IEC 61347-2-2:2024

Overview

IEC 61347-2-2:2024 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the safety requirements for electronic step-down convertors designed for filament lamps, including tungsten-halogen lamps according to IEC 60357. This third edition updates and replaces the 2011 second edition with significant technical revisions and an extended scope.

The standard applies to step-down convertors operating on DC supplies up to 1,500 V or AC supplies up to 1,000 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. It covers devices with rated output voltages up to 50 V (RMS) with frequencies deviating from the supply frequency or up to 120 V ripple-free DC between conductors and earth. The standard ensures safe operation of convertors used with filament lamps and similar lighting technologies.

Key Topics

• Scope extension: Inclusion of DC supplies up to 1,500 V broadens the applicability of step-down convertors beyond previous editions.
• Alignment with IEC 61347-1:2024: References and requirements have been synchronized with the fourth edition of the general standard for controlgear safety.
• Safety requirements: Detailed provisions cover insulation, earthing, protection against accidental contact with live parts, creepage distances, and thermal and fault condition testing.
• Marking and information: Updated requirements ensure durable, legible, and appropriate information marking on step-down convertors for reliability and user guidance.
• Testing protocols: Revised compliance conditions for output voltage measurement during fault condition and thermal testing help maintain safety under abnormal operating conditions.
• Definitions and technical terms: Clarified and streamlined terminology consistent with IEC 61347-1 and related IEC databases (Electropedia and ISO Online Browsing Platform).

Applications

IEC 61347-2-2:2024 applies to the design and manufacture of electronic controlgear essential for safe and efficient powering of:

• Tungsten-halogen lamps used across residential, commercial, and industrial lighting.
• Other filament-based lamp technologies, which remain relevant in specialty illumination.
• Devices powered by low-voltage DC or mains frequency AC supplies, including those operating at non-standard frequencies.
• Optical radiation sources utilizing filament lamp technology but intended for non-visible spectrum applications.

Manufacturers and designers use this standard to ensure that electronic step-down convertors provide protection against electrical hazards, thermal risks, and mechanical failures, facilitating regulatory compliance and enhancing product safety in the marketplace.

Related Standards

• IEC 61347-1:2024 – General requirements for controlgear for electric light sources, forming the basis and complement to part 2-2.
• IEC 60357 – Specifies the requirements for tungsten-halogen lamps, defining the lighting sources associated with the step-down convertors covered.
• IEC 61140:2016 – Protection against electric shock: defines extra-low-voltage limits referenced for voltage ratings in IEC 61347-2-2.
• IEC 61047 – Performance requirements for electronic controlgear, which complements the safety focus of IEC 61347-2-2.
• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and 2 – Guidelines for the development and publication of IEC standards.

By adhering to IEC 61347-2-2:2024, stakeholders in the lighting controlgear industry ensure their products meet internationally recognized safety protocols, instilling confidence for end-users and regulatory bodies alike.

Keywords: IEC 61347-2-2, electronic step-down convertors, filament lamps, tungsten-halogen lamps, lighting controlgear safety, IEC 61347-1, DC supply safety, AC supply safety, extra-low-voltage, filament lamp controlgear, electrical safety standards.