IEC 61231:2010
(Main)International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
IEC 61231:2010 gives the rules for the international lamp coding system and covers all lamp categories, excluding vehicle lamps. Coding for the main lamp types is specified and, for the others, will follow by amendments to this standard as appropriate. This first edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 61231, published as a technical specification. It constitutes a technical revision, of which the main changes are indicated below: - introduction of LED modules (Subclause 5.8).
Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)
La CEI 61231:2010 détaille les règles du système international de codification des lampes et couvre toutes les catégories de lampes, à l'exception des lampes pour véhicules. La codification des principaux types de lampes y est spécifiée; celle des autres types suivra, sous la forme d'amendements à cette norme. Cette première édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition de la CEI 61231, publiée comme spécification technique. Elle constitue une révision technique, dont les principales modifications sont indiquées ci-dessous: - introduction des DEL (Paragraphe 5.8).
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IEC 61231 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
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About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
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IEC 61231 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
T
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.140 ISBN 978-2-88910-449-9
– 2 – 61231 © IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
INTRODUCTION.5
1 Scope and object .6
2 Normative references.6
3 Principles .6
4 Basic structure.7
4.1 Letter section.7
4.2 Figure section.7
4.3 Length of the code.8
5 Lamp categories .9
5.1 Tungsten filament lamps.9
5.2 Tungsten halogen lamps (non-vehicle).12
5.3 Fluorescent lamps .13
5.4 High-pressure sodium vapour lamps .17
5.5 Low-pressure sodium vapour lamps .18
5.6 High-pressure mercury vapour lamps.19
5.7 Metal halide lamps.19
5.8 LED modules.21
5.9 Special lamps .22
Annex A (informative) Survey ILCOS L – short version, letter section.23
Bibliography .24
Table 1 – Dimensions.15
61231 © IEC:2010 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INTERNATIONAL LAMP CODING SYSTEM (ILCOS)
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 61231 has been prepared by subcommittee 34A: Lamps, of IEC
technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This first edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 61231, published as a
technical specification. It constitutes a technical revision, of which the main changes are
indicated below:
– introduction of LED modules (Subclause 5.8).
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
34A/1345/CDV 34A/1374/RVC
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.
– 4 – 61231 © IEC:2010
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result 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.
61231 © IEC:2010 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
The lamp industry strives continuously to meet customers' needs. Its innovative power has led
to a tremendous variety of different light sources. To enable customers and experts to find their
way within the diversity of products, a general system for the coding of lamps has been
developed.
The code does not replace specific markings used by individual manufacturers on their lamps
or in their catalogues, but it is promoted for cross-referencing purposes and, in due course, to
replace national and regional lamp coding systems which already exist.
NOTE The code does not give all the technical characteristics necessary to specify a lamp fully. For this the
relevant lamp standard and/or the manufacturer’s literature have to be consulted.
– 6 – 61231 © IEC:2010
INTERNATIONAL LAMP CODING SYSTEM (ILCOS)
1 Scope and object
This International Standard gives the rules for the international lamp coding system and covers
all lamp categories, excluding vehicle lamps. Coding for the main lamp types is specified and,
for the others, will follow by amendments to this standard as appropriate.
The object of the international lamp coding system is
– to improve communication about the different types of lamps;
– to help in discussions concerning interchangeability and compatibility of products;
– to create a closer relationship between international standards and manufacturers’ literature
(for example the code could be given in future in the relevant parts of a standard);
– to enable correct replacements of lamps;
– to be used as a complementary marking on the luminaire;
– to replace national and regional coding systems.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60357, Tungsten halogen lamps (non-vehicle) – Performance specifications
IEC 60432-1, Incandescent lamps – Safety specifications – Part 1: Tungsten filament lamps for
domestic and similar general lighting purposes
IEC 60432-2, Incandescent lamps – Safety spe
...
IEC 61231 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-06
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.
IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
CH-1211 Geneva 20 info@iec.ch
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
Useful links:
IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables you to find IEC publications The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
committee,…). definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in
It also gives information on projects, replaced and additional languages. Also known as the International
withdrawn publications. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) on-line.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication
details all new publications released. Available on-line and or need further assistance, please contact the
also once a month by email. Customer Service Centre: csc@iec.ch.
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.
A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
Liens utiles:
Recherche de publications CEI - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
La recherche avancée vous permet de trouver des Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes
publications CEI en utilisant différents critères (numéro de électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 30 000
référence, texte, comité d’études,…). termes et définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que
Elle donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles.
publications remplacées ou retirées. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire Electrotechnique
International (VEI) en ligne.
Just Published CEI - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI.
Just Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur
Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. cette publication ou si vous avez des questions
contactez-nous: csc@iec.ch.
IEC 61231 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-06
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
International lamp coding system (ILCOS)
Système international de codification des lampes (ILCOS)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140 ISBN 978-2-8322-0905-9
– 2 – 61231 IEC:2010+A1:2013
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
INTRODUCTION TO THE AMENDMENT . 6
1 Scope and object . 7
2 Normative references. 7
3 Principles . 7
4 Basic structure . 8
4.1 Letter section . 8
4.2 Figure section . 8
4.3 Length of the code . 9
5 Lamp categories . 9
5.1 Incandescent lamps – tungsten filament lamps . 9
5.2 Tungsten halogen lamps (non-vehicle) . 13
5.3 Fluorescent lamps . 14
5.4 High-pressure sodium vapour lamps . 17
5.5 Low-pressure sodium vapour lamps . 19
5.6 High-pressure mercury vapour lamps . 20
5.7 Metal halide lamps . 20
5.8 LED modules and lamps . 22
5.9 Special lamps . 23
Annex A (informative) Survey ILCOS L – short version, letter section . 24
Bibliography . 25
Table 1 – Dimensions . 16
61231 IEC:2010+A1:2013 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INTERNATIONAL LAMP CODING SYSTEM (ILCOS)
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 61231 edition 1.1 contains the first edition (2010) [documents 34A/1345/CDV and 34A/1374/
RVC] and its amendment 1 (2013) [documents 34A/1663/FDIS and 34A/1680/RVD].
A vertical line in the margin shows where the base publication has been modified by
amendment 1. Additions and deletions are displayed in red, with deletions being struck
through.
– 4 – 61231 IEC:2010+A1:2013
International Standard IEC 61231 has been prepared by subcommittee 34A: Lamps, of IEC
technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this base publication and its amendment will
remain unchanged until the maintenance result 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.
61231 IEC:2010+A1:2013 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
The lamp industry strives continuously to meet customers' needs. Its innovative power has led
to a tremendous variety of different light sources. To enable customers and experts to find their
way within the diversity of products, a general system for the coding of lamps has been
developed.
The code does not replace specific markings used by individual manufacturers on their lamps
or in their catalogues, but it is promoted for cross-referencing purposes and, in due course, to
replace national and regional lamp coding systems which already exist.
NOTE The code does not give all the technical characteristics necessary to specify a lamp fully. For this the
relevant lamp standard and/or the manufacturer’s literature have to be consulted.
– 6 – 61231 IEC:2010+A1:2013
INTRODUCTION TO THE AMENDMENT
This proposal serves:
a) the implementation of the low frequency square wave operation in ILCOS (International
Lamp Coding System):
ILCOS L – wattage – lamp voltage range/starting device/current wave form and frequency –
lamp cap – dimensions
b) the implementation of lamps for use in high-pressure mercury equipment under 5.7.1.2. In
order to distinguish this, other lamps are listed as normal lamps under 5.7.1.1.
c) further editorial changes as being presented with PRESCO(RTK)198 and agreed by
PRESCO.
61231 IEC:2010+A1:2013 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL LAMP CODING SYSTEM (ILCOS)
1 Scope and object
This International Standard gives the rules for the international lamp coding system and covers
al
...
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