IEC 61228:2020 PDF

Overview

IEC 61228:2020 - Fluorescent ultraviolet lamps used for tanning - Measurement and specification method - defines a type-testing framework for measuring, evaluating and specifying the UV irradiation characteristics of fluorescent UV lamps intended for tanning appliances. The 2020 (3rd) edition is a technical revision of the 2008 standard and adds updated requirements on measurement technique, lamp marking and maintenance characterization.

Key topics

• Scope and purpose: Measurement and specification methods for fluorescent UV lamps used in tanning; requirements relate to type testing and lamp marking.
• Measurement systems: Requirements for a spectroradiometric measuring system are specified (including new guidance on sensor-to-lamp-axis distance).
• Measurement procedures: Distinct and detailed procedures for double-capped and single-capped fluorescent UV lamps (measurement positions and evaluation are separated).
• Operating conditions: Test conditions include ageing (initial measurements after 5 h), operating position (additional information for single-capped lamps), ambient temperature, test voltage and ballast considerations.
• Irradiance evaluation: Calculation of total effective UV irradiance and use of action spectra (e.g., erythema) for weighting; correction factors for ambient temperature and reflector angle are included.
• Maintenance code: New definition and method to describe depreciation of UV irradiance during operation (irradiance maintenance ratio between 5 h and 500 h) and normative test methods in Annex C.
• Annexes and tooling: Normative Annex C (irradiance maintenance), Annex D (reflector gauge), and Annex E (lamp datasheets for measurement) provide practical test artifacts and datasheet requirements.
• Marking and specification: Requirements for lamp datasheets and markings to ensure traceability and consistent specification.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 61228:2020 is directly relevant to:

• Fluorescent UV lamp manufacturers - for product design verification, datasheets and compliance with type-test requirements.
• Tanning appliance manufacturers - to select and document lamps for safe and consistent tanning performance.
• Test laboratories and QA teams - for standardized spectroradiometric measurement, maintenance testing and reporting.
• Regulatory bodies and certification organizations - to assess conformity and inform safety guidance related to UV output and marking.
• R&D and standards engineers - for comparative evaluation of single-capped vs double-capped lamp performance and long-term irradiance behaviour.

Practical benefits include consistent UV irradiance measurement, reproducible maintenance characterization, improved lamp marking and clearer test reporting - all supporting product safety, performance claims and market transparency.

Related standards

Relevant normative references and related IEC/ISO documents to consult alongside IEC 61228:2020:

• IEC 61195, IEC 61199 (mechanical/electrical safety of lamps)
• IEC 60901 (single-capped fluorescent lamps)
• IEC 60061-1 (lamp caps and gauges)
• IEC 62471 (photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems)
• ISO/CIE 28077 (photocarcinogenesis action spectrum)

Keywords: IEC 61228:2020, fluorescent ultraviolet lamps, tanning lamps, UV irradiance measurement, spectroradiometer, maintenance code, irradiance maintenance, lamp marking, single-capped, double-capped.