Electric Lamps
As soon as electricity is concerned, the regulations become more complex. But, as an alternative to producing a complete lamp, you may want to consider creating just the lamp base, letting your customer add the electrical side (easily done from kits available from a number of suppliers) and the lampshade.
At present I'm just covering the UK/EU regulations.
Lamp Wiring Tips
Stability: minimum 6° tilt angle
Class I holders (generally metal) require earthing with a 3 core cable. Class II holders (generally plastic) are non conducting, so only need a 2 wire cable and no earthing.
The lamp fittings need to be secured to withstand at least 2Nm force - a hard twist. Look at gluing components in place as a backup to retaining screws.
Plugs will be marked to BS1363 or ASA. Only use a 3A fuse.
For an Edison screw bulb holder, it is important that the Neutral (blue) wire is connected to the screw part, not the Live (brown) wire
Testing: just continuity and resistance testing with a multimeter, and PAT testing, is not enough. Test every item just before packaging it.
Regulatory Requirements
Here are a number of guides to lighting regulations - though note that regulations change with time, so some of the information may be out of date.
When looking at the EU regulations, you need to be aware that they refer to the light bulb as a lamp, and to what we call a lamp is referred to as a luminaire.
Lighting Europe check list and requirements for luminaires in the EU
ComplianceGate info on LED Lighting in the EU
PAT Testing Training guidance on making and testing lamps
EMC and Low Voltage Directives
These are for the CE mark required by all electrical products. For luminaires, the key points are:
- Compliant CE and WEEE markings, manufacturer's info etc
- Rated voltage, and maximum wattage of replacement bulbs
- Class II symbol if the luminaire is not earthed. If it is earthed (Class I) are all metal parts exposed to the user earthed?
- Does the lamp holder comply with the relevant standards
- Is the user protected against access to live parts, either when in use or when changing the lamp?
- Is the power cable protected against sharp edges, e.g. where it enters the luminaire? Is it protected against being pulled or twisted? And is there the correct plug fitted to the end?
- Safety and lack of interference from electronic controls, dimmers etc. - if you source these from reputable manufacturers they shouldn't be a problem
The good thing about these directives are that for many products, including luminaires, you can self-certify compliance rather than paying a test house to do this.
Note that as a result of Brexit if selling in the UK (except Northern Ireland) you need to use the UKCA mark, or the CE mark if selling in to the EU or Northern Ireland.
WEEE
This is concerned with keeping electrical and electronic products out of landfill. Luminaires come under Category 5, and have been included since 2019.
If selling to consumers, or manufacturing products for them, you need to comply with the WEEE directives. Assuming you are classified as a "very small producer", producing less than 5 tonnes of luminaires a year, you can register directly with the Environment Agency; if you export to other EU countries, you need to register in each one. There is no minimum threshold for small producers. You then need to make periodic reports on the weight of luminaires sold, take back old lamps from customers, and meet recycling targets for products that reach their end of life. You'll also probably recognise the WEEE symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin.
The requirements for recycling lamps are much more complex and onerous than for luminaires, due to the presence of mercury and other toxic substances, so it is probably in your interest not to provide bulbs with your products, and not to use an built-in LEDs.
Unless you aim to produce large quantities of luminaires, then the onerous load of WEEE regs will probably be more than enough to put you off doing this.
EU web site on WEEE directive requirements
UK web site on WEEE requirements
ComplyDirect WEEE compliance scheme - for larger manufacturers that cannot simply register with the Environment Agency
Valpak UK Distributor Take-back Scheme
UK Office for Product Safety and Standards WEEE Page
RoHS
You need to be able to show that the lamp contains no harmful substance.
See here for more info on this in the UK
Eco-Design Requirements
This now applies to lamps (now light sources) as opposed to luminaires (now containing products).
However, note that some types of lamps are being phased out, so it does not make sense to design a new product to use them:
From September 2021, most halogen lamps and CFLi were phased out
From September 2023 most halogen lamps with a G4, G9 or GY6.35 base, and T8 linear fluorescent lamps, will be phased out
Energy Labelling of Electric Lamps and Luminaires
It used to be a requirement that luminaires had to be labelled regarding use of energy efficient lamps etc., but this is no longer the case. If you sell lamps in their original packaging, and the lamp complies with EU legislation, there is nothing more to do,
Bulb/Lamp Holders and Bulbs/Lamps
It used to be a requirement that bulb holders had to be from a certain range, to support low energy light bulbs. However this is no longer the case, and energy inefficient bulb types are being phased out based on their electrical and lighting characteristics, rather than connector types.
Choosing the right bulb type for your lamp affects the following:
- the dimensions of the bulb holder, which obviously has to fit the lamp
- the range of available light bulbs that your user can choose from
- the countries in which your lamp can be sold
In Europe, the most common types are the Edison screw fittings E27 (standard size) and E14 (small size), though bayonet types are also permissible.
In the UK and old colonies such as Canada and India the bayonet type has predominated (whose name perhaps reflects on our colonial past), but in the UK most light bulb sellers offer a wider range of Edison bulbs. B22 is the standard, or B15 the smaller size. A major benefit of bayonet bulb holders is that it is easy to incorporate a switch into the holder, whereas for Edison bulb holders the switch is normally incorporated into the flex.
In the USA they also use Edison bulbs, but to a slightly different standard and size (E26 and E12). Sometimes bulbs will fit both European and US bulb holders, due to overlapping dimensional tolerances, but this isn't advised.
There are many other types and sizes of bulb holders, such as the G series for spotlights - if you are making a mains powered lamp, think carefully about deviating from the most popular types, as it will limit your customer's ability to select replacement bulbs.
Bulb holders may be of plastic, ceramic or metal. If metal, an earth wire is needed, adding to complexity.
To attach the bulb holder to a lamp, there are really two options: threaded and batten. Threaded lamp holders have the cable exit through a threaded tube, and for ceramic lamps you normally get another threaded tube, a pottery nipple, to screw into the lamp holder from the other side, clamping it onto the lamp. The batten type has a flat flange, drilled to secure the lamp holder by screws or bolts. For hanging lamps, the lamp holder will have a cable clamp to take the weight of lamp and shade - though check the weight rating is strong enough for the intended lampshade.
If fitting a lamp shade, this is often done by a ring on the lamp shade going over the holder, and it is then held in place by screwing on the shade ring. Unfortunately the dimensions for this are not standardised, but 40mm is common for E27 bulb holder, and 28mm for B22 holders.
Bulb Sizes
Bulb Holder Fittings
Note that there is no requirement for a given bulb holder or bulb size to run at a given voltage. However there are patterns of normal use, and unless stated otherwise, the holder is typically used for mains power.
Edison bulbs are the screw-in type, and the number indicates the diameter. Different sizes are used in Europe and the USA, but if the difference is only 1 millimetre they are often interchangeable.
Bayonet bulbs are pushed in to the holder against a spring, and then rotated. The number denotes the diameter, and the final letter the number of contacts - d is standard for mains electricity, whilst s may be used for low voltage installations, with the bayonet prongs acting as the second connector. There are more than the 2 types listed here, but the rest are not used for domestic lightbulbs, or are defunct.
G series consist of two prongs, which may just push in or may also need a twist. The number is the spacing between pin centers, in mm. Many are for DC use.
| Series | Name | Region | Notes |
| Bayonet | B15d or SBC | UK | Just smaller bulbs |
| Bayonet | B22d or BC | UK | Most common bayonet fitting |
| Edison | E5 or LES | Older christmas lights | |
| Edison | E10 or MES | Older chandeliers, decorative lamps and torches | |
| Edison | E11 or Mini Candelabra | Used to be for halogen bulbs; LED bulbs available now. Less common than E12 | |
| Edison | E12 or Candelabra | USA | Used for candelabras, nightlights, bathroom mirrors. No longer common. |
| Edison | E14 or SES or Candelabra | Europe | Standard in all small lights. |
| Edison | E17 or Intermediate | USA | Used for desk lamps and in appliances, but not common |
| Edison | E26 or Medium or Standard | USA | Standard for larger lamps |
| Edison | E27 or Medium or Standard | Europe | Standard for larger lamps |
| Edison | E29 or Admedium | USA | Standard for larger lamps |
| Edison | E39 or Goliath or Mogul | USA | Streetlights and high wattage bulbs |
| Edison | E40 or Goliath or Mogul | Europe | Streetlights and high wattage bulbs |
| Edison | EX39 | USA | For use in open fittings, with a protective shield on the bulb. E39 bulbs don't work in EX39 holders, but EX39 bulbs do work in E39 holders. |
| G | G4 | Often 12V. Generally for decorative and atmospheric lighting | |
| G | GU4 | Often 12V. Pin diameter greater than for G4. Generally for decorative and atmospheric lighting. Used on MR8 and MR11 spotlights | |
| G | G5.3 | Often 12V | |
| G | GU5.3 | Often 12V. Pin diameter greater than for G4. Used on MR16 spotlights | |
| G | GY6.35 | Often 12V. Pin diameter greater than for G4. Often used in desk and table lamps and hanging lights | |
| G | G8 | Often mains. | |
| G | GY8 | Slightly longer pin than G8, but the bulbs are often interchangeable. Often mains. | |
| G | GY8.6 | Often mains. | |
| G | G9 | Often mains. Often used in wall or ceiling lights | |
| G | GU10 | Often mains. Thicker pins, and the bulb requires a twist, to support heavier bulbs. Often used for reflector spot bulbs. |
Bulb Shapes and Sizes
The table below gives the most common bulb sizes, and the fittings that they are most likely to use. Note that I haven't found any similar tables for Bayonet bulbs, but small and large bayonet will generally correspond to E12/14 and E26/27.
A series are the classical pear shaped bulb, also known as GLS. The number is the diameter, in eighths of an inch - I have given the equivalent in mm.
B series are candle shaped bulbs, but with a blunter tip than C series. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
BR (bulged reflector) are spotlight and flood lights. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
BT are blown tubular bulbs
C series are conical candle shaped bulbs. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
CA series are conical candle shaped bulbs with a bent tip. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
ED are elliptical dome bulbs
G series are globe shaped. Some of the numbers represent the diameter in eighths of an inch, others in mm.
MR series are small spotlights. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) are spotlight and flood lights. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
R series - abbreviation for BR series
S series are used for marquees and signs
T series are tube shaped bulbs. The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch.
| Bulb shape/size | Bulb holder | Notes | |
| A15 | E14/17/26/27 | Dia 48mm | |
| A19 | E26/27 | Dia 60mm | |
| A21 | E26/27 | Dia 67mm | |
| A25 | E26/27 | Dia 79mm | |
| B10 | E12/14/17 | Dia 32mm | |
| BR20 | E26/27 | Dia 63mm | |
| BR30 | E26/27 | Dia 95mm | |
| BR40 | E26/27 | Dia 127mm | |
| BT37 | E39/40 | ||
| BT56 | E39/40 | ||
| C7 | E12/14/17 | Dia 22mm | |
| C9 | E12/14/17 | Dia 29mm | |
| C15 | E12/14/17/26/27 | Dia 48mm | |
| CA10 | E12/14/17 | Dia 32mm | |
| ED17 | E39/40 | ||
| ED28 | E39/40 | ||
| ED37 | E39/40 | ||
| G11 | E12/14/17/26/27 | Dia. 35mm. | |
| G14 | E12/14/17/26/27 | Dia. 44mm. | |
| G16 | E14/17/26/27 | Dia. 51mm. | |
| G16.5 | E14/17/26/27 | Dia. 52mm. | |
| G25 | E26/27 | Dia. 79mm. | |
| G30 | E26/27 | Dia. 95mm. | |
| G50 | E14/17/26/27 | Dia. 50mm. | |
| G60 | E14/17/26/27 | Dia. 60mm. | |
| G80 | E26/27 | Dia. 80mm. | |
| MR11 | GX5.3, GZ4, GU10 | Dia. 35mm. | |
| MR16 | GX5.3, GZ4, GU10 | Dia. 51mm. | |
| PAR16 | E26/27 | Dia. 51mm. | |
| PAR20 | E26/27/39/40 | Dia 63mm | |
| PAR30 | E26/27 | Dia 95mm | |
| PAR36 | E26/27, G53 | Dia 114mm | |
| PAR38 | E26/27/39/40 | Dia 121mm | |
| PAR40 | E39/40 | Dia 127mm | |
| S11 | E14/17 | ||
| T6 | E12/14/17/26/27, G13 | Dia 19mm | |
| T7 | E12/14/17/26/27, G13 | Dia 22mm | |
| T8 | E12/14/17/26/27, G13 | Dia 25mm | |
| T10 | E12/14/17/26/27, G13 | Dia 32mm | |
| T14 | E12/14/17/26/27, G13 | Dia 44mm | |
| T22 | E12/14/17/26/27, G13 | Dia 70mm | |
Switches
Switches are generally either integral with the bulb holder, or inline in the cable before it gets to the lamp.
Switches in the bulb holder avoid scrabbling down the cable to find the switch, but against this reaching for a switch at the top of the lamp could cause it to topple over if the user is clumsy. This type of switch is common in bulb holders for Bayonet bulbs, but less so in holders for Edison bulbs as it is harder to build into the bulb holder.
Having the switch in the cable avoids any instability problems, but the user has to find the lead and then find the switch on it, which means that the lead cannot be hidden away. Or, if it is a foot switch, they may be standing in the wrong position.
Cables and Cable Protection
For strength, and to comply with the Low Voltage Directive, a cable cross-section at least 0.75mm² should be used. If the lamp doesn't need to comply with the LVD, and the total weight is less than 1kg and cable length is less than 2m then 0.5mm² is OK. If putting multiple bulbs onto the lamp, also check the power capacity - 0.5mm² is rated to 3A, and 0.75mm² to 6A.
Cable should be to BS6500 or marked with <HAR> in the UK.
If the lamp does not need earthing, you just need 2 core cable; if it needs earthing, you need 3 core cable and an earthed plug.
Where the cable enters the body of the lamp, you will need to have a grommet to protect the cable from abrasion, and also a cable clamp to provide strain relief, so that the electrical connections are not strained when someone trips over the cable. Tying a knot in the cable is not seen as being sufficient. Both of these items need to be matched to the size and cross-section of the cable, and the grommet also needs to match the wall thickness of the lamp. Use a cable clamp that will withstand at least 60N force.
Summary Legislation and Standards
EU Legislation
| Directive or Regulation | Name | Notes | |
| 2006/95/EC | LVD - Low Voltage Directive | Voltages 50 - 1000V AC or 75 - 1500V DC | |
| 2004/108/EC | EMC - Electromagnetic compatability | Not applicable to devices without electronic components | |
| 2012/19/UE | WEEE - Waste from electrical and electronic equipment | ||
| 2011/65/EU | RoHS - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances | ||
| 2009/125/EC, 2019/2020 | Single Lighting Regulation | 2019/2020 replaces 245/2009, 1194/2012 and others | |
| 2010/30/EC, 2019/2015 | Energy labelling | ||
| 2001/95/CE | General product safety | ||
Note that the following EU legislation has been withdrawn, and references to it should be ignored:
- Directive 2000/55/EC - Energy efficiency requirements for ballasts for fluorescent lighting - withdrawn 12 April 2010
- Directive 2005/32/EC and Regulations 244/2009 and 245/2009 - Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for ballasts and luminaires able to operate such lamps - withdrawn 31 August 2021
- Directive 2009/125/EC and Regulation 1194/2012 - Ecodesign requirements for directional lamps, light emitting diode lamps and related equipment - withdrawn 31 August 2021
- Directive 2010/30/EU and Regulation 874/2012 - Energy labelling of electrical lamps and luminaires - withdrawn 31 August 2021
Regulation 2017/1369 - Energy labelling of electrical lamps and luminaires - withdrawn 31 August 2021
UK Legislation
At present the UK legislation is in synch with the EU's, but consideration is being given to additional changes, such as phasing out less energy efficient types of light sources as LED equivalents become available.
The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Lighting Products) Regulations 2021 - this incorporates EU legislation 2010/30/EC, 2019/2015 and 2009/125/EC, 2019/2020
Standards
A list of all Low Voltage Directive related standards
| Standard | |||
| Electromagnetic compatability | EN 55015 | ||
| Lamp holders - Edison | EN 60238, BS5042 | ||
| Low Voltage | EN 60598-1 (general requirements and tests) | ||
| EN 60598 2-1 (fixed general purpose luminaires) | |||
| EN 60598 2-2 (recessed luminaires) | |||
| EN 60598 2-4 (portable general purpose luminaires i.e. table or floor lamps | |||
| EN 60598 2-7 (portable luminaires for garden use | |||
| EN 60598 2-10 (portable luminaires for children | |||
| Miscellaneous lampholders | EN 60838 | ||
| EN 61000-3-2 | |||
| EN 61000-3-3 | |||
| Lamp holders - Bayonet | EN 61184, BS5042 | ||
| EN 61547 | |||
| Assessment of lighting equipment related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields | EN 62493 (lamps with just switches, dimmers, sensors etc. are deemed to comply without testing) | ||
| Lamp holders - Bayonet with advanced safety | BS5042, BS7895 | ||
| UK plug | BS1363 | ||
| UK cabling | BS6500 | ||
Standards Online
These are generally not meant to be posted online, as it is a breach of copyright and the conditions of purchase, so don't be surprised if they disappear!
| Standard | Document | Notes | |
| BS EN 60598-1:2015 | https://dganmai.com/uploads/soft/200714/en/EN%2060598-1_2015.pdf | ||
| BS EN 60598-1:2015 Addendum 1:2018 | http://bqw.csstgc.com.cn/userfiles/ec09abd3793445079490d6a8a3c28e42/files/teckSolution/2022/01/BS%20EN%2060598-1-2015+A1-2018.pdf | Contains parts of sections 10, 11 and 13 - not sure if these are all the changes in the addendum | |
Standard Tests Results
Documents giving the results of testing an item to a given standard.
| Item Tested | Standard(s) | Document | Notes |
| LED Wall Lights | EN 60598, 61347, 62031, 62471, 62493 | BHa-Bhb-BHc-Test-Report-1.pdf | |
| Wi-Fi smart lamp holder | EN/ISO 60598, 61347, 60238, 62493 | SONOFF_SlampherR2_LVD_Safety_Test_Report_3.pdf |
Declaration of Conformity and Technical File
The Technical File is an internal document in which you show how you know that your lamp complies with the relevant regulations. There is no need to make this public, except in any situation where you have to show your compliance.
The Declaration of Conformity is a piece of paper that needs to accompany your lamp, stating that you comply with specific regulations. You can incorporate it into other paperwork, such as the user instructions.
These need to cover the following regulations and standards:
| Directive or Regulation | Name | ||
| 2006/95/EC | LVD - Low Voltage Directive | ||
| 2004/108/EC | EMC - Electromagnetic compatability | ||
| 2011/65/EU | RoHS - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances | ||
| 245/2009, 347/2010, 1194/2012 | Ecodesign | ||
| 874/2012 | Energy labelling (only Technical File) | ||
Retailer Requirements
Once again, the larger retailers may have their own additional requirements, based on experiences from their customers.
Tilt Test
Testing stability at 6°, 12° and 15° at all angles of rotation. If it fails the test at 6°, then an additional thermal test is required to make sure nothing gets too hot and is damaged by the heat, or causes a fire.
Regulatory Check List
| Item | Requirement | Notes | |
| For UK excluding N. Ireland | UKCA mark | UKCA mark visible, legible and indelible on lamp or packaging | |
| For EU and N. Ireland | CE mark | CE mark visible, legible and indelible on lamp or packaging | |
| Maker's identification | Required | Maker, distributor or importer | |
| Model No. | Required | May be model or serial number | |
| Rated voltage | Required | May be a range, e.g. 220 - 240V | |
| Rated Wattage | Required | Only for bulb replacement | |
| IP rating | Optional | Only required if not IP20 | |
| Class II symbol | Optional | Only required if connected to mains and not earthed | |
| Class III symbol | Optional | Only required if voltage below 50V AC or 120V DC | |
| WEEE symbol | Required | Importer/manufacturer should be WEEE registered, and their details in the WEEE database | |
| Instruction sheet | Required | All info for installation, use and maintenance, in the language of the country where sold | |
| Declaration of Conformity (DoC) | Required | ||
| Physical Checks | |||
| Sharp edges that may damage the wire insulation | None | ||
| Cord anchorage to prevent mechanical stress on the connections | Required | Only for table or floor lamps | |
| Lampholder compliant with the standard | Required | ||
| No access to live parts | Required | After installation, when it is in use or when the bulb is being replaced | |
| Class I Earthing | Required | All metal parts close to live parts or wiring, and accessible in normal use or when changing bulbs, must be earthed | |
| Plug fitted and of the right type for the country being sold in | Required | Only for floor and table lamps | |
Electrical Component Suppliers
Some of the better suppliers in the UK:
Lamps and Lights
LampSpares
Spares2You
Easy LightBulbs - a very large range of light bulbs
Lightbulbs Direct - a very large range of light bulbs
Lamps and Lights - a range of metal light fittings, cables etc
S. Lilley & Co - metal and ceramic lampholders
Flexform - primarily wiring but also some other lamp fittings
Lighting Industry Association - trade body