IEC/TS 61231

International lamp coding system (ILCOS)

Covers all lamp categories. Coding for the main lamp types is specified. Has the status of a technical specification.

Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)

Couvre toutes les catégories de lampes. Les codes des types principaux y sont spécifiés. A le statut d'une spécification technique.

International lamp coding system (ILCOS)

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 29.140 - Lamps and related equipment
• Technical Committee: SC 34A - Electric light sources
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 24-Jun-1999
• Ref Project: SIST IEC TS 61231:2000 - International lamp coding system (ILCOS)

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
01-april-2000
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: IEC/TS 61231
ICS:
29.140.99 Drugi standardi v zvezi z Other standards related to
žarnicami lamps
SIST IEC TS 61231:2000 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
SPÉCIFICATION CEI
TECHNIQUE IEC
TECHNICAL TS 61231
Deuxième édition
SPECIFICATION
Second edition
1999-06
Système international de codification
des lampes (ILCOS)
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
 IEC 1999 Droits de reproduction réservés  Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] IEC web site http://www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
S
PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 3 –
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION .9
Clause
1 Scope and object . 11
2 Normative references . 11
3 Principles . 13
4 Basic structure . 13
4.1 Letter section . 13
4.2 Figure section . 15
4.3 Length of the code . 15
5 Lamp categories. 17
5.1 Tungsten filament lamps . 17
5.2 Tungsten halogen lamps (non-vehicle) . 23
5.3 Fluorescent lamps. 27
5.4 High-pressure sodium vapour lamps. 33
5.5 Low-pressure sodium vapour lamps . 37
5.6 High-pressure mercury vapour lamps . 37
5.7 Metal halide lamps . 39
5.8 Special lamps . 41
Annex A (informative) Survey ILCOS L – short version, letter section . 43

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INTERNATIONAL LAMP CODING SYSTEM (ILCOS)
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this technical specification may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In
exceptional circumstances, a technical committee may propose the publication of a technical
specification when
• the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard,
despite repeated efforts, or
• the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other reason, there is the
future but no immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard.
Technical specifications are subject to review within three years of publication to decide
whether they can be transformed into International Standards.
IEC TS 61231, which is a technical specification has been prepared by subcommittee 34A:
Lamps, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published as a technical report of
type 2 in 1993. It constitutes a technical revision, of which the main changes are indicated
below.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 7 –
The text of this technical specification is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
34A/838/CDV 34A/866/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical specification can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Compared to the first edition, the major changes having an influence on the coding are the
following.
– The standardization part is deleted, and thereby ILCOS T, because this version has found
no application in practice.
– For nearly all lamp categories, the possibility of including further technical details in ILCOS
L is extended.
– An extended short version ILCOS LE is introduced for tungsten filament, tungsten halogen
and fluorescent lamps because of the need to make the application of the short code more
flexible.
– For tungsten halogen and metal halide lamps, a new letter S is introduced in ILCOS L for
self-shielded lamps, i.e. lamps designed to be suitable for use in open luminaires.
– For tungsten halogen lamps with integral front cover the letter I is replaced by the letter S in
ILCOS L.
– For tungsten halogen lamps with double envelope, the code HE is deleted in ILCOS L,
because these lamps are now covered as being single-ended self-shielded HSGS.
– For tungsten halogen lamps, the floodlight lamps are included in the general purpose type
of lamps because of their general application. So the letter F is replaced by G in ILCOS L.
– For tungsten halogen lamps with integral metal (proximity) reflector, the code HI is replaced
by HP in ILCOS L.
– For fluorescent lamps, the new development of ‘induction type lamps’ is introduced in
ILCOS L by the letter I.
– For fluorescent lamps, the circular lamps are coded in ILCOS L as single-capped lamps,
i.e. FSC instead of FC.
– For fluorescent lamps, the U-shaped lamps are coded in ILCOS L as double-capped lamps,
i.e. FDU instead of FU.
– For metal halide lamps that are not standardized by the IEC, the full ILCOS D coding is
kept under consideration, because of the complexity of the different lamp types and
associated circuitry on the market.
Annex A is for information only.
The committee has decided that this publication remains valid until 2003-09.
At this date, in accordance with the committee’s decision, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 9 –
INTRODUCTION
The lamp industry strives continuously to meet customers' needs. Its innovative power has led
to a tremendous variety of different light sources. To enable customers and experts to find their
way within the diversity of products, a general system for the coding of lamps has been
developed.
The code does not replace specific markings used by individual manufacturers on their lamps
or in their catalogues, but it is promoted for cross-referencing purposes and, in due course, to
replace national and regional lamp coding systems which already exist.
NOTE – The code does not give all the technical characteristics necessary to specify a lamp fully. For this the
relevant lamp standard and/or the manufacturer’s literature have to be consulted.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 11 –
INTERNATIONAL LAMP CODING SYSTEM (ILCOS)

1 Scope and object
This technical specification gives the rules for the international lamp coding system and covers
all lamp categories, excluding vehicle lamps. Coding for the main lamp types is specified and,
for the others, will follow by amendments to this technical specification as appropriate.
The object of the international lamp coding system is:
– to improve communication about the different types of lamps;
– to help in discussions concerning interchangeability and compatibility of products;
– to create a closer relationship between international standards and manufacturers’ literature
(for example the code could be given in future in the relevant parts of a standard);
– to enable correct replacements of lamps;
– to be used as a complementary marking on the luminaire;
– to replace national and regional coding systems.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this technical specification. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this technical specification are encouraged to investigate the possibility
of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of IEC
and ISO maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60357, Tungsten halogen lamps (non-vehicle)
IEC 60432-1, Safety specifications for incandescent lamps – Part 1: Tungsten filament lamps
for domestic and similar general lighting purposes
IEC 60432-2, Safety specifications for incandescent lamps – Part 2: Tungsten halogen lamps
for domestic and similar general lighting purposes
IEC 60887, Glass bulb designation system for lamps
IEC 61167, Metal halide lamps
CIE publication 29.2, Guide on interior lighting

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 13 –
3 Principles
The international lamp coding system has been developed on the basis of the following
principles.
– It should be manufacturer-independent concerning its content and its wording.
– A relationship between the coding system and international standards should be
established.
– It should be internationally acceptable. It is recognized that other systems with national and
regional importance exist and that the change to an international code should be seen as a
long-term process.
– The length of the code should be as short as possible and as long as necessary. Therefore,
it should be possible to use the code in different lengths depending on the different
purposes.
– In view of the technical diversity of the different lamp categories, it would not be practical to
define the code for all types in the same way; the code depends therefore in its composition
on the technical needs of the different lamp categories.
– The code should not replace manufacturer-specific marking on the lamp or in the
catalogues, but should be used for cross-references in lamp and luminaire literature.
– The allocation of codes is based on interchangeability and compatibility.
An additional usage of the code on the lamp package should be envisaged for the future.
4 Basic structure
The complete lamp code ILCOS consists of a letter section and a figure section.
4.1 Letter section
The first letter of the letter section designates the lamp category as follows:
I Tungsten filament lamps
H Tungsten halogen lamps (non-vehicle)
F Fluorescent lamps
S High-pressure sodium lamps
L Low-pressure sodium lamps
Q High-pressure mercury lamps
M Metal halide lamps
X Special lamps
NOTE – Vehicle lamps, including their coding, are covered by national and/or regional legislation.
The next letters within the letter section give further details as outlined in the description of the
different lamp categories. The letter section is separated from the rest by a hyphen.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 15 –
4.2 Figure section
The figure section consists of several blocks mainly containing figures. Each block, separated
by hyphens, contains characteristic values of lamps such as:
– wattage;
– voltage;
– lamp cap;
– dimensional values.
As a hyphen is used to separate the blocks, it cannot be applied within a block. As a
consequence, the sign of equality = is used instead of the hyphen, for example within the cap
designation.
The sequence and the specific content of the blocks is determined for each lamp category and
described in 5.1 to 5.8.
4.3 Length of the code
The code can be used in different lengths depending on the purpose. In catalogues and
leaflets, specialities, for example special applications, can be indicated with an asterisk (*) in
the place where the difference occurs or at the end of the code and explained in a separate
remark, also indicated with an asterisk (*).
The code can be shortened by deleting parts from the end, not by deleting intermediate parts.
In general, if ‘standard’ types are concerned, the dimension block can be omitted. Intermediate
parts may be omitted, providing the separating signs such as hyphens (–) and slashes (/) are
given.
NOTE – These shortening rules do not apply to the extended short version ILCOS LE.
4.3.1 Short version: ILCOS L
The short version consists of the letter section or a part of it and is called ILCOS L. It can be
used for the general classification of lamps. A survey of ILCOS L is given in annex A.
4.3.2 Extended short version: ILCOS LE
The extended short version, where applicable, consists of the first part of the letter section
(ILCOS L) immediately followed (without spaces) by the relevant dimensions.
4.3.3 Standard version: ILCOS D
The standard version gives the complete designation and consists of the letter section and (a
part of) the figure section. The use of ILCOS D should enable the customer to find the correct
lamp type, for example in the case of lamp replacement from a different manufacturer. It can
be used for the purpose of marking luminaires, when suitable also in an abbreviated form.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 17 –
5 Lamp categories
For information about relevant lamp standards and lamp-related standards, see the IEC
publications prepared by IEC technical committee 34.
5.1 Tungsten filament lamps
5.1.1 ILCOS L for tungsten filament lamps
The ILCOS L code is built up as follows:
Tungsten filament lamps


Non-reflector lamps  Reflector lamps


IA IB IN
Large lamps Compact bulb lamps Other non-reflector lamps
(bulb diameter usually (bulb diameter usually (lamps outside the scope
> 45 mm) of IEC 60432-1)
≤ 45 mm)
Pear-shaped, mushroom or
Candle, round bulb or lamps
lamps with other shapes
with other shapes intended
intended for use in the same for use in the same luminaire
luminaire

After the first two letters IA, IB and IN the shape of the bulb follows, indicated as specified in
IEC 60887.
The main bulb shape types are:
A pear-shaped
--
B candle (bulged)
--
C conical
--
G globular
--
M mushroom
--
P round bulb
--
S pigmy (straight-sided)
--
T tubular
--
An example with a modifier is:
BA candle with angular tip
--

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 19 –
For reflector lamps:

Reflector lamps
IR


IRR IRA IRP IPAR IPARD
R bulb reflector Pear-shaped Round bulb bowl Normal PAR Dichroic PAR
lamps bowl mirror mirror lamps bulb reflector bulb reflector
lamps lamps lamps

If it is necessary to indicate the finish or the colour of a lamp, or the specific kind of reflector or
other technical details, this can be done after a slash as follows:
/C clear
/F frosted, frosted equivalently coated
/W white
/R red
/B blue
/G green
/Y yellow
/V violet
/P pink
/A amber
/O orange
/S silver
/X gold
/N neodymium
/D decorative filament design
A second letter may be added for the following purposes:
/ P to indicate pastel shades
-
/ F to indicate a window
-
/
T to indicate transparent colours
-
Further technical details can be given after a second slash:
//AX axial filament
//TR transversal filament
//RS rough service lamps
//LT limited surface temperature
//RT rough service with limited surface temperature

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 21 –
Examples
IAA/F Frosted pear-shaped lamps
IAM Mushroom lamps
IAT/W White-coated tubular lamps intended for use in the same luminaire
as pear-shaped lamps
IBBA/C Clear candle lamps with angular tip
IBP/R Red round bulb lamps
IAG Globular lamps, intended for use in the same luminaire as pear-shaped lamps
IBT/W White-coated tubular lamps, intended for use in the same luminaire
as round bulb lamps IBP
IBC Conical lamps, intended for use in the same luminaire as round bulb lamps IBP
IRA/S Pear-shaped bowl mirror lamp with silver reflector
5.1.2 ILCOS LE for tungsten filament lamps
ILCOS LE consists of the first part of ILCOS L up to and including the shape indication followed
by the number giving the nominal diameter of the lamp.
Examples
IAA60 Pear-shaped lamp with 60 mm nominal bulb diameter
IBP45 Round bulb lamp with 45 mm nominal bulb diameter
IAG80 Globular lamp with 80 mm nominal bulb diameter
5.1.3 ILCOS D for tungsten filament lamps
ILCOS D consists of the following blocks:
ILCOS L-wattage-rated voltage-lamp cap-dimensions
– Wattage: For miniature and/or glow lamps the lamp current can be indicated in place of the
wattage. In that case, the lamp current value must be immediately followed by a capital A.
– Rated voltage: In case of a voltage range two numbers are given separated by a slash.
– For airfield lamps the lamp voltage may be replaced by the lamp current value immediately
followed by a capital A.
– Dimensions: This block consists normally only of the number giving the nominal diameter.
For tubular lamps the maximum overall length can be added after a slash. For reflector
lamps the beam angle can be added after a slash. In case of a non-symmetrical beam, two
numbers separated by a slash may be given, the first describing the horizontal and the
second the vertical beam angle.

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SIST IEC TS 61231:2000
TS 61231 © IEC:1999 – 23 –
Examples
IAA/C-40-220/230-E27-60 Clear
...