Overview
IEC TS 63105:2021 - Lighting systems and related equipment - Vocabulary is a Technical Specification from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that establishes standardized terms and definitions used in the field of lighting systems and related equipment. Published by IEC TC 34 (Lighting) in 2021, this document does not set performance requirements; instead it provides a consistent vocabulary to improve clarity across standards, technical documents, specifications and industry communications.
Key topics
The Technical Specification organizes terminology under two main headings (Lighting and Lighting systems) and includes definitions and notes for terms such as:
- Lighting / illumination - application of light to scenes, objects or surroundings
- Adaptive lighting and adaptive lighting system - lighting responding to changing conditions while maintaining required lighting quality
- Integrative (human‑centric) lighting and integrative lighting system - lighting designed for visual and non‑visual benefits for humans
- Lighting system - system-of-interrelated-items designed to provide lighting (including sources, luminaires, controls, software and networks)
- Lighting system network and networked device - wired or wireless communication between lighting devices
- Energy performance (of a lighting system) and lighting quality - conceptual definitions used to align energy and user‑centric objectives
- Interoperability concepts: compatibility, coexistence, interoperability, interchangeability, physical interchangeability
- Sensor (electric sensor) and other device‑related terms
The TS references terminological resources such as IEC Electropedia and the ISO Online Browsing Platform and lists related terminological literature in its bibliography.
Practical applications
- Ensures consistent terminology across product datasheets, technical manuals, procurement documents and regulatory guidance for lighting systems.
- Helps specifiers and architects write clear lighting briefs (e.g., when specifying adaptive or integrative lighting).
- Supports manufacturers and system integrators in aligning product descriptions, interoperability claims and network features.
- Aids standards writers, test laboratories and certification bodies by providing agreed definitions that reduce ambiguity in subsequent normative standards.
- Useful for R&D teams, lighting designers, facility managers and IoT solution providers working with smart, networked or human‑centric lighting.
Who should use this standard
- Lighting manufacturers and component suppliers
- System integrators and controls/software developers for lighting networks
- Standards committees and technical authors
- Architects, lighting designers and consultants
- Procurement officers, test labs and compliance teams
- Educators and researchers in lighting and human factors
Related standards
The TS cross‑references established glossaries and standards including IEC 60050 (IEV) parts, IEC 62504 (LED products), IEC TS 62972 (OLED products) and CIE S 017 (International Lighting Vocabulary), all listed in the bibliography for broader terminological coverage.
Keywords: IEC TS 63105, lighting vocabulary, lighting systems, adaptive lighting, integrative lighting, lighting system network, interoperability, lighting quality, energy performance.