IEC 60969:2016

IEC 60969 ®
Edition 2.0 2016-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services –
Performance requirements
Lampes à fluorescence compactes à ballast intégré pour l'éclairage général –
Exigences de performances
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IEC 60969 ®
Edition 2.0 2016-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services –

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

Exigences de performances
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-3661-1

– 2 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Marking . 10
5 Test conditions . 11
6 Performance criteria: assessment and compliance . 11
6.1 General . 11
6.2 Performance requirements . 12
Annex A (normative) General conditions for measurement of photometric and
electrical characteristics and requirements for test equipment . 14
A.1 Method of measuring lamp characteristics . 14
A.2 Lamp stabilization . 14
A.3 Lamp ageing and life test . 15
A.4 Electrical measurement . 15
A.5 Photometric measurements . 15
A.6 Time and cycles measurement . 15
Annex B (normative) Test for starting time . 16
B.1 General . 16
B.2 Test conditions . 16
B.3 Test procedure . 16
B.4 Calculations . 17
Annex C (normative) Test for run-up time . 18
C.1 General . 18
C.2 Test conditions . 18
C.3 Test procedure . 19
C.4 Calculations . 20
Annex D (normative) Measurement of initial luminous efficacy and lumen maintenance . 21
D.1 General . 21
D.2 Test conditions . 21
D.3 Test procedure . 21
D.4 Initial luminous efficacy test . 21
D.4.1 Test procedure . 21
D.4.2 Calculations . 22
D.5 Lumen maintenance test . 22
Annex E (normative) Test for low temperature and low supply voltage starting. 23
E.1 General . 23
E.2 Test conditions . 23
E.3 Test procedure . 23
Annex F (normative) Test for switching withstand . 24
Annex G (normative) Test for lamp life . 25
Annex H (normative) Tests for compatibility with dimmers and switches. 26
H.1 Inrush current . 26
H.2 Specific requirements for dimmable lamps . 27
Annex I (normative) Measurement of displacement factor . 28

I.1 General . 28
I.2 Phase-angle definition . 28
I.3 Measurements requirements . 29
I.3.1 Measurement circuit and supply source . 29
I.3.2 Requirements for measurement equipment . 29
I.3.3 Test conditions . 29
Annex J (informative) Explanation of displacement and distortion factors . 30
J.1 General . 30
J.2 Recommended values for displacement factor . 30
Bibliography . 31

Figure B.1 – Typical setup for starting time test . 17
Figure C.1 – Typical setup for run-up time test . 19
Figure D.1 – Measurement of luminous flux . 21
Figure H.1 – Typical inrush current profile. 26
Figure H.2 – Current spikes before I are ignored . 27
peak
Figure H.3 – Waveform generator circuit for inrush current . 27
Figure I.1 – Definition of the first harmonic current phase-angle (φ ) (I leads U ),
1 1 mains
φ > 0) . 28
Figure I.2 – Definition of the first harmonic current phase-angle (φ ) (I lags U ),
1 1 mains
φ < 0) . 29
Table 1 – Locations where marking of rated values is required . 10
Table 2 – Equivalency with non-directional incandescent lamps . 11
Table 3 – Sample sizes, compliance criteria and test conditions . 12
Table A.1 – Conditioning, off time and stabilization time . 15
Table H.1 – Inrush current limitations and test conditions . 26
Table J.1 – Recommended values for displacement factor . 30

– 4 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SELF-BALLASTED COMPACT FLUORESCENT
LAMPS FOR GENERAL LIGHTING SERVICES –
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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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
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
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) 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 60969 has been prepared by subcommittee 34A: Lamps, of IEC
technical committee 34: Lamp and related equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1988,
Amendment 1:1991 and Amendment 2:2000. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) title change;
b) scope is now limited to compact fluorescent lamps, but expanded to cover all lamps of
voltages greater than 50 V and all power ratings;
c) introduction of requirements for lamp equivalency claims, switching withstand, starting
time, low temperature, run up time, treatment of claims for different operating conditions;
d) enhanced assessment and compliance criteria especially for lifetime;
e) introduction in-rush test conditions and displacement factor.

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34A/1923/FDIS 34A/1945/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
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 January 2017 have been included in this copy.

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.
– 6 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
SELF-BALLASTED COMPACT FLUORESCENT
LAMPS FOR GENERAL LIGHTING SERVICES –
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1 Scope
This document specifies performance requirements together with test methods and conditions
required to show compliance of self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps intended for general
lighting services.
This document applies to self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps of voltages > 50 V and all
power ratings with lamp caps complying with IEC 60061-1.
NOTE Some features of this document could be applicable to self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps of
voltages ≤ 50 V and to other types of self-ballasted gas discharge lamps.
The requirements of this document relate only to type testing.
The performance requirements specified in this document are additional to the safety
requirements specified in IEC 60968.
It can be expected that self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps, which comply with this
document, will start and operate satisfactorily at normal conditions (voltages between 92 %
and 106 % of rated supply voltage, ambient air temperature of between -10 °C and 40 °C and
in a luminaire complying with IEC 60598-1).
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 60630, Maximum lamp outlines for incandescent lamps
IEC 60968, Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps for general lighting services – Safety
requirements
IEC 61000-3-2:2014, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for
harmonic current emissions (equipment input current <= 16 A per phase)
IEC 61000-4-7, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and measurement
techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements and
instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC TR 61341, Method of measurement of centre beam intensity and beam angle(s) of
reflector lamps
CIE 015-2004, Colorimetry
CIE 13.3, Method of Measuring and Specifying Colour Rendering Properties of Light Source

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
self-ballasted lamp
integrated 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
Note 1 to entry: A self-ballasted lamp is referred to as a lamp in this document.
[SOURCE: IEC 60968:2015, 3.1, modified – The admitted term and note have been added]
3.2
new lamp
lamp which has not been energized since manufacture
3.3
rated value
quantity value, assigned by the supplier, for a lamp characteristic under specified operating
conditions
EXAMPLE Rated luminous flux.
3.4
test voltage
input voltage at which tests are carried out
[SOURCE: IEC 62612:2013, 3.2, modified – The word "input" has been added.]
3.5
initial value
photometric and electrical characteristic measured at the end of a 100 h ageing period
3.6
lamp failure
moment at which the lamp fails to light up, fails to remain alight or delivers low light output (in
case of doubt, low light output refers to less than approximately 50 % of rated light output)
3.7
lamp life
number of operating hours to lamp failure
3.8
median of lamp life
number of operating hours elapsed at which point 50 % of a representative group of lamps
have failed, when operated under specified test conditions

– 8 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
3.9
starting time
time required for a lamp to develop an electrically stable arc discharge, the time being
measured from the moment the lamp circuit is energized
3.10
run-up time
time required for a lamp to reach a specified percentage of its (stable) luminous flux, the time
being measured from the moment the lamp circuit is energized
3.11
displacement factor
cosine of the phase-angle between the fundamental harmonic current and the mains voltage
Note 1 to entry: Displacement factor is explained in Annex J.
3.12
distortion factor
factor indicating the level of harmonic current distortion
Note 1 to entry: Distortion factor is explained in Annex J.
3.13
power factor
under periodic conditions, ratio of the absolute value of the active power to the apparent
power
Note 1 to entry: Alternatively, the power factor is the product of the displacement and distortion factor.
3.14
lumen maintenance
luminous flux at a given time in the life of a lamp, divided by the initial luminous flux of the
lamp
Note 1 to entry: Lumen maintenance is expressed as a percentage of the initial luminous flux.
3.15
lamp type
lamps that, independent of the type of cap, have identical rated values in relation to the
relevant compliance test
3.16
lamp stabilization time
time required for a lamp to reach stable conditions for measurement
3.17
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
[SOURCE: IEC 60598-1:2014, 1.2.44]
3.18
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar units submitted by the manufacturer or responsible
vendor for the purpose of a type test
[SOURCE: IEC 60598-1:2014, 1.2.45]

3.19
luminous efficacy
quotient of the lamp luminous flux by the lamp power consumption
3.20
beam angle
angle between two imaginary lines in a plane through the optical beam axis, such that these
lines pass through the centre of the front face of the lamp and through points at which the
luminous intensity is 50 % of the centre beam intensity
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61341:2010, 2.4]
3.21
ageing
preconditioning of lamps by operating them at controlled conditions for a specified period
3.22
supplier
manufacturer, responsible vendor or importer
3.23
dimmable lamp
lamp that is capable of producing varying levels of light when paired with a control or dimmer
3.24
inrush current
transient current associated with energizing a lamp
3.25
chromaticity coordinates
ratio of each of a set of three tristimulus values to their sum
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-03-33, modified – The notes have been deleted]
3.26
correlated colour temperature
CCT
temperature of the Planckian radiator whose perceived colour most closely resembles that of
a given stimulus at the same brightness and under specified viewing conditions
Note 1 to entry: The correlated colour temperature is expressed in K.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-03-50, modified – The abbreviated term has been added
and the notes have been replaced]
3.27
colour rendering index
CRI
measure of the degree to which the psychophysical colour of an object illuminated by the test
illuminant conforms to that of the same object illuminated by the reference illuminant, suitable
allowance having been made for the state of chromatic adaptation
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-02-61]

– 10 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
3.28
colour code
3-digit code expressing the rated colour rendering index and the rated correlated colour
temperature as described in IEC TR 62732
Note 1 to entry: The light colour designation is detailed in IEC TR 62732.
4 Marking
For this performance standard the following data shall be provided (in addition to the
mandatory data required by IEC 60968) by the supplier and located as specified in Table 1.
The rated values refer to performance claims under the general conditions for measurement
as specified in Clause A.1.
Table 1 – Locations where marking of rated values is required
Product
Product
Parameter (rated) Product datasheets
packaging
or leaflets
a) Initial luminous flux of the lamp (lm)
- x x
(luminous flux for reflector lamps is under consideration)
b) Beam angle (degrees) and centre beam intensity (cd) measured in
- x x
accordance with IEC TR 61341 for reflector lamps
c) Initial luminous efficacy (lm/W) - - x
d) Correlated colour temperature (K)
x x x
For the product a colour code is permissible.
e) Colour rendering index
- x x
For the packaging a colour code is permissible.
f) Chromaticity coordinates - - x
g) Median lamp life (h) - x x
h) Lumen maintenance (%)
- - x
Including operating hours at which lumen maintenance value(s) are
claimed
i) Switching withstand (no. of cycles) - - x
j) Special operating requirements
- x x
e.g. dimming, orientation (base up/down), restricted operating
temperature range
k) Starting time (s) - - x
l) Low temperature starting time (s)
- - x
(and temperature if different from -10 °C)
m) Run-up time (s) - x x
n) Displacement factor - - x
o) Dimensions (mm) - - x
p) Performance claims for different conditions - - x
q) Location of additional information
- x -
(how to find product datasheets or leaflets)
(x = required, – = not required but optional)
NOTE In Japan, the power factor is used instead of displacement factor and the requirement on colour classification
and indication is specified in JIS Z9112.

If equivalence with an incandescent lamp is claimed, the claimed equivalent incandescent
lamp power (rounded to 1 W) for lamps with CCT values less than 4 500 K shall be that

corresponding in Table 2 below unless superseded by regional requirements. The
intermediate values of both the luminous flux and the claimed incandescent lamp power
(rounded to 1 W) shall be calculated by linear interpolation between two adjacent values.
Table 2 – Equivalency with non-directional incandescent lamps
(for 220-240 V regions) (for 110-120 V regions)
Claimed equivalent incandescent
lamp power
Minimum rated Minimum rated
luminous flux luminous flux
W
lm lm
15 125
25 229 250
40 432 450
60 741 800
75 970 1 100
100 1 398 1 600
150 2 253 2 550
200 3 172
5 Test conditions
Conditions for testing are given in Annex A.
For lamps with special features for example dimming and daylight sensing, the supplier shall
.
provide advice on how to disable these features in order to test the lamp
Where applicable, sample sizes and compliance conditions for various requirements are given
in Table 3.
Where a supplier claims suitability for operation at different conditions (for instance, at higher
voltage, temperature or humidity) then:
a) lamps shall be tested under claimed different conditions; and
b) lamps shall start and operate satisfactorily under claimed different conditions; and
c) lamps shall meet the performance claims under the claimed different conditions, which
may differ from the general conditions for measurement specified in Clause A.1.
6 Performance criteria: assessment and compliance
6.1 General
A lamp, on which compliance with this document is claimed, shall comply with the
requirements of IEC 60968.
A lamp shall be designed so that its performance is reliable in normal and accepted use. In
general this can be achieved by satisfying the requirements of 6.2.
The requirements and information given apply to 95 % of production.
NOTE It can be expected that the type test samples submitted by the supplier for type test to the requirements
and tolerances of this document will, in principle, consist of units having characteristics typical of the
manufacturer’s production and being as close to the production centre point values as reasonably possible.
It can be expected with the tolerances given in this document that products manufactured in accordance with the
type test sample will comply with this document for the majority of production. Due to the production spread

– 12 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
however, it is inevitable that there will sometimes be products outside the specified tolerances. For guidance on
sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes, refer to ISO 2859 and for inspection by variables refer
to ISO 3951.
6.2 Performance requirements
Lamps shall be assessed against all the parameters listed in Table 3. Minimum sample sizes
for each test are specified in column C, compliance conditions for all parameters and test
conditions are listed in column D and column E.
Table 3 – Sample sizes, compliance criteria and test conditions
A B C D E
Parameter for Minimum type Test condition for
Row Compliance
test test sample size compliance
Mean measured value shall not exceed
108 % of rated value, and all samples
1 Initial power 10 Annex A
shall measure below 115 % of rated
value.
All samples shall measure equal to or
greater than the rated displacement
Annex I
Displacement
factor value minus 0,05.
2 10
a
factor
NOTE In Japan, the power factor
instead of displacement factor is used.
Distortion factor All samples shall be within limits for
3 10 IEC 61000-3-2
a
(harmonics) harmonics according to IEC 61000-3-2.
Mean measured value shall be greater
Initial luminous than or equal to 90 % of rated value,
4 10 Annex D
flux and all samples shall measure greater
than or equal to 85 % of rated value.
Beam angle Measured beam angle shall be within
5 1 IEC TR 61341
(reflector lamps) ±25 % of rated value.
Centre beam Mean measured centre beam intensity
6 intensity (reflector 1 shall be equal to or greater than 75 % of IEC TR 61341
lamps) the rated value.
Chromaticity coordinates of at least
90 % of the samples shall measure less
Chromaticity
7 10 than or equal to 5 SDCM (standard CIE 015
b
coordinates
deviation of colour matching) from the
rated value.
All samples shall measure equal to or
Colour rendering
8 10 greater than the rated CRI value minus CIE 13.3
index (CRI)
3.
Mean measured value shall be less than
or equal to 1,5 s, and all samples shall
start within 2,0 s.
9 Starting time 6 Annex B
Mean measured value shall be ≤110% of
rated value.
Low temperature All lamps shall start within the time if
10 and low supply 6 specified by the supplier or within 10 s Annex E
voltage starting maximum.
The mean measured time, to reach 60%
of initial luminous flux, shall be less
than or equal to 110 % of the rated time.
11 Run-up time 6 Annex C
All samples shall reach 60% of initial
luminous flux within 150 % of the rated
time.
Mean measured value(s) shall be equal
to or greater than 90 % of the rated
Lumen
value(s).
12 10 Annex D
maintenance
All samples shall measure equal or
greater than 85 % of the rated value(s).

A B C D E
Parameter for Minimum type Test condition for
Row Compliance
test test sample size compliance
After the operating hours specified by
Premature lamp
the supplier have elapsed, the
13 failure rate (if 10 Annex G
proportion of lamp failures shall be less
claimed)
than or equal to the rated value.
Assess lifetime based on either of the
following tests (Based on Weibull shape
c
factor 3 ):
Test 10 samples to 100 % of rated life
Annex G
14 Lifetime 10 or 20 Pass if less than or equal to 6 failures

Fail if equal or greater than 7 failures.
Test 20 samples to 90 % of rated life
Pass if less than or equal to 10 failures
Fail  if equal or greater than 11 failures.
Assess switching withstand based on
the following test (Based on Weibull
c
shape factor 3 ):
Switching
15 10 Annex F
Test 10 samples to the rated number of
withstand
switching cycles
Pass if less than or equal to 6 failures
Fail if equal or greater than 7 failures.
All samples shall comply with rated
minimum and maximum specifications.
Mean measured dimension shall be
d
Physical
within 90 % and 110 % of rated value.
16 Dimensions 6
measurements
If dimensional equivalence with
incandescent lamps is claimed then
lamps shall comply with IEC 60630.
Inrush current shall not exceed given
17 Inrush current 1 Annex H
limits.
Claims for performance at different
conditions (voltages or temperatures
outside of normal conditions, including
high humidity) shall be tested under
those conditions using the relevant
annexes to this document (altering test
conditions to suit different conditions).
In accordance
In accordance with
Performance
Under these conditions:
with the relevant
18 under different the relevant type
type test in this
conditions a) lamps shall start and operate test in this table
table
satisfactorily, and
b) lamps shall meet all performance
claims, which may differ from the
performance claims under the
general conditions for measurement
specified in Clause A.1.
NOTE There are local and regional regulations for many of these and other parameters.
a
The relationship between power factor, displacement and distortion factors are explained in Annex J.
b
Preferred rated chromaticity coordinates are the standardised chromaticity coordinates for 2 700 K, 3 000 K,
3 500 K, 4 000 K, 5 000 K and 6 500 K as defined in IEC 60081, Annex D.
c
Statistical tools, such as Weibull analysis and parametric fits may be used to estimate median lamp life of
the sample.
d
Supplier should advise sizes to allow assessment, and these should be clear if maximum or rated
dimensions.
– 14 – IEC 60969:2016  IEC 2016
Annex A
(normative)
General conditions for measurement of photometric and electrical
characteristics and requirements for test equipment
A.1 Method of measuring lamp characteristics
Sample sizes and compliance conditions are given in Table 3.
The visual appearance of all samples shall be checked before testing, and if required all
samples shall be cleaned before photometric testing.
Unless specified elsewhere all tests shall:
a) be made in a draught-free atmosphere at an ambient temperature of (25 ± 1) °C and a
relative humidity of 65 % maximum. If lamp operation under different conditions is claimed
by the supplier, operation at this atmosphere shall also be tested. Air movement shall be
in accordance with CIE 121. For lamp ageing, the lamp life test and the switch withstand
test, the ambient temperature of the room shall be in the range of 15 °C to 40 °C, and
some draught is allowed but vibration and shock should be minimized.
b) be carried out at rated voltage and frequency if a single value is declared. If the rated
voltage is a range, the lamp shall be aged and tested at the mean voltage of that range.
For dual-voltage lamps, for example those intended for operation at 110 V to 130 V and
220 V to 240 V, ageing and testing shall be conducted at the mean voltage of each voltage
range.
c) have a test voltage tolerance during ageing and luminous flux maintenance testing within
2 %. During lamp stabilization the voltage shall be within ±0,5 %. At the moment of
measurement the tolerance shall be within ±0,2 % for voltage and ±0,2 % for frequency.
The total harmonic content of the supply voltage shall not exceed 3 %. The harmonic
content is defined as the R.M.S. summation of the individual harmonic components using
the fundamental as 100 %. IEC 61000-3-2, Annex A, provides guidance on the supply
voltage source.
d) be conducted with lamps operated in free air in a vertical base-up position for all tests
including lumen maintenance tests. If a supplier has declared the lamp is suitable for use
in a specific orientation only, then the lamp shall be mounted in the declared orientation
during all tests.
A.2 Lamp stabilization
Measurements shall be made after the lamp stabilization time.
NOTE During shipping and normal handling of the lamps, for example rotating of the lamp, any excess amount of
mercury could be distributed in small droplets within the discharge tube. Proper conditioning is reached when all
the excess mercury has been collected at the coldest spot in the tube. Experience has shown that initially this
process of lamp conditioning can take up to 16 h. When a lamp has passed this conditioning period it is ready for
measurement.
For conditioning and warming up the lamp may be operated in a location, distant to the test
location. When moving to the test location, provided that the lamp has been kept in the same
orientation, not subjected to vibration or shock and no warm glass parts are touched (i.e.
creating a parasitic cold spot), a stabilization period of 15 min to 60 min is necessary in the
test location. To avoid cooling down of warm glass parts during moving the lamp to test
location thermally insulating gloves or similar technique shall be used. The interruption of the
supply should be as short as possible. If deviating from the values in Table A.1, the relevant
specification of the supplier should be observed.

Measurements shall not start before stabilization is reached. Stabilization is achieved if the
difference of maximum and minimum light output readings, taken at least once per minute, is
less than 1 % within a 15 min observation period. If stabilization is not reached in the
minimum period, the period is extended until 15 successive readings at 1 min intervals fulfil
the requirement. If this cannot be achieved within 60 min, the measurement can be started

and the fluctuation shall be stated. Table A.1 summarizes the relevant time periods.
Table A.1 – Conditioning, off time and stabilization time
a
Minimum conditioning time (hours) 16
Maximum off time (transport to test location) (minutes) 5
Stabilization time (minutes) 15 to 60
a
This can be part of ageing.
A.3 Lamp ageing and life test
Unless specified elsewhere, lamp ageing shall take place in the ageing facility for the
specified number of hours of operation.
For testing details, see Annex G.
Ageing hours and life hours shall only be deemed to have occurred during the periods when
the lamp is ON.
A.4 Electrical measurement
Electrical measurements (power, current and power quality) shall be conducted on lamps
aged for 100 h.
Instruments shall be of the true r.m.s. type, essentially free from waveform errors and of a
precision appropriate to the requirements.
A.5 Photometric measurements
Photometric characteristics shall be measured in accordance with the relevant
recommendations of the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage).
Measurement of initial luminous flux, beam angle (reflector lamps), centre beam intensity
(reflector lamps), chromaticity coordinates, colour rendering index (CRI) shall be conducted
on lamps aged for 100 h.
A.6 Time and cycles measurement
Appropriate accuracy for time and cycle measurements are:
Starting time: ±0,1 s
Run-up time: ±3 s
Lamp life: ±100 h
Lumen maintenance: ±100 h
Ageing: ±5 h
Switching cycle time: ±3 s
Switching withstand cycles: ±200 cycles

– 16 – IEC 60969:20
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