BS EN IEC 63129-2020 PDF

Full title and description

BS EN IEC 63129:2020 — Determination of inrush current characteristics of lighting products. This standard specifies a method, based on measurements combined with calculations, to determine specific characteristics of the inrush current of single and/or multiple lighting products of the same type (including light sources with integrated controlgear, separate controlgear and luminaires).

Abstract

The document defines test arrangements, measurement procedures, calculation methods and reporting requirements to quantify inrush current characteristics (for example peak inrush, waveform shape, duration and statistical representation for batches). It is intended to provide repeatable results that can be used for product comparison, design verification and for assessing compatibility with upstream protective devices and supply systems.

General information

• Status: Definitive / Current (British adoption of the IEC document).
• Publication date: 18 June 2020.
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adoption of IEC 63129 as a BS EN IEC standard.
• ICS / categories: 29.140.01 (Lamps in general); 29.140.99 (Other standards related to lamps); 91.160 (Lighting).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (BS adoption of IEC 63129:2020).
• Number of pages: 24 pages (BS consolidated text).

Scope

IEC 63129:2020 / BS EN IEC 63129:2020 describes a method for determining inrush current characteristics of lighting products, covering measurement set-up, sample selection, instrumentation, test sequences, data processing and the required test report content. The standard applies to single items and to groups of identical products where statistical representation of results is required. Note: an amendment (AMD1:2025) exists and has been adopted in consolidated form as BS EN IEC 63129:2020+A1:2025 in subsequent BSI publications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terms related to inrush current and transient measurements.
• Test setup and environmental conditions required for repeatable measurements.
• Instrumentation minimum performance (sampling rate, bandwidth, accuracy) and probe connection recommendations.
• Procedure for applying mains voltage and triggering to capture inrush events.
• Processing and calculation of characteristic parameters: peak inrush current, inrush waveform classification, duration, energy and statistical descriptors for sample batches.
• Reporting format: required fields, test limits, uncertainty statements and sample trace data.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of lamps, LED modules, controlgear and luminaires use this standard to characterise product inrush behaviour during development, type testing and production verification. Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies use it to produce consistent reports. Electrical designers, installers and utilities can use the published characteristic data to assess compatibility with upstream protective devices and to avoid nuisance tripping in installations.

Related standards

IEC 63129 is linked to other lighting and controlgear standards (for example IEC/EN 61347 series for lamp controlgear, IEC 61547 for EMC immunity and related product safety and performance standards). It is intended to complement product-specific performance and safety requirements rather than replace them.

Keywords

Inrush current; lighting products; luminaires; controlgear; LED modules; measurement procedure; transient current; test method; IEC 63129; BS EN IEC 63129.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN IEC 63129:2020 is the British/European adoption of IEC 63129:2020, a standard that specifies how to determine the inrush current characteristics of lighting products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test arrangements, measurement procedures, data processing and reporting to characterise inrush current (peak, waveform, duration, statistical descriptors) for single items and batches of lighting products.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product manufacturers (lamps, controlgear, luminaires), test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, electrical designers and utilities that need reliable inrush data for design, verification and compatibility assessments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original IEC/BS adoption was published in 2020 (BS EN IEC 63129:2020). An amendment (IEC 63129:2020/AMD1:2025) was issued at the IEC level and the consolidated British version appears as BS EN IEC 63129:2020+A1:2025 in subsequent BSI publications. Users should check whether they need the base 2020 text or the consolidated 2020+A1:2025 text for the latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is an IEC lighting-sector standard and complements other IEC/EN standards for lamp controlgear, luminaires and EMC/safety requirements (for example the IEC 61347 series and IEC 61547). It is intended to be used alongside these product-specific standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Inrush current, lighting products, luminaires, controlgear, measurement procedure, transient current, IEC 63129.