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 and 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.