December 31, 2025, marks the deadline for EU member states to adopt and implement the EN IEC 60598-1:2024+A11:2024 standard, “General requirements and tests for luminaires.” This revision introduces a crucial new addition: Annex W, which outlines comprehensive compliance requirements specifically for battery-powered luminaires.
If you manufacture battery-operated lighting products—such as flashlights, headlamps, portable work lights, outdoor camping lights, battery-powered desk lamps, or solar street lights—understanding the testing and certification mandates of EN IEC 60598-1 Annex W is essential.
EN IEC 60598-1 Annex W primarily focuses on the following areas to ensure the safety and compliance of battery-powered luminaires during use:
1. Battery Compatibility and Safety
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Battery Type & Charge/Discharge Safety: Addressing risks like over-discharge or short circuits. Requirements include monitoring temperature during charging and discharging. One example test simulates an abnormal condition in a lithium battery charging system: charging a battery pack where one cell is short-circuited and the remaining series-connected cells are at 50% residual capacity.
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Durability Testing: For luminaires with charging functionality, this includes extended tests like the 390-hour endurance test.
2. Luminaire Construction and Protection Requirements
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Ensuring structural safety and that ingress protection (IP) ratings meet standards during use.
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Specifics include requirements for the dual securing of battery compartments y pressure relief capability for battery housings (particularly critical for sealed enclosures like IP65 rated units).
3. Marking and Warning Information
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Clear labeling of battery usage and safety instructions to guide proper user operation.
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For instance, remote controls using lithium coin cells must include specific pictograms on their nameplates.
Compliance Risks for Non-Conforming Products:
If your battery-powered luminaires fail to meet EN IEC 60598-1 Annex W requirements, you face significant compliance risks:
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Export Barriers: Inability to obtain necessary international certifications, hindering market access to Europe and other regions.
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Failed Customer Audits: Key clients may require Annex W compliance reports. Failure to provide these can lead to order cancellations.
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Certification Update Delays: Renewals or updates for existing product certifications (e.g., ENEC, GS) may be delayed or denied.