IEC TR 61547-1:2020

Overview

IEC TR 61547-1:2020 defines an objective light flickermeter and a voltage fluctuation immunity test method for equipment used in general lighting. The Technical Report (Edition 3.0, 2020) establishes measurement and test procedures to:

• measure the intrinsic illuminance flicker performance of lighting equipment under stable mains; and
• evaluate the immunity of lighting equipment to unintentional voltage fluctuations on the AC mains by applying specified disturbance signals.

This edition supersedes the 2017 edition and clarifies the distinction between intrinsic flicker measurement and immunity testing, and refines the flicker test procedure.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Objective light flickermeter specification: A light-based flickermeter adapted from voltage-based designs (see Annex A) to quantify illuminance flicker produced by luminaires and lamps.
• Two core test types:
  • Intrinsic flicker measurement with a stable mains supply.
  • Immunity testing by applying defined voltage fluctuation disturbance signals to the AC mains and measuring resultant illuminance flicker.
• Test signal and mains parameters: Defined disturbance waveform types, mains voltage/frequency ranges (including typical 120/230 V and 50/60 Hz conditions) and test levels are specified for repeatable immunity evaluation.
• Test setup and environment: Requirements for optical test environment, light sensor and amplifier characteristics, signal acquisition (anti-aliasing, sampling frequency, resolution), and signal processing.
• Verification, uncertainty and reporting: Procedures to verify measurement chain (light flickermeter, mains parameters), uncertainty considerations (Annex B), example results and recommended test-report contents.
• Special tests: Guidance for dimmer compatibility and controlgear testing; intentional mains signalling immunity is noted but not detailed.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Lighting manufacturers - to quantify and improve flicker performance and demonstrate immunity during product development.
• EMC and compliance test laboratories - to perform standardized flicker and voltage fluctuation immunity tests for certification and compliance.
• Certification bodies and regulators - to assess whether lighting products meet EMC immunity expectations related to flicker.
• Specifiers, system integrators and utilities - to evaluate luminaire behavior under mains disturbances and ensure quality of lighting installations.
• R&D and quality teams - to compare designs, set internal requirements and troubleshoot flicker-related complaints.

Related standards

• IEC 61547 (EMC immunity requirements for lighting equipment) - Part 1 is part of this series.
• IEC 61000-4-15 (flickermeter for voltage-based flicker measurement) - referenced for structure and comparison; Annex A discusses modifications to voltage flickermeter approaches.

Keywords: IEC TR 61547-1:2020, objective light flickermeter, voltage fluctuation immunity test, illuminance flicker, EMC immunity, lighting equipment testing, mains voltage fluctuations, flicker measurement, flickermeter specification.