Overview
IEC 61184:2017 (consolidated with Amendments to 2024) is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard for bayonet lampholders of types B15d and B22d, intended for connection of lamps and semi-luminaires to a supply voltage of 250 V. The standard applies to standalone lampholders and lampholders that are integral with luminaires or built into appliances, but it specifies requirements for the lampholder component only. The fourth edition is a technical revision that restructures the document to IEC Directives Part 2 and includes updates to creepage/clearance rules and an added Annex B.
Key topics and technical requirements
IEC 61184 defines the essential safety, performance and test requirements for bayonet lampholders, including:
- Scope and definitions - materials, means of fixing and terms specific to bayonet lampholders (B15d, B22d).
- Standard ratings - rated voltage (250 V) and rated currents.
- Interchangeability - references to IEC 60061 for cap/holder fit and mechanical compatibility.
- Construction & dimensions - mechanical layouts, mounting details and dimensioning for shade/support interfaces.
- Protection & insulation - requirements for protection against electric shock, terminals, earthing provisions and insulation coordination.
- Creepage distances and clearances - updated in Clause 18 to reflect insulation and pollution/voltage coordination practices.
- Mechanical and thermal performance - tests for mechanical strength, pull/torque, impact, heating, resistance to heat, fire and tracking.
- Environmental resistance - moisture resistance, insulation resistance, corrosion/season‑cracking tests (Annex A).
- Marking and classification - labelling, classification and rated operating temperature (symbol T).
- Test methods - electrical strength, ball‑pressure test alignment with IEC 60695‑10‑2 and other specified procedures.
Practical applications and users
This standard is essential for stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, testing and procurement of lighting components:
- Lampholder and lamp manufacturers - to design compliant B15d/B22d holders and ensure interchangeability.
- Luminaire and appliance designers - when integrating lampholders into fixtures or appliances.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - for type testing, conformity assessment and safety verification.
- Regulatory authorities and safety engineers - to reference in national regulations and product safety evaluations.
- Procurement and quality teams - to specify compliant components and verify supplier claims.
Related standards
- IEC 60061 - lamp caps and holders (interchangeability and cap/holder fit)
- IEC 60695‑10‑2 - ball‑pressure test methods for resistance to heat and fire
- IEC 60664‑1 - insulation coordination (creepage and clearance principles)
- IEC 60238 - for context on rated operating temperature approaches (Edison screw references)
Keywords: IEC 61184, bayonet lampholders, B15d, B22d, lampholder standard, creepage distances, electrical safety, luminaire, ball-pressure test, IEC standard.
