IEC 61347-2-3:2024

Overview

IEC 61347-2-3:2024 is the third-edition IEC safety standard for electronic controlgear supplied from AC or DC for fluorescent lamps. It specifies safety requirements for controlgear used on AC supplies (50/60 Hz) or DC supplies up to 1 000 V, and for devices that operate lamps at frequencies differing from the mains (high‑frequency operation). This edition replaces IEC 61347-2-3:2011/AMD1:2016 and introduces dated references, clarified sample item numbers, and clause alignment with IEC 61347-1.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Covers electronic controlgear for fluorescent lamps (including those per IEC 60081 and IEC 60901), low‑pressure UV lamps, and other HF‑operated fluorescent lamps.
• General safety: Builds on IEC 61347-1 general requirements (marking, construction, terminals, earthing, protection against live parts).
• Electrical and thermal tests: Includes electric strength, thermal endurance (windings/ballasts), and behaviour under normal, abnormal and fault conditions.
• Abnormal conditions & end-of-lamp-life: Tests and requirements for asymmetric pulse tests, asymmetric power detection, open‑filament tests, and behavior when lamps reach end of life.
• Leakage and EMC considerations: High‑frequency leakage current measurement (Annex IA) and related limits for HF fluorescent operation.
• Protection of associated components: Maximum allowed peak and working voltages, rectifying effects, and output‑voltage requirements for safety under normal and abnormal operation.
• Construction and materials: Requirements for creepage distances, clearances, screws/connections, resistance to heat, fire, tracking, and corrosion.
• Marking & documentation: Mandatory marking, legibility, and information to be supplied with the controlgear; built‑in controlgear specifics.
• Annexes: Normative and informative annexes include measurement arrangements, emergency lighting additional requirements, and test circuit components.

Applications and users

This standard is essential for:

• Controlgear and ballast manufacturers designing AC/DC electronic controlgear for fluorescent and UV lamps.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing safety and type testing, EMC and leakage-current measurements.
• Product safety and compliance engineers ensuring conformity with international safety rules for lighting products.
• Lighting system designers, specifiers, and procurement teams verifying supplier compliance for fixtures using high‑frequency fluorescent controlgear.
• Manufacturers of emergency and centrally supplied lighting (see Annex JB for additional requirements).

Practical uses include type‑approval testing, product design validation, specification of safety margins for high‑frequency operation, and documentation for market access.

Related standards

• IEC 61347-1 (general requirements for controlgear) - normative companion.
• IEC 60081 and IEC 60901 - lamp standards referenced for lamp types and characteristics.
• Other parts of the IEC 61347 series for different lamp/controlgear types.