IEC 60400:2017

Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

IEC 60400:2017 states the technical and dimensional requirements for lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and for starterholders, and the methods of test to be used in determining the safety and the fit of the lamps in the lampholders and the starters in the starterholders.
This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition published in 2008, Amendment 1:2011 and Amendment 2:2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- alignment with ISO/IEC drafting rules;
- renumbering of clauses, tables and figures.
This bilingual version (2017-12) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in 2017-06.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

L'IEC 60400:2017 fixe les exigences techniques et dimensionnelles auxquelles doivent satisfaire les douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et les douilles pour starters, ainsi que les méthodes d'essai à utiliser pour déterminer le degré de sécurité et le montage correct des lampes et des starters dans leurs douilles respectives.
Cette huitième édition annule et remplace la septième édition publiée en 2008, l’Amendement 1:2011 et l’Amendement 2:2014. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition comprend les changements techniques importants suivants par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- alignement avec les règles de rédaction ISO/IEC;
- renumérotation des articles, des tableaux et des figures.
La présente version bilingue (2017-12) correspond à la version anglaise monolingue publiée en 2017-06.
La version française de cette norme n'a pas été soumise au vote.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 29.140.10 - Lamp caps and holders
• Technical Committee: SC 34B - Lamp caps and holders
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 15-Jun-2017
• Completion Date: 30-Jun-2017

Relations

• Amended By: IEC 60400:2017/AMD1:2020 - Amendment 1 - Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Amended By: IEC 60400:2017/AMD2:2022 - Amendment 2 - Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60400:2008 - Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60400:2008/AMD1:2011 - Amendment 1 - Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60400:2008/AMD2:2014 - Amendment 2 - Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview - IEC 60400:2017 (Lampholders and Starterholders)

IEC 60400:2017 is the eighth edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that specifies technical and dimensional requirements and test methods for lampholders used with tubular fluorescent lamps and for starterholders. It covers independent and built‑in lampholders, including single‑capped types integrated in an outer shell (e.g. G23/G24 style), and starterholders intended for AC circuits with working voltages up to 1 000 V r.m.s. This edition (2017) replaces earlier editions and aligns the document with ISO/IEC drafting rules.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard defines requirements and tests across the full lifecycle of lampholders and starterholders, including:

• Scope and classifications - types covered (independent, building‑in, single‑capped) and lamp/ starter cap compatibility (see Annex A).
• Dimensional requirements - standard sizes and gauges to ensure correct fit and interchangeability.
• Electrical rating and safety - rated voltages/currents and measures for protection against electric shock.
• Marking and documentation - mandatory markings, ratings and identification.
• Construction and terminals - mechanical design, terminal integrity and connection methods.
• Insulation resistance & electric strength - test procedures and minimum insulation performance.
• Resistance to dust, moisture and IP considerations - environmental resistance testing for durability.
• Mechanical strength & endurance - impact, flexing, torque and life‑cycle endurance tests.
• Creepage, clearances, heat, fire and tracking resistance - requirements to prevent arcing, overheating and tracking.
• Season cracking / corrosion tests - specific procedures (Annex B) to assess long‑term degradation.
• Test apparatus and gauges - detailed figures and test caps for measurement and conformity checks (many figures and tables provided).

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC 60400:2017 is essential for:

• Lampholder and starter manufacturers - to design, test and certify products for global markets.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform standardized conformity testing and type approvals.
• Lighting OEMs and fixture designers - to ensure compatibility, safety and regulatory compliance of luminaires.
• Regulatory authorities and specifiers - referencing an internationally accepted standard for safety and installation rules.
• Installers and facility managers - understanding product markings and suitability for application environments.

Using IEC 60400 helps ensure product safety, interchangeability, reliable lamp fit, and compliance with national regulations and certification schemes.

Related standards and references

• IEC 60155 (starters) - referenced for starter compatibility and requirements.
• Other IEC standards for electrical safety, IP/ingress protection and material testing as cited in the normative references.

Keywords: IEC 60400:2017, lampholders, starterholders, tubular fluorescent lamps, lampholder testing, IEC standard, electrical safety, dimensional requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.0 2017-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

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IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.0 2017-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4430-2

– 2 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General requirement . 12
5 General conditions for tests . 13
6 Electrical rating . 14
7 Classification . 14
8 Marking . 15
9 Protection against electric shock . 17
10 Terminals . 19
11 Construction . 21
12 Resistance to dust and moisture . 26
13 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 27
14 Endurance . 28
15 Mechanical strength . 29
16 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 31
17 Creepage distances and clearances . 33
18 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 35
19 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 40
Annex A (normative) Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 86
Annex B (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 87
B.1 General . 87
B.2 Test cabinet . 87
B.3 Test solution . 87
B.4 Test procedure . 88
Annex C (informative) Protection against electric shock – Explanatory details for the
installation of lampholders according to 9.2 . 89
Annex D (informative) Clauses containing new or more stringent requirements with
respect to the previous edition . 90
Bibliography . 91

Figure 1 – Mounting jig for the testing of lampholders . 41
Figure 2 – Mounting sheet . 42
Figure 3 – Fixture for the testing of lampholder flexibility . 43
Figure 4 – Test caps G5, GX5 and G13 . 44
Figure 5 – Impact test apparatus and mounting support . 46
Figure 6 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX13 . 47
Figure 7 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 48
Figure 8 – Bracket for fixing lampholders for the impact test . 48
Figure 9 – Test cap and test assembly for testing of resistance to heat of lampholders
G13, G5 and GX5 with T marking . 50
Figure 10 – Dimensions of starterholder and holder . 52

Figure 11 – “Go” plug gauges for starterholders . 53
Figure 12 – Plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making and retention . 54
Figure 13 – Special plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making . 55
Figure 14 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G5 and GX5 . 56
Figure 15 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G13 . 56
Figure 16 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G13 . 57
Figure 17 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G20 . 57
Figure 18 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa6 . 57
Figure 19 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G10q, GU10q and
GZ10q . 58
Figure 20 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa8 . 58
Figure 21 – Test starter for the test of Clause 14 . 59
Figure 22 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders R17d . 60
Figure 23 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G11 . 61
Figure 24 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G23 and GX23 . 62
Figure 25 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR8 . 63
Figure 26 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR10q . 63
Figure 27 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX10q and GY10q . 64
Figure 28 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 . 65
Figure 29 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G32 and GY32 . 66
Figure 30 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G23 . 67
Figure 31 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR8 . 68
Figure 32 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR10q . 69
Figure 33 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX10q . 70
Figure 34 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GY10q . 71
Figure 35 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders 2G11 . 72
Figure 36 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX23 . 73
Figure 37 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 (1 of 2). 74
Figure 38 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G32, GX32 and GY32 (1 of 2). 76
Figure 39 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G8 . 78
Figure 40 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX53 . 79
Figure 41 – Standard test finger (according to IEC 60529:2014) . 80
Figure 42 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders W4.3x8.5d . 81
Figure 43 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR14q . 82
Figure 44 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G28d . 83
Figure 45 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX11 . 84
Figure 46 – Test probes for checking gasket sleeves on lampholders for higher IP
protection . 85
Figure C.1 – Examples of lampholders . 89

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance . 27
Table 2 – Torque tests on screws . 31
Table 3 – Minimum distances for AC sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz – Impulse
withstand category II . 34

– 4 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
Table 4 – Minimum distances for rated ignition voltages or equivalent peak voltage U . 35
P
Table A.1 – Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 86
Table B.1 – pH adjustment . 87

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
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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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 60400 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition published in 2008,
Amendment 1:2011 and Amendment 2:2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with ISO/IEC drafting rules;
b) renumbering of clauses, tables and figures.

– 6 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
34B/1900/FDIS 34B/1911/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
1 Scope
This document states the technical and dimensional requirements for lampholders for tubular
fluorescent lamps and for starterholders, and the methods of test to be used in determining
the safety and the fit of the lamps in the lampholders and the starters in the starterholders.
This document covers independent lampholders and lampholders for building-in, used with
tubular fluorescent lamps provided with caps as listed in Annex A, and independent
starterholders and starterholders for building-in, used with starters in accordance with
IEC 60155, intended for use in AC circuits where the working voltage does not exceed
1 000 V r.m.s.
This document also covers lampholders for single-capped tubular fluorescent lamps
integrated in an outer shell and dome similar to Edison screw lampholders (e.g. for G23 and
G24 capped lamps). Such lampholders are tested in accordance with the following clauses
and subclauses of IEC 60238: 9.4; 9.5; 9.6; 10.3; 11.7; 12; 13.2; 13.5; 13.6; 13.7; 14; 16.3;
16.4; 16.5 and 16.9.
This document also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire or intended to be
built into appliances. It covers the requirements for the lampholder only. For all other requirements,
such as protection against electric shock in the area of the terminals, the requirements of the
relevant appliance standard are applicable and tested after building into the appropriate
equipment, when that equipment is tested according to its own standard. Lampholders for use
by luminaire manufacturers only are not for retail sale.
This document also applies, as far as is reasonable, to lampholders and starterholders other
than the types explicitly mentioned above and to lamp connectors.
Where the term "holder" is used in this document, both lampholders and starterholders are
intended.
Where the term “bi-pin lampholder” is used, lampholders for wedged caps are also intended.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 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 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications

– 8 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
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 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60352-1:1997, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General
requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5:2016 Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method
– Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 4046-4:2016, 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.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
holder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage which may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp or starter is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp or
starter is removed
3.3
flexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders in which the base of each holder is rigidly mounted in the luminaire but
which has one or both of the lampholders so designed as to allow axial movement of the
contacts to provide compensation for variations in lamp lengths and, where necessary, to
permit insertion and removal of the lamp
Note 1 to entry: In case of doubt as to whether a lampholder G5, GX5 or G13 provides the required axial
movement of the contacts, a test with the device shown in Figure 3 can be carried out.

3.4
inflexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders intended for rigid mounting and in which no axial movement of the
contacts is provided or is needed, either for the insertion and removal of the lamp or as
compensation for variation in lamp lengths
3.5
flexibly mounted lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders which do not in themselves provide for any axial movement of the contact
system but which are intended to be mounted in a luminaire in a specified manner so that the
combination provides the necessary axial movement of the contact system
Note 1 to entry: Lampholders of this type may or may not also be suitable for rigid mounting.
3.6
lamp connectors
set of contacts mounted on flexible conductors which provide for electrical contact but do not
support the lamp
3.7
holder for building-in
holder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.7.1
unenclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example an enclosure,
to meet the requirements of IEC 60400 with regard to protection against electric shock
3.7.2
enclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements of IEC 60400 with
regard to protection against electric shock and IP classification, if appropriate
3.8
independent holder
holder so designed that it can be mounted separately from a luminaire and at the same time
providing all the necessary protection according to its classification and marking
3.9
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the holder is designed
3.10
rated lampholder rearside temperature
rearside temperature for lampholders with T marking ascertained by test b) in 18.1 of
IEC 60400, or a higher temperature as declared by the manufacturer
3.11
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
3.12
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

– 10 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
3.13
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.14
rated ignition voltage
highest peak value of the ignition voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.15
multilamp ballast
electronic mains ballast designed and declared to comply for the application of lamps with
different keys
3.16
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.
3.17
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.
3.18
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 in the above sense.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. In
addition, 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.

3.19
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.
3.20
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
3.21
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.22
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 can comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.23
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
3.24
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.
3.25
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
[SOURCE: IEC 60838-1:2016 3.3]
3.26
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]
3.27
ignition voltage
peak voltage applied to ignite a discharge lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46]

– 12 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
3.27.1
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]
3.28
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]
3.29
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]
3.30
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 3.27.1.
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
Holders 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.

In addition, the enclosure of independent holders shall comply with the appropriate
requirements of IEC 60598-1, including the classification and marking requirements of that
standard.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this document are type tests.
NOTE The requirements and tolerances given in this document are related to testing of a type test sample
submitted for that purpose.
Compliance of the type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of a manufacturer with this
safety standard.
In addition to type testing, conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can include routine
tests and quality assurance.
For further information, see IEC 60061-4 (inclusion of guidance on conformity testing during manufacture is in
preparation).
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.
5.3 The tests shall be carried out in the order of the clauses, unless another succession of
tests is specified.
Holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 shall be subjected to the
tests in 12.1 and 12.2 after the test in 18.1.
5.4 The tests and inspections are carried out on a total of:
– eight pairs of matching lampholders intended for linear double-capped fluorescent
lamps;
NOTE If a pair of lampholders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient for one holder instead of one pair to be
subjected to all the tests, except for the test of item d) in 11.5, where one pair is used.
– eight specimens intended for single-capped fluorescent lamps and eight starter-
holders;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– two pairs or two specimens: Clause 6 up to and including Clause 17 (except for 10.2
and 10.5);
NOTE The tests of 10.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: 10.5 and 18.1;
– two pairs or two specimens: 18.2 up to and including 18.5 (of which one specimen for
the test in 18.2 and the other for the tests in 18.4 and 18.5);
– one pair or one specimen: 18.6 and Clause 19.
In the case of flexible and inflexible lampholders G5, GX5 or G13 (see 3.3 and 3.4
respectively), the specimens are mounted on two pairs of mounting sheets as specified in
Figure 2.
One pair of holders is mounted so as to represent the minimum mounting distance for this pair
of holders according to the manufacturer's mounting instructions; the other pair is mounted at
the maximum distance. The matching mounting sheets are marked.
In special cases, it may be necessary to test more than the number of specimens specified
above.
– 14 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
Together with these specimens, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 8.3) shall be
supplied.
For holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 with detachable gaskets
having a maximum operating temperature different from the values in 18.1, an additional set
of gaskets shall be supplied with the specimen, together with information on their maximum
operating temperature (this is part of the manufacturer's mounting instructions).
This does not refer to detachable gaskets on the mounting surface of the holder (see 18.1).
5.5 Holders are deemed to comply with this document if no specimen fails in the complete
series of tests specified in 5.4.
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 to the number required in 5.4,
all specimens of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent
tests. Holders are deemed not to comply with this document if there are more failures than
that of one specimen in one of the tests.
In general, it will only be necessary to repeat the relevant test, unless the specimen fails in
the tests according to Clause 14 or Clause 15, in which case the tests shall be repeated from
the test according to Clause 13 onwards.
NOTE A second type test sample, which can be required should one specimen fail, can be submitted together
with the first sample.
If the additional type test sample is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen entails a rejection.
5.6 For verification purposes, Annex D gives an overview of clauses containing new or more
stringent requirements with respect to the previous edition of this document.
6 Electrical rating
The electrical rating shall be:
– not less than 125 V and not more than 1 000 V AC r.m.s.;
– not less than 1 A;
– not less than 2 A for lampholders GX5, G13, 2G8, 2G13, G20, Fa6, Fa8 and R17d.
In countries where marking of rated wattage is required in place of rated current, the rating of
the G5 lampholder should be not less than 75 W.
7 Classification
Holders are classified as follows.
7.1 According to the protection against electric shock:
– unenclosed lampholders;
– enclosed lampholders;
– independent lampholders;
– partly reinforced insulated lampholders;
– enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it
may be regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.

7.2 According to the degree of protection against ingress of dust or water in accordance with
the system of classification (IP Code) explained in IEC 60529.
Symbols for the degrees of protection are given in 8.4 (independent and enclosed holders
only).
7.3 According to the resistance to heat:
– holders for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;
– holders for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C.
NOTE The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder where it touches the
lamp cap.
7.4 Moreover, starterholders are classified according to the possibility of accepting different
types of starters:
– starterholders intended for starters according to IEC 60155;
– starterholders intended for starters according to IEC 60155, Annex B only.
8 Marking
8.1 Holders shall be marked with the following:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, a manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) type reference;
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer like printed catalogues or online
catalogues should 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.
c) – rated voltage in volts
– rated ignition voltage, in kilovolts, if applicable and higher than
• 2,5 kV for lamp holders rated 250 V;
• 4 kV for lamp holders rated 500 V.
For holders where, during dimming, i.e. reduction of the load, exceeding of the marked
voltage rating is permissible (increased creepage distances and clearances), the
maximum allowed value under these operating conditions should be given in the
manufacturer's catalogue or the like (for example, maximum dimming voltage: .V).
d) rated current, in amperes (see note to Clause 6);
e) rated operating temperature T if greater than 80 °C, in steps of 10 °C;
f) degree of protection against ingress of dust and water, for drip-proof holders only
(see 8.4);
Marking of IP20 on ordinary holders is not required;
g) for holders protected against dust and moisture, the holder manufacturer shall indicate in
his instructions the nominal diameter of the lamp(s) or starter for which the holder is
intended.
Compliance is checked by inspection.

– 16 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
8.2 The following information shall be indicated in the manufacturer’s catalogue or the like.
The indication shall correspond to the type reference on the products:
– the temperature T for the rearside of the holder, for holders tested according to item
m
b) in 18.1. This marking can additionally been given on the holder;
– the temperature measured for the screwless terminals, for holders tested according to
item b) in 18.1. This marking can additionally been given on the holder;
– a declaration in compliance with 10.3 of the cross-section of the conductor(s) for which
the holder terminals are suitable. This marking can additionally been given on the
holder;
– information that for lampholders according to this document, the distances for impulse
withstand category II are applicable;
– information that enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders offer an adequate level of
protection for use in luminaires where they are accessible in normal use;
– information that for partly reinforced insulated lampholders, sufficient creepage
distances and clearances to outer accessible surface will require additional protection
to some parts of the lampholder by the luminaire design or by the use of additional
attachment(s) or cover(s);
– information that if a single holder G5/G13 is declared to be suitable to be connected
directly across the mains, it enables the application of G5/G13 capped LED lamps
without external controlgear;
Compliance is checked by inspection.
8.3 The instructions supplied by the holder manufacturer or responsible vendor in order to
ensure correct mounting and operation of a pair of holders for linear double-capped
fluorescent lamps shall contain at least the following information:
– method of mounting. For flexibly mounted hold
...

IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.0 2017-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

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IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.0 2017-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-5154-6

– 2 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General requirement . 12
5 General conditions for tests . 13
6 Electrical rating . 14
7 Classification . 14
8 Marking . 15
9 Protection against electric shock . 17
10 Terminals . 19
11 Construction . 21
12 Resistance to dust and moisture . 26
13 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 27
14 Endurance . 28
15 Mechanical strength . 29
16 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 31
17 Creepage distances and clearances . 33
18 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 35
19 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 40
Annex A (normative) Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 86
Annex B (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 87
B.1 General . 87
B.2 Test cabinet . 87
B.3 Test solution . 87
B.4 Test procedure . 88
Annex C (informative) Protection against electric shock – Explanatory details for the
installation of lampholders according to 9.2 . 89
Annex D (informative) Clauses containing new or more stringent requirements with
respect to the previous edition . 90
Bibliography . 91

Figure 1 – Mounting jig for the testing of lampholders . 41
Figure 2 – Mounting sheet . 42
Figure 3 – Fixture for the testing of lampholder flexibility . 43
Figure 4 – Test caps G5, GX5 and G13 . 44
Figure 5 – Impact test apparatus and mounting support . 46
Figure 6 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX13 . 47
Figure 7 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 48
Figure 8 – Bracket for fixing lampholders for the impact test . 48
Figure 9 – Test cap and test assembly for testing of resistance to heat of lampholders
G13, G5 and GX5 with T marking . 50
Figure 10 – Dimensions of starterholder and holder . 52

Figure 11 – “Go” plug gauges for starterholders . 53
Figure 12 – Plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making and retention . 54
Figure 13 – Special plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making . 55
Figure 14 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G5 and GX5 . 56
Figure 15 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G13 . 56
Figure 16 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G13 . 57
Figure 17 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G20 . 57
Figure 18 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa6 . 57
Figure 19 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G10q, GU10q and
GZ10q . 58
Figure 20 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa8 . 58
Figure 21 – Test starter for the test of Clause 14 . 59
Figure 22 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders R17d . 60
Figure 23 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G11 . 61
Figure 24 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G23 and GX23 . 62
Figure 25 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR8 . 63
Figure 26 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR10q . 63
Figure 27 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX10q and GY10q . 64
Figure 28 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 . 65
Figure 29 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G32 and GY32 . 66
Figure 30 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G23 . 67
Figure 31 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR8 . 68
Figure 32 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR10q . 69
Figure 33 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX10q . 70
Figure 34 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GY10q . 71
Figure 35 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders 2G11 . 72
Figure 36 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX23 . 73
Figure 37 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 (1 of 2). 74
Figure 38 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G32, GX32 and GY32 (1 of 2). 76
Figure 39 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G8 . 78
Figure 40 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX53 . 79
Figure 41 – Standard test finger (according to IEC 60529:2014) . 80
Figure 42 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders W4.3x8.5d . 81
Figure 43 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR14q . 82
Figure 44 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G28d . 83
Figure 45 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX11 . 84
Figure 46 – Test probes for checking gasket sleeves on lampholders for higher IP
protection . 85
Figure C.1 – Examples of lampholders . 89

– 4 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance . 27
Table 2 – Torque tests on screws . 31
Table 3 – Minimum distances for AC sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz – Impulse
withstand category II . 34
Table 4 – Minimum distances for rated ignition voltages or equivalent peak voltage U . 35
P
Table A.1 – Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 86
Table B.1 – pH adjustment . 87

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
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
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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 60400 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition published in 2008,
Amendment 1:2011 and Amendment 2:2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with ISO/IEC drafting rules;
b) renumbering of clauses, tables and figures.
This bilingual version (2017-12) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2017-06.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:

– 6 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
FDIS Report on voting
34B/1900/FDIS 34B/1911/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
1 Scope
This document states the technical and dimensional requirements for lampholders for tubular
fluorescent lamps and for starterholders, and the methods of test to be used in determining
the safety and the fit of the lamps in the lampholders and the starters in the starterholders.
This document covers independent lampholders and lampholders for building-in, used with
tubular fluorescent lamps provided with caps as listed in Annex A, and independent
starterholders and starterholders for building-in, used with starters in accordance with
IEC 60155, intended for use in AC circuits where the working voltage does not exceed
1 000 V r.m.s.
This document also covers lampholders for single-capped tubular fluorescent lamps
integrated in an outer shell and dome similar to Edison screw lampholders (e.g. for G23 and
G24 capped lamps). Such lampholders are tested in accordance with the following clauses
and subclauses of IEC 60238: 9.4; 9.5; 9.6; 10.3; 11.7; 12; 13.2; 13.5; 13.6; 13.7; 14; 16.3;
16.4; 16.5 and 16.9.
This document also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire or intended to be
built into appliances. It covers the requirements for the lampholder only. For all other requirements,
such as protection against electric shock in the area of the terminals, the requirements of the
relevant appliance standard are applicable and tested after building into the appropriate
equipment, when that equipment is tested according to its own standard. Lampholders for use
by luminaire manufacturers only are not for retail sale.
This document also applies, as far as is reasonable, to lampholders and starterholders other
than the types explicitly mentioned above and to lamp connectors.
Where the term "holder" is used in this document, both lampholders and starterholders are
intended.
Where the term “bi-pin lampholder” is used, lampholders for wedged caps are also intended.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 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 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications

– 8 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
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 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60352-1:1997, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General
requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5:2016 Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method
– Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 4046-4:2016, 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.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
holder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage which may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp or starter is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp or
starter is removed
3.3
flexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders in which the base of each holder is rigidly mounted in the luminaire but
which has one or both of the lampholders so designed as to allow axial movement of the
contacts to provide compensation for variations in lamp lengths and, where necessary, to
permit insertion and removal of the lamp
Note 1 to entry: In case of doubt as to whether a lampholder G5, GX5 or G13 provides the required axial
movement of the contacts, a test with the device shown in Figure 3 can be carried out.

3.4
inflexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders intended for rigid mounting and in which no axial movement of the
contacts is provided or is needed, either for the insertion and removal of the lamp or as
compensation for variation in lamp lengths
3.5
flexibly mounted lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders which do not in themselves provide for any axial movement of the contact
system but which are intended to be mounted in a luminaire in a specified manner so that the
combination provides the necessary axial movement of the contact system
Note 1 to entry: Lampholders of this type may or may not also be suitable for rigid mounting.
3.6
lamp connectors
set of contacts mounted on flexible conductors which provide for electrical contact but do not
support the lamp
3.7
holder for building-in
holder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.7.1
unenclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example an enclosure,
to meet the requirements of IEC 60400 with regard to protection against electric shock
3.7.2
enclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements of IEC 60400 with
regard to protection against electric shock and IP classification, if appropriate
3.8
independent holder
holder so designed that it can be mounted separately from a luminaire and at the same time
providing all the necessary protection according to its classification and marking
3.9
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the holder is designed
3.10
rated lampholder rearside temperature
rearside temperature for lampholders with T marking ascertained by test b) in 18.1 of
IEC 60400, or a higher temperature as declared by the manufacturer
3.11
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
3.12
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

– 10 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
3.13
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.14
rated ignition voltage
highest peak value of the ignition voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.15
multilamp ballast
electronic mains ballast designed and declared to comply for the application of lamps with
different keys
3.16
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.
3.17
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.
3.18
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 in the above sense.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. In
addition, 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.

3.19
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.
3.20
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
3.21
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.22
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 can comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.23
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
3.24
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.
3.25
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
[SOURCE: IEC 60838-1:2016 3.3]
3.26
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]
3.27
ignition voltage
peak voltage applied to ignite a discharge lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46]

– 12 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
3.27.1
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]
3.28
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]
3.29
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]
3.30
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 3.27.1.
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
Holders 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.

In addition, the enclosure of independent holders shall comply with the appropriate
requirements of IEC 60598-1, including the classification and marking requirements of that
standard.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this document are type tests.
NOTE The requirements and tolerances given in this document are related to testing of a type test sample
submitted for that purpose.
Compliance of the type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of a manufacturer with this
safety standard.
In addition to type testing, conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can include routine
tests and quality assurance.
For further information, see IEC 60061-4 (inclusion of guidance on conformity testing during manufacture is in
preparation).
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.
5.3 The tests shall be carried out in the order of the clauses, unless another succession of
tests is specified.
Holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 shall be subjected to the
tests in 12.1 and 12.2 after the test in 18.1.
5.4 The tests and inspections are carried out on a total of:
– eight pairs of matching lampholders intended for linear double-capped fluorescent
lamps;
NOTE If a pair of lampholders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient for one holder instead of one pair to be
subjected to all the tests, except for the test of item d) in 11.5, where one pair is used.
– eight specimens intended for single-capped fluorescent lamps and eight starter-
holders;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– two pairs or two specimens: Clause 6 up to and including Clause 17 (except for 10.2
and 10.5);
NOTE The tests of 10.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: 10.5 and 18.1;
– two pairs or two specimens: 18.2 up to and including 18.5 (of which one specimen for
the test in 18.2 and the other for the tests in 18.4 and 18.5);
– one pair or one specimen: 18.6 and Clause 19.
In the case of flexible and inflexible lampholders G5, GX5 or G13 (see 3.3 and 3.4
respectively), the specimens are mounted on two pairs of mounting sheets as specified in
Figure 2.
One pair of holders is mounted so as to represent the minimum mounting distance for this pair
of holders according to the manufacturer's mounting instructions; the other pair is mounted at
the maximum distance. The matching mounting sheets are marked.
In special cases, it may be necessary to test more than the number of specimens specified
above.
– 14 – IEC 60400:2017 © IEC 2017
Together with these specimens, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 8.3) shall be
supplied.
For holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 with detachable gaskets
having a maximum operating temperature different from the values in 18.1, an additional set
of gaskets shall be supplied with the specimen, together with information on their maximum
operating temperature (this is part of the manufacturer's mounting instructions).
This does not refer to detachable gaskets on the mounting surface of the holder (see 18.1).
5.5 Holders are deemed to comply with this document if no specimen fails in the complete
series of tests specified in 5.4.
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 to the number required in 5.4,
all specimens of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent
tests. Holders are deemed not to comply with this document if there are more failures than
that of one specimen in one of the tests.
In general, it will only be necessary to repeat the relevant test, unless the specimen fails in
the tests according to Clause 14 or Clause 15, in which case the tests shall be repeated from
the test according to Clause 13 onwards.
NOTE A second type test sample, which can be required should one specimen fail, can be submitted together
with the first sample.
If the additional type test sample is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one specimen entails a rejection.
5.6 For verification purposes, Annex D gives an overview of clauses containing new or more
stringent requirements with respect to the previous edition of this document.
6 Electrical rating
The electrical rating shall be:
– not less than 125 V and not more than 1 000 V AC r.m.s.;
– not less than 1 A;
– not less than 2 A for lampholders GX5, G13, 2G8, 2G13, G20, Fa6, Fa8 and R17d.
In countries where marking of rated wattage is required in place of rated current, the rating of
the G5 lampholder should be not less than 75 W.
7 Classification
Holders are classified as follows.
7.1 According to the protection against electric shock:
– unenclosed lampholders;
– enclosed lampholders;
– independent lampholders;
– partly reinforced insulated lampholders;
– enclosed reinforced insulated lampholders.
Where a lampholder is used with a working voltage of 50 % or less of its maximum rating, it
may be regarded as equivalent to a reinforced insulated lampholder.

7.2 According to the degree of protection against ingress of dust or water in accordance with
the system of classification (IP Code) explained in IEC 60529.
Symbols for the degrees of protection are given in 8.4 (independent and enclosed holders
only).
7.3 According to the resistance to heat:
– holders for rated operating temperatures up to and including 80 °C;
– holders for rated operating temperatures over 80 °C.
NOTE The measuring point for the operating temperature is that area of the lampholder where it touches the
lamp cap.
7.4 Moreover, starterholders are classified according to the possibility of accepting different
types of starters:
– starterholders intended for starters according to IEC 60155;
– starterholders intended for starters according to IEC 60155, Annex B only.
8 Marking
8.1 Holders shall be marked with the following:
a) mark of origin (this may take the form of a trade mark, a manufacturer's identification mark
or the name of the responsible vendor);
b) type reference;
Available technical documentation of the manufacturer like printed catalogues or online
catalogues should 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 mean
...

IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.2 2022-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

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IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.2 2022-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4105-9

IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.2 2022-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

– 2 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1 . 7
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 2 . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirement . 13
5 General conditions for tests . 14
6 Electrical rating . 15
7 Classification . 15
8 Marking . 16
9 Protection against electric shock . 18
10 Terminals . 20
11 Construction . 22
12 Resistance to dust and moisture . 27
13 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 28
14 Endurance . 29
15 Mechanical strength . 30
16 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 32
17 Creepage distances and clearances . 34
18 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 37
19 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 41
Annex A (normative) Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 90
Annex B (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 91
B.1 General . 91
B.2 Test cabinet . 91
B.3 Test solution . 91
B.4 Test procedure . 92
Annex C (informative) Protection against electric shock – Explanatory details for the
installation of lampholders according to 9.2 . 93
Annex D (informative) Clauses containing new or more stringent requirements with
respect to the previous edition . 94
Annex E (informative) Guidance on working voltages U . 95
out
E.1 Working voltages – Relation between lampholders and controlgear . 95
E.2 Example. 95
E.2.1 Clearance . 95
E.2.2 Creepage distance . 95
E.3 Impulse withstand category . 96
Bibliography . 97

Figure 1 – Mounting jig for the testing of lampholders . 43
Figure 2 – Mounting sheet . 44
Figure 3 – Fixture for the testing of lampholder flexibility . 45

+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
Figure 4 – Test caps G5, GX5 and G13 . 46
Figure 5 – Impact test apparatus and mounting support . 48
Figure 6 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX13 . 49
Figure 7 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 50
Figure 8 – Bracket for fixing lampholders for the impact test . 50
Figure 9 – Test cap and test assembly for testing of resistance to heat of lampholders
G13, G5 and GX5 with T marking . 52
Figure 10 – Dimensions of starterholder and holder . 54
Figure 11 – “Go” plug gauges for starterholders . 55
Figure 12 – Plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making and retention . 56
Figure 13 – Special plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making . 57
Figure 14 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G5 and GX5 . 58
Figure 15 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G13 . 58
Figure 16 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G13 . 59
Figure 17 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G20 . 59
Figure 18 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa6 . 59
Figure 19 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G10q, GU10q

and GZ10q . 60
Figure 20 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa8 . 60
Figure 21 – Test starter for the test of Clause 14 . 61
Figure 22 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders R17d . 62
Figure 23 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G11 . 63
Figure 24 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G23 and GX23 . 64
Figure 25 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR8 . 65
Figure 26 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR10q . 65
Figure 27 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX10q and GY10q . 66
Figure 28 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 . 67
Figure 29 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G32 and GY32 . 68
Figure 30 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G23 . 69
Figure 31 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR8 . 70
Figure 32 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR10q . 73
Figure 33 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX10q . 74
Figure 34 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GY10q . 75
Figure 35 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders 2G11 . 76
Figure 36 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX23 . 77
Figure 37 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 (1 of 2). 78
Figure 38 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G32, GX32 and GY32 (1 of 2). 80
Figure 39 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G8 . 82
Figure 40 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX53 . 83
Figure 41 – Standard test finger (according to IEC 60529:2014) . 84
Figure 42 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders W4.3x8.5d . 85
Figure 43 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR14q . 86
Figure 44 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G28d . 87
Figure 45 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX11 . 88

– 4 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
Figure 46 – Test probes for checking gasket sleeves on lampholders for higher IP
protection . 89
Figure C.1 – Examples of lampholders . 93

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance . 28
Table 2 – Torque tests on screws . 32
Table 3 – Minimum distances for AC sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz – Impulse

withstand category II . 35
Table 4 – Minimum distances for rated ignition voltages or equivalent peak voltage U . 36
P
Table A.1 – Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 90
Table B.1 – pH adjustment . 91

+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
FOREWORD
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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 60400 edition 8.2 contains the eight edition (2017-06) [documents 34B/1900/FDIS
and 34B/1911/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2020-02) [documents 34B/2072/FDIS and
34B/2075/RVD] and its amendment 2 (2022-02) [documents 34B/2110/CDV and
34B/2121/RVC].
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.
– 6 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
International Standard IEC 60400 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This eighth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with ISO/IEC drafting rules;
b) renumbering of clauses, tables and figures.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
notes: in smaller roman 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.
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1
Two changes needed for IEC 60400 became obvious during the work relating to Edition 8.0 of
IEC 60400.
Change 1:
Actual lamp holder safety standards require a ball pressure test in line with IEC 60695-10-2 in
sections “Resistance to heat, fire and tracking”. Within this test there is an alternative depth
indentation method described for the calculation of the indentation diameter.
This alternative calculation option was removed from the latest edition of IEC 60695-10-2
dated 2014 and during its meeting held in Sydney in 2018, SC 34B/WG1 agreed to delete the
alternative method as well from IEC 60400.
Change 2:
Based on IEC 60664-1:2007, 4.8.1.5 "Non tracking materials":
"For glass, ceramics or other inorganic insulating materials which do not track, creepage
distances need not be greater than their associated clearance for the purpose of insulation
coordination. The dimensions of Table F.2 for inhomogeneous field conditions are
appropriate."
This is not completely reflected in TC 34 standards as revised recently. For applications with
ELV it is of high importance whether the creepage distance shall be 0,6 mm or may be 0,2
mm in case where inorganic insulating material is used.
An informative annex for the explanation of U should give some additional information.
out
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 2
Lampholders specified in this standard are used not only for fluorescent lamps but also now
for retrofit LED lamps. LED lamp designers, as well as lampholder designers, refer to this
standard. However, it may lead to a misread of the original intention of the relaxation in
Clause 17, which indicates that creepage distances or clearances between lamp contacts can
be reduced.
The purpose of this amendment is to make the relaxation provision clear and to avoid
misreading, i.e.
• the relaxation provision has been moved from the end of Clause 17 to the footnotes in
Table 3,
and
• an explanatory note for this relaxation has been added to Table 3.

– 8 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020
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LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
1 Scope
This document states the technical and dimensional requirements for lampholders for tubular
fluorescent lamps and for starterholders, and the methods of test to be used in determining
the safety and the fit of the lamps in the lampholders and the starters in the starterholders.
This document covers independent lampholders and lampholders for building-in, used with
tubular fluorescent lamps provided with caps as listed in Annex A, and independent
starterholders and starterholders for building-in, used with starters in accordance with
IEC 60155, intended for use in AC circuits where the working voltage does not exceed
1 000 V r.m.s.
This document also covers lampholders for single-capped tubular fluorescent lamps
integrated in an outer shell and dome similar to Edison screw lampholders (e.g. for G23 and
G24 capped lamps). Such lampholders are tested in accordance with the following clauses
and subclauses of IEC 60238: 9.4; 9.5; 9.6; 10.3; 11.7; 12; 13.2; 13.5; 13.6; 13.7; 14; 16.3;
16.4; 16.5 and 16.9.
This document also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire or intended to be
built into appliances. It covers the requirements for the lampholder only. For all other requirements,
such as protection against electric shock in the area of the terminals, the requirements of the
relevant appliance standard are applicable and tested after building into the appropriate
equipment, when that equipment is tested according to its own standard. Lampholders for use
by luminaire manufacturers only are not for retail sale.
This document also applies, as far as is reasonable, to lampholders and starterholders other
than the types explicitly mentioned above and to lamp connectors.
Where the term "holder" is used in this document, both lampholders and starterholders are
intended.
Where the term “bi-pin lampholder” is used, lampholders for wedged caps are also intended.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 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 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications

+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
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 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60352-1:1997, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General
requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5:2016 Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method
– Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 4046-4:2016, 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.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
holder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage which may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp or starter is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp or
starter is removed
3.3
flexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders in which the base of each holder is rigidly mounted in the luminaire but
which has one or both of the lampholders so designed as to allow axial movement of the
contacts to provide compensation for variations in lamp lengths and, where necessary, to
permit insertion and removal of the lamp
Note 1 to entry: In case of doubt as to whether a lampholder G5, GX5 or G13 provides the required axial
movement of the contacts, a test with the device shown in Figure 3 can be carried out.

– 10 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
3.4
inflexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders intended for rigid mounting and in which no axial movement of the
contacts is provided or is needed, either for the insertion and removal of the lamp or as
compensation for variation in lamp lengths
3.5
flexibly mounted lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders which do not in themselves provide for any axial movement of the contact
system but which are intended to be mounted in a luminaire in a specified manner so that the
combination provides the necessary axial movement of the contact system
Note 1 to entry: Lampholders of this type may or may not also be suitable for rigid mounting.
3.6
lamp connectors
set of contacts mounted on flexible conductors which provide for electrical contact but do not
support the lamp
3.7
holder for building-in
holder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.7.1
unenclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example an enclosure,
to meet the requirements of IEC 60400 with regard to protection against electric shock
3.7.2
enclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements of IEC 60400 with
regard to protection against electric shock and IP classification, if appropriate
3.8
independent holder
holder so designed that it can be mounted separately from a luminaire and at the same time
providing all the necessary protection according to its classification and marking
3.9
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the holder is designed
3.10
rated lampholder rearside temperature
rearside temperature for lampholders with T marking ascertained by test b) in 18.1 of
IEC 60400, or a higher temperature as declared by the manufacturer
3.11
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
3.12
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

+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
3.13
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.14
rated ignition voltage
highest peak value of the ignition voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.15
multilamp ballast
electronic mains ballast designed and declared to comply for the application of lamps with
different keys
3.16
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.
3.17
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.
3.18
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 in the above sense.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. In
addition, 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.

– 12 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
3.19
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.
3.20
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
3.21
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.22
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 can comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.23
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
3.24
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.
3.25
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
[SOURCE: IEC 60838-1:2016 3.3]
3.26
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]
3.27
ignition voltage
peak voltage applied to ignite a discharge lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46]

+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
3.27.1
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]
3.28
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]
3.29
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]
3.30
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 3.27.1.
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
Holders 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.

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+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
In addition, the enclosure of independent holders shall comply with the appropriate
requirements of IEC 60598-1, including the classification and marking requirements of that
standard.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this document are type tests.
NOTE The requirements and tolerances given in this document are related to testing of a type test sample
submitted for that purpose.
Compliance of the type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of a manufacturer with this
safety standard.
In addition to type testing, conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can include routine
tests and quality assurance.
For further information, see IEC 60061-4 (inclusion of guidance on conformity testing during manufacture is in
preparation).
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.
5.3 The tests shall be carried out in the order of the clauses, unless another succession of
tests is specified.
Holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 shall be subjected to the
tests in 12.1 and 12.2 after the test in 18.1.
5.4 The tests and inspections are carried out on a total of:
– eight pairs of matching lampholders intended for linear double-capped fluorescent
lamps;
NOTE If a pair of lampholders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient for one holder instead of one pair to be
subjected to all the tests, except for the test of item d) in 11.5, where one pair is used.
– eight specimens intended for single-capped fluorescent lamps and eight starter-
holders;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– two pairs or two specimens: Clause 6 up to and including Clause 17 (except for 10.2
and 10.5);
NOTE The tests of 10.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: 10.5 and 18.1;
– two pairs or two specimens: 18.2 up to and including 18.5 (of which one specimen for
the test in 18.2 and the other for the tests in 18.4 and 18.5);
– one pair or one specimen: 18.6 and Clause 19.
In the case of flexible and inflexible lampholders G5, GX5 or G13 (see 3.3 and 3.4
respectively), the specimens are mounted on two pairs of mounting sheets as specified in
Figure 2.
One pair of holders is mounted so as to represent the minimum mounting distance for this pair
of holders according to the manufacturer's mounting instructions; the other pair is mounted at
the maximum distance. The matching mounting sheets are marked.
In special cases, it may be necessary to test more than the number of specimens specified
above.
+AMD2:2022 CSV © IEC 2022
Together with these specimens, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 8.3) shall be
supplied.
For holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 with detachable gaskets
having a maximum operating temperature different from the values in 18.1, an additional set
of gaskets shall be supplied with the specimen, together with information on their maximum
operating temperature (this is part of the manufacturer's mounting instructions).
This does not refer to detachable gaskets on the mounting surface of the holder (see 18.1).
5.5 Holders are deemed to comply with this document if no specimen fails in the complete
series of tests specified in 5.4.
If one specime
...

IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.1 2020-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
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Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

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IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.1 2020-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
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Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.140.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-7938-0

IEC 60400 ®
Edition 8.1 2020-02
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders

Douilles pour lampes tubulaires à fluorescence et douilles pour starters

– 2 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1 . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirement . 13
5 General conditions for tests . 14
6 Electrical rating . 15
7 Classification . 15
8 Marking . 16
9 Protection against electric shock . 18
10 Terminals . 20
11 Construction . 22
12 Resistance to dust and moisture . 27
13 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 28
14 Endurance . 29
15 Mechanical strength . 30
16 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 32
17 Creepage distances and clearances . 34
18 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 36
19 Resistance to excessive residual stresses (season cracking) and to rusting . 41
Annex A (normative) Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 87
Annex B (normative) Season cracking/corrosion test . 88
B.1 General . 88
B.2 Test cabinet . 88
B.3 Test solution . 88
B.4 Test procedure . 89
Annex C (informative) Protection against electric shock – Explanatory details for the
installation of lampholders according to 9.2 . 90
Annex D (informative) Clauses containing new or more stringent requirements with
respect to the previous edition . 91
Annex E (informative) Guidance on working voltages U . 92
out
E.1 Working voltages – Relation between lampholders and controlgear . 92
E.2 Example. 92
E.2.1 Clearance . 92
E.2.2 Creepage distance . 92
E.3 Impulse withstand category . 93
Bibliography . 94

Figure 1 – Mounting jig for the testing of lampholders . 42
Figure 2 – Mounting sheet . 43
Figure 3 – Fixture for the testing of lampholder flexibility . 44
Figure 4 – Test caps G5, GX5 and G13 . 45

© IEC 2020
Figure 5 – Impact test apparatus and mounting support . 47
Figure 6 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX13 . 48
Figure 7 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 49
Figure 8 – Bracket for fixing lampholders for the impact test . 49
Figure 9 – Test cap and test assembly for testing of resistance to heat of lampholders
G13, G5 and GX5 with T marking . 51
Figure 10 – Dimensions of starterholder and holder . 53
Figure 11 – “Go” plug gauges for starterholders . 54
Figure 12 – Plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making and retention . 55
Figure 13 – Special plug gauge for starterholders for testing contact making . 56
Figure 14 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G5 and GX5 . 57
Figure 15 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G13 . 57
Figure 16 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G13 . 58
Figure 17 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G20 . 58
Figure 18 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa6 . 58
Figure 19 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G10q, GU10q
and GZ10q . 59
Figure 20 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders Fa8 . 59
Figure 21 – Test starter for the test of Clause 14 . 60
Figure 22 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders R17d . 61
Figure 23 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G11 . 62
Figure 24 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G23 and GX23 . 63
Figure 25 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR8 . 64
Figure 26 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR10q . 64
Figure 27 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX10q and GY10q . 65
Figure 28 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 . 66
Figure 29 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G32 and GY32 . 67
Figure 30 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G23 . 68
Figure 31 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR8 . 69
Figure 32 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GR10q . 70
Figure 33 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX10q . 71
Figure 34 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GY10q . 72
Figure 35 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders 2G11 . 73
Figure 36 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders GX23 . 74
Figure 37 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G24, GX24 and GY24 (1 of 2). 75
Figure 38 – Test cap for the test of 18.1 for lampholders G32, GX32 and GY32 (1 of 2). 77
Figure 39 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2G8 . 79
Figure 40 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GX53 . 80
Figure 41 – Standard test finger (according to IEC 60529:2014) . 81
Figure 42 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders W4.3x8.5d . 82
Figure 43 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders GR14q . 83
Figure 44 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders G28d . 84
Figure 45 – Test cap for the test of Clause 14 for lampholders 2GX11 . 85

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© IEC 2020
Figure 46 – Test probes for checking gasket sleeves on lampholders for higher IP
protection . 86
Figure C.1 – Examples of lampholders . 90

Table 1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance . 28
Table 2 – Torque tests on screws . 32
Table 3 – Minimum distances for AC sinusoidal voltages up to 30 kHz – Impulse

withstand category II . 35
Table 4 – Minimum distances for rated ignition voltages or equivalent peak voltage U . 36
P
Table A.1 – Examples of lampholders covered by IEC 60400 . 87
Table B.1 – pH adjustment . 88

© IEC 2020
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
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 60400 edition 8.1 contains the eight edition (2017-06) [documents 34B/1900/FDIS
and 34B/1911/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2020-02) [documents 34B/2072/FDIS and
34B/2075/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.
– 6 – IEC 60400:2017+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
International Standard IEC 60400 has been prepared by subcommittee 34B: Lamp caps and
holders, of IEC technical committee 34: Lamps and related equipment.
This eighth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with ISO/IEC drafting rules;
b) renumbering of clauses, tables and figures.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman 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 2020
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1
Two changes needed for IEC 60400 became obvious during the work relating to Edition 8.0 of
IEC 60400.
Change 1:
Actual lamp holder safety standards require a ball pressure test in line with IEC 60695-10-2 in
sections “Resistance to heat, fire and tracking”. Within this test there is an alternative depth
indentation method described for the calculation of the indentation diameter.
This alternative calculation option was removed from the latest edition of IEC 60695-10-2
dated 2014 and during its meeting held in Sydney in 2018, SC 34B/WG1 agreed to delete the
alternative method as well from IEC 60400.
Change 2:
Based on IEC 60664-1:2007, 4.8.1.5 "Non tracking materials":
"For glass, ceramics or other inorganic insulating materials which do not track, creepage
distances need not be greater than their associated clearance for the purpose of insulation
coordination. The dimensions of Table F.2 for inhomogeneous field conditions are
appropriate."
This is not completely reflected in TC 34 standards as revised recently. For applications with
ELV it is of high importance whether the creepage distance shall be 0,6 mm or may be 0,2
mm in case where inorganic insulating material is used.
An informative annex for the explanation of U should give some additional information.
out
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© IEC 2020
LAMPHOLDERS FOR TUBULAR FLUORESCENT
LAMPS AND STARTERHOLDERS
1 Scope
This document states the technical and dimensional requirements for lampholders for tubular
fluorescent lamps and for starterholders, and the methods of test to be used in determining
the safety and the fit of the lamps in the lampholders and the starters in the starterholders.
This document covers independent lampholders and lampholders for building-in, used with
tubular fluorescent lamps provided with caps as listed in Annex A, and independent
starterholders and starterholders for building-in, used with starters in accordance with
IEC 60155, intended for use in AC circuits where the working voltage does not exceed
1 000 V r.m.s.
This document also covers lampholders for single-capped tubular fluorescent lamps
integrated in an outer shell and dome similar to Edison screw lampholders (e.g. for G23 and
G24 capped lamps). Such lampholders are tested in accordance with the following clauses
and subclauses of IEC 60238: 9.4; 9.5; 9.6; 10.3; 11.7; 12; 13.2; 13.5; 13.6; 13.7; 14; 16.3;
16.4; 16.5 and 16.9.
This document also covers lampholders which are integral with a luminaire or intended to be
built into appliances. It covers the requirements for the lampholder only. For all other requirements,
such as protection against electric shock in the area of the terminals, the requirements of the
relevant appliance standard are applicable and tested after building into the appropriate
equipment, when that equipment is tested according to its own standard. Lampholders for use
by luminaire manufacturers only are not for retail sale.
This document also applies, as far as is reasonable, to lampholders and starterholders other
than the types explicitly mentioned above and to lamp connectors.
Where the term "holder" is used in this document, both lampholders and starterholders are
intended.
Where the term “bi-pin lampholder” is used, lampholders for wedged caps are also intended.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 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 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications

© IEC 2020
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 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60352-1:1997, Solderless connections – Part 1: Wrapped connections – General
requirements, test methods and practical guidance
IEC 60399, Barrel thread for lampholders with shade holder ring
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60695-11-5:2016 Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method
– Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
ISO 4046-4:2016, 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.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
rated voltage
voltage declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest working voltage for which the
holder is intended
3.2
working voltage
highest r.m.s. voltage which may occur across any insulation, transients being disregarded,
both when the lamp or starter is operating under normal conditions and when the lamp or
starter is removed
3.3
flexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders in which the base of each holder is rigidly mounted in the luminaire but
which has one or both of the lampholders so designed as to allow axial movement of the
contacts to provide compensation for variations in lamp lengths and, where necessary, to
permit insertion and removal of the lamp
Note 1 to entry: In case of doubt as to whether a lampholder G5, GX5 or G13 provides the required axial
movement of the contacts, a test with the device shown in Figure 3 can be carried out.

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© IEC 2020
3.4
inflexible lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders intended for rigid mounting and in which no axial movement of the
contacts is provided or is needed, either for the insertion and removal of the lamp or as
compensation for variation in lamp lengths
3.5
flexibly mounted lampholders for linear double-capped fluorescent lamps
pair of lampholders which do not in themselves provide for any axial movement of the contact
system but which are intended to be mounted in a luminaire in a specified manner so that the
combination provides the necessary axial movement of the contact system
Note 1 to entry: Lampholders of this type may or may not also be suitable for rigid mounting.
3.6
lamp connectors
set of contacts mounted on flexible conductors which provide for electrical contact but do not
support the lamp
3.7
holder for building-in
holder designed to be built into a luminaire, an additional enclosure or the like
3.7.1
unenclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that it requires additional means, for example an enclosure,
to meet the requirements of IEC 60400 with regard to protection against electric shock
3.7.2
enclosed holder
holder for building-in so designed that on its own it fulfils the requirements of IEC 60400 with
regard to protection against electric shock and IP classification, if appropriate
3.8
independent holder
holder so designed that it can be mounted separately from a luminaire and at the same time
providing all the necessary protection according to its classification and marking
3.9
rated operating temperature
highest temperature for which the holder is designed
3.10
rated lampholder rearside temperature
rearside temperature for lampholders with T marking ascertained by test b) in 18.1 of
IEC 60400, or a higher temperature as declared by the manufacturer
3.11
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
3.12
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

© IEC 2020
3.13
live part
conductive part which may cause an electric shock
3.14
rated ignition voltage
highest peak value of the ignition voltages the holder is able to withstand
3.15
multilamp ballast
electronic mains ballast designed and declared to comply for the application of lamps with
different keys
3.16
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.
3.17
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.
3.18
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 in the above sense.
Note 2 to entry: Mains transients in such a circuit are attenuated by the corresponding primary windings. In
addition, 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.

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© IEC 2020
3.19
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.
3.20
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
3.21
double insulation
insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
3.22
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 can comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
3.23
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
3.24
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.
3.25
rated current
current declared by the manufacturer to indicate the highest current for which the lampholder
is intended
[SOURCE: IEC 60838-1:2016 3.3]
3.26
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]
3.27
ignition voltage
peak voltage applied to ignite a discharge lamp
[SOURCE: IEC 61347-1:2015, 3.46]

© IEC 2020
3.27.1
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]
3.28
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]
3.29
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]
3.30
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 3.27.1.
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
Holders 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.

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© IEC 2020
In addition, the enclosure of independent holders shall comply with the appropriate
requirements of IEC 60598-1, including the classification and marking requirements of that
standard.
5 General conditions for tests
5.1 Tests according to this document are type tests.
NOTE The requirements and tolerances given in this document are related to testing of a type test sample
submitted for that purpose.
Compliance of the type test sample does not ensure compliance of the whole production of a manufacturer with this
safety standard.
In addition to type testing, conformity of production is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can include routine
tests and quality assurance.
For further information, see IEC 60061-4 (inclusion of guidance on conformity testing during manufacture is in
preparation).
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.
5.3 The tests shall be carried out in the order of the clauses, unless another succession of
tests is specified.
Holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 shall be subjected to the
tests in 12.1 and 12.2 after the test in 18.1.
5.4 The tests and inspections are carried out on a total of:
– eight pairs of matching lampholders intended for linear double-capped fluorescent
lamps;
NOTE If a pair of lampholders consists of identical holders, it is sufficient for one holder instead of one pair to be
subjected to all the tests, except for the test of item d) in 11.5, where one pair is used.
– eight specimens intended for single-capped fluorescent lamps and eight starter-
holders;
in the order of the clauses, as follows:
– two pairs or two specimens: Clause 6 up to and including Clause 17 (except for 10.2
and 10.5);
NOTE The tests of 10.2 are carried out on the number of separate specimens as required by the relevant
standards.
– three pairs or three specimens: 10.5 and 18.1;
– two pairs or two specimens: 18.2 up to and including 18.5 (of which one specimen for
the test in 18.2 and the other for the tests in 18.4 and 18.5);
– one pair or one specimen: 18.6 and Clause 19.
In the case of flexible and inflexible lampholders G5, GX5 or G13 (see 3.3 and 3.4
respectively), the specimens are mounted on two pairs of mounting sheets as specified in
Figure 2.
One pair of holders is mounted so as to represent the minimum mounting distance for this pair
of holders according to the manufacturer's mounting instructions; the other pair is mounted at
the maximum distance. The matching mounting sheets are marked.
In special cases, it may be necessary to test more than the number of specimens specified
above.
© IEC 2020
Together with these specimens, the manufacturer's mounting instructions (see 8.3) shall be
supplied.
For holders intended to provide an IP classification greater than IP20 with detachable gaskets
having a maximum operating temperature different from the values in 18.1, an additional set
of gaskets shall be supplied with the specimen, together with information on their maximum
operating temperature (this is part of the manufacturer's mounting instructions).
This does not refer to detachable gaskets on the mounting surface of the holder (see 18.1).
5.5 Holders are deemed to comply with this document if no specimen fails in the complete
series of tests specified in 5.4.
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 to the number required in 5.4,
all specimens of which shall then comply with the repeated tests and with the subsequent
tests. Holders are deemed not to comply with this document if there are more failures than
that of one specimen in one of the tests.
In general, it will only be necessary to repeat the relevant test, unless the specimen fails in
the tests according to Clause 14 or Clause 15, in which case the tests shall be repeated from
the test according to Clause 13 onwards.
NOTE A second type test sample, which can be required should one specimen fail, can be submitted together
with the first sample.
If the additional type test sample i
...