Introduction
In today's rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, compliance with European Union (EU) directives is essential for businesses operating in the lighting industry. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or installer, understanding the complex framework of laws governing lighting products is crucial for market access and long-term success. From energy efficiency requirements to environmental sustainability and product safety, the EU has established stringent standards that shape how lighting solutions are designed, manufactured, and marketed.
In this guide, we will go through an in-depth list of EU directives affecting the lighting industry. Whether you’re navigating energy labelling, ensuring product safety, or adhering to environmental regulations, this post will serve as a comprehensive resource to help your business remain compliant and competitive in the European market.
EN 55015:2013+A1:2015 (For emitted interference)
(Keystone compliance) EN 55015 applies to the emission (radiated and conducted) of radiofrequency disturbances from:
All lighting equipment with a primary function of generating and/or distributing light intended for illumination purposes and intended either for connection to the low-voltage electricity supply or for battery operation.
· Lighting components of multi-function devices where illumination is a key function.
· Independent auxiliaries for use with lighting equipment.
· UV or infrared radiation equipment.
· Neon advertising signs.
· Outdoor street and flood lighting.
· Transport lighting installed in buses and trams.
The frequency range covered in EN 55015 testing is 9 kHz to 400 GHz.
The EN 55015 test limit is established based on a probabilistic approach to balance the suppression of disturbances with economic feasibility, while maintaining sufficient levels of radioprotection and electromagnetic compatibility. In rare instances, additional measures may be necessary.
EN 61000-3-2:2006 + A2 2009 (For line current harmonics)
EN 61000-3-2 testing, also referred to as IEC 61000-3-2, focuses on limiting harmonic currents introduced into public power systems. This standard sets permissible limits for the harmonic components of input current generated by equipment under specific conditions.
It applies to electrical and electronic devices with an input current up to and including 16 A per phase, designed for connection to public low-voltage distribution networks.
The purpose of EN 61000-3-2 testing is to regulate harmonic emissions from equipment within its scope. By accounting for emissions from other sources, compliance ensures that harmonic disturbances stay within the limits defined in EN 61000-3-2.
EN 61000-3-3:2013 (For voltage fluctuations and flickering)
EN 61000-3-3 addresses the control of voltage fluctuations imposed on public low-voltage systems. It defines limits for voltage variations caused by equipment tested under specified conditions and provides guidance on assessment methods.
This standard applies to electrical and electronic devices with an input current of less than 16 A per phase, designed for connection to public low-voltage systems between 220 V and 250 V (line to neutral) at 50Hz, without conditional connection.
EN 61547 (For electromagnetic immunity requirements)
Compliance with EN 61547 ensures that luminaires and their components are resistant to external interference from other devices.
The testing involves subjecting luminaires to defined interference signals and observing their response to determine their immunity rating. These signals are categorised based on their transmission path (conducted or radiated), shape (continuous or pulsed), and frequency (low or high).
Conducted interference signals are applied directly to the mains connection, signal and control inputs, or external lamp connections. In radiated interference testing, luminaires are exposed to a general interference field. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) tests are also performed, which are particularly relevant for LED luminaires, as their semiconductors may be vulnerable to ESD in certain designs.
The impact of these tests is classified into levels. For instance, a level A rating indicates that the luminaire's light output and control functions remain unaffected during testing. A level B rating permits a temporary change in luminous intensity, provided it stabilises on its own afterwards.
Eco-Design Directive 2009/125/EC
Directive 2009/125/EC, also known as the Eco-design Directive, sets a comprehensive framework for establishing eco-design requirements for energy-related products. (ERP) within the EU. The main objective is to enhance the environmental performance of products while ensuring free movement within the internal market. The directive covers both energy-using products and energy-related products that indirectly affect energy consumption, promoting efficiency and sustainability.
The directive establishes criteria for designing products to minimise their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, focusing on energy and resource efficiency. It is implemented through specific regulations known as Implementing Measures (IMs), which detail standards for various product categories. These regulations ensure compliance by setting benchmarks, technical documentation requirements, and conformity assessment procedures for market surveillance.
For lighting manufacturers, this directive is critical as it influences the design and energy efficiency of products, ensuring compliance with EU sustainability goals.
CE Marking
The CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). It is mandatory for various products, including lighting equipment, to ensure they meet EU directives and regulations. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU.
CE marking is only obligatory for products for which EU specifications exist and require the affixing of CE marking. Certain products are subject to several EU requirements. The manufacturer must ensure that the product complies with all relevant requirements before affixing the CE marking to it. It is forbidden to affix the CE marking to products for which EU specifications do not exist or do not require the affixing of the CE marking.
The manufacturer of the product bears sole responsibility for declaring conformity with all requirements. No license is needed for a CE marking; however, you must ensure the following:
· Ensure conformity with all relevant EU-wide requirements.
· Determine if assessment of the product can be done internally or if you must involve a notified body (A notified body is an organisation designated by an EU country to assess the conformity of certain products before being placed on the market. These bodies carry out tasks related to conformity assessment procedures, set out in the applicable legislation, when a third party is required. The EU commission publishes a list of such notified bodies.
· Put together a technical dossier documenting conformity.
· Draft and sign an EU declaration of conformity.
Manufacturing parties must check to see if the product needs to be tested by a notified body; you can find this information in the relevant legislation applicable to your product. This step is not obligatory for all products.
If you need to involve a notified body, the CE marking must be accompanied by the identification number of the notified body. The CE mark and the identification number can be affixed separately if they appear linked to each other.
If the product does not need to be verified by an independent body, then it is up to the manufacturer to check that it complies with the technical requirements. This includes estimating and documenting possible risks when using the product. The CE marking must be visible, legible, and indelible. If it cannot be affixed to the product itself, it can be affixed to the packaging or to any accompanying documents.
EN 12464-1 (Lighting Requirements for Indoor Workplaces)
EN 12464-1 is a European standard that establishes lighting requirements for indoor workplaces to ensure optimal visual comfort, safety, and performance across various environments such as offices, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces. The standard defines criteria for luminous intensity, glare reduction, and colour rendering (CRI), essential for creating suitable lighting conditions tailored to different tasks and activities.
The 2021 revision of EN 12464-1 introduced significant updates to prioritise user-centric lighting design. This includes a more detailed explanation of both the visual and non-visual effects of light, such as its impact on human circadian rhythms. The revision also added new tables covering illuminance for walls, ceilings, and cylindrical spaces, making it easier for designers to meet specific requirements.
One key change in the structure of the standard was the expansion of the information provided within the tables. This was aimed at ensuring designers pay attention to more than just minimum requirements, addressing issues where incomplete understanding had previously led to suboptimal lighting solutions.
The standard applies not just to office spaces but also covers various industrial and commercial settings, although it explicitly excludes areas like outdoor workplaces, mining environments, and emergency lighting. The focus is on environments where people perform tasks that demand visual accuracy and comfort. Designers are encouraged to read the entire standard thoroughly to understand the broader context and to ensure compliance while maximising the benefits of lighting for end users.
This information is based on multiple sources, including a detailed whitepaper from Helvar on the 2021 revision of EN 12464-1 and summaries from Any-Lamp.
EN 12464-2 (Outdoor Lighting Environments)
EN 12464-2 is the European standard that sets the requirements for lighting in outdoor workplaces, ensuring visual comfort and efficiency for various outdoor tasks. It provides detailed criteria for the quantity and quality of lighting necessary for outdoor work environments, covering aspects such as illuminance, uniformity, glare control, colour rendering, and more. The standard emphasises designing lighting solutions that promote visibility, safety, and productivity, especially for nighttime or low-light conditions.
Key elements of EN 12464-2 include:
· Illuminance levels: Specifies minimum light levels for different tasks and areas to ensure adequate visibility and safety.
· Glare Management: Provides guidelines to limit glare and reflections, crucial for maintaining visual comfort and reducing eye strain.
· Colour Rendering: Focuses on using appropriate light sources to ensure that colours are rendered accurately, which is important for certain tasks.
· Obtrusive Light Control: Includes measures to minimise light pollution, ensuring that outdoor lighting does not adversely affect the surrounding environment.
· Sustainability Considerations: Encourages energy-efficient lighting designs and the use of sustainable lighting practices to reduce environmental impact.
The standard outlines the parameters designers should follow to create effective lighting systems. Information taken from BSI Knowledge.
UL Solutions
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) testing and certification are crucial for manufacturers, especially in the lighting industry, ensuring that products meet rigorous safety and performance standards. UL is a globally recognised organisation that evaluates products for safety, giving manufacturers and consumers confidence in the quality and reliability of certified items. Here is a detailed look at UL testing and why it matters:
What is UL Certification?
UL certification involves testing products to confirm they meet specific safety and quality benchmarks. It is particularly relevant for electrical products like lighting equipment, ensuring that these products do not pose a threat of fire, electrical, or other hazards when used under standard conditions. The certification process involves thorough evaluations of product design, materials, and performance under simulated real-world conditions.
Why UL Certification Matters for Lighting Manufacturers
For lighting manufacturers, UL certification serves multiple purposes:
· Safety Assurance: Ensures that lighting products such as fixtures, controls, and accessories are safe for installation and use, minimising risks of electrical hazards, fires, and other dangers.
· Market Access: Many regions, including North America, require UL certification for products to be sold or installed, making it a critical step for manufacturers aiming to expand their reach.
· Consumer Trust: A UL mark on lighting products builds consumer confidence, as it indicates compliance with stringent safety standards.
· Compliance with Regulations: UL certification often aligns with national and international safety standards, helping manufacturers meet regulatory requirements more easily.
Key UL Standards for Lighting Products
UL has developed numerous standards specifically for lighting and electrical equipment. Some of the most relevant for the lighting industry include:
· UL 1598: This standard applies to luminaires, focusing on safety considerations for both indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, including LED systems. It evaluates factors such as wiring, thermal management, and grounding.
· UL 8750: Dedicated to LED lighting, this standard ensures that LED equipment is designed and constructed for safe operation. It includes testing for thermal performance, durability, and electrical safety.
· UL 924: Pertains to emergency lighting and exit signs, ensuring they perform reliably during power failures.
· UL 2108: Covers low-voltage lighting systems and their components, emphasising safety in residential and commercial settings.
The UL Testing Process
The UL testing process involves several stages, including:
· Product Submission: Manufacturers submit prototypes for evaluation. This process includes documentation review, ensuring materials and designs comply with UL standards.
· Lab Testing: The products undergo rigorous testing, which may include exposure to various conditions like humidity, temperature fluctuations, electrical surges, and mechanical stress. For lighting products, UL tests for electrical safety, fire resistance, and proper thermal management.
· Factory Inspections: To maintain certification, UL conducts regular inspections of the manufacturer's production facilities. This ensures that products continue to meet safety standards even after initial certification.
· Certification Issuance: Once products pass all evaluations, they receive the UL mark, allowing them to be marketed as UL-certified. This mark is crucial for regulatory compliance and market acceptance.
Benefits of UL Certification
· Safety and Reliability: Demonstrates that products are built to prevent hazards such as electrical shocks and fires.
· Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers meet local and international requirements, often simplifying market entry.
· Quality Assurance: The certification process ensures a high level of quality, which is essential for the longevity and performance of lighting systems.
· Market Advantage: UL-Certified products are more likely to be accepted by distributors, retailers, and end-users, making it easier for manufacturers to gain market share.
Staying Compliant with UL Standards
For lighting manufacturers, it is essential to maintain compliance with UL standards. This involves:
· Regularly viewing and updating product designs to align with new or revised standards.
· Conducting internal testing before submitting products to UL to ensure that they meet the necessary criteria.
· Partnering with certified labs and consultants to ensure all compliance requirements are met efficiently.
Conclusion
UL testing and certification play a critical role in the lighting industry. They not only enhance product safety and quality but also enable manufacturers to access broader markets and gain customer trust. As technology evolves and standards become more advanced, staying up to date with UL requirements will be vital for lighting manufacturers seeking to lead in safety and innovation.
UL certification is not just about meeting regulations; it is a mark of excellence that signals to the market that your products are safe, reliable, and of high quality. Investing in UL testing ensures that you build and maintain a reputation for quality, ensuring long-term success.
UL certification is more than just a standard; it is a guarantee of performance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and aligning with EU directives is not just about regulatory compliance - it is about ensuring safety, sustainability, and long-term value in the lighting industry. These directives shape how products are designed, manufactured, and brought to market, influencing everything from energy efficiency and environmental impact to workplace safety and digital connectivity. At Patina, we take these responsibilities seriously. Our lighting solutions are engineered to meet and exceed the latest EU requirements, giving our clients confidence in the performance, compliance, and future readiness of every product we deliver. By staying ahead of evolving regulations, we help our customers mitigate risk, reduce environmental impact, and achieve operational excellence.
