMD1:2016.
This document, in referring to any of the clauses of IEC 61347-1:2015 and
IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, specifies the extent to which such a clause is applicable.
Additional requirements are also included, as necessary.
___________
Fourth edition under preparation. Stage at the time of publication IEC FDIS 61347-1:2024.

– 8 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
LAMP CONTROL GEAR –
CONTROLGEAR FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES – SAFETY –

Part 2-3: Particular requirements – AC or DC
supplied electronic controlgear for fluorescent lamps

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61347 specifies safety requirements for electronic controlgear for use on AC
supplies at 50 Hz or 60 Hz up to 1 000 V and/or on DC supplies up to 1 000 V with lamp
operating frequencies deviating from the supply frequency, associated with fluorescent lamps
as specified in IEC 60081 and IEC 60901, low-pressure UV lamps, and other fluorescent lamps
for high-frequency operation.
NOTE 1 Requirements for centrally supplied controlgear for emergency lighting are given in Annex B. This also
includes performance requirements as far as they are considered to be safety-related with respect to reliable
emergency operation.
NOTE 2 Requirements for emergency lighting controlgear operating from non-centralised power supplies are given
in IEC 61347-2-7.
NOTE 3 Performance requirements are the subject of IEC 60929.
Performance requirements are the subject of IEC 60929.
Particular requirements for electronic control gear with means protection against overheating
are given in Annex C.
For emergency lighting operation, particular requirements for control gear operated from a
central supply are given in Annex J. Performance requirements appropriate to the safe
operation of emergency lighting are also contained in Annex J.
Requirements for emergency lighting control gear operating from non-centralised power
supplies are given in IEC 61347-2-7.
NOTE Performance requirements detailed by Annex J are those considered to be safety-related with respect to
reliable emergency operation.
2 Normative references
For the purposes of this document, the normative references given in Clause 2 of
IEC 61347-1 which are mentioned in this standard apply, together with the following 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 60081:1997, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 60081:1997/AMD1:2000
IEC 60081:1997/AMD2:2003
IEC 60081:1997/AMD3:2005
IEC 60081:1997/AMD4:2010
IEC 60081:1997/AMD5:2013
IEC 60081:1997/AMD6:2017
IEC 60901:1997, Single-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 60901:1997/AMD1:1997
IEC 60901:1997/AMD2:2000
IEC 60901:1997/AMD3:2004
IEC 60901:1997/AMD4:2007
IEC 60901:1997/AMD5:2011
IEC 60901:1997/AMD6:2014
IEC 60929:2011, AC and/or DC-supplied electronic control gear for tubular fluorescent lamps –
Performance requirements
IEC 60929:2011/AMD1:2015
IEC 61347-1:20072015, Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements
IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:20102017
IEC 61347-2-7:2011, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-7: Particular requirements for battery electric
source for safety services (ESSS) supplied electronic controlgear for emergency lighting (self-
contained)
IEC 61347-2-7:2011 /AMD1:2017
IEC 61347-2-7:2011 /AMD2:2021
IEC 61547, Equipment for general lighting purposes – EMC immunity requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61347-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
AC supplied electronic controlgear
mains-supplied AC to AC invertor including stabilizing elements for starting and operating one
or more fluorescent lamps, generally at high frequency
3.2
maximum value of lamp power (of a controllable control gear)
lamp power (light output) which complies with 8.1 of IEC 60929, unless otherwise declared by
the manufacturer or responsible vendor
3.2
maximum allowed peak voltage
highest permitted peak voltage across any insulation of the output under open-circuit condition
and any normal and abnormal operating conditions
Note 1 to entry: The maximum allowed peak voltage is related to the declared RMS working voltage; see Table 1.
___________
To be published
– 10 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
3.4
minimum value of lamp power (of a controllable control gear)
lowest percentage of the lamp power defined in 3.2 declared by the manufacturer or responsible
vendor
3.5
a.c./d.c. supplied electronic control gear for maintained emergency lighting
mains/battery-supplied a.c./d.c. to a.c. invertor including stabilizing elements for starting and
operating one or more fluorescent lamps, generally at high frequency for emergency lighting
3.3
cathode dummy cathode resistor
cathode substitution resistor as specified on the relevant lamp data sheet of IEC 60081 or
IEC 60901 or as declared by the relevant lamp manufacturer or by the responsible vendor
3.4
DC supplied electronic controlgear
DC-supplied electronic control gear or invertor includes invertor including stabilization elements
for starting and operating one or more tubular fluorescent lamps, generally at high frequency
3.5
sample
one or more sampling items intended to provide information on the population or on the material
provided by the manufacturer or responsible vendor
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-16-19, modified – "provided by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor" has been added.]
3.6
sample item
one of the individual items in a population of similar items, or a portion of material forming a
cohesive entity and taken from one place and at one time
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-16-18]
3.7
emergency lighting
lighting provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails
Note 1 to entry: Emergency lighting includes escape lighting and standby lighting.
3.8
rated emergency power supply voltage
rated voltage of the emergency power supply claimed by the manufacturer for the information
of the installer or user
3.9
starting aid
device which facilitates the starting of the lamp
EXAMPLE A conductive strip affixed to the outer surface of the lamp and a conductive plate which is spaced within
an appropriate distance from a lamp.
3.10
emergency ballast lumen factor
EBLF
ratio of the emergency luminous flux of the lamp supplied by the emergency controlgear to the
luminous flux of the same lamp operated with the appropriate reference ballast at its rated
voltage and frequency
Note 1 to entry: The emergency ballast lumen factor is the minimum of the values measured at the appropriate time
after failure of the normal supply and continuously.
3.11
preheat starting
circuit in which the lamp electrodes are brought to emission temperature before the lamp
actually ignites
3.12
non-preheat starting
circuit which utilizes a high open-circuit voltage causing field emission from the electrode
4 General requirements
The requirements of Clause 4 of IEC 61347-1 apply, together with the following additional
requirement:
AC/d.c. electronic control gear for emergency lighting shall comply with the requirements of
Annex J.
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 4 applies, together with the following:
– For G5-capped lamps with a diameter of 16 mm, the working voltage between any output
terminal and earth shall not exceed 430 V (RMS).
NOTE 1 This requirement is in accordance with IEC 61195:1999, Annex E.
– For centrally supplied controlgear for emergency lighting Annex B applies.
NOTE 2 This includes AC, AC/DC and DC supplied types.
EXAMPLE Central battery systems and generator-based systems.
– For controlgear with means of protection against overheating IEC 61347-1:2015, Annex C
applies.
5 General notes on tests
The requirements of Clause 5 of 61347-1 apply together with the following additional
requirement:
The following number of specimens shall be submitted for testing:
– one unit for the tests of Clause 6 to 12 and 15 to 22;
– 12 samples with each one or more units for the test of Clause 14, refer to IEC 61347-1, 14.5
(additional units or components, where necessary, may be required in consultation with the
manufacturer).
Tests to meet the safety requirements for a.c./d.c. supplied electronic control gear for
emergency lighting are made under the conditions specified in Annex J.
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 5 applies, together with the following:
– IEC 61347-1:2015, Annex H applies.
– One sample item shall be used for all tests, unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
clause.
To allow for parallel testing and reduced test times, additional sample items may be used
except where the outcome of the test can be affected by preceding tests, for example the
tests of Clause 11 and Clause 12.
Specially prepared sample items may be used where required.

– 12 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
– Tests to meet the safety requirements for electronic controlgear for emergency lighting shall
be performed under the conditions specified in Annex B.
For information on requalification of products compliant with the previous edition of this
document, i.e. IEC 61347-2-3:2011 and IEC 61347-2-3:2011/AMD1:2016, refer to Annex D.
6 Classification
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 6 applies.
7 Marking
Control gear which forms an integral part of the luminaire need not be marked.
7.1 Marking and information
7.1.1 Mandatory marking
In accordance with the requirements of 7.2 of IEC 61347-1, Controlgear, other than integrated
integral controlgear, shall be clearly and durably marked with the following mandatory markings:
– items a), b), c), d), e), f), k), l), m), t) and u) of IEC 61347-1:2015, 7.1 and
IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, 7.1;
– item s) of IEC 61347-1:2015, 7.1 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, 7.1;
This item has priority over the requirements of SELV controlgear in IEC 61347-1:2015,
Table L.1 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, Table L.1;
According to 15.4, the declaration of U can may be based on a reduced number of
out
measurements.
7.1.2 Information to be provided, if applicable
In addition to the above mandatory markings, The following information, if applicable, shall be
given either on the controlgear, or be made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or similar:
– items h), i), j) and n) of IEC 61347-1:2015, 7.1;
– for DC supplied controlgear: information regarding voltage polarity reversal protection.
7.2 Durability and legibility of markings
IEC 61347-1:2015, 7.2 applies.
7.3 Built-in controlgear
For controlgear without an enclosure and classified as built-in (e.g. open printed circuit board
assembly), only items a) and b) of IEC 61347-1:2015, 7.1 shall be marked on the controlgear.
Other mandatory markings shall be provided as information to be given either on the
controlgear, or made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or similar.
8 Terminals
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 8 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, Clause 8 apply.
9 Provisions for Earthing
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 9 applies.

10 Protection against accidental contact with live parts
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 10 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, Clause 10 apply.
11 Moisture resistance and insulation
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 11 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, Clause 11 apply, together
with the following:
The leakage current that may can occur from contact with fluorescent lamps operated at high
frequency from AC supplied electronic controlgear shall not exceed the values in Figure 5 when
measured in accordance with Annex I Annex A. The values are RMS values.
The limits of leakage current values for frequencies between the values shown in Figure 5
should be obtained by calculation according to the formula in the figure (under consideration).
NOTE Limits of leakage current values for frequencies above 50 kHz are under consideration.
Compliance with these requirements is checked in accordance with Annex I Annex A.
12 Electric strength
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 12 applies.
13 Thermal endurance test for windings of ballasts
There are no requirements.
NOTE The requirements of IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 13 are not applicable.
14 Fault conditions
IEC 61347-1:2015, Clause 14 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017, Clause 14 apply.
An additional fault condition to be applied to d.c. supplied control gear is the supply voltage
polarity shall be reversed.
For DC supplied controlgear, reversed polarity of the supply voltage shall be tested as additional
fault condition.
15 Protection of associated components
15.1 Maximum allowed peak voltage under normal operation conditions
Under conditions of normal operation, verified with dummy cathode resistors inserted and
conditions of abnormal operation, as specified in Clause 16, the voltage at the output terminals
shall at no time exceed the maximum permitted allowed peak value voltage specified in Table 1.

– 14 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
Table 1 – Relation between RMS working voltage and maximum allowed peak voltage
Voltage at output terminals
RMS working voltage Maximum permitted allowed peak
voltage
V V
250 2 200
500 2 900
750 3 100
1 000 3 200
NOTE Linear interpolation between the given voltage steps is allowed.

15.2 Maximum working voltage under normal and abnormal operating conditions
Under normal operating conditions and abnormal operating conditions as specified in
Clause 16, except for the rectifying effect, and from 5 s after the switch-on or beginning of the
starting process, the voltage at the output terminals shall not exceed the maximum working
voltage for which the controlgear is declared.
15.3 Maximum working voltage and rectifying effect
In the case of a rectifying effect, i.e. abnormal operating conditions according to 16.1 d), the
RMS voltage at the output terminal shall not exceed the maximum permitted value for which the
controlgear is designed for a period longer than 30 s after switch-on, or beginning of the starting
process.
For controlgear which make more than one attempt to start a failed lamp, the combined duration
of voltages above the maximum working voltage for which the ballast controlgear is declared
shall not exceed 30 s.
Circuit for testing the rectifying effect and the information regarding the recovery time t of the

rr
diode are given in Figure 4 a), Figure 4 b) and Figure 4 c).
15.4 Output voltage and abnormal conditions
For the tests of 15.1 and 15.2, the output voltages measured shall be those between any output
terminal and earth. Additionally, voltages that appear between output terminals shall be
measured in cases where the voltage is present across insulation barriers within associated
components.
For multi-lamp or multi-power controlgear, only the combination that leads to the highest voltage
shall be measured.
If, from a similar review or declaration for all controlgear, it becomes clear that the voltage is
below 50 V, then only that terminal-terminal or terminal-earth combination is measured.
15.5 Isolation of input terminals of controllable electronic controlgear
For controllable electronic controlgear, the control input shall be isolated from the mains circuit
by insulation at least equal to basic insulation.
NOTE This requirement does not apply to those controlgear where control signals are injected via the supply
terminals or where the control signals are completely isolated from the ballast controlgear by being transmitted
remotely from infra-red or radio wave transmitters.
If SELV is to be used, then double or reinforced insulation is required.

16 Abnormal conditions
16.1 Abnormal conditions for AC and DC controlgear
The controlgear shall not impair safety when operated under abnormal conditions at any voltage
between 90 % and 110 % of the rated supply voltage.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
Each of the following conditions shall be applied with the controlgear operating according to the
manufacturer's instructions (including a heat sink, if specified) for 1 h:
a) the lamp or one of the lamps is not inserted;
b) the lamp does not start because one of the cathodes is broken;
c) the lamp does not start although the cathode circuits are intact (de-activated lamp);
d) the lamp operates, but one of the cathodes is de-activated or broken (rectifying effect);
e) short-circuit of the starter switch, if any.
For the test simulating operation with a de-activated lamp, a resistor resistance is connected in
place of each lamp cathode. The resistor resistance value, expressed in Ω, is derived from the
value of the nominal running current of the lamp prescribed (maximum) lamp operating current
I , specified in the relevant lamp data sheet of IEC 60081 and IEC 60901 and substituted in the
n
following equation:
11,0
R = Ω
2,1 × I
n
where
I is the rated lamp current of the lamp.

n
5,23
R =
I
n
For lamps not covered by IEC 60081 and IEC 60901, the values declared by the lamp
manufacturer shall be used.
When testing electronic ballasts controlgear for the rectifying effect, the circuit shown in
Figure 1 is used. The anode of the rectifier is connected to the midpoints of appropriate
equivalent resistors; the cathode of the rectifier is connected to the short-circuited lamp
electrode. The direction of the rectifying effect is chosen so as to give the most unfavourable
conditions. If necessary, the lamp is started using a suitable device.
During and at the end of the tests specified under items a) to e), the controlgear shall show no
defect impairing safety nor shall any smoke be produced.

– 16 – IEC 61347-2-3:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
16.2 Additional abnormal conditions for DC supplied electronic controlgear
If the DC supplied electronic controlgear is declared by the manufacturer as a protected
controlgear against the reversal polarity of the supply voltage, then the following test is applied:
The DC supplied electronic controlgear shall be connected for 1 h with the reversal supply
voltage at the maximum value of the rated voltage with the maximum lamp power declared by
the manufacturer.
During and at the end of the test the electronic controlgear shall operate the lamp(s) normally
without any defects.
17 Behaviour of the controlgear at end of lamp life
17.1 End of lamp life effects
At the end of lamp life, the controlgear shall behave in such a way that no overheating of lamp
cap(s) occurs at any voltage between 90 % and 110 % of the rated supply voltage.
For the test simulating end of lamp life effects, three tests are described:
a) asymmetric pulse test (described in 17.2);
b) asymmetric power dissipation test (described in 17.3);
c) open filament test (described in 17.4).
Any of the three tests may be used to qualify electronic controlgear. The controlgear
manufacturer shall determine which of the three tests will be used to test a given controlgear
based on the design of that particular controlgear circuit. The chosen test method shall be
indicated in the controlgear manufacturer's literature.
NOTE 1 Checking controlgear against their capability to cope with the partial rectifying effect is recommended by
IEC 61195:1999, Annex E, and IEC 61199:2011, Annex H and IEC 61199/AMD2:2014, Annex H.
NOTE 2 In Japan, only the requirements of 17.1 b) are applied for electronic controlgear.
Lamps used in the ballast controlgear test circuits shall be new lamps seasoned for 100 h.
17.2 Asymmetric pulse test
The controlgear shall have adequate protection to prevent lamp cap overheating at the end of
the lamp life cycle.
Compliance is checked by the following test. The relevant values of lamp power, maximum
asymmetric power P at the cathodes and the designation of lamp cap shall be taken from
max
IEC 60081:1997, Annex E, IEC 60081:1997/AMD4:2010, Annex E and IEC 60081:1997/
AMD6:2017, Annex E and IEC 60901:1996, Annex D, IEC 60901:1996/AMD2:2000, Annex D,
IEC 60901:1996/AMD5:2011, Annex D and IEC 60901:1996/AMD6:2014, Annex D,
respectively.
NOTE Amendment 6 of IEC 60081 is under preparation. Stage at the time of publication:
IEC CDV 60081 AMD6:2015.
Test procedure:
Refer to the schematic diagram in Figure 1.
If only one connection per electrode is available at the controlgear or the lamp or both, T1 shall
be removed and then the controlgear shall be connected to J2 and the lamp to J4. The
controlgear manufacturer should be asked which of the output terminals has to be connected

to J4 and, in case two output terminals per electrode exist, whether they can be short-circuited
or be bridged with a resistor.
1) Close switches S1 and S4, and set switch S2 to position A.
2) Turn on the controlgear under test and allow lamp(s) to warm up for 5 min.
3) Close S3, open S1, and wait for 15 s. Open S4 and wait for 15 s.
4) Measure the sum of the average power dissipated in the power resistors, R1A to R1C and
R2A and R2B, and the Zener diodes, D5 to D8.
NOTE The power should be measured as the average value of the product of the voltage
between terminals J5 and J6 times the current flowing from J8 to J7. The voltage should be
measured with a differential voltage probe, and the current should be measured with a DC
current probe. A digital oscilloscope can be used for the multiplication and averaging
functions. If the controlgear operates in a cycling mode, the averaging interval should be
set to cover an integer number of cycles. (Each cycle is typically greater than 1 s.) The
sampling rate and number of samples included in the calculations should be sufficient to
avoid aliasing errors.
The power dissipation shall be below P .
max
If the power dissipation is greater than P , the controlgear has failed and the test is
max
discontinued.
5) Close S1 and S4.
...