IEC 60598-2-21:2014

IEC 60598-2-21 ®
Edition 1.0 2014-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Luminaires –
Part 2-21: Particular requirements – Rope lights

Luminaires –
Partie 2-21: Exigences particulières – Cordons lumineux

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des
questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez
les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
CH-1211 Geneva 20 info@iec.ch
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in 14
documents. Available for PC, Mac OS, Android Tablets and additional languages. Also known as the International
iPad. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) online.

IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a More than 55 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical English and French extracted from the Terms and Definitions
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced clause of IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries
and withdrawn publications. have been collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37,

77, 86 and CISPR.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
details all new publications released. Available online and If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
also once a month by email. need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: csc@iec.ch.
A propos de l'IEC
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications IEC
Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la
plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.

Catalogue IEC - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Application autonome pour consulter tous les renseignements
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne de termes électroniques et
bibliographiques sur les Normes internationales,
électriques. Il contient plus de 30 000 termes et définitions en
Spécifications techniques, Rapports techniques et autres
anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans
documents de l'IEC. Disponible pour PC, Mac OS, tablettes
14 langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire
Android et iPad.
Electrotechnique International (IEV) en ligne.

Recherche de publications IEC - www.iec.ch/searchpub
Glossaire IEC - std.iec.ch/glossary
Plus de 55 000 entrées terminologiques électrotechniques, en
La recherche avancée permet de trouver des publications IEC
en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence, texte, anglais et en français, extraites des articles Termes et
comité d’études,…). Elle donne aussi des informations sur les Définitions des publications IEC parues depuis 2002. Plus
projets et les publications remplacées ou retirées. certaines entrées antérieures extraites des publications des

CE 37, 77, 86 et CISPR de l'IEC.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished

Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just
Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette
Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:
csc@iec.ch.
IEC 60598-2-21 ®
Edition 1.0 2014-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Luminaires –
Part 2-21: Particular requirements – Rope lights

Luminaires –
Partie 2-21: Exigences particulières – Cordons lumineux

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX Q
ICS 29.140.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-1941-6

– 2 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
21.1 Scope . 6
21.2 Normative references . 6
21.3 Terms and definitions . 7
21.4 General test requirements . 7
21.5 Classification of luminaires . 7
21.5.1 General . 7
21.5.2 Protection against electric shock . 7
21.5.3 Protection against dust, solid objects and moisture . 7
21.6 Marking . 8
21.6.1 General . 8
21.6.2 Rope light marking . 8
21.6.3 Rope light and packing marking . 8
21.6.4 Packing or instruction marking . 8
21.7 Construction . 9
21.7.1 General . 9
21.7.2 Terminal blocks . 9
21.7.3 Terminals and supply connections . 9
21.7.4 Control units . 9
21.7.5 Mechanical strength . 9
21.8 Creepage distances and clearances . 13
21.9 Provisions for earthing . 13
21.10 Terminals . 13
21.11 External and internal wiring . 13
21.11.1 General . 13
21.11.2 Cables for rope lights . 13
21.11.3 Cord anchorage test . 14
21.11.4 Plugs and cable length . 14
21.11.5 Maximum length of extendable class II rope lights . 14
21.12 Protection against electric shock . 14
21.13 Endurance tests and thermal tests . 14
21.13.1 General . 14
21.13.2 Test voltage . 15
21.13.3 Short-circuit test of rectifier . 15
21.14 Resistance to dust, solid objects and moisture . 15
21.15 Insulation resistance and electric strength. 15
21.16 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 15
Annex A (normative) Requirements for interconnecting connectors for use in rope

lights . 16

Figure 1 – Example of test device suitable for winding a flexible pipe . 10
Figure 2 – Cold bend test apparatus . 11
Figure 3 – Impact test apparatus . 12

Table 1 – Mass of hammer . 12
Table 2 – Cables for rope lights . 13

– 4 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LUMINAIRES –
Part 2-21: Particular requirements –
Rope lights
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 60598-2-21 has been prepared by subcommittee 34D: Luminaires,
of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34D/1146/FDIS 34D/1154/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.

This standard is intended to be read in conjunction with IEC 60598-1 Luminaires – Part 1:
General requirements and tests.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60598 series, published under the general title Luminaires can
be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– requirements: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in small 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 1of December 2016 have been included in this copy.

– 6 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
LUMINAIRES –
Part 2-21: Particular requirements –
Rope lights
21.1 Scope
This part of IEC 60598 specifies requirements for rope lights (sealed lighting chains) fitted with
non-replaceable series- or parallel- or a combination of series/parallel-connected light sources
for use either indoors or outdoors on supply voltages not exceeding 250 V.
NOTE 1 In some countries the term “sealed lighting chain” is used instead of "rope light".
NOTE 2 For products where the rope light is fixed to a frame or the like as ornaments like Santa Claus, snowman
and similar, relevant clauses of IEC 60598-2-4 and/or IEC 60598-2-7 can also apply.
Rope lights provided with, fixed or detachable, extra attachments of different kinds, e.g.
ornamental element in temporary decorative configurations due to festivals, celebrations, etc.
or in two or three dimensional reproductions of persons or animals (real or imaginary) are
considered to be covered by this standard.
21.2 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 60227-5:2011, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
IEC 60245-4:2011, Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –
Part 4: Cords and flexible cables
IEC 60320 (all parts), Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60811-504:2012, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials
– Part 504: Mechanical tests – Bending tests at low temperature for insulation and sheaths
IEC 60811-506:2012, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials
– Part 506: Mechanical tests – Impact test at low temperature for insulations and sheaths
IEC 60811-508:2012, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials
– Part 508: Mechanical tests – Pressure test at high temperature for insulation and sheaths
IEC 60906 (all parts), IEC system of plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar
purposes
IEC 61347-2-11, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-11: Particular requirements for miscellaneous
electronic circuits used with luminaires
IEC 61347-2-13, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-13: Particular requirements for d.c. or a.c. supplied
electronic controlgear for LED modules
IEC 61984:2008, Connectors – Safety requirements and tests
ISO 4064-4:2002, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: paper and
board grades and converted products
21.3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60598-1 as well as the
following apply.
21.3.1
lighting chain
luminaire comprising an assembly of series-connected lampholders, parallel-connected lamp-
holders or series/parallel-connected lampholders and interconnecting insulated conductors
[SOURCE: IEC 60598-2-20:2010, 20.4.1]
21.3.2
rope light
sealed lighting chain
lighting chain with non-replaceable light sources enclosed in a rigid or flexible insulating
translucent pipe or tube, sealed at the ends, with or without joints
Note 1 to entry: A rope light may incorporate control devices (e.g. flasher units, see 21.7.4).
21.4 General test requirements
The provisions of Section 0 of IEC 60598-1 apply. The tests described in each appropriate
section of IEC 60598-1 shall be carried out in the order listed in this part of IEC 60598.
21.5 Classification of luminaires
21.5.1 General
Rope lights shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of IEC 60598-1
together with the requirements of 21.5.2 and 21.5.3.
21.5.2 Protection against electric shock
Rope lights shall be classified as Class II or Class III.
21.5.3 Protection against dust, solid objects and moisture
Rope lights for outdoor use shall be classified at least IP 44.

– 8 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
21.6 Marking
21.6.1 General
To provisions of Section 3 of IEC 60598-1 apply together with the requirements of 21.6.2
to 21.6.4.
21.6.2 Rope light marking
The following information shall be marked on the rope light:
– rated voltage of the complete rope light,
– rated wattage of the complete rope light.
Where the information is on the cable, it shall be marked on a durable non-removable sleeve or
label.
21.6.3 Rope light and packing marking
The following marking shall be placed on the rope light and on the accompanying packing of
rope lights for indoor use only.
– “FOR INDOOR USE ONLY”
– As an alternative to the text, the rope light can be marked with the symbol [SOURCE:
IEC 60417-5957 (2004-12)]. The symbol shall be explained in the instructions.
21.6.4 Packing or instruction marking
The following or similar marking shall be placed on the accompanying packing or instructions.
a) For all rope lights where the packing has not been adapted for display purposes:
– “Do not connect the rope light to the supply while it is in the packing or wound onto a
reel”;
– “Do not use the rope light when covered or recessed into a surface”;
– minimum allowed bending radius, if applicable;
– “Do not open or cut the rope light”.
b) For rope lights which rely on gaskets to provide the specified degree of protection against
dust, solid objects and moisture:
– “WARNING – THIS ROPE LIGHT MUST NOT BE USED WITHOUT ALL GASKETS
BEING IN PLACE”.
c) For rope lights intended for interconnection:
– “Do not connect this rope light to another manufacturer’s product”;
– “Interconnection shall be made only by the use of the supplied connectors. Any open
ends must be sealed-off before use”;
– maximum system length that may be interconnected;
– maximum wattage that may be interconnected.
d) For rope lights incorporating lamp bridging device(s):
– information stating that the rope light is fitted with a bridging device(s).
e) For class III rope lights delivered without a supply source:
– relevant information concerning the required supply source.

21.7 Construction
21.7.1 General
The provisions of Section 4 of IEC 60598-1 apply together with the requirements of 21.7.2
to 21.7.5.
21.7.2 Terminal blocks
Clause 4.6 of Section 4 of IEC 60598-1 referring to terminal block does not apply.
21.7.3 Terminals and supply connections
Clause 4.7 of Section 4 of IEC 60598-1 referring to terminals and supply connections applies
together with the following requirement.
Interconnecting connectors for rope lights shall, in addition, comply with the requirements and
modifications given in Annex A
Compliance is checked by inspection and by carrying out the tests of this standard.
21.7.4 Control units
Control units and similar devices forming an integral part of the rope light shall be enclosed in
non-flammable insulating material. In addition they shall be securely fixed to the rope light or
the cable.
Compliance shall be checked by inspection and, for the non-flammability of the insulating
material, by the tests of Clause 21.16.
Any electronic control device (e.g. flasher units) shall, in addition to the requirements of this
standard, comply with the requirements of IEC 61347-2-11.
LED-drivers shall comply with the requirements of IEC 61347-2-13.
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the relevant tests.
21.7.5 Mechanical strength
Rope lights shall have adequate mechanical strength.
Compliance is checked by the following tests:
a) For rigid rope lights, compliance is checked by subjecting the pipe to each of the following
tests carried out in turn.
1) A pull of 60 N, the stress being applied to the ends of the pipe, 45 times without jerks,
each time for 1 s.
2) A torque of 0,15 Nm, the stress being applied to the ends of the pipe in the most
unfavorable direction (alternatively in cases of doubt) without jerks for 1 min.
During and after the above test tests, the conductors shall not have moved noticeably in the
terminals and the pipe shall not be damaged.
b) For flexible rope lights, compliance is checked by the tests of 1) and 2) above followed by
the additional tests 3) and 4) below.
3) Wind the pipe in full test length (1 m) on a cylinder of 150 mm diameter with a pull of
60 N for the number of operations and at the ambient temperature given below:

– 10 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
– for rope lights having an IP number 20
10 times at 25 °C ± 2 °C
– for rope lights having an IP number over X0
10 times at 25 °C ± 2 °C followed by 10 times at –15 °C ± 2 °C
Before the low temperature tests the pipe is kept for 16 h in the low temperature cabinet
at a temperature of –15 °C ± 2 °C.
NOTE 1 An example of a test device suitable for winding a flexible pipe is given in Figure 1

Dimensions in millimetres
IEC
Key
1) Diameter of wooden cylinder.
2) Distance between the fixing point of the flexible pipe and the weight prior to commencement of the test.
Figure 1 – Example of test device suitable for winding a flexible pipe
4) After test 3), with the test specimen at room temperature, the pipe is wound on a
mandrel of between 4 and 5 times the diameter of the test piece and then is placed in
the low temperature cabinet (-15 °C ± 2 °C) for 16 h.
After this time period the sample is wound around the mandrel for two turns in the
cabinet.
There shall be no cracks.
NOTE 2 An example of a test apparatus suitable for winding a flexible pipe is given in Figure 2
(corresponding to Figure 1 in IEC 60811-504:2012).

Dimensions in millimetres
Mandrel
Test piece
S.P. Adjustable round bar
S
Tube X
H.P.
A
B
Rotation points
Counter weight Approximately 270
X – approximately 30
Front view Right side view
Tube
Test piece
d
Nozzle Mandrel
Ajustable round bar
d
Detail A S
Detail B (fixing of the test piece)
IEC
Notes
3. In horizontal position (H.P.),the tube should not
1. d S S
press the test piece down too much
2. d = 1,2 to 1,5 X d 4. In slope position (S.P.) the tube should not press
1 S
the test piece upwards too much

Figure 2 – Cold bend test apparatus
c) For rigid and flexible rope lights compliance is checked by subjecting the pipe to the
following impact test at low temperature.
Three pieces of the complete rope light each having a length at least five times the
diameter of the rope light with a minimum of 150 mm is taken and subjected to the following
test.
– The apparatus according to Figure 3 and the test pieces to be tested are placed side by
side in a suitable low temperature cabinet and maintained there for at least 16 h at a
temperature of –15 °C ± 5 °C.
– 12 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
Dimensions in millimetres
Hammer
∅ 10,5
A B
R – 300
Steel intermediate
piece 100 g
Test piece
∅ 20 40
Steel 10 kg
8,6
Slightly rounded edges
8,6 8,6
Section A-B IEC
Figure 3 – Impact test apparatus
– At the end of the prescribed period, each piece in turn is placed in position as shown in
Figure 3 and the hammer of mass as specified in Table 1 is allowed to fall from a height
of 100 mm.
Table 1 – Mass of hammer
Overall diameter Mass of the hammer
mm g
Up to and including 6,0 100
Over 6,0 up to and including 10,0 200
Over 10,0 up to and including 15,0 300
Over 15,0 up to and including 25,0 400
Over 25,0 up to and including 35,0 500
Over 35,0 600
Before examination the test pieces are allowed to attain approximately room temperature. The
three pieces shall show no cracks with normal corrected vision without magnification. However,
if one piece shows cracks the test is repeated on three further pieces and if none of these
three new pieces shows cracks the test is deemed to be met, but if any one of these new
pieces shows cracks the test is deemed to have failed.

NOTE 3 An example of a test apparatus suitable for the impact test on the pipe is given in Figure 3 (corresponding
to Figure 1 in IEC 60811-506:2012).
NOTE 4 Further information about tests described under b) 4) and c) is found in IEC 60811-504 and
IEC 60811-506.
After the tests, the pipe shall show no damage affecting the safety of the rope light and shall
comply with the electric strength test of Clause 21.15 applied between live parts and the body.
Failure of lamps during the low temperature tests is permitted.
21.8 Creepage distances and clearances
The provisions of Section 11 of IEC 60598-1 apply.
21.9 Provisions for earthing
The provisions of Section 7 of IEC 60598-1 do not apply.
21.10 Terminals
The provisions of Sections 14 and 15 of IEC 60598-1 apply.
21.11 External and internal wiring
21.11.1 General
The provisions of Section 5 of IEC 60598-1 apply together with the requirements of 21.11.2 to
21.11.5.
21.11.2 Cables for rope lights
Subclause 5.2.2 of Section 5 of IEC 60598-1 is replaced by the following:
Internal, if applicable and external cables of rope lights shall not be lighter than the Table 2 and
below:
Table 2 – Cables for rope lights
a
For class II ordinary rope lights 60227 IEC 52
a
For class II rope lights other than ordinary 60245 IEC 57
b
For class III rope lights and parts of rope lights supplied by SELV Insulation according to 5.3.1 of IEC 60598-1
a
The cable may consist of a single core cable provided with a two-layer insulation corresponding to the specified
standard sheet.
b
The insulation may consist of rubber or PVC.

Compliance is checked by inspection and by measurement.
The nominal cross-sectional area of the conductors shall provide adequate current-carrying
capacity and mechanical properties but shall not be less than the following values:
a) 0,5 mm for class II rope lights
b) 0,15 mm for class III rope lights and parts of rope lights supplied by SELV

– 14 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
c) 1 mm for supply cables and extension cables on all extendable class II rope lights
d) 0,75 mm for supply cable on non-extendable class II rope lights of class IP20
e) 1 mm for supply cable on non-extendable class II rope lights over class IP20.
Compliance is checked by inspection and measurement.
For the mechanical properties the relevant requirements given in 4.14.1 and 4.14.2 of
IEC 60598-1 apply.
21.11.3 Cord anchorage test
For rope lights incorporating a single-core cable, the test described in 5.2.10.1 of Section 5 of
IEC 60598-1 is made in the following way:
The cable is subjected 25 times to a pull of 30 N. The torque test is not made.
For rope lights fitted with screwless type terminals, the electrical connections are disconnected
without adversely affecting the efficiency of the cord anchorage function.
21.11.4 Plugs and cable length
Rope lights for outdoor use shall either be provided with a splash-proof plug or be suitable for
permanent connection to fixed wiring by means of a junction box.
The length of the cable between the plug and the connection to the rope light shall be not less
than 1,5 m.
Compliance shall be checked by measurement.
NOTE 1 National rules in some countries do not permit plugs in accordance with IEC 60083.
NOTE 2 In some countries (UK and Australia), where National practice requires the fitting of a certain plug which
does not provide the required ingress protection, the rope light manufacturer may provide adequate instructions for
connection to the supply ensuring an equivalent degree of protection against harmful ingress of dust, solid objects
and moisture as provided by the rope light.
21.11.5 Maximum length of extendable class II rope lights
Extendable class II rope lights shall be limited to a maximum length of:
– 100 m for systems using 0,5 mm cable;
– 150 m for systems using 0,75 mm cable.
Compliance is checked by inspection and measurement.
21.12 Protection against electric shock
The provisions of Section 8 of IEC 60598-1 apply.
21.13 Endurance tests and thermal tests
21.13.1 General
The provisions of Section 12 of IEC 60598-1 apply together with the requirements of 21.13.2
to 21.13.3.
Rope lights with an IP classification greater than IP20 shall be subjected to the relevant tests of
Clauses 12.4, 12.5 and 12.6 of Section 12 of IEC 60598-1 after the test(s) of Clause 9.2 but
before the test(s) of Clause 9.3 of Section 9 of IEC 60598-1 specified in Clause 20.13 of this
standard.
21.13.2 Test voltage
The provisions of 12.3.1 d) of IEC 60598-1 together with the following apply:
For class III rope lights supplied from an associated transformer/convertor, the test is carried
out at 1,10 times the rated voltage of the transformer/convertor.
The provisions of 12.4.1 d) of IEC 60598-1 together with the following apply:
For class III rope lights supplied from an associated transformer/convertor, the test is carried
out at 1,06 times the rated voltage of the transformer/convertor.
21.13.3 Short-circuit test of rectifier
A class II or class III LED rope light incorporating a rectifier unit shall be subjected to the
following test.
The rope light is supplied with a voltage between 0,9 and 1,1 times the rated supply voltage.
The output of the rectifier is short-circuited. During this test, there shall be no emission of
flames or molten material or production of flammable gases. Live parts shall not become
accessible.
Compliance. To check whether emission of flames or molten material might present a safety
hazard, the test specimen is wrapped with a tissue paper, as specified in 4.187 of
ISO 4046-4:2002, and shall not ignite.
21.14 Resistance to dust, solid objects and moisture
The provisions of Section 9 of IEC 60598-1 apply together with the following requirement. For
luminaires with an IP classification greater than IP20 the order of the tests specified in
Section 9 of IEC 60598-1 shall be as specified in Clause 21.13 of this standard.
Compliance is checked by inspection and the relevant test described in Clause 9.2 of
IEC 60598-1.
During the test, the rope light is completely assembled, ready for use.
21.15 Insulation resistance and electric strength
The provisions of Section 10 of IEC 60598-1 apply.
21.16 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking
The provisions of Section 13 of IEC 60598-1 apply, except that:
– for flexible pipes of rope lights the test of 13.2.1 is replaced by the tests of IEC 60811-508.

– 16 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
Annex A
(normative)
Requirements for interconnecting
connectors for use in rope lights
This annex consists of relevant modifications to IEC 61984 to cover interconnecting connectors
used in rope lights. Only the subclauses of IEC 61984:2008 referred to, including indicated
changes, in this annex apply for the interconnecting devices in question.
This annex covers connectors for both class II and class III rope lights, although the scope of
IEC 61984 is limited to connectors >50 V only.
5.2 Classification according to protection against electric shock
Only enclosed connectors are accepted.
5.3 Classification according to the style of connector
Only free connectors are considered by this annex.
5.4 Classification according to additional characteristics of connectors
Items b), d), e), g), h) and j) apply.
NOTE The name of the manufacturer or responsible vendor and the type reference can be replaced by a code.
6.2.1 Identification
Items a) and b) apply. Other markings, if applicable, may be given in the technical
documentation or catalogue of the manufacturer.
6.4.1 Non accessibility of live parts
This subclause applies for class II rope lights only.
Compliance is checked by applying the standard test finger of IEC 60529 with a force of
20 N ± 1 N.
6.9.1 Polarisation
This subclause applies. In addition there shall be no unsafe compatibility between connectors
for class II and class III rope lights of the same manufacture. Moreover, the male part of
connectors used on class III rope lights shall not make contact in the female part of connectors
intended for use at low voltage, e.g. connectors complying with IEC 60320, irrespective of
compliance or not with specified standard sheets.
For manufacturer designed connectors there shall be no unsafe compatibility with systems
specified in standard sheets of IEC 60320 and IEC 60906 and with the national domestic plug
and socket-outlet systems of the country where the rope light is placed on the market.
Compliance is checked by inspection and measurement.
6.9.3 Connection of conductors
Replace this subclause by the following:

The cross sectional area of the contact making parts of the interconnecting coupler shall not be
less than the cross sectional area of the corresponding conductor in the interconnected cable.
Compliance is checked by inspection and measurement.
6.10 Design of a CBC
This subclause applies. In addition the female part of a coupler at the end of a rope light, other
than ordinary, shall be provided with a sealing device to ensure that the required degree of
protection against dust, solid objects and moisture is achieved when the male part is not
connected. This device shall be securely fixed to the coupler.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
6.13 Dielectric strength
This test is replaced by the test of Clause 20.15 of this standard.
During the measurement of the insulation resistance and the electric strength test, the coupler
shall be completely wrapped by metal foil.
6.14.2 Electrical endurance (CBC)
This test applies and the number of cycles shall be 50.
Compliance is checked by the test of 7.3.5 of IEC 61984:2008.
6.14.3 Bendings (non-rewirable connectors)
This test applies and the number of cycles shall be 1 000.
Compliance is checked by the test of 7.3.10 of IEC 61984:2008.
6.17 Cable clamp
This test is replaced by the test of 20.11.3 of this standard.

_____________
– 18 – IEC 60598-2-21:2014 © IEC 2014
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 20
21.1 Domaine d’application . 22
21.2 Références normatives . 22
21.3 Termes et définitions . 23
21.4 Exigences générales d’essai . 23
21.5 Classification of luminaires . 23
21.5.1 Généralités . 23
21.5.2 Protection contre les chocs électriques . 23
21.5.3 Protection contre la poussière, les particules solides et l'humidité . 24
21.6 Marquage . 24
21.6.1 Généralités . 24
21.6.2 Marquage du cordon lumineux . 24
21.6.3 Marquage du cordon lumineux et de l’emballage . 24
21.6.4 Marquage de l’emballage ou des instructions . 24
21.7 Construction . 25
21.7.1 Généralités . 25
21.7.2 Blocs de jonction . 25
21.7.3 Bornes et raccordements au réseau . 25
21.7.4 Unités de commande . 25
21.7.5 Résistance mécanique . 25
21.8 Lignes de fuite et distances d'isolement . 29
21.9 Dispositions pour la mise à la terre . 29
21.10 Bornes . 29
21.11 Câblage externe et interne . 29
21.11.1 Généralités . 29
21.11.2 Câbles pour cordons lumineux . 29
21.11.3 Essai d’ancrage de cordon . 30
21.11.4 Fiches et longueur de câble . 30
21.11.5 Longueur maximale des cordons lumineux de classe II extensibles . 30
21.12 Protection contre les chocs électriques . 31
21.13 Essais d'endurance et essais thermiques . 31
21.13.1 Généralités . 31
21.13.2 Tension d’essai . 31
21.13.3 Essai de court-circuit du redresseur . 31
21.14 Résistance à la poussière, aux particules solides et à l'humidité . 31
21.15 Résistance d'isolement et rigidité diélectrique . 32
21.16 Résistance à la chaleur, au feu et aux courants de cheminement . 32
Annexe A (normative) Exigences relatives aux connecteurs d'interconnexion utilisés

dans les cordons lumineux . 33

Figure 1 – Exemple de dispositif d'essai convenant pour l'enroulement d'un tuyau
flexib
...