IEC 61347-2-10:2024

Overview

IEC 61347-2-10:2024 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that specifies safety requirements for electronic controlgear (inverters and converters) used for the high‑frequency operation of tubular cold‑cathode discharge lamps (neon tubes). It applies to controlgear with an output voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V, intended for direct connection to DC or AC supplies up to 1 000 V (50 Hz or 60 Hz). Edition 2.0 (2024) replaces the 2000 edition and its 2008 amendment and constitutes a technical revision, introducing dated references and clarifying sample item numbers.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part of IEC 61347 is intended to be used together with IEC 61347-1 and covers particular safety and test requirements specific to neon-tube controlgear. Major technical topics include:

• Scope and classification of controlgear for neon signage and luminous-discharge tube installations
• Marking and information: mandatory markings, legibility and durability, and built‑in controlgear labelling
• Terminals and earthing provisions to ensure safe connections and earth-fault protection
• Protection against accidental contact with live parts and insulation requirements
• Moisture resistance, creepage distances and clearances, and resistance to heat, fire and corrosion
• Electric strength and thermal endurance tests for windings and components
• Normal, abnormal and fault condition testing including protective circuits and earth‑leakage protection
• No‑load rated output voltage and rated output current requirements for safe operation
• Construction and mechanical requirements, including screws, current‑carrying parts and connections
• Measurement guidance (Annex IA / Annex I): instrumentation and methods for measuring no‑load output voltage, output current, earth fault currents, amplitude modulation, spikes and high‑frequency harmonics to ensure reproducible test results
• Annex B (informative): schedule of more onerous requirements where applicable

Practical applications and users

IEC 61347-2-10:2024 is essential for:

• Manufacturers and designers of electronic inverters and converters for neon signage and architectural luminous-tube installations
• Product safety and compliance engineers preparing technical files for certification and testing
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing type testing against IEC lamp-controlgear safety requirements
• Specifiers, procurement teams and installers who require compliance verification for high‑voltage neon controlgear

Related standards

• IEC 61347-1 (general requirements for controlgear) - this part is used in conjunction with IEC 61347-2-10 for complete compliance.
• Refer to the IEC webstore for authoritative publication and updates.

For authoritative purchase or the latest corrigenda/amendments, consult the IEC webstore or your national IEC member committee.