Overview
IEC TS 63116:2021 - Lighting systems – General requirements - defines the high‑level requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of lighting systems. It addresses system‑level considerations that go beyond individual product standards (which remain the source for product safety and performance). IEC TS 63116 clarifies how sets of products (luminaires, sensors, controllers, networks, user interfaces and software) should be integrated to achieve safe, functional and secure lighting solutions across applications.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Establishes general, system‑level requirements rather than detailed construction specs; it prevails for lighting system requirements where products are combined.
- Product compliance: Systems must use products that meet applicable product standards and are suitable for expected environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude, vibration).
- Electrical safety: System‑level electrical safety requirements are specified (see IEC TS 63117 for safety details).
- Functional safety: Addresses safe interaction of multiple components (sensors, controllers, interfaces) and mitigation of system failure modes.
- Information security: Requires protection of system information against unauthorized disclosure, modification or destruction - includes guidance for communication protocols and system interfaces.
- Installation, commissioning and maintenance: Sets expectations for lifecycle activities to ensure continued safety and performance.
- Performance & functionality: Covers adaptive characteristics (sensors, dimming, spectrum adjustment), diagnostics, communication protocols and user interfaces.
- Classification: Defines lighting system categories - standalone luminaires, autonomous systems, centrally controllable systems - and typical capacities/functionality per category.
- Reporting: Annex A (normative) standardizes how to report performance parameters, adaptive features, diagnostics, communication and security measures.
Applications and users
IEC TS 63116 is practical for:
- Lighting system designers and specifiers integrating multiple products
- System integrators and electrical contractors responsible for installation and commissioning
- Facility managers and building owners planning maintenance and lifecycle management
- Manufacturers and OEMs developing system‑level products, interfaces and documentation
- Test laboratories and certification bodies assessing system compliance
- Building automation and IoT teams addressing interoperability, control and cybersecurity
Practical uses include preparing system design briefs, defining acceptance tests, specifying communication and security requirements, and documenting system performance for procurement and commissioning.
Related standards
- IEC 62504 - LED products and related equipment - terms and definitions
- IEC TS 63105 - Lighting systems and related equipment - vocabulary
- IEC TS 63117 - General requirements for lighting systems - safety
Keywords: IEC TS 63116, lighting systems, general requirements, lighting design, lighting installation, electrical safety, functional safety, information security, lighting control, adaptive lighting, communication protocol.