IEC 63129-2020 PDF

Full title and description

Determination of inrush current characteristics of lighting products — specifies methods, based on measurements combined with calculations, to determine specific inrush-current characteristics of single and/or multiple lighting products of the same type (including light sources with integrated controlgear, stand‑alone controlgear and luminaires).

Abstract

This standard (IEC 63129:2020) defines test methods, measurement arrangements and reporting requirements to characterise the transient (inrush) current that occurs when lighting products are switched on. It gives a default method (direct‑current based), an alternative AC method and other optional procedures, and describes the key parameters to record (peak inrush current, pulse duration, charge, time-to-peak, number of pulses, etc.). The document also contains informative guidance on applying measured characteristics in installation and equipment design.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (international standard and adopted as EN IEC).
• Publication date: 2020 (EN/IEC publication during mid‑2020; national adoptions June–July 2020).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); also published/adopted by regional/national bodies as EN IEC 63129:2020 and national versions.
• ICS / categories: 29.140.01; 29.140.99 (lamps, related equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2020). A consolidated edition including Amendment 1 (1.1) has been issued (IEC 63129:2020+AMD1:2025).
• Number of pages: Original IEC/EN publication: ~22–24 pages (national publications vary); consolidated (2025) CSV edition lists 42 pages.

Scope

Applies to lighting products connected to low‑voltage mains supply (typical reference 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz) and describes how to determine inrush‑current characteristics for individual or sets of identical products. The standard covers test set‑up and instrumentation, default DC measurement method, alternative AC and additional methods, sample selection and grouping, repeatability, and how to present and apply the measured parameters for design, compatibility and protection studies.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions, symbols and reference terms for inrush‑current measurement.
• General measurement recommendations (instrument bandwidth, sampling, shunt/transformer selection, oscilloscope settings).
• Default DC measurement method (described as the normative default procedure) and rationale.
• Alternative AC method and other optional measurement procedures to reflect realistic mains conditions.
• Required measured parameters: peak inrush current, pulse duration, charge (integrated current), time to peak, number of pulses and waveform description.
• Test circuit and supply conditions (voltage, source impedance, temperature), sample selection and grouping rules to ensure repeatability and statistical relevance.
• Reporting format and how to present results for use by manufacturers, test laboratories and system designers; informative annex on application of results in installations.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of light sources, electronic controlgear and luminaires to characterise turn‑on behaviour; by independent test laboratories performing type and compliance testing; by electrical designers and system integrators assessing switchgear/circuit‑protection and inrush aggregation; and by standards bodies and regulatory authorities referencing inrush limits or test methods. Test engineers use it to validate product performance, and utilities/installation engineers use the data to size protections and assess compatibility.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and series include those for luminaires and controlgear design and performance (for example IEC 60598 series for luminaires, IEC 62384 for LED controlgear performance), and applicable EMC/quality standards addressing mains disturbances and compatibility (e.g., IEC 61000 series). Bibliography in the EN/IEC document lists related IEC items and national adoptions.

Keywords

inrush current; turn‑on current; lighting products; luminaires; controlgear; measurement method; DC method; AC method; peak current; pulse duration; charge; test procedure; IEC 63129.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 63129:2020 is an international standard that specifies how to determine the inrush (turn‑on) current characteristics of lighting products (light sources with integrated controlgear, controlgear and luminaires).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement methods (default DC method and alternative AC/other methods), test set‑ups, instrumentation and reporting requirements for parameters such as peak inrush current, pulse duration, charge and time to peak, plus guidance on applying results in installations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product manufacturers, independent test labs, electrical/system designers, utilities and standards or regulatory bodies use it to characterise products, validate performance, and size protective devices or design installations to handle aggregated inrush.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original IEC 63129:2020 (Edition 1.0) is current; a consolidated version that includes Amendment 1 (IEC 63129:2020+AMD1:2025) has been issued as a later consolidated release (edition 1.1). Users should check for the consolidated/amended text when referencing normative details.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a stand‑alone IEC standard focused on inrush characteristics but sits within the family of lighting and lamp standards maintained by IEC/TC 34 and is commonly used alongside other IEC lighting and EMC standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Inrush current, turn‑on current, lighting products, luminaires, controlgear, measurement, peak current, pulse duration, charge, IEC 63129.