IEC 60838-1:2016

Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests

IEC 60838-1:2016 applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building-in (to be used with general purpose light sources, projection lamps, floodlighting lamps and street-lighting lamps with caps as listed in Annex A) and the methods of test to be used in determining the safe use of lamps in lampholders. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2004, Amendment 1:2008 and Amendment 2:2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant technical changes in this edition with respect to the previous edition include the introduction of new or revised requirements for single and dual contact ignition voltages, steel test caps and brass test caps and an Annex E listing amended requirements/clauses which require products to be retested.

Douilles diverses pour lampes - Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

L'IEC 60838-1:2016 s'applique aux douilles de types divers prévues pour être incorporées (et destinées à être utilisées avec les sources lumineuses à usage général, les lampes de projection, les lampes d'illumination et les lampes pour l'éclairage public dotées de culots et répertoriées à titre d'exemple dans l'Annexe A) ainsi qu'aux méthodes d'essai à utiliser pour démontrer la sécurité d'utilisation des lampes dans les douilles. Cette cinquième édition annule et remplace la quatrième édition parue en 2004, l'Amendement 1:2008 et l'Amendement 2:2011. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Les modifications techniques majeures dans la présente édition par rapport à l'édition précédente incluent l'introduction de nouvelles exigences ou d'exigences révisées concernant les tensions d'amorçage à contact simple ou double, les culots d'essai en acier et les culots d'essai en laiton ainsi qu'une Annexe E répertoriant les exigences/articles nécessitant la réalisation de nouveaux essais sur les produits.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 25-Feb-2020
• ICS: 29.140.10 - Lamp caps and holders
• Technical Committee: SC 34B - Lamp caps and holders
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 19-May-2016
• Completion Date: 15-Jun-2016

Relations

• Amended By: IEC 60838-1:2016/AMD2:2020 - Amendment 2 - Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Amended By: IEC 60838-1:2016/AMD1:2017 - Amendment 1 - Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60838-1:2004/AMD1:2008 - Amendment 1 - Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60838-1:2004/AMD2:2011 - Amendment 2 - Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60838-1:2004 - Miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

IEC 60838-1:2016 - Overview

IEC 60838-1:2016 (Edition 5.0) is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard for miscellaneous lampholders - Part 1: General requirements and tests. It applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building‑in, including lampholders integral with luminaires and those used with general purpose light sources, projection, floodlighting and street‑lighting lamps with caps listed in Annex A. This fifth edition (2016) is a technical revision that replaces the 2004 edition and subsequent amendments and introduces updated test and performance requirements.

Key Topics and Requirements

The standard defines safety, construction and test requirements for lampholders and specifies test methods to determine safe use of lamps in lampholders. Important technical areas covered include:

• Scope and classification of miscellaneous lampholders intended for building‑in (enclosed and unenclosed types).
• Marking and rated values (rated voltage, rated current, rated operating temperature).
• Protection against electric shock and insulation coordination for low‑voltage systems.
• Mechanical and structural construction requirements to ensure robustness and durability.
• Terminals, earthing provisions and connections (screws, current‑carrying parts, solderless connections).
• Electrical tests: moisture resistance, insulation resistance and dielectric strength.
• Creepage distances and clearances to manage electric stress and transient voltages.
• Endurance testing to assess life under normal operating conditions.
• Resistance to heat, fire and mechanical impact, including ball‑pressure and glow‑wire tests.
• Season cracking and corrosion tests (Annex C) and pendulum impact tests (Annex D).
• New or revised requirements in this edition for single and dual contact ignition voltages, and use of steel and brass test caps.
• Annex E: schedule of amended clauses that may require product retesting when changes are adopted.

Applications and Who Uses It

IEC 60838-1 is essential for:

• Lampholder and luminaire manufacturers designing built‑in lampholders.
• Product safety and compliance engineers preparing type testing and technical files.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing electrical, mechanical and fire hazard testing.
• Procurement and quality teams specifying safe lampholders for commercial, industrial and street‑lighting projects.
• Regulators and standards bodies harmonizing product safety requirements.

Practical uses include product development, conformity assessment, risk reduction for electric shock and fire, and establishing retest obligations when technical requirements change.

Related Standards

• IEC 60061 (Lamp caps and holders)
• IEC 60238 (Edison screw lampholders)
• IEC 60399 (Barrel thread for lampholders)
• IEC 60598‑1 (Luminaires – general requirements)
• IEC 60664‑1, IEC 60695 series, and other referenced test and material standards

Keywords: IEC 60838-1:2016, miscellaneous lampholders, lampholder tests, lampholder requirements, building‑in lampholders, ignition voltages, steel test caps, brass test caps.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

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IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-3427-3

– 2 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 General .
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General requirement . 9
5 General conditions for tests . 9
6 Classification . 11
7 Marking . 11
8 Protection against electric shock . 13
9 Terminals . 14
10 Provision for earthing . 15
11 Construction . 17
12 Moisture resistance, insulation resistance and electric strength . 18
13 Mechanical strength . 19
14 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 20
15 Creepage distances and clearances . 21
16 Endurance . 23
17 Resistance to heat and fire . 24
18 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 28
Annex A (normative informative) Examples of Lampholders covered by this standard . 29
Annex B (normative) Examples of Suitable metals . 31
Annex C (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 32
Annex D (normative) Pendulum impact test apparatus . 34
Bibliography . 37
Annex E (informative) Schedule of amended clauses and subclauses containing more
serious/ critical requirements which require products to be retested . 36

Figure 1 – Ball-pressure test apparatus . 25
Figure D.1 – Impact test apparatus . 34
Figure D.2 – Mounting fixture . 35

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance. 19
Table 2 – Height of fall . 20
Table 2a – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages − Impulse
withstand category II . 21
Table 2b – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages − Impulse
withstand category III . 22
Table 3 – Minimum distances for non-sinusoidal pulse voltages . 23
Table A.1 – Lampholders covered by this standard . 29
Table C.1 – Test solution . 32

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

FOREWORD
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all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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– 4 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

International Standard IEC 60838-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2004, Amendment
1:2008 and Amendment 2:2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes in this edition with respect to the previous edition include
the introduction of new or revised requirements for single and dual contact ignition voltages,
steel test caps and brass test caps and an Annex E listing amended requirements/clauses
which require products to be retested.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34B/1850A/FDIS 34B/1856/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard 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 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60838 series, published under the general title Miscellaneous
lampholders, can be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The “colour inside” logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this publication using a colour printer.

MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

1 General
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60838 applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building-in
(to be used with general purpose light sources, projection lamps, floodlighting lamps and
street-lighting lamps with caps as listed in Annex A) and the methods of test to be used in
determining the safe use of lamps in lampholders.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire. It covers
the requirements for the lampholder only.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders integrated in an outer shell and dome similar
to Edison screw lampholders. Such lampholders are further tested in accordance with the
relevant clauses of IEC 60238.
Lampholders designed with a barrel thread for shade holder rings should comply with
IEC 60399.
Requirements for lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps, Edison screw lampholders and
bayonet lampholders are covered by separate standards.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
NOTE With regard to IEC 60598-1, the references cited in this document are liable to change.
IEC 60061 (all parts), Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60061)
IEC 60061-1: Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 1: Lamp caps
IEC 60061-2, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 2: Lampholders
IEC 60061-3, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60068-2-20:1979, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test T: Soldering
IEC 60068-2-75:1997 2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer
tests
– 6 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

IEC 60112:1979 2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60112:2003/AMD1:2009
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60238:2004, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60352-1, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General requirements,
test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Standard sheets for Barrel thread for E14 and E2 Barrel thread for lampholders
with shade holder ring
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1:2014, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60664-1:1992, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
2)
Principles, requirements and tests
Amendment 1 (2000)
Amendment 2 (2002)
IEC 60695-2-2, Fire hazard testing – Part 2: Test methods – Section 2: Needle-flame test
IEC 60695-2-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 1456:2003, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel,
nickel plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium
ISO 2081:1986, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings of zinc with
supplementary treatments on iron or steel
ISO 2093:1986, Electroplated coatings of tin – Specification and test methods
ISO 4046-4:2002, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
board grades and converted products
___________
A consolidated version of this publication exists, comprising IEC 60529:1989, IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999 and
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013.
2)
A consolidated edition 1.2 (2002) exists that includes edition 1.0 (1992), its amendment 1 (2000) and
amendment 2 (2002).
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
lampholder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage that may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp is removed
3.3
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
3.4
lampholder for building-in
lampholder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.4.1
unenclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example
enclosures, to meet the requirements of this standard with regard to protection against
electric shock
3.4.2
enclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it fulfils on its own the requirements of this
standard with regard to protection against electric shock
3.5
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the lampholder is designed
3.6
rated pulse voltage
highest peak value of pulse voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.7
lamp connectors
set of contacts specially designed to provide for electrical contact but not supporting the lamp
3.8
type test
test or series of tests made on a type test sample, for the purpose of checking compliance of
the design of a given product with the requirements of the relevant standard
3.9
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar specimens submitted by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor for the purpose of a type test

– 8 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

3.10
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.11
impulse withstand category
numeral defining a transient overvoltage condition
Note 1 to entry: Impulse withstand categories I, II, III and IV are used.
a) Purpose of classification of impulse withstand categories
Impulse withstand categories are to distinguish different degrees of availability of equipment with regard to
required expectations on continuity of service and on an acceptable risk of failure.
By selection of impulse withstand levels of equipment, insulation co-ordination can be achieved in the whole
installation reducing the risk of failure to an acceptable level providing a basis for overvoltage control.
A higher characteristic numeral of an impulse withstand category indicates a higher specific impulse withstand
of the equipment and offers a wider choice of methods for overvoltage control.
The concept of impulse withstand categories is used for equipment energized directly from the mains.
b) Description of impulse withstand categories
Equipment of impulse withstand category I is equipment which is intended to be connected to the fixed
electrical installations of buildings. Protective means are taken outside the equipment – either in the fixed
installation or between the fixed installation and the equipment – to limit transient overvoltages to the specific
level.
Equipment of impulse withstand category II is equipment to be connected to the fixed electrical installations of
buildings.
Equipment of impulse withstand category III is equipment which is part of the fixed electrical installations and
other equipment where a higher degree of availability is expected.
Equipment of impulse withstand category IV is for use at or in the proximity of the origin of the electrical
installations of buildings upstream of the main distribution board.
3.12
primary circuit
circuit which is directly connected to the AC mains supply
Note 1 to entry: It includes, for example, the means for connection to the AC mains supply, the primary windings
of transformers, motors and other loading devices.
3.13
secondary circuit
circuit which has no direct connection to a primary circuit and derives its power from a
transformer, converter or equivalent isolation device, or from a battery
Note 1 to entry: Exception: autotransformers. Although having direct connection to a primary circuit, the tapped
part of them is also deemed to be a secondary circuit as defined above.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. Also
inductive ballasts reduce the mains transient voltage height. Therefore, components located after a primary circuit
or after an inductive ballast can be suited for an impulse withstand category of one step lower, i.e. for impulse
withstand category II.
3.14
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
Note 1 to entry: Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
3.15
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation

3.16
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.17
reinforced insulation
single insulation system applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against
electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified
Note 1 to entry: The term "insulation system" does not imply that the insulation shall be one homogeneous piece.
It may comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.18
enclosed reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements for double or
reinforced insulated parts in class II applications
3.19
partly reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in, so designed that some parts of the lampholder require additional
means to fulfil the requirements with regard to double or reinforced insulation
Note 1 to entry: In some cases, the dimensions might be achieved only after mounting into the luminaire.
3.20
polarized lampholder
lampholder for building-in, specially designed for asymmetric rated pulse voltages, where the
rated ignition voltage (higher rated pulse voltage) is designated to a fixed contact
3.21
single contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which appears on one contact of the lampholder only
3.22
dual contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which is split between the two contacts of the lampholder
4 General requirement
Lampholders shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they function reliably
and cause no danger to persons or surroundings.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
NOTE 1 The requirements and tolerances permitted by the standard are related to testing of type test sample
submitted for that purpose. Compliance of type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of
a manufacturer with this safety standard. Conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and
should can include routine tests and quality assurance in addition to type testing.
NOTE 2 For further information (inclusion of guidance on conformity testing during manufacture is in preparation)
3)
see IEC 60061-4 .
___________
3)
IEC 60061-4: Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and safety –
Part 4: Guidelines and general information

– 10 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are made at an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C and with the holder in the most unfavourable position for normal use.
If a lampholder is declared to accept different lamp fits, it shall comply with the requirements
of each of the fits mentioned.
Compliance is checked with separate sets of specimens according to 5.3.
If the use of different lamp fits in turn is permitted by the manufacturer, only one set of
specimens is used to check compliance with all requirements.
For all tests the most critical of the relevant fits and gauges shall be used and in the most
onerous sequence.
5.3 The tests and inspections are carried out in the order of the clauses, on a total of
– 10 pairs of matching holders intended for linear double-capped lamps;
NOTE If a pair of holders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient that one holder instead
of one pair is subjected to all the tests, except for the tests of Clause 8, of 11.2, 11.3, of
Clause 13, Clause 16 and of 17.6 where pairs are needed.
– 10 specimens intended for single-capped lamps;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 4 up to and including Clause 15 (except for 9.2);
NOTE The tests of 9.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 16 and 17.6;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.1;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.3;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.4;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.5 and Clause 18.
Together with these units, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 7.3) shall be
supplied.
In such cases, where according to the mounting instructions the rated pulse voltage of the
holder can only be achieved with a cap inserted, suitable caps shall be supplied together with
the type test sample. The relevant tests are then carried out with a cap inserted.
5.4 Lampholders are deemed to comply with this standard if no specimen fails in the
complete series of tests specified in 5.3.
If one specimen fails in one test, that test and the preceding ones which may have influenced
the result of that test are repeated on another set of specimens for the number required by
5.3, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent tests.
Lampholders are deemed not to comply with this standard if there are more failures than one.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of specimens, the additional set which
may be needed in case of failure of one specimen. The testing station shall then, without
further request, test the additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs.
If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen
will entail the rejection.
6 Classification
Lampholders are classified as follows.
6.1 According to their installation conditions
− unenclosed lampholders;
− enclosed lampholders;
− partly reinforced insulated lampholders;
− enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
NOTE 1 Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it can be
regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.
6.2 According to their resistance to heat:
– for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;
– for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C (T-marked lampholders).
The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder which makes
electrical contact with the lamp cap/base. If the heat resistance of insulating parts, terminals
and leads of the lampholder deviates from this operating temperature, these different values
shall be stated in the manufacturer's catalogue and are checked after appropriate installation
in a luminaire or other additional enclosure, when that equipment is tested according to its
own standard.
6.3 According to polarization
− non-polarized lampholders;
− polarized lampholders.
6.4 According to the application of ignition voltages
− lampholders for single-contact ignition voltages
− lampholders for dual-contact ignition voltages
NOTE 2 By using dual contact ignition voltages advantage can be taken of reduced creepage distance and
clearance requirements.
7 Marking
7.1 Lampholders shall be marked with the following mandatory markings:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) either a unique catalogue number or an identifying reference.
NOTE An identifying reference may include numbers, letters, colour, etc., to identify the lampholder by reference
to the manufacturer's catalogue or similar literature.
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer such as printed catalogues or online
catalogues shall allow a clear identification of a lampholder either by a unique catalogue
number or by an identifying reference on the holder, specifying the essential characteristic
features and the basic design of the product supplemented by a clear description. Variations
of the basic design, for example different cable length, fixing means, colours, which do not
affect safety or performance of the lampholder, may be disregarded in the type reference
marked on the product. Variations included in the type testing procedure are listed in the
corresponding test reports.
– 12 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

If a combination of lampholder components determines the lampholder designation, for
example an assembly of a lamp connector and a retaining spring, the combination should be
clearly identifiable.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall be given
either on the lampholder or be made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like:
a) the rated voltage in volts and rated pulse voltage in kilovolts (kV), if applicable; for
polarized lampholders, the rated voltage in volts and the pair of rated pulse voltages;
NOTE 1 Some lampholders still show rated voltages higher than 500 V. This is an earlier way of expressing
the permissible pulse voltage via a rated voltage. For such lampholders, the creepage distances and
clearances can be found in IEC 60598-1.
b) the rated current in amperes;
c) the rated operating temperature T, if greater than 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C;
d) the conductor sizes for which the terminal is designed;
e) the high voltage arrow (see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10) for polarized lampholders to identify
the connection for the higher pulse voltage, if applicable; it shall be visible close to the
relevant terminal or wire entry during lampholder installation;
f) information on the application of ignition voltages.
If symbols are used, these shall be as follows.
For electrical rating:
– volt: V;
– ampere: A;
– watt: W;
– pulse voltage: kV;
− high pulse voltage terminal/wire on polarized lampholders:
(see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10)
NOTE 2 Alternatively, for volt and ampere ratings, figures may can be used alone, the figure for the rated current
being marked before or above that for the rated voltage and separated from the latter by an oblique stroke or line.
Therefore the marking of current and voltage may can be as follows:
2 A 250 V or 2/250 or
For the rated pulse voltage, the symbol shall be preceded by its value (e. g. 5 kV). For
polarized lampholders as well as for dual contact ignition voltage lampholders, the two rated
pulse voltages shall be separated by an oblique stroke (e. g. 15/2,5 kV or 5/2,5 kV).
For rated operating temperature:
the symbol T shall be followed by its value in °C (e. g. T 300).
For cross-section of conductors:
the relevant value or values in the case of a range, in square millimetres (mm ), shall be
followed by a small square (e.g. 0,5 □).
If a lamp holder is intended to be used for dual contact ignition voltages this information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.

For polarized lampholders the figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the higher
pulse voltage, the figure behind represents the rated pulse voltage based on the impulse
withstand category of the lampholder. For dual contact ignition voltage lampholders the figure
marked before the oblique stroke represents the total ignition voltage, the figure behind the
oblique stroke represents the ignition voltage from the contacts to the mounting surface or the
outer accessible surface.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
For lampholders according to this standard, the distances for impulse withstand category II
are usually applicable. For holders in equipment where a higher degree of availability is
expected, distances for impulse withstand category III may be applicable. This information
has to be indicated in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like.
Enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders offer an adequate level of protection for use in
luminaires where they are accessible in normal use. This information shall be indicated in the
manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For partly reinforced insulated lampholders, sufficient creepage distances and clearances to
outer accessible surfaces will require additional protection to some parts of the lampholder by
the luminaire design or by use of additional attachment(s) or cover(s). This information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
7.3 The instructions supplied by the holder manufacturer or responsible vendor shall
contain all the information required to ensure correct mounting and operation of the
connectors or holders.
NOTE The information may could be part of the manufacturer's or responsible vendor's catalogue.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.4 Marking shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, after the tests of 17.6 have been completed, by
trying to remove the marking by rubbing lightly for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water
and for a further 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
After the test the marking shall still be legible.
NOTE The petroleum spirit used should typically consists of a solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of
maximum 0,1 volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-
point of approximately 69 °C and a specific density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Enclosed lampholders shall be so constructed that, when the holder has been built in or
installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not accessible
– without a lamp inserted;
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion or removal of the lamp.
For lampholders which have been in use for a long time, such as B22d-3, BY22d, G22, G38,
P28s, P30s and P40, the above requirement applies only with the appropriate lamp inserted.
The insertion of only one pin of the lamp (in case of caps with more than one pin) to the first
point of contact with live parts shall be prevented.

– 14 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

Lampholders G22 and G38 are exempted from this requirement.
Compliance is checked by means of the standard test finger specified in IEC 60529.This test
finger is applied in every possible position with a force not exceeding 10 N, an electrical
indicator being used to show contact with live parts.
It is recommended that a voltage of not less than 40 V be used.
The lampholders are mounted as in normal use, i.e. on a supporting surface or the like with
the most unfavourable conductor size fitted for which it is intended before being subjected to
the above test.
Unenclosed lampholders are only tested after appropriate installation in a luminaire or other
additional enclosure when that equipment is tested according to its own standard.
8.2 Lampholders for double-ended lamps shall be so constructed that, when the two
holders have been built in or installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not
accessible
– without a lamp inserted,
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion and removal of the lamp.
In case of lampholders R7s/RX7s, a test which simulates insertion or removal of the lamp is
not available because in both cases testing has to be done against the spring force of the
single contact. This situation does not give the repeatability required for judgement.
Therefore, this test is replaced by one with the lamp inserted.
Compliance is checked in accordance with IEC 60061 or unless otherwise specified in
IEC 60061, with the standard test finger.
9 Terminals
9.1 Lampholders shall be provided with at least one of the following means of connection:
– screw-type terminals;
– screwless terminals;
– tabs or pins for push-on connections;
– posts for wire wrapping;
– soldering lugs;
– connecting leads (tails).
Terminal screws and nuts shall have a metric ISO thread.
Lampholders with screwless terminals, unless intended for sale to luminaire or equipment
manufacturers, shall be provided with terminals which are equally satisfactory with both rigid
(solid or stranded) conductors and flexible cables or cords.
Other means of connection than those specified are permitted provided they are equal in
performance to the methods listed. An example for such a means of connection is a contact of
a lampholder for extra low voltage halogen lamps providing electrical connection to a metal
part of the luminaire during lampholder assembly.
Compliance is checked by the tests of 9.2 or 9.3 respectively.

9.2 Terminals shall comply with the following requirements.
– Screw-type terminals shall comply with Section 14 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Screwless terminals shall comply with Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Tabs or pins for push-on connections shall comply with Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Posts for wire wrapping shall comply with IEC 60352-1. Wire wrapping applies only to
single solid round wire for internal wiring.
– Soldering lugs shall comply with the requirements for good solderability. Suitable require-
ments can be found in IEC 60068-2-20.
– Connecting leads (tails) shall comply with the requirements prescribed in 9.3.
For T-marked lampholders, the terminals are tested at the rated operating temperature,
unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
Lampholders for extra low voltage halogen lamps, having a contact providing electrical
connection to a metal part of the luminaire during lampholder assembly are for use of
luminaire manufacturers only and are not for retail sale.
The conditions for a reliable installation and operation shall be given in the lampholder
manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s documents, in particular restrictions on the use of
materials, essential dimensions and tolerances for lampholder fixation in the luminaire.
Lampholder contacts providing electrical connection to a metal part of the luminaire during
lampholder assembly shall comply with the requirements of Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
Compliance is checked by the relevant tests.
9.3 Connecting leads (tails) shall be connected to the lampholder by soldering, welding,
crimping or any other at least equivalent method.
Leads shall consist of insulated conductors. The insulation of the leads shall be at least equal
in their mechanical and electrical properties to those specified in the IEC 60227 series or
IEC 60245 series or comply with the relevant requirements given in 5.3 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
Insulation of the free end of the leads may be stripped.
Fixing of the leads to the holder shall withstand the mechanical efforts which may occur in
normal use.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the following test which is made after the test of
Clause 16 on the same three specimens.
Each connecting lead is subjected to a pull of 20 N. The pull is applied without jerks for 1 min
in the most unfavourable direction. During the test, leads should not move from their fixing.
If, however, certain pull directions are not allowed according to the mounting instructions this
shall be taken into account.
After the test, the lampholders shall show no damage within the meaning of this standard.
10 Provision for earthing
10.1 Lampholders, with provision for earthing other than those provided with connecting
leads, shall have at least one earthing terminal.
Compliance is checked by inspection.

– 16 – IEC 60838-1:2016 RLV © IEC 2016

NOTE Lampholders intended to be earthed but not provided with an earthing terminal or with connecting leads are
not for retail sale.
10.2 Accessible metal parts of lampholders with an earthing terminal which may become live
in the event of an insulation fault shall be permanently and reliably connected to the earthing
terminal.
Accessible metal parts of lampholders without an earthing terminal which may become live in
the event of an insulation fault shall allow reliable earthing.
There shall be earth continuity between external metal parts unless these are screened from
live parts by double or reinforced insulation.
Compliance is checked by the following test:
Lampholders provided with an earthing terminal are fitted with a rigid conductor of the
smallest cross-sectional area for which the holder is intended.
Immediately after the electric strength test of 12.2.2, the resistance between the means of
earthing and the external metal parts, if applicable, is measured. In case of lampholders
provided with an earthing terminal, this is done between the point where the conductor leaves
the earthing terminal and the external metal parts, if applicable.
In case of
...

IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

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IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –

Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-3356-6

– 2 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirement . 9
5 General conditions for tests . 9
6 Classification . 10
7 Marking . 11
8 Protection against electric shock . 13
9 Terminals . 13
10 Provision for earthing . 15
11 Construction . 16
12 Moisture resistance, insulation resistance and electric strength . 17
13 Mechanical strength . 19
14 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 20
15 Creepage distances and clearances . 20
16 Endurance . 23
17 Resistance to heat and fire . 24
18 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 27
Annex A (informative) Lampholders covered by this standard. 29
Annex B (normative) Suitable metals . 31
Annex C (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 32
Annex D (normative) Pendulum impact test apparatus . 34
Annex E (informative) Schedule of amended clauses and subclauses containing more
serious/ critical requirements which require products to be retested . 36
Bibliography . 37

Figure 1 – Ball-pressure test apparatus . 25
Figure D.1 – Impact test apparatus . 34
Figure D.2 – Mounting fixture . 35

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance. 18
Table 2 – Height of fall . 19
Table 2a – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages − Impulse
withstand category II . 21
Table 2b – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages − Impulse
withstand category III . 22
Table 3 – Minimum distances for non-sinusoidal pulse voltages . 22
Table A.1 – Lampholders covered by this standard . 29
Table C.1 – Test solution . 32

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of 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, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). 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. 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 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 IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60838-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2004, Amendment
1:2008 and Amendment 2:2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes in this edition with respect to the previous edition include
the introduction of new or revised requirements for single and dual contact ignition voltages,
steel test caps and brass test caps and an Annex E listing amended requirements/clauses
which require products to be retested.

– 4 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34B/1850A/FDIS 34B/1856/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard 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 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60838 series, published under the general title Miscellaneous
lampholders, can be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60838 applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building-in
(to be used with general purpose light sources, projection lamps, floodlighting lamps and
street-lighting lamps with caps as listed in Annex A) and the methods of test to be used in
determining the safe use of lamps in lampholders.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire. It covers
the requirements for the lampholder only.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders integrated in an outer shell and dome similar
to Edison screw lampholders. Such lampholders are further tested in accordance with the
relevant clauses of IEC 60238.
Requirements for lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps, Edison screw lampholders and
bayonet lampholders are covered by separate standards.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60061 (all parts), Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60061)
IEC 60061-2, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 2: Lampholders
IEC 60061-3, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60112:2003/AMD1:2009
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60238, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
– 6 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
IEC 60352-1, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General requirements,
test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1:2014, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60664-1, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 1456, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel, nickel
plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium
ISO 2081, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings of zinc with
supplementary treatments on iron or steel
ISO 2093, Electroplated coatings of tin – Specification and test methods
ISO 4046-4:2002, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
board grades and converted products
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
lampholder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage that may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp is removed
3.3
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
___________
A consolidated version of this publication exists, comprising IEC 60529:1989, IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999 and
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013.
3.4
lampholder for building-in
lampholder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.4.1
unenclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example
enclosures, to meet the requirements of this standard with regard to protection against
electric shock
3.4.2
enclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it fulfils on its own the requirements of this
standard with regard to protection against electric shock
3.5
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the lampholder is designed
3.6
rated pulse voltage
highest peak value of pulse voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.7
lamp connector
set of contacts specially designed to provide for electrical contact but not supporting the lamp
3.8
type test
test or series of tests made on a type test sample, for the purpose of checking compliance of
the design of a given product with the requirements of the relevant standard
3.9
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar specimens submitted by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor for the purpose of a type test
3.10
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.11
impulse withstand category
numeral defining a transient overvoltage condition
Note 1 to entry: Impulse withstand categories I, II, III and IV are used.
a) Purpose of classification of impulse withstand categories
Impulse withstand categories are to distinguish different degrees of availability of equipment with regard to
required expectations on continuity of service and on an acceptable risk of failure.
By selection of impulse withstand levels of equipment, insulation co-ordination can be achieved in the whole
installation reducing the risk of failure to an acceptable level providing a basis for overvoltage control.
A higher characteristic numeral of an impulse withstand category indicates a higher specific impulse withstand
of the equipment and offers a wider choice of methods for overvoltage control.
The concept of impulse withstand categories is used for equipment energized directly from the mains.
b) Description of impulse withstand categories
Equipment of impulse withstand category I is equipment which is intended to be connected to the fixed
electrical installations of buildings. Protective means are taken outside the equipment – either in the fixed

– 8 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
installation or between the fixed installation and the equipment – to limit transient overvoltages to the specific
level.
Equipment of impulse withstand category II is equipment to be connected to the fixed electrical installations of
buildings.
Equipment of impulse withstand category III is equipment which is part of the fixed electrical installations and
other equipment where a higher degree of availability is expected.
Equipment of impulse withstand category IV is for use at or in the proximity of the origin of the electrical
installations of buildings upstream of the main distribution board.
3.12
primary circuit
circuit which is directly connected to the AC mains supply
Note 1 to entry: It includes, for example, the means for connection to the AC mains supply, the primary windings
of transformers, motors and other loading devices.
3.13
secondary circuit
circuit which has no direct connection to a primary circuit and derives its power from a
transformer, converter or equivalent isolation device, or from a battery
Note 1 to entry: Exception: autotransformers. Although having direct connection to a primary circuit, the tapped
part of them is also deemed to be a secondary circuit as defined above.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. Also
inductive ballasts reduce the mains transient voltage height. Therefore, components located after a primary circuit
or after an inductive ballast can be suited for an impulse withstand category of one step lower, i.e. for impulse
withstand category II.
3.14
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
Note 1 to entry: Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
3.15
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation
3.16
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.17
reinforced insulation
single insulation system applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against
electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified
Note 1 to entry: The term "insulation system" does not imply that the insulation shall be one homogeneous piece.
It may comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.18
enclosed reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements for double or
reinforced insulated parts in class II applications
3.19
partly reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in, so designed that some parts of the lampholder require additional
means to fulfil the requirements with regard to double or reinforced insulation
Note 1 to entry: In some cases, the dimensions might be achieved only after mounting into the luminaire.

3.20
polarized lampholder
lampholder for building-in, specially designed for asymmetric rated pulse voltages, where the
rated ignition voltage (higher rated pulse voltage) is designated to a fixed contact
3.21
single contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which appears on one contact of the lampholder only
3.22
dual contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which is split between the two contacts of the lampholder
4 General requirement
Lampholders shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they function reliably
and cause no danger to persons or surroundings.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
NOTE 1 The requirements and tolerances permitted by the standard are related to testing of type test sample
submitted for that purpose. Compliance of type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of
a manufacturer with this safety standard. Conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can
include routine tests and quality assurance in addition to type testing.
NOTE 2 For further information on conformity testing during manufacture see IEC 60061-4.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are made at an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C and with the holder in the most unfavourable position for normal use.
If a lampholder is declared to accept different lamp fits, it shall comply with the requirements
of each of the fits mentioned.
Compliance is checked with separate sets of specimens according to 5.3.
If the use of different lamp fits in turn is permitted by the manufacturer, only one set of
specimens is used to check compliance with all requirements.
For all tests the most critical of the relevant fits and gauges shall be used and in the most
onerous sequence.
5.3 The tests and inspections are carried out in the order of the clauses, on a total of
– 10 pairs of matching holders intended for linear double-capped lamps;
If a pair of holders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient that one holder instead of
one pair is subjected to all the tests, except for the tests of Clause 8, of 11.2, 11.3, of
Clause 13, Clause 16 and of 17.6 where pairs are needed.
– 10 specimens intended for single-capped lamps;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 4 up to and including Clause 15 (except for 9.2);

– 10 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
NOTE The tests of 9.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 16 and 17.6;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.1;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.3;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.4;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.5 and Clause 18.
Together with these units, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 7.3) shall be
supplied.
In such cases, where according to the mounting instructions the rated pulse voltage of the
holder can only be achieved with a cap inserted, suitable caps shall be supplied together with
the type test sample. The relevant tests are then carried out with a cap inserted.
5.4 Lampholders are deemed to comply with this standard if no specimen fails in the
complete series of tests specified in 5.3.
If one specimen fails in one test, that test and the preceding ones which may have influenced
the result of that test are repeated on another set of specimens for the number required by
5.3, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent tests.
Lampholders are deemed not to comply with this standard if there are more failures than one.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of specimens, the additional set which
may be needed in case of failure of one specimen. The testing station shall then, without
further request, test the additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs.
If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen
will entail the rejection.
6 Classification
Lampholders are classified as follows.
6.1 According to their installation conditions
− unenclosed lampholders;
− enclosed lampholders;
− partly reinforced insulated lampholders;
− enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
NOTE 1 Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it can be
regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.
6.2 According to their resistance to heat:
– for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;
– for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C (T-marked lampholders).
The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder which makes
electrical contact with the lamp cap/base. If the heat resistance of insulating parts, terminals
and leads of the lampholder deviates from this operating temperature, these different values
shall be stated in the manufacturer's catalogue and are checked after appropriate installation
in a luminaire or other additional enclosure, when that equipment is tested according to its
own standard.
6.3 According to polarization
− non-polarized lampholders;
− polarized lampholders.
6.4 According to the application of ignition voltages
− lampholders for single-contact ignition voltages
− lampholders for dual-contact ignition voltages
NOTE 2 By using dual contact ignition voltages advantage can be taken of reduced creepage distance and
clearance requirements.
7 Marking
7.1 Lampholders shall be marked with the following mandatory markings:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) either a unique catalogue number or an identifying reference.
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer such as printed catalogues or online
catalogues shall allow a clear identification of a lampholder either by a unique catalogue
number or by an identifying reference on the holder, specifying the essential characteristic
features and the basic design of the product supplemented by a clear description. Variations
of the basic design, for example different cable length, fixing means, colours, which do not
affect safety or performance of the lampholder, may be disregarded in the type reference
marked on the product. Variations included in the type testing procedure are listed in the
corresponding test reports.
If a combination of lampholder components determines the lampholder designation, for
example an assembly of a lamp connector and a retaining spring, the combination should be
clearly identifiable.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall be given
either on the lampholder or be made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like:
a) the rated voltage in volts and rated pulse voltage in kilovolts (kV), if applicable; for
polarized lampholders, the rated voltage in volts and the pair of rated pulse voltages;
NOTE 1 Some lampholders still show rated voltages higher than 500 V. This is an earlier way of expressing
the permissible pulse voltage via a rated voltage. For such lampholders, the creepage distances and
clearances can be found in IEC 60598-1.
b) the rated current in amperes;
c) the rated operating temperature T, if greater than 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C;
d) the conductor sizes for which the terminal is designed;
e) the high voltage arrow (see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10) for polarized lampholders to identify
the connection for the higher pulse voltage, if applicable; it shall be visible close to the
relevant terminal or wire entry during lampholder installation;
f) information on the application of ignition voltages.
If symbols are used, these shall be as follows.
For electrical rating:
– volt: V;
– 12 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
– ampere: A;
– watt: W;
– pulse voltage: kV;
− high pulse voltage terminal/wire on polarized lampholders:
(see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10)
NOTE 2 Alternatively, for volt and ampere ratings, figures can be used alone, the figure for the rated current
being marked before or above that for the rated voltage and separated from the latter by an oblique stroke or line.
Therefore the marking of current and voltage can be as follows:
2 A 250 V or 2/250 or
For the rated pulse voltage, the symbol shall be preceded by its value (e. g. 5 kV). For
polarized lampholders as well as for dual contact ignition voltage lampholders, the two rated
pulse voltages shall be separated by an oblique stroke (e. g. 15/2,5 kV or 5/2,5 kV).
If a lamp holder is intended to be used for dual contact ignition voltages this information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For polarized lampholders the figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the higher
pulse voltage, the figure behind represents the rated pulse voltage based on the impulse
withstand category of the lampholder. For dual contact ignition voltage lampholders the figure
marked before the oblique stroke represents the total ignition voltage, the figure behind the
oblique stroke represents the ignition voltage from the contacts to the mounting surface or the
outer accessible surface.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
For lampholders according to this standard, the distances for impulse withstand category II
are usually applicable. For holders in equipment where a higher degree of availability is
expected, distances for impulse withstand category III may be applicable. This information
has to be indicated in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like.
Enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders offer an adequate level of protection for use in
luminaires where they are accessible in normal use. This information shall be indicated in the
manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For partly reinforced insulated lampholders, sufficient creepage distances and clearances to
outer accessible surfaces will require additional protection to some parts of the lampholder by
the luminaire design or by use of additional attachment(s) or cover(s). This information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
7.3 The instructions supplied by the holder manufacturer or responsible vendor shall
contain all the information required to ensure correct mounting and operation of the
connectors or holders.
NOTE The information could be part of the manufacturer's or responsible vendor's catalogue.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.4 Marking shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, after the tests of 17.6 have been completed, by
trying to remove the marking by rubbing lightly for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water
and for a further 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.

After the test the marking shall still be legible.
NOTE The petroleum spirit used typically consists of a solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum
0,1 volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-point of
approximately 69 °C and a specific density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Enclosed lampholders shall be so constructed that, when the holder has been built in or
installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not accessible
– without a lamp inserted;
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion or removal of the lamp.
For lampholders which have been in use for a long time, such as B22d-3, BY22d, G22, G38,
P28s, P30s and P40, the above requirement applies only with the appropriate lamp inserted.
The insertion of only one pin of the lamp (in case of caps with more than one pin) to the first
point of contact with live parts shall be prevented.
Lampholders G22 and G38 are exempted from this requirement.
Compliance is checked by means of the standard test finger specified in IEC 60529.This test
finger is applied in every possible position with a force not exceeding 10 N, an electrical
indicator being used to show contact with live parts.
It is recommended that a voltage of not less than 40 V be used.
The lampholders are mounted as in normal use, i.e. on a supporting surface or the like with
the most unfavourable conductor size fitted for which it is intended before being subjected to
the above test.
Unenclosed lampholders are only tested after appropriate installation in a luminaire or other
additional enclosure when that equipment is tested according to its own standard.
8.2 Lampholders for double-ended lamps shall be so constructed that, when the two
holders have been built in or installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not
accessible
– without a lamp inserted,
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion and removal of the lamp.
In case of lampholders R7s/RX7s, a test which simulates insertion or removal of the lamp is
not available because in both cases testing has to be done against the spring force of the
single contact. This situation does not give the repeatability required for judgement.
Therefore, this test is replaced by one with the lamp inserted.
Compliance is checked in accordance with IEC 60061 or unless otherwise specified in
IEC 60061, with the standard test finger.
9 Terminals
9.1 Lampholders shall be provided with at least one of the following means of connection:
– screw-type terminals;
– 14 – IEC 60838-1:2016 © IEC 2016
– screwless terminals;
– tabs or pins for push-on connections;
– posts for wire wrapping;
– soldering lugs;
– connecting leads (tails).
Terminal screws and nuts shall have a metric ISO thread.
Lampholders with screwless terminals, unless intended for sale to luminaire or equipment
manufacturers, shall be provided with terminals which are equally satisfactory with both rigid
(solid or stranded) conductors and flexible cables or cords.
Other means of connection than those specified are permitted provided they are equal in
performance to the methods listed. An example for such a means of connection is a contact of
a lampholder for extra low voltage halogen lamps providing electrical connection to a metal
part of the luminaire during lampholder assembly.
Compliance is checked by the tests of 9.2 or 9.3 respectively.
9.2 Terminals shall comply with the following requirements.
– Screw-type terminals shall comply with Section 14 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Screwless terminals shall comply with Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Tabs or pins for push-on connections shall comply with Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
– Posts for wire wrapping shall comply with IEC 60352-1. Wire wrapping applies only to
single solid round wire for internal wiring.
– Soldering lugs shall comply with the requirements for good solderability. Suitable require-
ments can be found in IEC 60068-2-20.
– Connecting leads (tails) shall comply with the requirements prescribed in 9.3.
For T-marked lampholders, the terminals are tested at the rated operating temperature,
unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
Lampholders for extra low voltage halogen lamps, having a contact providing electrical
connection to a metal part of the luminaire during lampholder assembly are for use of
luminaire manufacturers only and are not for retail sale.
The conditions for a reliable installation and operation shall be given in the lampholder
manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s documents, in particular restrictions on the use of
materials, essential dimensions and tolerances for lampholder fixation in the luminaire.
Lampholder contacts providing electrical connection to a metal part of the luminaire during
lampholder assembly shall comply with the requirements of Section 15 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
Compliance is checked by the relevant tests.
9.3 Connecting leads (tails) shall be connected to the lampholder by soldering, welding,
crimping or any other at least equivalent method.
Leads shall consist of insulated conductors. The insulation of the leads shall be at least equal
in their mechanical and electrical properties to those specified in the IEC 60227 series or
IEC 60245 series or comply with the relevant requirements given in 5.3 of IEC 60598-1:2014.
Insulation of the free end of the leads may be stripped.

Fixing of the leads to the holder shall withstand the mechanical efforts which may occur in
normal use.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the following test which is made after the test of
Clause 16 on the same three specimens.
Each connecting lead is subjected to a pull of 20 N. The pull is applied without jerks for 1 min
in the most unfavourable direction. During the test, leads should not move from their fixing.
If, however, certain pull directions are not allowed according to the mounting instructions this
shall be taken into account.
After the test, the lampholders shall show no damage within the meaning of this standard.
10 Provision for earthing
10.1 Lampholders, with provision for earthing other than those provided with connecting
leads, shall have at least one earthing terminal.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
NOTE Lampholders intended to be earthed but not provided with an earthing terminal or with connecting leads are
not for retail sale.
10.2 Accessible metal parts of lampholders with an earthing terminal which may become live
in the event of an insulation fault shall be permanently and reliably connected to the earthing
terminal.
Accessible metal parts of lampholders without an earthing terminal which may become live in
the event of an insulation fault shall allow reliable earthing.
...

IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.2 2020-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
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Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

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IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.2 2020-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –

Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-7943-4

IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.2 2020-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

– 2 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General requirement . 11
5 General conditions for tests . 11
6 Classification . 12
7 Marking . 13
8 Protection against electric shock . 15
9 Terminals . 16
10 Provision for earthing . 17
11 Construction . 18
12 Moisture resistance, insulation resistance and electric strength . 20
13 Mechanical strength . 21
14 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 22
15 Creepage distances and clearances . 23
16 Endurance . 30
17 Resistance to heat and fire . 31
18 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 34
Annex A (informative) Lampholders covered by this standard . 36
Annex B (normative informative) Suitable metals . 38
Annex C (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 39
Annex D (normative) Pendulum impact test apparatus . 41
Annex E (informative) Schedule of amended clauses and subclauses containing more
serious/critical requirements which require products to be retested Clauses containing
new or more stringent requirements with respect to the previous edition . 43
Annex F (informative) Guidance on working voltages U . 44
out
Bibliography . 46

Figure 1 – Ball-pressure test apparatus . 32
Figure D.1 – Impact test apparatus . 41
Figure D.2 – Mounting fixture . 42

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance . 21
Table 2 – Height of fall . 22
Table 2a – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz −
Impulse withstand category II . 24
Table 2b – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz −
Impulse withstand category III . 26
Table 3 – Minimum distances for non-sinusoidal ignition pulse voltages or equivalent
transformed peak voltages U 29
p .
Table A.1 – Lampholders covered by this standard . 36

+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
Table C.1 – Test solution . 39

– 4 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendments has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 60838-1 edition 5.2 contains the fifth edition (2016-05) [documents 34B/1850A/FDIS
and 34B/1856/RVD], its amendment 1 (2017-02) [documents 34B/1888/FDIS and
34B/1891/RVD] and its amendment 2 (2020-02) [documents 34B/2071/FDIS and 34B/2076/
RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content
is modified by amendments 1 and 2. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available
in this publication.
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
International Standard IEC 60838-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes in this edition with respect to the previous edition include
the introduction of new or revised requirements for single and dual contact ignition voltages,
steel test caps and brass test caps and an Annex E listing amended requirements/clauses
which require products to be retested.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60838 series, published under the general title Miscellaneous
lampholders, can be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60838 applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building-in
(to be used with general purpose light sources, projection lamps, floodlighting lamps and
street-lighting lamps with caps as listed in Annex A) and the methods of test to be used in
determining the safe use of lamps in lampholders.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire. It covers
the requirements for the lampholder only.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders integrated in an outer shell and dome similar
to Edison screw lampholders. Such lampholders are further tested in accordance with the
relevant clauses of IEC 60238.
Requirements for lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps, Edison screw lampholders and
bayonet lampholders are covered by separate standards.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60061 (all parts), Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60061)
IEC 60061-2, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 2: Lampholders
IEC 60061-3, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60112:2003/AMD1:2009
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60238, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
IEC 60352-1, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General requirements,
test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1:2014, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60598-1:2014/AMD1:2017
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 1456, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel, nickel
plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium
ISO 2081, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings of zinc with
supplementary treatments on iron or steel
ISO 2093, Electroplated coatings of tin – Specification and test methods
ISO 4046-4:2002, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
board grades and converted products
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
lampholder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage that may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp is removed
___________
A consolidated version of this publication exists, comprising IEC 60529:1989, IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999 and
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013.
– 8 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
3.3
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
3.4
lampholder for building-in
lampholder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.4.1
unenclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example
enclosures, to meet the requirements of this standard with regard to protection against
electric shock
3.4.2
enclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it fulfils on its own the requirements of this
standard with regard to protection against electric shock
3.5
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the lampholder is designed
3.6
rated pulse ignition voltage
highest peak value of an ignition pulse voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.7
lamp connector
set of contacts specially designed to provide for electrical contact but not supporting the lamp
3.8
type test
test or series of tests made on a type test sample, for the purpose of checking compliance of
the design of a given product with the requirements of the relevant standard
3.9
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar specimens submitted by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor for the purpose of a type test
3.10
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.11
impulse withstand category
numeral defining a transient overvoltage condition
Note 1 to entry: Impulse withstand categories I, II, III and IV are used.
a) Purpose of classification of impulse withstand categories
Impulse withstand categories are to distinguish different degrees of availability of equipment with regard to
required expectations on continuity of service and on an acceptable risk of failure.
By selection of impulse withstand levels of equipment, insulation co-ordination can be achieved in the whole
installation reducing the risk of failure to an acceptable level providing a basis for overvoltage control.
A higher characteristic numeral of an impulse withstand category indicates a higher specific impulse withstand
of the equipment and offers a wider choice of methods for overvoltage control.

+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
The concept of impulse withstand categories is used for equipment energized directly from the mains.
b) Description of impulse withstand categories
Equipment of impulse withstand category I is equipment which is intended to be connected to the fixed
electrical installations of buildings. Protective means are taken outside the equipment – either in the fixed
installation or between the fixed installation and the equipment – to limit transient overvoltages to the specific
level.
Equipment of impulse withstand category II is equipment to be connected to the fixed electrical installations of
buildings.
Equipment of impulse withstand category III is equipment which is part of the fixed electrical installations and
other equipment where a higher degree of availability is expected.
Equipment of impulse withstand category IV is for use at or in the proximity of the origin of the electrical
installations of buildings upstream of the main distribution board.
3.12
primary circuit
circuit which is directly connected to the AC mains supply
Note 1 to entry: It includes, for example, the means for connection to the AC mains supply, the primary windings
of transformers, motors and other loading devices.
3.13
secondary circuit
circuit which has no direct connection to a primary circuit and derives its power from a
transformer, converter or equivalent isolation device, or from a battery
Note 1 to entry: Exception: autotransformers. Although having direct connection to a primary circuit, the tapped
part of them is also deemed to be a secondary circuit as defined above.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. Also
inductive ballasts reduce the mains transient voltage height. Therefore, components located after a primary circuit
or after an inductive ballast can be suited for an impulse withstand category of one step lower, i.e. for impulse
withstand category II.
3.14
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
Note 1 to entry: Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
3.15
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation
3.16
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.17
reinforced insulation
single insulation system applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against
electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified
Note 1 to entry: The term "insulation system" does not imply that the insulation shall be one homogeneous piece.
It may comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.18
enclosed reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements for double or
reinforced insulated parts in class II applications

– 10 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
3.19
partly reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in, so designed that some parts of the lampholder require additional
means to fulfil the requirements with regard to double or reinforced insulation
Note 1 to entry: In some cases, the dimensions might be achieved only after mounting into the luminaire.
3.20
polarized lampholder
lampholder for building-in, specially designed for asymmetric rated pulse ignition voltages,
where the rated ignition voltage (higher rated pulse ignition voltage) is designated to a fixed
contact
3.21
single contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which appears on one contact of the lampholder only
3.22
dual contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which is split between the two contacts of the lampholder
3.23
critical frequency
ƒ
crit
frequency at which the reduction of the breakdown voltage of a clearance begins (occurs)
Note 1 to entry: ƒ ≈ 0,2/d [MHz] where d (in mm) is the clearance according to Table 3 (basic or supplementary
crit
insulation and reinforced insulation respectively) disregarding the frequency.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.40, modified — the note has been added]
3.24
ignition voltage
peak voltage applied to ignite a discharge lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46]
3.24.1
ignition pulse voltage
peak ignition voltage with a total duration of ≤ 750 µs (summation of all pulse durations) within
10 ms, with the duration time (width) of each pulse being measured at the level of 50% of the
maximum absolute peak value
Note 1 to entry: Ignition pulse waveforms, which are considered as ignition pulse voltage, should not contain any
dominant frequency above 30 kHz or should be usually highly damped (after 20 µs the peak voltage level should be
less than one half of the maximum peak voltage). For the assessment of the dominant frequency
IEC 60664-4:2005, Annex E should be consulted.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46.1]
3.25
maximum working voltage
U
out
maximum occurring working voltage (r.m.s.) between the output terminals of a controlgear or
between the output terminals and earth, during normal or abnormal operating condition
Note 1 to entry: Transients and ignition voltages have to be neglected.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.33, modified — "of a controlgear" has been added]

+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
3.26
maximum working peak output voltage
Û
out
maximum repetitive occurring peak working voltage between the output terminals of a
controlgear or between its output terminals and earth, during normal or abnormal operating
condition and with transients neglected
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.45, modified — "of a controlgear" has been added]
3.27
equivalent transformed peak voltage
U
p
transformed output peak voltage, which is converted for the worst case peak voltage with its
related frequency into an ignition pulse voltage
Note 1 to entry: The value of the declared equivalent transformed output peak voltage is the essential parameter
for selecting the associated components
Note 2 to entry: See 3.24.1
Note 3 to entry: To determine the declared equivalent transformed output peak voltage for basic insulation U
p
[basic] the worst case combination of the maximum occurring peak voltage and frequency has to be taken into
account, which means the maximum clearance according to IEC 61347-1:2015, Table 10 for basic insulation.
Note 4 to entry: To determine the declared equivalent transformed output peak voltage for the reinforced
insulation U [reinforced] the worst case combination of the maximum occurring peak voltage and frequency has to
p
be taken into account, which means the maximum clearance according to IEC 61347-1:2015, Table 11 for
reinforced insulation.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.47]
4 General requirement
Lampholders shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they function reliably
and cause no danger to persons or surroundings.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
NOTE 1 The requirements and tolerances permitted by the standard are related to testing of type test sample
submitted for that purpose. Compliance of type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of
a manufacturer with this safety standard. Conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can
include routine tests and quality assurance in addition to type testing.
NOTE 2 For further information on conformity testing during manufacture see IEC 60061-4.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are made at an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C and with the holder in the most unfavourable position for normal use.
If a lampholder is declared to accept different lamp fits, it shall comply with the requirements
of each of the fits mentioned.
Compliance is checked with separate sets of specimens according to 5.3.
If the use of different lamp fits in turn is permitted by the manufacturer, only one set of
specimens is used to check compliance with all requirements.

– 12 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
For all tests the most critical of the relevant fits and gauges shall be used and in the most
onerous sequence.
5.3 The tests and inspections are carried out in the order of the clauses, on a total of
– 10 pairs of matching holders intended for linear double-capped lamps;
If a pair of holders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient that one holder instead of
one pair is subjected to all the tests, except for the tests of Clause 8, of 11.2, 11.3, of
Clause 13, Clause 16 and of 17.6 where pairs are needed.
– 10 specimens intended for single-capped lamps;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 4 up to and including Clause 15 (except for 9.2);
NOTE The tests of 9.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 16 and 17.6;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.1;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.3;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.4;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.5 and Clause 18.
Together with these units, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 7.3) shall be
supplied.
In such cases, where according to the mounting instructions the rated pulse ignition voltage of
the holder can only be achieved with a cap inserted, suitable caps shall be supplied together
with the type test sample. The relevant tests are then carried out with a cap inserted.
5.4 Lampholders are deemed to comply with this standard if no specimen fails in the
complete series of tests specified in 5.3.
If one specimen fails in one test, that test and the preceding ones which may have influenced
the result of that test are repeated on another set of specimens for the number required by
5.3, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent tests.
Lampholders are deemed not to comply with this standard if there are more failures than one.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of specimens, the additional set which
may be needed in case of failure of one specimen. The testing station shall then, without
further request, test the additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs.
If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen
will entail the rejection.
6 Classification
Lampholders are classified as follows.
6.1 According to their installation conditions
− unenclosed lampholders;
− enclosed lampholders;
− partly reinforced insulated lampholders;

+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
− enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
NOTE 1 Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it can be
regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.
6.2 According to their resistance to heat:
– for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;
– for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C (T-marked lampholders).
The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder which makes
electrical contact with the lamp cap/base. If the heat resistance of insulating parts, terminals
and leads of the lampholder deviates from this operating temperature, these different values
shall be stated in the manufacturer's catalogue and are checked after appropriate installation
in a luminaire or other additional enclosure, when that equipment is tested according to its
own standard.
6.3 According to polarization
− non-polarized lampholders;
− polarized lampholders.
6.4 According to the application of ignition voltages
− lampholders for single-contact ignition voltages
− lampholders for dual-contact ignition voltages
NOTE 2 By using dual contact ignition voltages advantage can be taken of reduced creepage distance and
clearance requirements.
7 Marking
7.1 Lampholders shall be marked with the following mandatory markings:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) either a unique catalogue number or an identifying reference.
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer such as printed catalogues or online
catalogues shall allow a clear identification of a lampholder either by a unique catalogue
number or by an identifying reference on the holder, specifying the essential characteristic
features and the basic design of the product supplemented by a clear description. Variations
of the basic design, for example different cable length, fixing means, colours, which do not
affect safety or performance of the lampholder, may be disregarded in the type reference
marked on the product. Variations included in the type testing procedure are listed in the
corresponding test reports.
If a combination of lampholder components determines the lampholder designation, for
example an assembly of a lamp connector and a retaining spring, the combination should be
clearly identifiable.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall be given
either on the lampholder or be made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like:
a) the rated voltage in volts and rated pulse ignition voltage in kilovolts (kV), if applicable.
For polarized lampholders, the rated voltage in volts and the pair of rated pulse ignition
voltages;
– 14 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
NOTE 1 Some lampholders still show rated voltages higher than 500 V. This is an earlier way of expressing
the permissible pulse ignition voltage via a rated voltage. For such lampholders, the creepage distances and
clearances can be found in IEC 60598-1.
b) the rated current in amperes;
c) the rated operating temperature T, if greater than 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C;
d) the conductor sizes for which the terminal is designed;
e) the high voltage arrow (see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10) for polarized lampholders to identify
the connection for the higher pulse ignition voltage, if applicable. It shall be visible close to
the relevant terminal or wire entry during lampholder installation;
f) information on the application of ignition voltages.
If symbols are used, these shall be as follows.
For electrical rating:
– volt: V;
– ampere: A;
– watt: W;
– pulse ignition voltage: kV;
− high pulse ignition voltage terminal/wire on polarized lampholders:
(see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10)
NOTE 2 Alternatively, for volt and ampere ratings, figures can be used alone, the figure for the rated current
being marked before or above that for the rated voltage and separated from the latter by an oblique stroke or line.
Therefore the marking of current and voltage can be as follows:
2 A 250 V or 2/250 or
For the rated pulse ignition voltage, the symbol shall be preceded by its value (e. g. 5 kV). For
polarized lampholders as well as for dual contact ignition voltage lampholders, the two rated
pulse ignition voltages shall be separated by an oblique stroke (e. g. 15/2,5 kV or 5/2,5 kV).
If a lamp holder is intended to be used for dual contact ignition voltages this information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For polarized lampholders the figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the higher
pulse ignition voltage, the figure behind represents the rated pulse ignition voltage based on
the impulse withstand category of the lampholder. For dual contact ignition voltage
lampholders the figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the total ignition voltage,
the figure behind the oblique stroke represents the ignition voltage from the contacts to the
mounting surface or the outer accessible surface.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
For lampholders according to this standard, the distances for impulse withstand category II
are usually applicable. For holders in equipment where a higher degree of availability is
expected, distances for impulse withstand category III may be applicable. This information
has to be indicated in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like.
Enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders offer an adequate level of protection for use in
luminaires where they are accessible in normal use. This information shall be indicated in the
manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For partly reinforced insulated lampholders, sufficient creepage distances and clearances to
outer accessible surfaces will require additional protection to some parts of the lampholder by

+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
the luminaire design or by use of additional attachment(s) or cover(s). This information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
7.3 The instructions supplied by the holder manufacturer or responsible vendor shall
contain all the information required to ensure correct mounting and operation of the
connectors or holders. (For example information regarding UV radiation, frequency limitations,
increased creepage distances, PTI or the like)
NOTE The information could be part of the manufacturer's or responsible vendor's catalogue.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.4 Marking shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, after the tests of 17.6 have been completed, by
trying to remove the marking by rubbing lightly for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water
and for a further 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
After the test the marking shall still be legible.
NOTE The petroleum spirit used typically consists of a solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum
0,1 volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-point of
approximately 69 °C and a specific density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Enclosed lampholders shall be so constructed that, when the holder has been built in or
installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not accessible
– without a lamp inserted;
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion or removal of the lamp.
For lampholders which have been in use for a long time, such as B22d-3, BY22d, G22, G38,
P28s, P30s and P40, the above requirement applies only with the appropriate lamp inserted.
The insertion of only one pin of the lamp (in case of caps with more than one pin) to the first
point of contact with live parts shall be prevented.
Lampholders G22 and G38 are exempted from this requirement.
Compliance is checked by means of the standard test finger specified in IEC 60529.This test
finger is applied in every possible position with a force not exceeding 10 N, an electrical
indicator being used to show contact with live parts.
It is recommended that a voltage of not less than 40 V be used.
The lampholders are mounted as in normal use, i.e. on a supporting surface or the like with
the most unfavourable conductor size fitted for which it is intended before being subjected to
the above test.
Unenclosed lampholders are only tested after appropriate installation in a luminaire or other
additional enclosure when that equipment is tested according to its own standard.
8.2 Lampholders for double-ended lamps shall be so constructed that, when the two
holders have been built in or installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not
accessible
– 16 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017
+AMD2:2020 CSV © IEC 2020
– without a lamp inserted,
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion and removal of the lamp.
In case of lampholders R7s/RX7s, a test which simulates insertion or removal of the lamp is
not available because in both cases testing has to be done against the spring force of the
single contact. Thi
...

IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.1 2017-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

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IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.1 2017-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –

Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-3950-6

IEC 60838-1 ®
Edition 5.1 2017-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Miscellaneous lampholders –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

Douilles diverses pour lampes –
Partie 1: Exigences générales et essais

– 2 – IEC 60838-1:2016+AMD1:2017 CSV
© IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirement . 10
5 General conditions for tests . 10
6 Classification . 11
7 Marking . 12
8 Protection against electric shock . 14
9 Terminals . 15
10 Provision for earthing . 16
11 Construction . 17
12 Moisture resistance, insulation resistance and electric strength . 18
13 Mechanical strength . 20
14 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 21
15 Creepage distances and clearances . 21
16 Endurance . 27
17 Resistance to heat and fire . 28
18 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 31
Annex A (informative) Lampholders covered by this standard . 33
Annex B (normative) Suitable metals . 35
Annex C (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 36
Annex D (normative) Pendulum impact test apparatus . 38
Annex E (informative) Schedule of amended clauses and subclauses containing more
serious/critical requirements which require products to be retested Clauses containing
new or more stringent requirements with respect to the previous edition . 40
Bibliography . 41

Figure 1 – Ball-pressure test apparatus . 29
Figure D.1 – Impact test apparatus . 38
Figure D.2 – Mounting fixture . 39

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance . 19
Table 2 – Height of fall . 20
Table 2a – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz −
Impulse withstand category II . 22
Table 2b – Minimum distances for AC (50 Hz/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz −
Impulse withstand category III . 24
Table 3 – Minimum distances for non sinusoidal ignition pulse voltages or equivalent
peak voltages U . 26
p
Table A.1 – Lampholders covered by this standard . 33
Table C.1 – Test solution . 36

© IEC 2017
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of 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, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). 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. 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 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 IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been prepared
for user convenience.
IEC 60838-1 edition 5.1 contains the fifth edition (2016-05) [documents 34B/1850A/FDIS and
34B/1856/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2017-02) [documents 34B/1888/FDIS and 34B/1891/RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content is
modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text. A
separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publication.

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© IEC 2017
International Standard IEC 60838-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes in this edition with respect to the previous edition include
the introduction of new or revised requirements for single and dual contact ignition voltages,
steel test caps and brass test caps and an Annex E listing amended requirements/clauses
which require products to be retested.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60838 series, published under the general title Miscellaneous
lampholders, can be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following type is used:
– compliance statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
© IEC 2017
MISCELLANEOUS LAMPHOLDERS –
Part 1: General requirements and tests

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60838 applies to lampholders of miscellaneous types intended for building-in
(to be used with general purpose light sources, projection lamps, floodlighting lamps and
street-lighting lamps with caps as listed in Annex A) and the methods of test to be used in
determining the safe use of lamps in lampholders.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire. It covers
the requirements for the lampholder only.
This part of IEC 60838 also covers lampholders integrated in an outer shell and dome similar
to Edison screw lampholders. Such lampholders are further tested in accordance with the
relevant clauses of IEC 60238.
Requirements for lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps, Edison screw lampholders and
bayonet lampholders are covered by separate standards.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60061 (all parts), Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60061)
IEC 60061-2, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 2: Lampholders
IEC 60061-3, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety – Part 3: Gauges
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60112:2003/AMD1:2009
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60238, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
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© IEC 2017
IEC 60352-1, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General requirements,
test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1:2014, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60664-1, Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 1456, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electrodeposited coatings of nickel, nickel
plus chromium, copper plus nickel and of copper plus nickel plus chromium
ISO 2081, Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings of zinc with
supplementary treatments on iron or steel
ISO 2093, Electroplated coatings of tin – Specification and test methods
ISO 4046-4:2002, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
board grades and converted products
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
lampholder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage that may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp is removed
3.3
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
___________
A consolidated version of this publication exists, comprising IEC 60529:1989, IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999 and
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013.
© IEC 2017
3.4
lampholder for building-in
lampholder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.4.1
unenclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example
enclosures, to meet the requirements of this standard with regard to protection against
electric shock
3.4.2
enclosed lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that it fulfils on its own the requirements of this
standard with regard to protection against electric shock
3.5
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the lampholder is designed
3.6
rated pulse ignition voltage
highest peak value of an ignition pulse voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.7
lamp connector
set of contacts specially designed to provide for electrical contact but not supporting the lamp
3.8
type test
test or series of tests made on a type test sample, for the purpose of checking compliance of
the design of a given product with the requirements of the relevant standard
3.9
type test sample
sample consisting of one or more similar specimens submitted by the manufacturer or
responsible vendor for the purpose of a type test
3.10
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.11
impulse withstand category
numeral defining a transient overvoltage condition
Note 1 to entry: Impulse withstand categories I, II, III and IV are used.
a) Purpose of classification of impulse withstand categories
Impulse withstand categories are to distinguish different degrees of availability of equipment with regard to
required expectations on continuity of service and on an acceptable risk of failure.
By selection of impulse withstand levels of equipment, insulation co-ordination can be achieved in the whole
installation reducing the risk of failure to an acceptable level providing a basis for overvoltage control.
A higher characteristic numeral of an impulse withstand category indicates a higher specific impulse withstand
of the equipment and offers a wider choice of methods for overvoltage control.
The concept of impulse withstand categories is used for equipment energized directly from the mains.
b) Description of impulse withstand categories
Equipment of impulse withstand category I is equipment which is intended to be connected to the fixed
electrical installations of buildings. Protective means are taken outside the equipment – either in the fixed

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© IEC 2017
installation or between the fixed installation and the equipment – to limit transient overvoltages to the specific
level.
Equipment of impulse withstand category II is equipment to be connected to the fixed electrical installations of
buildings.
Equipment of impulse withstand category III is equipment which is part of the fixed electrical installations and
other equipment where a higher degree of availability is expected.
Equipment of impulse withstand category IV is for use at or in the proximity of the origin of the electrical
installations of buildings upstream of the main distribution board.
3.12
primary circuit
circuit which is directly connected to the AC mains supply
Note 1 to entry: It includes, for example, the means for connection to the AC mains supply, the primary windings
of transformers, motors and other loading devices.
3.13
secondary circuit
circuit which has no direct connection to a primary circuit and derives its power from a
transformer, converter or equivalent isolation device, or from a battery
Note 1 to entry: Exception: autotransformers. Although having direct connection to a primary circuit, the tapped
part of them is also deemed to be a secondary circuit as defined above.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. Also
inductive ballasts reduce the mains transient voltage height. Therefore, components located after a primary circuit
or after an inductive ballast can be suited for an impulse withstand category of one step lower, i.e. for impulse
withstand category II.
3.14
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
Note 1 to entry: Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
3.15
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation
3.16
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.17
reinforced insulation
single insulation system applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against
electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified
Note 1 to entry: The term "insulation system" does not imply that the insulation shall be one homogeneous piece.
It may comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.18
enclosed reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements for double or
reinforced insulated parts in class II applications
3.19
partly reinforced insulated lampholder
lampholder for building-in, so designed that some parts of the lampholder require additional
means to fulfil the requirements with regard to double or reinforced insulation
Note 1 to entry: In some cases, the dimensions might be achieved only after mounting into the luminaire.

© IEC 2017
3.20
polarized lampholder
lampholder for building-in, specially designed for asymmetric rated pulse ignition voltages,
where the rated ignition voltage (higher rated pulse ignition voltage) is designated to a fixed
contact
3.21
single contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which appears on one contact of the lampholder only
3.22
dual contact ignition voltage
ignition voltage which is split between the two contacts of the lampholder
3.23
critical frequency
ƒ
crit
frequency at which the reduction of the breakdown voltage of a clearance begins (occurs)
Note 1 to entry: ƒ ≈ 0,2/d [MHz] where d (in mm) is the clearance according to Table 3 (basic or supplementary
crit
insulation and reinforced insulation respectively) disregarding the frequency.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.40, modified — the note has been added]
3.24
ignition voltage
peak voltage applied to ignite a discharge lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46]
3.24.1
ignition pulse voltage
peak ignition voltage with a total duration of ≤ 750 µs (summation of all pulse durations) within
10 ms, with the duration time (width) of each pulse being measured at the level of 50% of the
maximum absolute peak value
Note 1 to entry: Ignition pulse waveforms, which are considered as ignition pulse voltage, should not contain any
dominant frequency above 30 kHz or should be usually highly damped (after 20 µs the peak voltage level should be
less than one half of the maximum peak voltage). For the assessment of the dominant frequency
IEC 60664-4:2005, Annex E should be consulted.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46.1]
3.25
maximum working voltage
U
out
maximum occurring working voltage (r.m.s.) between the output terminals of a controlgear or
between the output terminals and earth, during normal or abnormal operating condition
Note 1 to entry: Transients and ignition voltages have to be neglected.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.33, modified — "of a controlgear" has been added]
3.26
maximum working peak output voltage
Û
out
maximum repetitive occurring peak working voltage between the output terminals of a
controlgear or between its output terminals and earth, during normal or abnormal operating
condition and with transients neglected

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© IEC 2017
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.45, modified — "of a controlgear" has been added]
3.27
equivalent transformed peak voltage
U
p
transformed output peak voltage, which is converted for the worst case peak voltage with its
related frequency into an ignition pulse voltage
Note 1 to entry: The value of the declared equivalent transformed output peak voltage is the essential parameter
for selecting the associated components
Note 2 to entry: See 3.24.1
Note 3 to entry: To determine the declared equivalent transformed output peak voltage for basic insulation U
p
[basic] the worst case combination of the maximum occurring peak voltage and frequency has to be taken into
account, which means the maximum clearance according to IEC 61347-1:2015, Table 10 for basic insulation.
Note 4 to entry: To determine the declared equivalent transformed output peak voltage for the reinforced
insulation U [reinforced] the worst case combination of the maximum occurring peak voltage and frequency has to
p
be taken into account, which means the maximum clearance according to IEC 61347-1:2015, Table 11 for
reinforced insulation.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.47]
4 General requirement
Lampholders shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they function reliably
and cause no danger to persons or surroundings.
In general, compliance is checked by carrying out all the tests specified.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
NOTE 1 The requirements and tolerances permitted by the standard are related to testing of type test sample
submitted for that purpose. Compliance of type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of
a manufacturer with this safety standard. Conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can
include routine tests and quality assurance in addition to type testing.
NOTE 2 For further information on conformity testing during manufacture see IEC 60061-4.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are made at an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C and with the holder in the most unfavourable position for normal use.
If a lampholder is declared to accept different lamp fits, it shall comply with the requirements
of each of the fits mentioned.
Compliance is checked with separate sets of specimens according to 5.3.
If the use of different lamp fits in turn is permitted by the manufacturer, only one set of
specimens is used to check compliance with all requirements.
For all tests the most critical of the relevant fits and gauges shall be used and in the most
onerous sequence.
5.3 The tests and inspections are carried out in the order of the clauses, on a total of
– 10 pairs of matching holders intended for linear double-capped lamps;

© IEC 2017
If a pair of holders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient that one holder instead of
one pair is subjected to all the tests, except for the tests of Clause 8, of 11.2, 11.3, of
Clause 13, Clause 16 and of 17.6 where pairs are needed.
– 10 specimens intended for single-capped lamps;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 4 up to and including Clause 15 (except for 9.2);
NOTE The tests of 9.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: Clause 16 and 17.6;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.1;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.3;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.4;
– one pair or one specimen: 17.5 and Clause 18.
Together with these units, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 7.3) shall be
supplied.
In such cases, where according to the mounting instructions the rated pulse voltage of the
holder can only be achieved with a cap inserted, suitable caps shall be supplied together with
the type test sample. The relevant tests are then carried out with a cap inserted.
5.4 Lampholders are deemed to comply with this standard if no specimen fails in the
complete series of tests specified in 5.3.
If one specimen fails in one test, that test and the preceding ones which may have influenced
the result of that test are repeated on another set of specimens for the number required by
5.3, all of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent tests.
Lampholders are deemed not to comply with this standard if there are more failures than one.
The applicant may submit, together with the first set of specimens, the additional set which
may be needed in case of failure of one specimen. The testing station shall then, without
further request, test the additional specimens and will reject only if a further failure occurs.
If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen
will entail the rejection.
6 Classification
Lampholders are classified as follows.
6.1 According to their installation conditions
− unenclosed lampholders;
− enclosed lampholders;
− partly reinforced insulated lampholders;
− enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
NOTE 1 Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it can be
regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.
6.2 According to their resistance to heat:
– for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;

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© IEC 2017
– for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C (T-marked lampholders).
The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder which makes
electrical contact with the lamp cap/base. If the heat resistance of insulating parts, terminals
and leads of the lampholder deviates from this operating temperature, these different values
shall be stated in the manufacturer's catalogue and are checked after appropriate installation
in a luminaire or other additional enclosure, when that equipment is tested according to its
own standard.
6.3 According to polarization
− non-polarized lampholders;
− polarized lampholders.
6.4 According to the application of ignition voltages
− lampholders for single-contact ignition voltages
− lampholders for dual-contact ignition voltages
NOTE 2 By using dual contact ignition voltages advantage can be taken of reduced creepage distance and
clearance requirements.
7 Marking
7.1 Lampholders shall be marked with the following mandatory markings:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) either a unique catalogue number or an identifying reference.
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer such as printed catalogues or online
catalogues shall allow a clear identification of a lampholder either by a unique catalogue
number or by an identifying reference on the holder, specifying the essential characteristic
features and the basic design of the product supplemented by a clear description. Variations
of the basic design, for example different cable length, fixing means, colours, which do not
affect safety or performance of the lampholder, may be disregarded in the type reference
marked on the product. Variations included in the type testing procedure are listed in the
corresponding test reports.
If a combination of lampholder components determines the lampholder designation, for
example an assembly of a lamp connector and a retaining spring, the combination should be
clearly identifiable.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall be given
either on the lampholder or be made available in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like:
a) the rated voltage in volts and rated pulse ignition voltage in kilovolts (kV), if applicable.
For polarized lampholders, the rated voltage in volts and the pair of rated pulse ignition
voltages;
NOTE 1 Some lampholders still show rated voltages higher than 500 V. This is an earlier way of expressing
the permissible pulse ignition voltage via a rated voltage. For such lampholders, the creepage distances and
clearances can be found in IEC 60598-1.
b) the rated current in amperes;
c) the rated operating temperature T, if greater than 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C;
d) the conductor sizes for which the terminal is designed;

© IEC 2017
e) the high voltage arrow (see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10) for polarized lampholders to identify
the connection for the higher pulse ignition voltage, if applicable. It shall be visible close to
the relevant terminal or wire entry during lampholder installation;
f) information on the application of ignition voltages.
If symbols are used, these shall be as follows.
For electrical rating:
– volt: V;
– ampere: A;
– watt: W;
– pulse voltage: kV;
− high pulse ignition voltage terminal/wire on polarized lampholders:
(see IEC 60417-5036:2002-10)
NOTE 2 Alternatively, for volt and ampere ratings, figures can be used alone, the figure for the rated current
being marked before or above that for the rated voltage and separated from the latter by an oblique stroke or line.
Therefore the marking of current and voltage can be as follows:
2 A 250 V or 2/250 or
For the rated pulse ignition voltage, the symbol shall be preceded by its value (e. g. 5 kV). For
polarized lampholders as well as for dual contact ignition voltage lampholders, the two rated
pulse ignition voltages shall be separated by an oblique stroke (e. g. 15/2,5 kV or 5/2,5 kV).
NOTE 3 The figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the higher ignition voltage, the figure behind
represents the rated ignition voltage at least based on the impulse withstand category of the lampholder.
If a lamp holder is intended to be used for dual contact ignition voltages this information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For polarized lampholders the figure marked before the oblique stroke represents the higher
pulse voltage, the figure behind represents the rated pulse voltage based on the impulse
withstand category of the lampholder. For dual contact ignition voltage lampholders the figure
marked before the oblique stroke represents the total ignition voltage, the figure behind the
oblique stroke represents the ignition voltage from the contacts to the mounting surface or the
outer accessible surface.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
For lampholders according to this standard, the distances for impulse withstand category II
are usually applicable. For holders in equipment where a higher degree of availability is
expected, distances for impulse withstand category III may be applicable. This information
has to be indicated in the manufacturer's catalogue or the like.
Enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders offer an adequate level of protection for use in
luminaires where they are accessible in normal use. This information shall be indicated in the
manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
For partly reinforced insulated lampholders, sufficient creepage distances and clearances to
outer accessible surfaces will require additional protection to some parts of the lampholder by
the luminaire design or by use of additional attachment(s) or cover(s). This information shall
be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
7.3 The instructions supplied by the holder manufacturer or responsible vendor shall
contain all the information required to ensure correct mounting and operation of the

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© IEC 2017
connectors or holders. (For example information regarding UV radiation, frequency limitations,
increased creepage distances, PTI or the like)
NOTE The information could be part of the manufacturer's or responsible vendor's catalogue.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
7.4 Marking shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, after the tests of 17.6 have been completed, by
trying to remove the marking by rubbing lightly for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with water
and for a further 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
After the test the marking shall still be legible.
NOTE The petroleum spirit used typically consists of a solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum
0,1 volume percentage, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a dry-point of
approximately 69 °C and a specific density of approximately 0,68 g/cm .
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Enclosed lampholders shall be so constructed that, when the holder has been built in or
installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not accessible
– without a lamp inserted;
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion or removal of the lamp.
For lampholders which have been in use for a long time, such as B22d-3, BY22d, G22, G38,
P28s, P30s and P40, the above requirement applies only with the appropriate lamp inserted.
The insertion of only one pin of the lamp (in case of caps with more than one pin) to the first
point of contact with live parts shall be prevented.
Lampholders G22 and G38 are exempted from this requirement.
Compliance is checked by means of the standard test finger specified in IEC 60529.This test
finger is applied in every possible position with a force not exceeding 10 N, an electrical
indicator being used to show contact with live parts.
It is recommended that a voltage of not less than 40 V be used.
The lampholders are mounted as in normal use, i.e. on a supporting surface or the like with
the most unfavourable conductor size fitted for which it is intended before being subjected to
the above test.
Unenclosed lampholders are only tested after appropriate installation in a luminaire or other
additional enclosure when that equipment is tested according to its own standard.
8.2 Lampholders for double-ended lamps shall be so constructed that, when the two
holders have been built in or installed and wired as in normal use, their live parts are not
accessible
– without a lamp inserted,
– with the appropriate lamp inserted, and
– during insertion and removal of the lamp.
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