Lighting has come a long way since the lightbulb was invented some 150 years ago. Whether you specialize in general, automotive, back, sign, or medical lighting, the industry continues to change and grow exponentially, placing manufacturers under constant pressure to ensure the safety of their products.

To stay competitive, organizations should adopt new strategies to help them stand out from the competition and deliver products that are highly efficient and safe to use.

BS EN IEC 60598-1:2024+A11:2024 Luminaires - General requirements and tests details essential requirements for the safety and performance of most types of electric lighting. It helps manufacturers ensure that their lighting units are safe and saleable in a competitive market.

The latest international requirements for safe luminaires

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU) ensures that electrical equipment, including lighting, within certain voltage limits, provides a high level of protection for European citizens, and benefits fully from the single market. It has been applicable since 20 April 2016.

BS EN IEC 60598-1 is the definitive international standard on the essential electrical safety and performance requirements for all types of electrical luminaires. It has now been amended so it can be cited in the Official Journal of the European Union and can provide a means of conforming to the safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.

The 2024 version of the standard reflects a complete editorial review to align with the most recent IEC directives and editing rules and improve the user experience. It includes the addition of an Annex V comparing its structure to the preceding Edition 9.0. This Annex provides an important interim ‘translation tool’ allowing it to be used immediately with the existing Part 2’s of IEC 60598 and IEC 60570. This edition also introduces the following significant technical changes:

• changes to marking requirements;

• revisions to conductor mechanical stress;

• revisions to include control gear;

• revisions of the subclause on earthing;

• changes to Annex Q on earth continuity test;

• introduction of suspension by magnets;

• changes to requirements for luminaires using batteries;

• changes to requirements for insulation of SELV circuits; and

• revised requirements for photobiological safety.

To learn more about how standards can help your manufacturing organization, visit our Manufacturing and Processing Goods Topic Page.

What are the benefits of BS EN IEC 60598-1?

Adopting BS EN IEC 60598-1:2024+A11:2024 can provide many benefits for its users. These include:

• In association with specific BS EN IEC 60598-2 standards, it can help manufacturers and designers to produce safe luminaires efficiently.

• It provides manufacturers, testers, and assessors with a voluntary means of demonstrating conforming to the safety objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU and UKCA marking legislation.

• It can help reassure buyers and end-users of the performance and safety of luminaires.

• It reflects all recent lighting innovations, helping manufacturers and designers stay up to date with the latest lighting technologies.

Ensure your lighting electrical units are complying with safety and performance regulations by adopting BS EN IEC 60598-1:2024+A11:2024 today.