Overview
EN IEC 60238:2018 (adoption of IEC 60238:2016) specifies safety, construction and test requirements for Edison screw lampholders. It applies to lampholders with thread sizes E14, E27 and E40, and to switched lampholders intended for AC circuits with a working voltage up to 250 V r.m.s.. Edition 9.0 is a technical revision that supersedes the 2004 edition and its amendments; an RLV (Redline Version) is available showing changes from the previous edition.
Key updates in this edition include the addition of a pull test for certain E5 and E10 lampholders and an Annex D that lists amended requirements/clauses that require product retesting.
Key topics and requirements
The standard addresses the full lifecycle of lampholder design, testing and marking, including:
- Scope and classifications for Edison screw lampholders (E14, E27, E40)
- Marking and identification requirements tied to safe use and traceability
- Dimensions and interchangeability (gauges and thread details)
- Protection against electric shock, creepage distances and clearances
- Terminals, earthing provisions and connections
- Mechanical strength tests (impact, tumbling, normal operation)
- Electrical tests (insulation resistance, dielectric strength)
- Resistance to heat, fire and tracking (glow-wire and needle-flame tests referenced)
- Season cracking / corrosion tests (Annex A) and other durability checks
- Requirements for switched lampholders and guidance relating to IEC 61058-1
- Annex D: schedule of amended subclauses that may trigger retesting
- Normative references to related standards (IEC 60061, IEC 60598-1, IEC 60695 series, etc.)
Practical applications
EN IEC 60238:2018 is used to ensure that Edison screw lampholders are safe, reliable and compatible with lamps and semi-luminaires. Typical practical uses:
- Product design and specification of lampholders (E14/E27/E40)
- Type testing and certification for CE marking under the EU Low Voltage Directive
- Quality control and production testing (mechanical and electrical endurance)
- Supplier and procurement verification for lighting components
- Retesting when design clauses in Annex D are amended
Who should use this standard
- Lamp and lampholder manufacturers and component designers
- Luminaire and appliance manufacturers integrating lampholders
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
- Compliance engineers, product safety officers and procurement teams
- National standards bodies and regulatory authorities (CENELEC adoption)
Related standards
EN IEC 60238 references and aligns with other electrotechnical standards such as IEC/EN 60061 (lamp caps and gauges), IEC 60598-1 (luminaires), IEC 60695 (fire testing) and IEC 61058-1 (switches), which are relevant for complete product compliance and testing strategies.
Keywords: EN IEC 60238:2018, Edison screw lampholders, E14, E27, E40, lampholder standard, lampholders testing, IEC 60238:2016, Low Voltage Directive, lamp caps and holders.
