What is BS EN 60598-1:2008?

BS EN 60598-1:2008 is a widely recognized international standard for luminaires – lighting fixtures, commonly referred to as light fittings. This technical article aims to provide a comprehensive of the standard, its scope, and the various requirements it sets forth for manufacturers, installers, and users of luminaires.

Scope of BS EN 60598-1:2008

The scope of BS EN 60598-1:2008 covers a broad range of luminaires used in different applications, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor lighting. It provides guidelines for testing and rating the performance, electrical safety, and mechanical construction of luminaires to ensure their proper functioning and minimize risks associated with their use.

Requirements for Luminaires

BS EN 60598-1:2008 specifies a variety of essential requirements that luminaires must fulfill to meet safety standards. One of the key aspects is electrical safety, including insulation levels, earthing and bonding, resistance to electric shock, and protection against harmful electromagnetic disturbances. The standard also addresses factors like mechanical strength, robustness, temperature limits, creepage distances, and clearance requirements, ensuring that luminaires can withstand environmental conditions and maintain their stability during installation and use.

Testing and Compliance

To comply with BS EN 60598-1:2008, luminaires undergo rigorous testing procedures covering various parameters. These include mechanical impact tests, temperature rise tests, thermal endurance tests, electrical insulation tests, leakage current measurement, and many others. Compliance with the standard is indicated by the presence of appropriate markings, such as CE marking, which confirm that the luminaire meets the requirements and has been certified by a notified body. Users and installers must ensure that luminaires bear the necessary markings before purchase or installation.