prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 16-Feb-2028
• ICS: 29.140.40 - Luminaires
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 34 - 'Lamps and related equipment
• Current Stage: 4020 - Enquiry circulated - Enquiry
• Start Date: 11-Sep-2026
• Due Date: 19-Dec-2025
• Completion Date: 11-Sep-2026
• Directive: 2014/35/EU - Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Mandate: M/511 - Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI relating to harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 - Luminaires - Part 2-20: Particular requirements - Lighting chains

• Revises: EN IEC 60598-2-20:2024/A11:2024 - Luminaires - Part 2-20: Particular requirements - Lighting chains
• Effective Date: 23-Apr-2024
• Revises: EN IEC 60598-2-20:2024 - Luminaires - Part 2-20: Particular requirements - Lighting chains
• Effective Date: 23-Apr-2024

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 is a CENELEC/IEC draft standard for lighting chains. It gives particular requirements for luminaires with electric light sources used indoors or outdoors at supply voltages not exceeding 250 V, and it is intended to be used together with IEC 60598-1.

What does prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 specify?

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 specifies the safety and construction requirements for lighting chains, including decorative and temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chains. It excludes rope lights, which are covered by IEC 60598-2-21.

The document is organized as a Part 2 standard that adds to Part 1. Its structure runs from general requirements through classification, marking, construction, wiring, earthing, protection against electric shock, ingress protection, insulation tests, creepage and clearance, endurance and thermal tests, heat/fire/tracking resistance, and terminal requirements.

Annex	What it covers
Annex AAA	Requirements for interconnecting connectors for use in lighting chains
Annex AAB	Informative schedule of amended subclauses that trigger retesting

What are the key requirements of prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026?

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 focuses on how lighting chains are classified, marked, built, wired and tested so they remain safe in normal use and foreseeable handling. The most important practical points are the chain type, the component limits, the ingress protection, and the extra tests on lampholders, connectors and control parts.

Classification and application of Part 1

The standard classifies lighting chains as Class II or Class III, and by fixation as permanently fixed lighting chains, temporarily fixed lighting chains, or temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chains. That matters because the class and fixation type drive the required construction, wiring, marking and test route.

Clause 4 also sets the order in which the clauses are applied, which helps when a product is evaluated against the standard. For luminaires permanently fixed to a frame or to a pre-lit Christmas tree, Part 2-4 is also applicable.

Marking and user information

Clause 6 requires the lighting chain to be marked with the rated voltage and rated power of the complete luminaire. Where this information is on the cable, it has to be on a durable non-removable sleeve or label, so the rating stays identifiable after installation.

Lighting chains for indoor use only have to be marked on the product and packaging, either with the words FOR INDOOR USE ONLY or with the symbol shown in the document. Clause 6 also requires packaging or instructions to warn about connection while packed, lamp replacement, blanking plugs, interconnection limits, replacement lamps, fuse lamps, non-replaceable light sources, and class III supply source information. In practice, these markings are part of safe installation and safe user replacement.

Construction of the chain and its parts

Clause 7 treats non-standardized lampholders, such as push-in types, as parts of the lighting chain and tests them as part of the luminaire. Edison screw lampholders and bayonet lampholders have to meet the relevant IEC lampholder standards, and insulation piercing terminals are only allowed in the cases stated.

Control units and controlgear that are built into the chain have to be enclosed in non-flammable insulating material and securely fixed to the cable. Electronic control units and LED controlgear also have to meet the relevant IEC 61347 parts. This matters because a small decorative chain may still contain a control element that can affect fire, temperature rise and mechanical integrity.

Clause 7 also sets practical mechanical checks, including lamp rotation, insertion and withdrawal force, and mechanical requirements for non-removable and non-standardized light sources. The purpose is to make sure lamps stay in place during use, can be fitted and removed in a controlled way where intended, and do not create exposed live parts.

Wiring, cable choice and length limits

Clause 8 specifies cable and cord types and minimum conductor sizes by lighting chain type. It also sets a cord anchorage test for single-core cables, so the supply lead cannot be pulled loose in normal handling.

Outdoor lighting chains need a splash-proof plug with IPX4 or a permanent connection through a junction box, and the cable from the plug to the first lamp, light source or lampholder has to be at least 1.5 m long. Extendable Class II lighting chains also have maximum total lengths. In practice, this limits the system size and reduces overheating and misuse risks.

Protection against electric shock and ingress

Clause 10 adds specific barriers against contact with live parts. It covers divisible plugs, conductive decorations that may touch the luminaire, secure fixing of push-in lampholder contacts, and blanking plugs where not every lampholder is populated.

Clause 7.105 and Clause 11 link gaskets and ingress protection to outdoor use. Lighting chains for outdoor use need at least IP44, and TPL chains need at least IP54. If the chain relies on gaskets, the gaskets have to stay in place when the light source is removed and fit tightly around the inserted source or blanking plug.

Endurance, thermal and fault tests

Clause 14 includes a thermal check for lamp bridging devices and a short-circuit test for rectifier units in Class II or Class III LED luminaires. These tests look at what happens under fault conditions, not just normal operation, so they are central for safety assessment.

Clause 15 then points to the relevant heat, fire and tracking tests, with special treatment for Edison screw and bayonet lampholders. The document is therefore not only about appearance or function, but about how the product behaves when parts age, fail or are misused.

Interconnecting connectors

Annex AAA gives additional requirements for interconnecting connectors used with lighting chains. It limits the connector styles and checks accessibility, polarity, conductor size matching, sealing when disconnected, dielectric strength, electrical endurance, bending, and cable clamping. That is important for systems that are intended to be extended or linked by the user.

What terms does prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 define?

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 adds several terms that are central to how the product is classified and tested.

• lighting chain - A luminaire made of connected light sources and interconnecting insulated conductors; it may also include control devices such as flasher units.
• rope light - A luminaire with non-replaceable light sources inside a rigid or flexible linear translucent housing.
• connector with breaking capacity (CBC) - A connector designed to be connected or disconnected in normal use when live or under load.
• permanently fixed lighting chain - A lighting chain supported by the supply cable or attached at the light source or lampholder and permanently connected to the fixed wiring.
• temporarily fixed lighting chain - A lighting chain supported by the supply cable and temporarily connected to the fixed wiring.
• temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chain - A lighting chain where each lampholder or light source is attached to the building or structure and the light source is enclosed by a protective enclosure.
• non-rewirable connector - A connector built so the flexible cable cannot be separated without making the connector permanently unusable.

Who uses prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026?

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 is used by luminaire manufacturers, electrical design engineers, test laboratories, certification bodies, quality managers and buyers who specify lighting chains for indoor or outdoor use. It is especially relevant for decorative chains, temporary installations, permanently fixed festoon-type lighting, and TPL applications.

Manufacturers use it to design the chain, choose lampholders, cables, connectors and control units, and prepare the marking and instructions. Test and certification teams use it to verify the product against the prescribed construction and safety tests. Buyers and specifiers use it to check that a product is suitable for the intended installation type and environmental exposure.

What changed in prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 from the previous edition?

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2022, and it is described as a technical revision. The significant changes listed are:

• the clause numbers and structure were aligned with IEC 60598-1;
• the term “lamp” was changed to “light source” except where “lamp” remains needed in a cited standard title or for a replaceable lamp;
• “light source” and “electric light source” were added to the terms and definitions;
• the short-circuit test of the rectifier was modified to include requirements for the power supply during the test;
• the applicability of IEC 60598-2-4 for luminaires permanently fixed to a frame was moved into Clause 4;
• blanking plug requirements were expanded to include ingress protection.

Annex AAB also states that no requirements in this document are considered more onerous than in the previous edition.

Which standards are used with prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026?

prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 uses IEC 60598-1 as its base document for general requirements and tests. It also refers to other standards for specific parts and test methods:

• IEC 60227-5 - cable types for lighting chains
• IEC 60238 - Edison screw lampholders
• IEC 60309-1 - plugs and socket-outlets used with TPL chains
• IEC 60906 (all parts) - plug and socket-outlet systems referenced for compatibility in Annex AAA
• IEC 61032 - probes used for accessibility checks
• IEC 61184 - bayonet lampholders
• IEC 61347-2-11 - electronic circuits used with luminaires
• IEC 61347-2-13 - LED controlgear
• ISO 4046-4 - tissue paper used in the rectifier short-circuit test

IEC 60598-2-4 is also named for luminaires permanently fixed to a frame or pre-lit Christmas tree, and IEC 60598-2-21 is the part that covers rope lights.

What does the prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026 document contain?

The document contains clause-by-clause requirements, tables, figures and test methods for lighting chains. Table 1 and Table 2 set cable/cord types and conductor sizes, while Figures 1 to 6 illustrate lighting chain types, a divisible plug connector, and test devices for lampholder contact security.

It also contains procedures for marking checks, lampholder and connector evaluation, cord anchorage, insertion and withdrawal force, thermal endurance, rectifier short-circuit testing, and ingress protection checks. Annex AAA gives a modified IEC 61984-based framework for interconnecting connectors, and Annex AAB identifies amended subclauses relevant when a product is being re-tested against the revised edition.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Svetilke - 2-20. del: Posebne zahteve - Svetlobni nizi
Luminaires - Part 2-20: Particular requirements - Lighting chains
Leuchten - Teil 2-20: Besondere Anforderungen - Lichterketten
Luminaires - Partie 2-20: Exigences particulières - Guirlandes lumineuses
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 60598-2-20:2026
ICS:
29.140.40 Svetila Luminaires
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

34D/1823/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60598-2-20 ED6
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2026-09-11 2026-12-04
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
34D/1757/CD, 34D/1773A/CC
IEC SC 34D : LUMINAIRES
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
United Kingdom Ms Shanti Conn
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):

ASPECTS CONCERNED:
Safety
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
Attention IEC-CENELEC parallel voting
The attention of IEC National Committees, members of
CENELEC, is drawn to the fact that this Committee Draft
for Vote (CDV) is submitted for parallel voting.
The CENELEC members are invited to vote through the
CENELEC online voting system.
This document is still under study and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of
which they are aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some
Countries” clauses to be included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is
the final stage for submitting ISC clauses. (SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Luminaires - Part 2-20: Particular requirements - Lighting chains

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2030
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
download this electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National
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IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
1 CONTENTS
2 CONTENTS . 2
3 FOREWORD . 4
4 1 Scope . 6
5 2 Normative references . 6
6 3 Terms and definitions . 7
7 4 General requirements . 9
8 4.101 General . 9
9 4.102 Sequence of clauses . 9
10 4.103 Permanent fixing. 9
11 5 Classification of luminaires . 9
12 5.2 Classification according to the type of protection against electric shock . 9
13 5.3 Classification according to the degree of protection against dust, solid objects
14 and moisture .
15 5.101 Classification by type of fixation . 9
16 6 Marking . 10
17 6.101 Lighting chain marking . 10
18 6.102 Lighting chain and packaging marking . 10
19 6.103 Packaging or instructions marking . 10
20 7 Construction . 11
21 7.101 Temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chains . 12
22 7.102 Lampholders . 12
23 7.103 Terminal blocks. 12
24 7.104    Terminals and supply connections . 12
25 7.105 Gaskets . 12
26 7.106 Mechanical strength . 12
27 7.107 Lamp bridging devices . 13
28 7.108 Control units and controlgear . 13
29 7.109 Lamp rotation . 13
30 7.110 Lightsource insertion and withdrawal force . 13
31 7.111 Light source mechanical requirements . 14
32 7.112 Temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chains . 13
33 8 External and internal wiring . 14
34 8.101 Cables for lighting chains . 14
35 8.102   Cord anchorage test . 15
36 8.103 Plugs and cable length . 15
37 8.104 Maximum length of extendable class II lighting chains . 15
38 9 Provisions for earthing . 16
39 10    Protection against electric shock . 16
40 10.101 Divisible plug . 16
41 10.102 Electrification of decorations . 17
42 10.103 Contacts of push-in lampholders . 17
43 10.104 Blanking plugs . 18
44 11 Resistance to dust, solid objects and moisture . 18
45 12  Insulation resistance and electric strength . 18
46 13 Creepage distances and clearances . 19
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
47 14     Endurance tests and thermal tests . 19
48 14.101 Lamp bridging devices . 19
49 14.102 Short-circuit test of rectifier . 19
50 15 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 19
51 16    Screw terminals . 20
52 17    Screwless terminals and electrical connections . 20
53 Annex AAA (normative) Requirements for interconnecting connectors for use in
54 lighting chains . 21
55 Annex AAB (informative) Schedule of amended subclauses containing more serious or
56 critical requirements which call for products to be retested . 24
57 Bibliography . 25
59 Figure 1 – Examples of different types of lighting chains . 7
60 Figure 2 – Example of a connector to a divisible plug for lighting chains . 16
61 Figure 3 – Example of test device suitable for checking security of lampholder contacts . 18
63 Table 1 – Cable or cord types for lighting chains . 14
64 Table 2 – Conductor size for lighting chains . 15
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
67 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
68 ____________
70 LUMINAIRES –
72 Part 2-20: Particular requirements – Lighting chains
74 FOREWORD
75 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
76 all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
77 co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
78 in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
79 Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
80 preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
81 may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
82 with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
83 Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
84 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
85 consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
86 interested IEC National Committees.
87 3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
88 Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
89 Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
90 misinterpretation by any end user.
91 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
92 transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
93 any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
94 5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
95 assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
96 services carried out by independent certification bodies.
97 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
98 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
99 members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
100 other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
101 expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
102 Publications.
103 8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
104 indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
105 9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
106 rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
107 IEC 60598-2-20 has been prepared by subcommittee 34D: Luminaires, of IEC technical
108 committee 34: Lighting. It is an International Standard.
109 This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2022. This edition
110 constitutes an technical revision.
111 This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
112 edition:
113 a) The clause numbers and structure have been aligned with those of IEC 60598-1.
114 b) The term ‘lamp’ has been changed to ‘light source’, except when the term ‘lamp’ is used for
115 a ‘replaceable lamp’, or is used in the title of a cited standard.
116 c) The terms ‘light source’ and ‘electric light source’have been added to Terms and Definitions.
117 d) Short-circuit test of rectifier has been modified by introducing requirements for the power
118 supply during the test (clause 14.102)
119 e) Requirements for the applicability of IEC 60598-2-4 for permanently fixed to a frame have
120 been moved to clause 4.
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
121 f) Requirements for blanking plugs have been implemented to include ingress protection
122 (clause 10.104)
123 The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
34D/xxxx/FDIS 34D/xxxx/RVD
125 Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
126 the above table.
127 The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
128 This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
129 accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
130 at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
131 described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
132 This Part 2-20 is to be used in conjunction with the latest edition of IEC 60598-1 and its
133 amendment(s). It was established on the basis of the tenth edition (2024) of that standard.
134 NOTE When "Part 1" is mentioned in this document, it refers to IEC 60598-1.
135 Where this document states "addition", "modification" or "replacement", the relevant text of Part
136 1 is to be adapted accordingly.
137 Subclauses additional to those in Part 1 are numbered starting from 101; supplementary
138 annexes are entitled AAA, AAB, etc.
139 A list of all the parts in the IEC 60598 series, published under the general title Luminaires can
140 be found on the IEC website.The committee has decided that the contents of this document will
141 remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in
142 the data related to the specific document. At this date, the document will be:
143 • reconfirmed,
144 • withdrawn,
145 • replaced by a revised edition, or
146 • amended.
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
148 LUMINAIRES –
150 Part 2-20: Particular requirements – Lighting chains
154 1 Scope
155 This part of IEC 60598 specifies requirements for lighting chains with electric light sources for
156 use either indoors or outdoors on supply voltages not exceeding 250 V.
157 Luminaires provided with fixed or detachable attachments, for example ornamental or
158 decorative, are covered by this document.
159 Lighting chains fitted with lampholders of the push-in type, are covered by this document.
160 For lighting chains with non-standardized light sources (e.g. lamps of the push-in type) the light
161 sources are regarded as a part of the luminaire and consequently included in the testing.
162 This document does not apply to rope lights, as specified in IEC 60598-2-21
163 NOTE 1 In some countries the term "strings" is used instead of "chains".
164 NOTE 2 Where the term “luminaire” is used within this document it means lighting chains .
165 2 Normative references
166 This clause of Part 1 applies with the following additions:
167 IEC 60227-5:2011, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
168 450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
169 IEC 60238:2016, Edison screw lampholders
170 IEC 60238:2016/AMD1:2017
171 IEC 60238:2016/AMD2/2020
172 IEC 60309-1, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 1: General
173 requirements
174 IEC 60598-1: 2024, Luminaires - Part 1: General requirements and tests
175 IEC 60906 (all parts), IEC system of plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar
176 purposes
177 IEC 61032: 1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures - Probes for verification
178 IEC 61184:2017, Bayonet lampholders
179 IEC 61184:2017/AMD1:2019
180 IEC 61347-2-11, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-11: Particular requirements for miscellaneous
181 electronic circuits used with luminaires
182 IEC 61347-2-13, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-13: Particular requirements for d.c. or a.c. supplied
183 electronic controlgear for LED modules
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
184 ISO 4046-4:2016, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
185 board grades and converted products
186 3 Terms and definitions
187 For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in Part 1 apply with the
188 following additions:
189 ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
190 addresses:
191 • IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
192 • ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
193 3.101
194 lighting chain
195 Luminaire comprising an assembly of connected light sources replaceable or non-replaceable
196 and interconnecting insulated conductors.
197 Note 1 to entry: For lighting chains with non-standardized light sources (e.g. lamps of the push-in type) the lamps
198 are regarded as part of the lighting chain.
199 Note 2 to entry: For lighting chains with non-removable light sources, the light sources are regarded as part of the
200 lighting chain.
201 Note 3 to entry: A lighting chain may incorporate control devices (e.g. flasher units).
202 Note 4 to entry: Lighting chains can be an assembly of series-connected light sources, parallel connected light
203 sources or a combination of both.
204 3.102
205 rope light
206 luminaire comprising non-replaceable light sources enclosed in a rigid or flexible linear
207 translucent housing
208 Note 1 to entry. The housing can be a translucent pipe or tube sealed at the ends, with or without joints
209 [SOURCE: IEC 60598-2-21]
210 3.103
211 connector with breaking capacity
212 CBC
213 connector specially designed to be engaged or disengaged in normal use when live or under
214 load
215 [SOURCE: IEC 60050-581:2008, 581-27-72]
216 3.104
217 permanently fixed lighting chain
218 lighting chain that is supported by the supply cable or attached at the light source or lampholder
219 and is permanently connected to the fixed wiring
220 EXAMPLE Lighting chain for illuminating ski-tracks or promenades.
221 Note 1 to entry: Permanently fixed lighting chains are primarily suitable for permanently fixed indoor or outdoor
222 lighting applications, see for examples.
223 Note 2 to entry: In some countries permanently fixed lighting chains are called festoon lighting chains.
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
(i) Attached at lampholder (ii) Supported by supply cable
225 Figure 1 – Examples of permanently fixed lighting chains
227 3.105
228 temporarily fixed lighting chain
229 lighting chain that is supported by the supply cable and is temporarily connected to the fixed
230 wiring
231 EXAMPLE Christmas tree lighting chain.
232 Note 1 to entry: Temporarily fixed luminaires are suitable for domestic, indoor or outdoor temporarily fixed ighting
233 applications, see for examples.
234 Note 2 to entry: In some countries temporarily fixed lighting chains are called decorative lighting chains.
(i) Decorative lighting chain (ii) Decorative lighting chain
Figure 2 – Examples of temporarily fixed lighting chains
237 3.106
238 temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chain
239 lighting chain where each lampholder or light source is attached to the building or structure and
240 the lamp or light source is enclosed by a protective enclosure and is temporarily connected to
241 the fixed wiring
242 EXAMPLE Construction site lighting chain.
243 Note 1 to entry: Temporarily fixed protected lighting chains are primarily suitable for use in rough service lighting
244 applications, see Figure 3 for example.
246 Figure 3 – Example of temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chains
247 Note 2 to entry: An electric light source can be an electric lamp, or LED module designed to be connected by
248 terminals, connectors or similar devices
249 [SOURCE: IEC 60050-581:2020, 845-27-004]
251 3.107
252 non-rewirable connector
253 connector so constructed that the flexible cable cannot be separated from the connector without
254 making it permanently unusable
255 [SOURCE IEC 60050-581:2008, 581-26-33]
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
257 4 General requirements
258 This Clause of Part 1 applies with the following addition:
259 4.101 General
260 For assessment of luminaires already assessed in accordance with the previous edition of this
261 document, full type testing is not necessary, and the product and the previous test results are
262 reviewed only against any amended clauses listed in Annex AAB
264 4.102 Sequence of clauses
266 The clauses according to this document shall be applied in the following order:
268 5  Classification of luminaires
269 6  Marking
270 7  Construction
271 13 Creepage distances and clearances
272 9  Provisions for earthing
273 16 Screw terminals
274 17 Screwless terminals and electrical connections
275 8  External and internal wiring
276 10 Protection against electric shock
277 14 Endurance tests and thermal tests
278 11 Resistance to dust, solid objects and moisture
279 12 Insulation resistance and electric strength, touch current and protective conductor current
280 15 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking
282 For luminaires with an IP classification greater than IP20 the tests of Clauses 14 and 11 of Part
283 1 shall be carried out in the following order:
285 14.3 Endurance test
286 11.2 General conditions and tests for IP classification
287 14.4 Thermal test (normal operation);
288 14.5 Thermal test (abnormal operation);
289 14.6 Thermal test (failed windings in controlgear);
290 14.7 Thermal test in regard to fault conditions in controlgear or electronic devices incorporated
291     in thermoplastic luminaires
292 11.3 Humidity test
294 4.103 Permanent fixing
295 Part 2-4 is additionally applicable where a luminaire is permanently fixed to a frame or pre-lit
296 Christmas tree.
297 5 Classification of luminaires
298 This clause of Part 1 applies with the following modifications:
299 5.101 Classification according to the type of protection against electric shock
300 Lighting chains are classified as Class II or Class III.
301 5.102 Classification by type of fixation
302 Lighting Chains are classified according to the type of fixation as follows:
303 a) permanently fixed lighting chains;
IEC CDV 60598-2-20 © IEC 2026
304 b) temporarily fixed lighting chains;
305 c) temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chains.
306 NOTE 1 Festoon lighting chain – a lighting chain that is supported by the supply cable or fixed at the lampholder
307 and is permanently connected to the fixed wiring. Festoon lighting chains are primarily suitable for permanent
308 indoor or outdoor lighting applications.
309 NOTE 2 Decorative lighting chain – a lighting chain that is supported by the supply cable and is temporarily
310 connected to the fixed wiring. Decorative luminaires are primarily suitable for domestic, indoor or outdoor
311 temporary lighting applications, see Figure 2 for examples.
312 NOTE 3 Temporarily fixed protected lighting (TPL) chain – a lighting chain where each lampholder is fixed to the
313 building or structure and the light source is enclosed by a protective enclosure and is temporarily connected to the
314 fixed wiring. Temporarily fixed protected lighting chains are primarily suitable for use in rough service lighting
315 applications.
316 6 Marking
317 This clause of Part 1 applies with the following additions:
318 6.101 Lighting chain marking
319 The following information shall be marked on the lighting chain:
320 – rated voltage of the complete luminaire;
321 – rated power of the complete luminaire.
322 Where the information is on the cable, it shall be marked on a durable non -removable sleeve
323 or label.
324 6.102 Lighting chain and packaging marking
325 The following marking shall be placed on the lighting chain and on the accompanying packaging
326 of lighting chains for indoor use only.
327 – "FOR INDOOR USE ONLY".
328 – As an alternative to the text, the lighting chain can be marked with the symbol shown in
329 Figure 4 The symbol shall be explained in the instructions.
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