IEC 62561-6:2018

Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

IEC 62561-6:2018 specifies the requirements and tests for devices intended to count the number of lightning strikes based on the current flowing in a conductor. This conductor may be part of a lightning protection system (LPS) or connected to an SPD installation or other conductors, which are not intended to conduct a significant portion of lightning currents.
LSCs may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres and there are therefore extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) removal of previous classification and introduction of a simple division into Type I for impulses (direct lightning current detection) and Type II for lightning surge current detection, with appropriate testing for each type;
b) modification and addition of terms and definitions;
c) addition of a new Annex C (tests flow chart).

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) - Partie 6: Exigences pour les compteurs de coups de foudre (LSC)

L'IEC 62561-6:2018 spécifie les exigences et les essais à appliquer aux dispositifs destinés à compter le nombre de coups de foudre conduits à travers un conducteur. Ce conducteur peut faire partie d'un système de protection contre la foudre (SPF) ou être relié à une installation de parafoudre ou à d'autres conducteurs qui ne sont pas destinés à conduire une partie significative des courants de foudre.
Les compteurs de coups de foudre (LSC) peuvent aussi être employés dans des atmosphères dangereuses; des exigences supplémentaires sont donc nécessaires pour installer les composants dans de telles conditions.
Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2011. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) retrait des classifications précédentes et introduction d'une division simple entre les LSC de type I pour la détection des impulsions (détection du courant de foudre direct) et les LSC de type II pour la détection des chocs de foudre, avec des essais appropriés pour chaque type;
b) modification et ajout de termes et définitions;
c) ajout d'une nouvelle Annexe C (logigramme des essais).

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-Jan-2018
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• ICS: 91.120.40 - Lightning protection
• Technical Committee: TC 81 - Lightning protection
• Drafting Committee: MT 15 - TC 81/MT 15
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 15-May-2023
• Completion Date: 31-May-2021

Relations

• Revised: IEC 62561-6:2023 - Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSCs)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 62561-6:2011 - Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62561-6:2018 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the requirements and testing procedures for lightning strike counters (LSCs). These devices are critical components of lightning protection systems (LPS), designed to count the number of lightning strikes by measuring the current flowing through specific conductors. This standard covers devices installed on conductors that are directly part of an LPS or connected to surge protective device (SPD) installations or other conductors not primarily intended to carry substantial lightning currents.

The 2018 edition, which replaces the first edition from 2011, introduces significant technical revisions to simplify classification and update terms, definitions, and testing protocols. It also includes requirements for LSCs intended for use in hazardous atmospheres, ensuring safety and reliability across diverse environments.

Key Topics

• Classification of Lightning Strike Counters
  The standard classifies LSCs into two types:

  • Type I: For direct lightning current impulse detection
  • Type II: For lightning surge current detection

• Design and Performance Requirements
  LSCs must meet strict criteria regarding:

  • Accuracy in counting lightning impulses or surge currents
  • Mechanical robustness and corrosion resistance for durability
  • Resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light for outdoor longevity
  • Operation in hazardous atmospheres, including specific environmental conditioning

• Testing Procedures
  The standard defines comprehensive tests including:

  • Impulse discharge current counting and nominal discharge current counting
  • UV light resistance tests
  • Corrosion resistance tests for metallic parts
  • Mechanical and electrical performance tests such as threshold current and maximum current counting tests
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing for immunity and emissions

• Documentation and Marking
  Each LSC device must be clearly documented and marked for accurate identification and traceability, aiding installation and maintenance.

• Annexes and Flowcharts
  Latest edition includes Annex C providing a clear testing flowchart, ensuring standardized verification of LSC performance.

Applications

Lightning strike counters compliant with IEC 62561-6:2018 are essential in a variety of applications to enhance lightning protection system monitoring and maintenance, including:

• Industrial and Commercial Facilities
  Monitoring strike counts to assess system exposure and necessary maintenance interventions.

• Power Generation and Transmission
  Integration with power grids and substations to track lightning activity and mitigate damage risk.

• Hazardous Atmospheres
  Specially designed LSCs compliant with the standard’s additional requirements ensure safety in environments such as chemical plants or areas with explosive gases.

• SPD Installations
  Counting surge events to provide data on the performance and stress levels of surge protection devices.

• Building Safety and Infrastructure Management
  Enabling facility managers to maintain records of lightning activity and improve risk management strategies.

Related Standards

IEC 62561-6:2018 forms part of the wider IEC 62561 series, which covers various lightning protection system components (LPSC). Key related standards enhancing understanding and implementation include:

• IEC 62561-1: Requirements for connections and conductors in LPS
• IEC 62305 series: Comprehensive standards on risk management and protection measures for lightning hazards
• IEC 62561-5: Requirements for surge protective devices (SPDs)
• IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code), relevant for LSCs' environmental resistance

Using IEC 62561-6:2018 alongside these standards facilitates the design and deployment of robust, reliable lightning protection systems with accurate lightning strike detection capabilities.

---

By adhering to IEC 62561-6:2018, manufacturers, installers, and maintenance professionals can ensure lightning strike counters deliver precise, durable, and safe performance, ultimately enhancing overall lightning protection effectiveness and safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62561-6 ®
Edition 2.0 2018-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 6: Exigences pour les compteurs de coups de foudre (LSC)
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IEC 62561-6 ®
Edition 2.0 2018-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –

Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –

Partie 6: Exigences pour les compteurs de coups de foudre (LSC)

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.020; 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-5248-2

– 2 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classification . 9
5 Requirements . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Documentation . 9
5.3 Marking . 9
5.4 Design . 10
6 Tests . 10
6.1 General test conditions . 10
6.1.1 General . 10
6.1.2 Impulse discharge current count for LSCs Type I . 11
6.1.3 Nominal discharge current count for LSCs Type II . 12
6.2 UV (Ultraviolet) light resistance . 13
6.2.1 General . 13
6.2.2 Pass criteria . 13
6.3 Resistance tests to corrosion (for metallic parts) . 13
6.4 Mechanical tests . 13
6.5 Index of protection confirmation (IP Code) . 15
6.6 Electrical tests . 15
6.6.1 General conditions for tests . 15
6.6.2 Minimum discharge current counting test I . 15
imp min
6.6.3 Threshold current test . 16
6.6.4 Maximum current counting test . 16
6.6.5 Performance verification test . 17
6.6.6 Multi pulse test . 17
6.7 Marking test . 17
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 18
7.1 Electromagnetic immunity . 18
7.2 Electromagnetic emission . 18
8 Structure and content of the test report . 18
8.1 General . 18
8.2 Report identification . 18
8.3 Specimen description . 19
8.4 Standards and references . 19
8.5 Test procedure . 19
8.6 Testing equipment description . 19
8.7 Measuring instruments description . 19
8.8 Results and parameters recorded . 19
8.9 Statement of pass/fail . 19
Annex A (normative) Resistance to ultraviolet light . 20
A.1 General . 20
A.2 Test . 20

A.3 First alternative test to Clause A.2 . 20
A.4 Second alternative test to Clause A.2 . 20
Annex B (normative) Conditioning/ageing for LSCs . 21
B.1 General . 21
B.2 Salt mist test . 21
B.3 Humid sulphurous atmosphere test . 21
B.4 Ammonia atmosphere treatment. 21
Annex C (normative) Flow chart for testing LSC . 22
Bibliography . 23

Figure 1 – Pendulum hammer test apparatus . 14
Figure C.1 – Flow chart for testing of LSC . 22

Table 1 – Preferred parameters for impulse discharge currents counted (I ) . 12
imp
Table 2 – Preferred parameters for nominal discharge currents counted (I ) . 12
n
– 4 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

FOREWORD
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62561-6 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81:
Lightning protection.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2011. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) removal of previous classification and introduction of a simple division into Type I for
impulses (direct lightning current detection) and Type II for lightning surge current
detection, with appropriate testing for each type;
b) modification and addition of terms and definitions;
c) addition of a new Annex C (tests flow chart).

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
81/575/FDIS 81/578/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning
protection system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for lightning protection system
components (LPSC) that may be used to determine the number of impulses or nominal
currents on specific conductors associated with a lightning protection system (LPS) designed
and implemented according to IEC 62305 series of standards.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for devices intended to count the
number of lightning strikes based on the current flowing in a conductor. This conductor may
be part of a lightning protection system (LPS) or connected to an SPD installation or other
conductors, which are not intended to conduct a significant portion of lightning currents.
LSCs may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres and there are therefore extra
requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-52:1996, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic
(sodium, chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-4: Generic standards –
Emission standard for industrial environments
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulphur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
lightning strike counter
LSC
device intended to count the number of lightning strikes based on current flowing in a
conductor
– 8 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
3.2
lightning strike counter (Type I)
LSC classified by its design to count impulse discharge currents
3.3
lightning surge counter (Type II)
LSC classified by its design to count nominal discharge currents
3.4
I
imp
impulse discharge current
crest value of an impulse current 10/350 through the LSC with specified charge transfer Q and
specified energy W/R in the specified time
3.5
I
imp min
minimum impulse discharge current counted
minimum peak value of the impulse counting discharge current that the LSC will count
3.6
I
imp max
maximum impulse discharge current counted
maximum peak value of the impulse counting discharge current that the LSC will count and
withstand
3.7
I
n
nominal discharge current counted
crest value of a current through the LSC having a current wave shape of 8/20
3.8
I
n min
minimum discharge current counted
minimum peak value of the current that the LSC will count
3.9
I
n max
maximum discharge current counted
maximum peak value of the current that the LSC will count and withstand
3.10
degree of protection of enclosure
IP
numerical classification according to IEC 60529, preceded by the symbol IP, applied to the
enclosure of electrical apparatus to provide:
– protection of persons against contact with, or approach to, live parts and against contact
with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts and the like) inside the enclosure,
– protection of the electrical apparatus against ingress of solid foreign objects, and
– protection of the electrical apparatus against harmful ingress of water where indicated by
the classification.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-426:2008, 426-04-02]
3.11
point of strike
point where a lightning flash strikes the earth, or protruding structure
Note 1 to entry: A lightning flash may have more than one point of strike.

3.12
strike
all strokes from a single lightning flash that attach to a point of strike on a structure
4 Classification
LSCs are classified by type:
• lightning strike counter (Type I) as defined in 3.2;
• lightning surge counter (Type II) as defined in 3.3.
LSCs are also classified by location:
• indoor LSCs are intended for use in enclosures and/or inside buildings or shelters;
• outdoor LSCs are intended for use without enclosures and outside of buildings or shelters.
The IP codes defined in IEC 60529 are particularly relevant to the intended location of an LSC
but may not be applicable to an LSC integral with an SPD.
NOTE LSCs installed in outdoor enclosures or shelters are suitable for indoor use.
5 Requirements
5.1 General
The LSC shall be designed in such a way that in normal use its performance is reliable and
without danger to persons and the surrounding.
The choice of a material depends on its ability to match the particular application
requirements.
5.2 Documentation
The manufacturer or supplier of the LSC shall provide adequate information in their literature
to ensure that the installer can select and install the counter in a suitable and safe manner.
The ranges for operating temperature, humidity and altitude shall be declared by the
manufacturer.
The following information shall also be provided (as applicable):
I ; I ; I ; I ; I ; I ;
imp min imp max imp n n min n max
Compliance is checked by inspection.
5.3 Marking
All products complying with this document shall be marked at least with the following:
a) the name of the manufacturer or his trademark;
b) the reference of the type or the serial number;
c) the classification;
d) I ; I ; I ; I ; I ; I ;
imp min imp max imp n n min n max
e) the degree of protection (IP);
f) conformity to this document.

– 10 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
If the device is small and sufficient space is not available for all the markings to appear, the
indications cited in a) and b) above shall at least be reproduced on the apparatus and still
visible after installation. The indications cited in c), d) e) and f) can be given on the packaging
and/or in the installation data sheet (documentation) and/or the catalogue of the
manufacturer.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.7.
NOTE Marking can be applied, for example, by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing adhesive labels, or water
slide transfers.
5.4 Design
The lightning strike counter shall be designed to carry out its function of counting the number
of lightning strikes causing a current to flow in a conductor.
These devices shall detect and record lightning strikes regardless of the polarity of the
current.
LSCs intended to be used outdoors shall be able to withstand environmental conditions
including temperature, dust and humidity. The minimum degree of protection is IP 43 obtained
by itself or in combination with a box in accordance with IEC 60529.
The manufacturer shall provide information regarding the range of environmental operating
conditions, such as temperature, altitude and humidity which the strike counter is designed to
operate within.
LSCs shall be capable of counting and withstanding specified currents without unacceptable
changes in their characteristics.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.2, 6.6.3, 6.6.4 and 6.6.5.
The size of the characters in the display, if any, shall allow a normal reading of the number of
lightning strikes recorded, when it is installed in accordance with the instructions of the
manufacturer.
Compliance is checked by visual inspection.
The fixing system of the LSC should not apply an unacceptable stress or damage to the
conductor.
Compliance is checked by visual inspection.
Their material shall be compatible with that of the conductor (galvanic coupling).
6 Tests
6.1 General test conditions
6.1.1 General
The tests in accordance with this document are type tests.
Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specimens assembled and installed
as in normal use according to the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions.
All tests are carried out on new specimens.

Unless otherwise specified, three specimens are subjected to the tests and the requirements
are satisfied if all the tests are met. If only one of the specimens does not satisfy a test due to
an assembly or a manufacturing fault, that test and any preceding one which may have
influenced the results of the test shall be repeated and also the tests which follow shall be
carried out in the required sequence on another full set of specimens, all of which shall
comply with the requirements.
NOTE 1 One set of three specimens can be used for more than one test, subjected to agreement by the
manufacturer.
NOTE 2 The applicant, can also submit an additional set of specimens which can be used should one specimen
fail. The testing laboratory will then, without further request, test the additional set of specimens and will reject the
set only if a further failure occurs. If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, the failure of
one specimen will entail rejection.
The LSC submitted for testing shall be identified by means of the following elements:
– marks and indications specified in 4.3;
– installation instructions with reference and date.
The LSC shall be mounted in accordance with the instructions specified by the manufacturer
in his installation instructions.
Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out at an ambient temperature ranging
between 5 °C and 35 °C and shall not vary during the duration of the test by more than 3 °C.
The LSC shall be protected from excessive heating or excessive external cooling.
See Annex C for a flowchart for testing LSCs.
6.1.2 Impulse discharge current count for LSCs Type I
The impulse discharge current passing through the device under test is defined by the crest
value I , the charge Q and the specific energy W/R. The impulse current shall show no
imp
polarity reversal and shall reach I within 50 μs.
imp
The transfer of the charge Q shall occur within 5 ms and the specific energy W/R shall be
dissipated within 5 ms.
The impulse duration shall not exceed 5 ms.
Table 1 gives values of Q (As) and W/R (kJ/Ω) for example values of I (kA).
imp
The relationships between I , Q and W/R are as follows:
imp
Q = I × a
imp
−4
where a = 5 × 10 s
W/R = I × b
imp
−4
where b = 2,5 × 10 s
– 12 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
Table 1 – Preferred parameters for impulse discharge
currents counted (I )
imp
I (peak value)
Q W/R
imp
within 50 µs within 5 ms within 5 ms
kA As kJ/Ω
100 50 2500
50 25 625
25 12,5 156
10 5 25
5 2,5 6,25
2 1 1
1 0,5 0,25
NOTE One of the possible test impulses which meet the above parameters is the
10/350 wave shape proposed in IEC 62305-1.

The following tolerances shall apply:
+10
I %;
imp
−10
+20
Q %;
−10
+45
W/R %.
−10
6.1.3 Nominal discharge current count for LSCs Type II
The nominal discharge current passing through the device under test is defined by the crest
value I (see Table 2).
n
Table 2 – Preferred parameters for nominal
discharge currents counted (I )
n
I (8/20)
n
kA (peak values)
0,5
The tolerances on the current wave shape passing through the device under test are as
follows:
peak value ±10 %;
front time ±20 %;
time to half value ±20 %.
A small overshoot or oscillation is tolerated provided that the amplitude of any oscillation is
not more than 5 % of the crest value. Any polarity reversal after the current has fallen to zero
shall not be more than 30 % of the crest value.
NOTE The test impulse that meets the above parameters is the 8/20 wave shape proposed in IEC 62475.
6.2 UV (Ultraviolet) light resistance
6.2.1 General
This test is necessary for LSCs designed to be installed outdoors or in specific environments.
Non-metallic LSC housings for outdoor application shall withstand UV effects.
One set of three new specimens shall be assembled and mounted rigidly on an insulating
plate (e.g. brick, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
The specimens shall be subjected to an environmental test consisting of an ultra violet light
test as specified in Annex A.
6.2.2 Pass criteria
The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if there are no signs of
disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
6.3 Resistance tests to corrosion (for metallic parts)
This test is necessary for LSCs having metallic housing or parts designed to be installed
outdoors or in specific environments.
The specimens used and compliant with the test in 6.2 shall be subjected to corrosion tests
as per Annex B.
The specimens shall be subjected to an additional ammonia atmosphere treatment for those
made of copper alloy with a copper content less than 80 % as specified in Clause B.4.
The manufacturer or supplier shall provide proof of the copper content of any part of the
assembly made from a copper alloy.
After the parts have been dried during 10 min in a drying oven at a temperature of
100 °C ± 5 °C, they shall not present any trace of rust on surfaces.
Traces of rust on the edges or a yellowish stain removed by rubbing are not taken into
account. White rust is not considered as corrosive deterioration.
6.4 Mechanical tests
All specimens complying with 6.2 and 6.3 shall be stressed three times by a mechanical test.
All specimens are subjected to a mechanical test by applying mechanical impacts.
The impacts are carried out on the LSC’s accessible parts which in use may be mechanically
stressed accidentally.
– 14 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
The specimens are assembled under their normal operating conditions specified in the
manufacturer’s documentation.
The LSC is mounted on a pendulum hammer test apparatus according to
IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Clause 4 as shown in Figure 1. The striking element material shall be
polyamide as per IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Table 1 and its mass shall be 200 g as per IEC
60068-2-75:1997, Table 2.
IEC
Key
1 pendulum
2 frame
3 height of fall
4 arrangement of specimens
5 mounting fixture
Figure 1 – Pendulum hammer test apparatus
The hammer shall fall from a height of 200 mm so that one impact on each side is applied, as
far as possible perpendicular to the length of the arrangement. The drop height is the vertical
distance between the position of the point of control, when the pendulum is released, and the
position of this point at the time of the impact.
The point of control as per IEC 60068-2-75:1997 is located on the surface of the striking part
where the line passing by the point of intersection of the axes of the steel tube of the
pendulum and the part of striking, perpendicular to the plane crossing the two axes, comes
into contact with the surface.

The impacts are not applied to the display window or to the connectors.
NOTE In theory, the centre of gravity of the striking part will be the point of control but, in practice, as it is difficult
to determine the centre of gravity, the point of control has been chosen as described above.
Pass criteria
After the test, the LSC shall show no cracks or similar damage visible to normal or corrected
vision without magnification and shall not present damage which can potentially affect its later
use.
After the test, the LSC shall not have increased nor decreased the count value in the display
(especially for electromechanical LSCs).
6.5 Index of protection confirmation (IP Code)
IP confirmation shall be performed in accordance with IEC 60529, on the used specimens and
in compliance with the test of 6.4.
The specimens shall be in compliance with IEC 60529 requirements.
6.6 Electrical tests
6.6.1 General conditions for tests
After the test of 6.5, each specimen shall be tested with the following electrical tests.
LSCs classified with Type I and Type II according to 5.2 shall be tested with its listed impulse
discharge currents and nominal discharge currents.
6.6.2 Minimum discharge current counting test I
imp min
6.6.2.1 LSCs Type I
For an LSC Type I, an impulse discharge current 10/350 with a peak value equal to I is
imp min
applied with positive and negative polarity.
Pass criteria
The specimens have passed, if the counter of the LSC is incremented by two.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.2.2 LSCs Type II
For an LSC Type II, a nominal discharge current 8/20 with a peak value equal to I is
n min
applied with positive and negative polarity.
Pass criteria
The specimens have passed, if the counter of the LSC is incremented by two.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.

– 16 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
6.6.2.3 LSCs Type I and Type II
For an LSC classified as Type I and Type II, the corresponding impulse discharge currents
I 10/350 and the corresponding nominal discharge currents I 8/20 are applied with
imp min n min
positive and negative polarity.
Pass criteria
LSCs classified as Type I and Type II specimens have passed the test, if the counter of LSCs
is incremented by four.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.3 Threshold current test
6.6.3.1 LSCs Type I
For an LSC Type I, an impulse discharge current with a peak value equal to 0,5 I
imp min
10/350 is applied with positive polarity and with negative polarity.
Pass criteria
The test is passed, if the counter of the LSC is not incremented.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.3.2 LSCs Type II
For an LSC Type II, a nominal discharge current with a peak value equal to 0,5 I 8/20 is
n min
applied with positive polarity and with negative polarity.
Pass criteria
The test is passed, if the counter of the LSC is not incremented.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.3.3 LSCs Type I and Type II
For an LSC classified as Type I and Type II, the corresponding impulse discharge current
0,5 I 10/350 and the corresponding nominal discharge current 0,5 I 8/20 are
imp min n min
applied with positive and negative polarity.
Pass criteria
The test is passed, if the counter of the LSC is not incremented.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.4 Maximum current counting test
6.6.4.1 LSCs Type I
For an LSC Type I, three impulse discharge currents with a peak value equal to I
imp max
10/350 is applied with positive and negative polarity.

Pass criteria
The specimens have passed, if the counter of the LSC is incremented by six.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.4.2 LSCs Type II
For an LSC Type II, three nominal discharge currents with a peak value equal to I 8/20 is
n max
applied with positive and negative polarity.
Pass criteria
The specimens have passed, if the counter of the LSC is incremented by six.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.4.3 LSCs Type I and Type II
For an LSC classified as Type I and Type II, the corresponding impulse discharge currents
I 10/350 and the corresponding nominal discharge currents I 8/20 are applied with
imp max n max
positive and negative polarity.
Pass criteria
LSCs classified as Type I and Type II specimens have passed the test, if the counter of LSCs
is incremented by twelve.
No visible damage shall occur during the tests. There shall be no opening or degradation of
the parts carrying the current or the housing of the LSC.
6.6.5 Performance verification test
This test shall be performed after the maximum current counting test of 6.6.4
For this purpose, the test described in 6.6.2 shall be repeated once.
6.6.6 Multi pulse test
Under consideration.
6.7 Marking test
All three specimens used and complying with tests described in 6.6 shall be subjected to the
marking test.
Marking made by moulding, pressing or engraving is not subjected to this test.
The marking is checked by inspection and by rubbing it by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth
soaked with water and again for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with white spirit.
After the test, the marking shall be legible. Marking shall allow the identification of the LSC. It
should not be possible to easily remove the labels and for those to retract.

– 18 – IEC 62561-6:2018 © IEC 2018
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
7.1 Electromagnetic immunity
LSCs containing electronic circuits have to fulfil the requirements of IEC 61000-6-2.
7.2 Electromagnetic emission
LSCs have to fulfil the requirements of IEC 61000-6-4.
8 Structure and content of the test report
8.1 General
The purpose of this clause is to provide general requirements for laboratory test reports. It is
intended to promote clear, complete reporting procedures for laboratories submitting test
reports.
The results of each test carried out by the laboratory shall be reported accurately, clearly,
unambiguously and objectively, in accordance with any instructions in the test methods. The
results shall be given in a test report and shall include all the information necessary for the
interpretation of the test results and all information required by the method used.
Particular care and attention shall be paid to the arrangement of the report, especially with
regard to presentation of the test data and ease of assimilation by the reader. The format
shall be carefully and specifically designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings
shall be standardized as indicated below.
The structure of each report shall include at least the information according to 8.2 to 8.9.
8.2 Report identification
The following information shall be included :
a) a title or subject of the report;
b) name, address and telephone number of the test laboratory;
c) name, address and telephone number of the sub-testing laboratory where the test was
carried out, if different from the company which has been assigned to perform the test;
d) unique identification number (or serial number) of the test report;
e) name and address of the vendor;
f) report shall be paginated and the total number of pages indicated on each page, including
appendices or annexes;
g) date of issue of the report;
h) date(s) test(s) was (were)performed;
i) signature and title, or an equivalent identification of the person(s) authorized to sign by
the testing laboratory for the content of the report;
j) signature and title of person(s) conducting the test.
__________
It is suggested to insert in the test report a specific declaration to avoid its misuse. A declaration example is:
“This type test report may not be reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the
issuing testing laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not
produce evidence of the quality for series production.”

8.3 Specimen description
a) Sample description.
b) Detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sample and/or test
assembly.
c) Characterization and condition of the test sample and/or test assembly.
d) Sampling procedure, where relevant.
e) Date of receipt of test samples.
f) Photographs, drawings or any other visual documentation, if available.
8.4 Standards and references
a) Identification of the test standard used and the date of issue of the standard.
b) Other relevant documentation with the documentation d
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