BS EN IEC 62442-1:2018

What is BS EN IEC 62442‑1 – Lamp control gear about? 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 is a European standard that discusses methods of measurement to determine the total input of control gear circuits and the efficiency of control gear. 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 defines a measurement and calculation method of the total input power for controlgear-lamp circuits when operating with their associated fluorescent lamp(s). The calculation method for the efficiency of the lamp controlgear is also defined. 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 applies to electrical controlgear-lamp circuits consisting only of the controlgear and the lamp(s). It is intended for use on DC supplies up to 1 000 V and/or AC supplies up to 1 000 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 specifies the measurement method for the total input power and the calculation method of the controlgear efficiency for all controlgear used for domestic and normal commercial purposes operating with the following fluorescent lamps: 

• Linear fluorescent lamps 
• Single-ended (compact) fluorescent lamps 
• Other general-purpose fluorescent lamps 

Note: BS EN IEC 62442‑1 does not apply to: 

• Controlgear which form an integral part of the lamp 
• Controllable wire-wound magnetic controlgear 
• Luminaires, which rely on additional optical performance aspects. 

Who is BS EN IEC 62442‑1 – Lamp control gear for? 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 on the energy performance of lamp control gear applies to: 

• Manufacturer of lamps 
• Quality testing personnel  

Why should you use BS EN IEC 62442‑1 – Lamp control gear? 

Control gear is one or more components between the supply and one or more lamps that may serve to transform the supply voltage, limit the current of the lamp(s) to the required value, provide starting voltage and preheating current, prevent cold starting, correct power factor or reduce radio interference.  

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 provides you with the methods of controlgear efficiency which is a ratio of the output power to the lamps and the total input power of the controlgear. It also provides you with the controlgear-lamp circuit which is an electrical circuit normally built in a luminaire, consisting of the controlgear and lamps. 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1 helps you to build consumer trust and confidence in the product. With obedience and compliance to BS EN IEC 62442‑1, you can be ensured that the Energy Performance of lamp control gear consistently meets and exceed quality assurance targets. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 62442‑1:2018 supersedes BS EN 62442‑1:2011+A11:2017, which is withdrawn on 28 September 2021.