IEC 61347-2-12:2024

Overview

IEC 61347-2-12:2024 - "Controlgear for electric light sources - Safety - Part 2-12" is the second edition safety standard for DC or AC supplied electronic controlgear (electronic ballasts) for discharge lamps (excluding fluorescent lamps). It applies to electronic controlgear operated from AC supplies at 50 Hz or 60 Hz up to 1 000 V or DC supplies up to 1 000 V. The document is a technical revision that cancels IEC 61347-2-12:2005 and Amendment 1:2010 and introduces dated references, clarified sample item numbers, and added information requirements aligned with IEC 61347-1 updates.

Key topics and technical requirements

This particular part of the IEC 61347 series supplements IEC 61347-1 and covers practical safety and test requirements specific to electronic convertors that may include igniting and stabilizing elements for discharge lamps. Major subjects addressed include:

• Scope and classification of DC/AC electronic controlgear for discharge lamps (non‑fluorescent).
• Marking and information requirements (mandatory marking, durability, legibility, sample item numbering and added information items from IEC 61347-1).
• Electrical safety tests: insulation, electric strength, terminals and earthing, protection against accidental contact.
• Environmental and durability tests: moisture resistance, thermal endurance (windings), resistance to heat, fire, tracking and corrosion.
• Operational safety: ignition voltage limits, ignition time cut‑out, behavior under fault and abnormal conditions, and protection of associated components.
• Construction and clearances: creepage distances, clearances, screws and current‑carrying connections.
• Annexes and test circuits: informative and normative annexes include guidance on spark gap measurement and test circuits for specific fault scenarios (e.g., leaking burner, rectification).

Practical applications

IEC 61347-2-12:2024 is used to:

• Define safety and test criteria for design and validation of electronic ballasts for high‑intensity discharge lamps (mercury, sodium, metal halide).
• Support product development teams to ensure compliance with international safety expectations for controlgear up to 1 000 V.
• Provide test laboratories and certification bodies with the referenced test methods and acceptance criteria required for conformity assessment.
• Inform procurement and specification writers and safety engineers when selecting or approving controlgear for lighting installations.

Who should use this standard

• Electronic ballast and controlgear manufacturers
• Product safety and compliance engineers
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Lighting system designers, specifiers and purchasers
• Regulatory authorities and conformity assessment organizations

Related standards

• IEC 61347-1:2015 and IEC 61347-1:2015/AMD1:2017 (general requirements - referenced and applied)
• Lamp standards referenced for associated lamps: IEC 60188, IEC 60192, IEC 60662, IEC 61167
• Other parts of the IEC 61347 series for additional controlgear categories

Keywords: IEC 61347-2-12:2024, electronic controlgear, electronic ballasts, DC supplied, AC supplied, discharge lamps, safety standard, ignition voltage, electrical testing, IEC 61347 series.