IEC 62811:2015

AC and/or DC-supplied electronic controlgear for discharge lamps (excluding fluorescent lamps) - Performance requirements for low frequency square wave operation

IEC 62811:2015 specifies performance requirements for electronic controlgear for use on a.c. and/or d.c. supplies up to 1 000 V and/or a.c. supplies up to 1 000 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, associated with discharge lamps, as specified in IEC 61167, which have information for low frequency square wave operation, where the frequency range of the low frequency is from 70 Hz to 400 Hz.

Appareillage électronique alimenté en courant alternatif et/ou continu pour lampes à décharge (à l'exclusion des lampes fluorescentes) - Exigences de performance pour le fonctionnement en onde carrée de basse fréquence

L'IEC 62811:2015 spécifie les exigences de performance des appareillages électroniques destinés à être utilisés sur des alimentations en courant alternatif et/ou en courant continu allant jusqu'à 1000 V et/ou sur des alimentations en courant alternatif jusqu'à 1 000 V à 50 Hz ou 60 Hz, associés avec des lampes à décharge, comme spécifié dans l'IEC 61167, comportant des informations concernant le fonctionnement en onde carrée de basse fréquence, lorsque la plage de fréquences de la basse fréquence est comprise entre 70 Hz et 400 Hz.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Apr-2015
• ICS: 29.140.99 - Other standards related to lamps
• Technical Committee: SC 34C - Auxiliaries for lamps
• Drafting Committee: WG 1 - TC 34/SC 34C/WG 1
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 09-Apr-2015
• Completion Date: 30-Apr-2015

Overview

IEC 62811:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies performance requirements for electronic controlgear used with discharge lamps, excluding fluorescent lamps. This standard focuses on controlgear powered by alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) supplies up to 1,000 volts and designed for low frequency square wave operation in the frequency range of 70 Hz to 400 Hz. The standard aligns with IEC 61167 specifications on discharge lamps and establishes guidelines to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operation of controlgear in lighting applications.

Key Topics

• Performance Requirements: IEC 62811:2015 defines rigorous requirements for starting conditions, operating conditions, power control, and endurance tests to verify the reliability and efficiency of electronic controlgear under low frequency square wave input.

• Frequency Range: Specifies performance for square waves ranging from 70 Hz to 400 Hz, emphasizing accurate control and stable operation within these frequencies.

• Control Interfaces: Covers various control methods including DC voltage control, pulse width modulation (PWM), and Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) to support flexible and advanced lighting management.

• Tests and Measurement: Details standardized tests for run-up current, average peak current ratio (APCR), commutation time, power ripple analysis, and endurance assessments to validate device performance.

• Marking and Identification: Sets requirements for clear marking of controlgear to ensure traceability and compliance with safety and performance standards.

Applications

IEC 62811:2015 is applicable primarily to electronic controlgear in discharge lamp systems used in diverse sectors, including:

• Industrial Lighting - Ensures performance and durability for lighting in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and production facilities.
• Outdoor Lighting - Governs controlgear used in street lamps, stadium lighting, and other exterior applications requiring robust performance at varying frequencies.
• Commercial and Retail - Facilitates energy-efficient and reliable lighting control in shops, malls, and commercial buildings.
• Specialty Lighting - Supports advanced lighting solutions where discharge lamps powered by non-fluorescent devices require precise control and dimming capabilities.

By conforming to IEC 62811:2015, manufacturers and system integrators can deliver lighting solutions that maintain operational stability, prolong equipment lifetime, and optimize energy consumption.

Related Standards

• IEC 61167 – Specifies general characteristics and performance requirements for discharge lamps, providing foundational information for IEC 62811 controlgear requirements.
• IEC 62384 – Covers performance specifications for controlgear used with LED modules, relevant in crossover technology for lighting controls.
• IEC 60929 – Defines performance for electronic controlgear for fluorescent lamps but excluded under IEC 62811 scope; complementary for comprehensive lighting system design.
• IEC 62386 – DALI protocol standards used herein for controlgear communication and dimming interface requirements.

Practical Value

Adhering to IEC 62811:2015 provides several practical benefits:

• Improved Reliability: Standardized testing ensures controlgear withstands electrical and thermal stresses, enabling long-term stable lamp operation.
• Energy Efficiency: Control of power input via defined interfaces and modulation methods reduces overall energy consumption in lighting systems.
• Safety and Compliance: Clear marking and test methods support compliance with international safety regulations, minimizing risks in electrical installations.
• Flexibility in Design: Supports multiple supply types (AC/DC) and frequency ranges alongside versatile control interfaces, accommodating a broad range of lighting design requirements.
• Enhanced Performance Monitoring: Enables precise measurement and monitoring of key electrical parameters such as commutation time and power ripple, facilitating predictive maintenance and optimization.

IEC 62811:2015 thus serves as a critical reference for engineers, manufacturers, and lighting designers aiming to implement advanced electronic controlgear solutions for discharge lamps with guaranteed performance and operational safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62811 ®
Edition 1.0 2015-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
AC and/or DC-supplied electronic controlgear for discharge lamps (excluding
fluorescent lamps) – Performance requirements for low frequency square wave
operation
Appareillage électronique alimenté en courant alternatif et/ou continu pour
lampes à décharge (à l'exclusion des lampes fluorescentes) – Exigences de
performance pour le fonctionnement en onde carrée de basse fréquence

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IEC 62811 ®
Edition 1.0 2015-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
AC and/or DC-supplied electronic controlgear for discharge lamps (excluding

fluorescent lamps) – Performance requirements for low frequency square wave

operation
Appareillage électronique alimenté en courant alternatif et/ou continu pour

lampes à décharge (à l'exclusion des lampes fluorescentes) – Exigences de

performance pour le fonctionnement en onde carrée de basse fréquence

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-2600-1

– 2 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General notes on tests . 11
5 Marking . 11
6 General statement . 12
7 Starting conditions . 12
7.1 General . 12
7.2 Breakdown . 12
7.3 Take-over . 13
7.4 Run-up . 13
7.4.1 Run-up current . 13
7.4.2 Average peak current ratio (APCR) . 13
7.4.3 D.C. current . 14
8 Operating conditions . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Power control . 14
8.3 Frequency range of low frequency square wave . 15
8.4 D.C. current . 15
8.5 Average lamp potential against earth (for quartz arc bulbs only) . 15
8.6 Average peak current ratio . 15
8.7 Commutation time . 15
8.8 HF ripple . 16
8.9 Control interfaces . 16
8.10 Operating sustainability. 16
9 Displacement factor . 17
10 Supply current . 17
11 Endurance . 17
11.1 General . 17
11.2 Temperature cycling at −20 °C and at +80 °C . 17
11.3 Test at t +10 K . 19
c
Annex A (normative) Tests . 20
A.1 General requirements . 20
A.1.1 General . 20
A.1.2 Ambient temperature . 20
A.1.3 Supply voltage and frequency . 20
A.1.4 Magnetic effects . 20
A.1.5 Mounting and connection of reference lamps . 20
A.1.6 Reference lamp stability . 20
A.1.7 Reference ballast. 21
A.1.8 Instrument characteristics . 21
Annex B (normative) Reference ballasts . 22

B.1 Marking . 22
B.2 Design characteristics . 22
B.2.1 Reference ballast for frequencies of 70 Hz to 400 Hz . 22
B.2.2 Protection . 22
B.3 Operating characteristics for low frequency square wave . 22
B.3.1 General . 22
B.3.2 Impedance . 22
B.3.3 Series inductance and parallel capacitance . 23
B.4 Circuit for frequencies of low frequency square wave (see Figure 5) . 23
B.4.1 Power supply . 23
B.4.2 Instruments . 23
B.4.3 Wiring . 23
Annex C (normative) Conditions for reference lamps . 24
Annex D (normative) Control interface for controllable controlgear . 25
D.1 Overview. 25
D.2 Control by d.c. voltage . 25
D.2.1 Circuit diagram – Functional specification for d.c. voltage control (see
Figure D.1) . 25
D.2.2 Connection diagram . 25
D.2.3 Electrical specifications . 26
D.3 Control by pulse width modulation (PWM) . 27
D.3.1 Circuit diagram – Functional specification for PWM control (see Figure
D.4) . 27
D.3.2 Connection diagram . 28
D.3.3 Electrical specifications . 28
D.4 Control by DALI . 28
Annex E (normative) Spectral analysis of power ripple: calculation procedure for
amplitude spectrum ratio and guidance . 29
E.1 General . 29
E.2 Mathematical background . 29
E.3 Description of the algorithm . 29
E.4 Measurement procedure . 30
E.5 Test signal . 30
E.5.1 General . 30
E.5.2 Description of the test signal. 31
E.5.3 Outcome of the test signal . 31
Annex F (normative) Open circuit voltage method of measurement for pulse ignition . 32
Bibliography . 33

Figure 1 – Measurement of APCR during run-up and steady state . 14
Figure 2 – Test set-up for measuring the lamp potential against earth . 15
Figure 3 – Commutation time, deviating waveform . 16
Figure 4 – Example of the cycling described under 11.2; Clause E.2. 18
Figure 5 – Low frequency square wave reference circuit . 19
Figure D.1 – Schematic representation of the interface for 1 V to 10 V . 25
Figure D.2 – Control device for multiple controlgear, for 1 V to 10 V . 26
Figure D.3 – Control device is a current source. 26
Figure D.4 – Schematic representation of the interface for PWM dimming. 27

– 4 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
Figure D.5 – Some typically PWM signals . 27
Figure D.6 – Control device for multiple controlgear, for PWM . 28

Table 1 – Controlgear life time information . 12
Table 2 – Minimum OCV . 13
Table E.1 – Settings for the analysis . 30

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
AC AND/OR DC-SUPPLIED ELECTRONIC CONTROLGEAR
FOR DISCHARGE LAMPS (EXCLUDING FLUORESCENT LAMPS) –
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
LOW FREQUENCY SQUARE WAVE OPERATION

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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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62811 has been prepared by subcommittee 34C: Auxiliaries for
lamps, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34C/1132/FDIS 34C/1149/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.

– 6 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC website 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
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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.
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard covers performance requirements for electronic controlgear for
use on a.c., at 50 Hz or 60 Hz and/or d.c. supplies up to 1 000 V associated with discharge
lamps as specified in IEC 61167 for low frequency square wave operation.
In order to obtain satisfactory performance of discharge lamps and electronic controlgears, it
is necessary that certain features of their design be properly coordinated. It is essential,
therefore, that specifications for them be written in terms of measurement made against some
common baseline of reference, permanent and reproducible.
These conditions may be fulfilled by reference ballasts. Moreover, the testing of controlgear
for discharge lamps will, in general, be made with reference lamps and, in particular, by
comparing the results obtained using these lamps on the controlgear to be tested and on the
reference ballast. Whereas the reference ballast for frequencies of 50 Hz or 60 Hz is a self-
inductive coil, the low frequency square wave reference ballast is a resistor because of its
independence of frequency and the lack of influence of parasitic capacitance.

– 8 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
AC AND/OR DC-SUPPLIED ELECTRONIC CONTROLGEAR
FOR DISCHARGE LAMPS (EXCLUDING FLUORESCENT LAMPS) –
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
LOW FREQUENCY SQUARE WAVE OPERATION

1 Scope
This International Standard specifies performance requirements for electronic controlgear for
use on a.c. and/or d.c. supplies up to 1 000 V and/or a.c. supplies up to 1 000 V at 50 Hz or
60 Hz, associated with discharge lamps, as specified in IEC 61167, which have information
for low frequency square wave operation, where the frequency range of the low frequency is
from 70 Hz to 400 Hz.
Tests in this standard are type tests. Requirements for testing individual controlgear during
production are not included.
There are regional standards regarding the regulation of mains current harmonics and
immunity for end products like luminaires and independent controlgear. In a luminaire, the
controlgear is dominant in this respect. Controlgear, together with other components, should
comply with these 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 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
IEC 61000-4-14:1999, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-14: Testing and
measurement techniques – Voltage fluctuation immunity test
IEC 61000-4-14:1999/AMD1:2001
IEC 61000-4-14:1999/AMD2:2009
IEC 61167, Metal Halide lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 61347-1, Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements
IEC 61347-2-12, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-12: Particular requirements for d.c. or a.c.
supplied electronic ballasts for discharge lamps (excluding fluorescent lamps)
IEC 62386 (all parts), Digital addressable lighting interface
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-845 as well
as the following apply.
3.1
reference ballast
special resistive ballast for lamps, for operation on low frequency square wave designed for
the purpose of providing comparison standards for use in testing ballasts, for the selection of
reference lamps and for testing regular production lamps under standardized conditions
Note 1 to entry: It is essentially characterized by the fact that, at its rated frequency, it has a stable
voltage/current ratio which is relatively uninfluenced by variations in current, temperature and magnetic
surroundings, as outlined in this standard.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050:1987, 845-08-36, modified – Adapted for electronic operation of lamps.]
3.2
reference lamp
discharge lamp selected for the purpose of testing ballasts and which, when associated with a
reference ballast under specified conditions, has electrical values which are close to the
objective values given in a relevant specification
[SOURCE: IEC 60050:1987, 845-07-55]
3.3
calibration current of a reference ballast
value of the current on which are based the calibration and control of the reference ballast
Note 1 to entry: Such a current should preferably be approximately equal to the rated or typical current of the
lamps for which the reference ballast is suitable.
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2007, 3.4, modified — In the note to entry the words "rated running"
are replaced by "rated or typical"]
3.4
total circuit power
total power dissipated by controlgear and lamp in combination, at rated voltage and frequency
of the controlgear
[SOURCE: IEC 60929:2011, 3.5]
3.5
displacement factor
cosφ
cosine of the phase difference between the fundamental of the mains voltage and the
fundamental of the mains current
3.6
run-up current
lamp current after take-over phase until the lower limit of the lamp voltage is reached
Note 1 to entry: Lower limit is given in Annex G of IEC 61167.
3.7
take-over
time between lamp being able to conduct current until electrodes are at thermionic emission
Note 1 to entry: At the end of the take-over phase, the lamp power factor is above 0,9 and the lamp voltage
stabilises and ramps up from about 20 V rms.
[SOURCE: IEC 61167:2011, 3.14]

– 10 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
3.8
average peak current ratio
APCR
average of the absolute ratio between the peak current and the rms current
Note 1 to entry: For measurement procedure, see 7.4.2.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.9
typical lamp voltage
steady state lamp voltage expected for a lamp operating on low frequency square wave
ballast
Note 1 to entry: Typical lamp current is derived from the lamp rated power and typical lamp voltage. In practice,
lamps for use on low frequency square wave ballasts may be targeted to a different voltage within the allowed
range for best performance, and the lamp current will be different accordingly. Typical lamp voltages and currents
have been used as a basis for assigning currents at take-over and run-up.
[SOURCE: IEC 61167:2011, 3.16, modified]
3.10
typical lamp current
steady state lamp current expected for a lamp operating on low frequency square wave
ballast
Note 1 to entry: Typical lamp current is derived from the lamp rated power and typical lamp voltage. In practice,
lamps for use on low frequency square wave ballasts may be targeted to a different voltage within the allowed
range for best performance, and the lamp current will be different accordingly. Typical lamp voltages and currents
have been used as a basis for assigning currents at take-over and run-up.
[SOURCE: IEC 61167:2011, 3.16, modified]
3.11
commutation time
fall and rise time
time which is the transition time of lamp current at half cycle polarity reversals
Note 1 to entry: It is measured using lamp current waveforms between 90 % of the rms value of one half cycle to
90 % of the rms value of the opposite half cycle.
3.12
electronic controlgear life time
declared average life time at which 90 % of the electronic controlgears are still operating
Note 1 to entry: In the context of life time, an electronic controlgear is “operating” if it still fulfils its intended
functions.
Note 2 to entry: The manufacturers apply suitable methods, e.g. statistical calculation and/or reliability testing.
3.13
failure rate of electronic controlgear
expected statistical failure during operation based on a MTTF calculation by manufacturer and
given in percentage per 1 000 h
Note 1 to entry: For the definition of MTTF, see IEC 60050-191:1990, 12.07.
3.14
ambient temperature range
t
a
temperature range of the air surrounding the electronic controlgear declared by the
manufacturer to indicate the normal operating temperature range for the electronic
controlgear
Note 1 to entry: The lifetime of the electronic controlgear is given at the ambient temperature t , for ease of
a
measurement also the corresponding temperature of the t point is given.
c
Note 2 to entry: The measurement test condition for the ambient temperature assigned to the DUT should be in
accordance to Annex D of IEC 61347-1 at the rated voltage.
4 General notes on tests
4.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
The requirements and tolerances permitted by this standard are based on the testing of a type
test sample submitted by the manufacturer for that purpose. In principle this type test sample
should consist of units having characteristics typical of the manufacturer’s production and be
as close to the production centre point values as possible.
4.2 The tests are carried out in the order of the clauses, unless otherwise specified.
4.3 One controlgear is submitted to all tests unless otherwise stated.
4.4 In general, all tests are made on each type of controlgear or where a power range of
similar controlgear is involved, for each rated power in the range or on a representative
selection from the range as agreed with the manufacturer.
4.5 The tests are made under the conditions specified in Annex A. Lamp data sheets not
published in an IEC publication shall be made available by the lamp manufacturer.
4.6 All controlgear specified in this standard shall comply with the requirements of
IEC 613472-12.
4.7 Attention is drawn to lamp performance standards which contain information for square
wave ballast design; this should be followed for proper lamp operation; however, this standard
does not require the testing of lamp performance as part of the type test approval for
controlgear.
5 Marking
5.1 Electronic controlgear shall be clearly marked with the following mandatory marking as
applicable:
a) displacement factor e.g. cosφ = 0,85.
If the displacement factor is less than cosφ = 0,95 capacitive, it shall be followed by the
letter C, e.g. cosφ = 0,85 C.
NOTE In Japan displacement factor will not be used, there power factor will be used. Power factor is power
divided by the product of voltage and current.
5.2 In addition to the above mandatory markings, the following information shall either be
given on the controlgear or be made available in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like:
a) type of control interface, in case of dimmable ballast.(e.g. D.C. type or PWM type, DALI),;
b) lifetime of the controlgear linked to the ambient temperature and the measured
temperature on the reference point (t point).
c
For the information, the format of Table 1 has to be used. Corresponding to the fixed ambient
temperature values 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C, the values of the temperature measured on the
reference point (t point) and the declared life time have to be inserted by the manufacturer.
c
The value of the temperature of the t point given in the table shall never exceed the t
c c
(IEC 61347-1), therefore in that case the column, where the temperature of t point exceeds
c
t , will be left blank; but at least the column with ambient temperature 40 °C shall always be
c
– 12 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
filled. The measurement setup for measuring the ambient temperature shall be in accordance
to Annex D of IEC 61347-1 at the rated voltage. After stabilisation of the ambient temperature
the temperature of t shall be measured.
c
Table 1 – Controlgear life time information
Ambient temperature 40°C 50°C 60°C
a a a
Temperature measured on the xx xx xx
reference point (t point) in °C
c
a a a
Lifetime in h xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
a
Values declared by the controlgear manufacturer

Additional information from the controlgear manufacturer to the tabled ambient temperature
and life time are allowed.
5.3 Non-mandatory information which may be made available by the manufacturer are:
a) rated output frequency at rated voltage, with and without lamp operating;
b) limits of the ambient temperature range within which the controlgear will operate
satisfactorily at the declared voltage (range);
c) total circuit power.
6 General statement
It may be expected that controlgear complying with this standard, when associated with lamps
which comply with IEC 61167 for low frequency square wave operation, will provide
satisfactory starting of the lamp and operation at an ambient temperature range as given by
the controlgear manufacturer at voltages within 92 % and 106 % of the rated voltage.
NOTE 1 The electrical characteristics as given on the lamp data sheets of IEC 61167 and applying to operation
on a reference controlgear at rated voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, will deviate when operating on a
low frequency square wave controlgear and the conditions of item b) of 5.3 above.
NOTE 2 In some regions there are laws on EMC for luminaires. The controlgear is also contributing to this EMC
behavior. See Bibliography for reference.
7 Starting conditions
7.1 General
Control gear shall start lamps at any supply voltage between 92 % and 106 % of its rated
value or the rated voltage range. Compliance is checked by the tests according to 7.2 to 7.4,
as appropriate, with the control gear operating at supply voltage of 92 % and 106 % of the
rated value or in case of a rated voltage range at 92 % of the minimum value of the range and
106 % of the maximum value of the range.
7.2 Breakdown
The breakdown is the phase where the non-conducting gas is ignited and becomes
conducting plasma. This process needs a high voltage for a minimum time.
Measurement is made with an oscilloscope. The controlgear shall be measured without
connecting a lamp. Capacitance (simulating the parasitic capacitance of the wires and wires
towards earth) shall be added as specified by the controlgear manufacturer.
NOTE 1 Controlgear manufacturers can also define multiple capacitance values.

The absolute value of the ignition peak voltage shall comply with the value given on the
relevant lamp data sheet. The measuring procedure can be found in IEC 61167, Table G.1 the
section describing the breakdown.
NOTE 2 Values given in IEC 61167 are for pulse ignition, values for high frequency ignition are under
consideration.
7.3 Take-over
In the take-over phase the electrodes are heated towards thermionic emission.
The take-over is measured with resistors, unless stated otherwise.
During the take-over, the controlgear shall provide power and current according to the
information for ballast design of IEC 61167 (measurement method under consideration) the
minimum open circuit voltage (OCV), measured at ≥1 MΩ load shall be according the values
in Table 2.
Table 2 – Minimum OCV
Lamp type Square wave or Non-square wave
DC
RMS Peak
Ceramic and quartz arc tubes 280 V 235 V 332 V
Ceramic arc tubes only 250 V 235 V 332 V
These values are valid for metal halide lamps of 20 W, 35 W, 70 W and 150 W, for other lamps OCV values are
given on relevant lamp data sheets.

The time limit for the duration of the non-low frequency square wave current is maximum 10 s
(under consideration), this limit is not required if the controlgear is able to detect the end of
the takeover phase.
Open circuit voltage is measured according to the measuring method as described in
Annex F.
7.4 Run-up
7.4.1 Run-up current
The run-up current shall be between the values given on the relevant lamp data sheet
measured on resistances starting with resistance at run-up as given on the relevant lamp data
sheet up to a calculated resistance at which the lamp voltage is equal to lower voltage limit as
given in Annex G of IEC 61167.
7.4.2 Average peak current ratio (APCR)
The requirements of Annex G of IEC 61167 apply.
The APCR is determined by measuring the current wave form on a lamp substitution circuit
representing the lamp voltage range from 20 V (under consideration) to 75 V. The substitution
circuit is an ohmic variable resistor capable of regulation the lamp voltage in the required range.
Determine the maximum PCR value within the measured voltage range by applying a
smoothing window of 20 µs. Determine during 1 s, around the determined maximum PCR
value, the PCR values for all positive half periods and average the PCR values. Determine
during this same 1 s the PCR values for all negative half periods and average the PCR
values.
– 14 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
The APCR then is the maximum absolute value of both averaged PCR values calculated
above.
The peak current ratio PCR (see Figure 1) is defined as the ratio between the peak current
and the rms current. The peak current is determined using the average value over a 20 µs
window. All values below the rms current in the window will be set to the rms current. The
window is slid across the wave shape and the maximum value is the peak current.
NOTE This averaging method will smooth out incidental peaks effectively.
Lamp current wave shape
RMS lamp current
Time
20 µs peak
averaging window
IEC
Figure 1 – Measurement of APCR during run-up and steady state
7.4.3 D.C. current
During the run-up the d.c. current shall be below 20 % of rms value. It is measured on a
resistance with which a lamp voltage is between 20 V and lower limit lamp voltage as given in
Annex G of IEC 61167. The d.c. current component is calculated according to equation:
T
d.c.absolute = idt T = 1 s
∫
T
8 Operating conditions
8.1 General
The tests of this clause will be done with a variable non inductive resistor or a lamp. Tests of
8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 are done with a resistor. The tests of 8.7, 8.8 and 8.10 are done with a lamp.
The test according 8.3 can be done either with a lamp or a resistor.
8.2 Power control
The lamp power shall be controlled by the controlgear within 5 % of the rated lamp power.
The compliance test will be done at rated supply voltage and at a temperature of 25 °C
(±5 °C).
The output power is measured with a resistive load achieving voltages between 75 V and
120 V with steps of 5 V. At each step, sufficient stabilization time is given before the
measurement.
If the lamp exceeds the 120 V, the power shall be regulated according the limits given in the
relevant data sheet for extended operation.
NOTE For possible future lamp designs with a different voltage range, the limits of 75 V and 120 V can be
replaced with lower limit and upper limit.
8.3 Frequency range of low frequency square wave
The frequency of the low frequency square wave voltage shall be in steady state between
70 Hz and 400 Hz.
8.4 D.C. current
The d.c. component of the current shall be less than 2,5 % of the rms value of the current.
See 7.4.3 for example on how to obtain the d.c. value. Use a lamp substitution resistor for the
measurement. The voltage at the resistor shall be the typical lamp voltage.
8.5 Average lamp potential against earth (for quartz arc bulbs only)
For lamps with a quartz arc tube, the average lamp potential against earth shall not exceed
200 V positive. The test setup is given in Figure 2. The voltage is measured with an
integration time of 0,5 s. Use a lamp substitution resistor for the measurement. The voltage at
the resistor shall be the typical lamp voltage.
V +V
mean1 mean2
The average lamp potential against earth: V =
earth
Supply
Nominal lamp
ECG
voltage (resistive
load possible)
V V
V V
mean1 mean2
IEC
Figure 2 – Test set-up for measuring the lamp potential against earth
8.6 Average peak current ratio
The peak current ratio is determined according to the way described in 7.4.2, in this case the
resistors will realize a lamp voltage of 75 V to 120 V. The APCR shall be lower than 1,5.
NOTE For possible future lamp designs with a different voltage range, the limits of 75 V and 120 V can be
replaced with “lower limit” and “upper limit”.
8.7 Commutation time
The commutation time shall be lower than the value given in IEC 61167, Annex G in the
section dealing with steady state operation. The commutation time is measured according the
schemes given in Figure 3. For square waves, the time between the 90 % levels is used. For
deviating waveforms, it is allowed to use the time between the 70 % levels, this value shall be
multiplied by 1,3.
– 16 – IEC 62811:2015 © IEC 2015
I
rms
+90
+70
– –
Commutation time
IEC
I is the rms value of the current and is used as reference for the percentage.
rms
Figure 3 – Commutation time, deviating waveform
8.8 HF ripple
The HF ripple is e
...