ANSI C78.50-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ANSI C78.50-2016 — American National Standard for Electric Lamps: Assigned LED Lamp Codes. This standard defines the assigned lamp codes and associated physical and electrical characteristics used to identify integrally ballasted LED (solid-state lighting) lamps and to standardize their designation for manufacturers, specifiers and testing.

Abstract

Provides a system of assigned codes and descriptive data for integrally ballasted LED lamps (SSL) including standardized envelope/shape descriptors, electrical characteristics and designation conventions used for identification, procurement and documentation. The document establishes the form and content of lamp codes and the basic characteristics to be reported.

General information

• Status: Published as ANSI C78.50-2016; reaffirmed (R2022); subsequently revised by ANSI/NEMA C78.50-2025 (so the 2016 edition is superseded by the 2025 revision).
• Publication date: 23 August 2016 (ANSI C78.50-2016).
• Publisher: National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) / ANSI-accredited committee for electric lamps.
• ICS / categories: 29.140 — Lamps and related equipment (lighting systems / electric lamps).
• Edition / version: ANSI C78.50-2016 (reaffirmed R2022); later revised by ANSI/NEMA C78.50-2025.
• Number of pages: 22 pages (2016 edition).

Scope

Specifies the assigned lamp code system and the descriptive requirements for integrally ballasted LED lamps that have standardized shapes and characteristics. The scope covers the assignment and use of codes to identify physical envelope types, electrical connections and basic performance descriptors for SSL lamps intended for general lighting applications; it is intended to harmonize designations used across manufacturers and in procurement/specification documents.

Key topics and requirements

• Assigned lamp codes for integrally ballasted LED (SSL) lamps (code format and conventions).
• Physical envelope and dimensional descriptors (envelope shapes, end types, reflectors where applicable).
• Electrical characteristics required for designation (rated voltage, base type, ballast/integral driver characteristics).
• Rules and criteria for assigning and administrating lamp codes to ensure consistent designation across manufacturers.
• Relationship and cross-reference to other C78 series designations and lamp-method-of-designation standards.

These topics are developed to standardize how LED lamp types are identified and cataloged for manufacturing, testing and procurement.

Typical use and users

Used by lamp and lighting manufacturers, product engineers, standards committees, lighting specifiers, procurement professionals, testing laboratories and regulatory bodies to: (1) assign and interpret lamp codes; (2) prepare product data sheets and procurement lists; and (3) harmonize identification of integrally ballasted LED lamps across catalogs and test reports.

Related standards

Part of the ANSI/NEMA C78 series for electric lamps. Closely related documents include ANSI C78.51 (LED lamps — method of designation), various C78 performance and safety specifications (for LED modules, fluorescent and discharge lamps), and other designation/nomencalture standards in the C78 family. The C78.50-2016 edition was later incorporated into the 2025 revision ANSI/NEMA C78.50-2025.

Keywords

Assigned lamp codes; LED lamp codes; SSL lamps; integrally ballasted LED; lamp designation; electric lamps; C78 series; NEMA; ANSI.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI C78.50-2016 is the American National Standard that defines the assigned lamp codes and descriptive data for integrally ballasted LED lamps (solid-state lighting), providing a standardized system for identifying lamp types.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the format and conventions for assigned LED lamp codes, the physical and electrical characteristics to be reported for those codes, and the criteria and administrative practice for assigning codes to integrally ballasted SSL lamps.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Lamp manufacturers, lighting product engineers, test laboratories, standards committees, procurement/specification professionals and regulatory authorities use the standard to ensure consistent identification and documentation of LED lamp products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition was reaffirmed in 2022 (R2022). It has been revised and superseded by ANSI/NEMA C78.50-2025; users should consult the 2025 revision for the most current assigned-code rules and any updated requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the ANSI/NEMA C78 series of standards for electric lamps and related lamp-designation documents (other C78 documents address LED lamp designation methods, performance, safety and nomenclature).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Assigned lamp codes, LED lamp codes, SSL, integrally ballasted LED, lamp designation, C78.50, NEMA/ANSI.