IEC 62471/EN 62471 Photobiological Safety Testing and Certification Services

IEC 62471 is a core standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems, officially known as "Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems". The following is a detailed interpretation of the standard:

Standard scope and purpose

1. Scope of application: Covering non laser light sources with wavelengths of 200-3000nm (such as LEDs, fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, etc.), evaluating their light radiation hazards to the eyes and skin.

2. Core objective: To replace the existing IEC/EN 60825 standard regarding LED and introduce a comprehensive evaluation of wideband light sources, including potential risks of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation.

Hazard level classification

According to the degree of radiation hazard, light sources are divided into four categories:

RG0 (Exemption Level): No risk, like ordinary indoor lighting fixtures.

RG1 (Low Hazard): It is harmless under normal use, but long-term direct viewing should be avoided.

RG2 (moderate hazard): Short term exposure is harmless (relying on natural avoidance reactions such as blinking).

RG3 (high hazard): Immediate exposure may cause damage and requires strict protection.

Key testing parameters

Radiation level: measures irradiance (unit area radiation power) and radiance (unit solid angle radiation intensity).

Test conditions: Standard distance of 200mm, field of view angle of 0.011 radians, simulating the actual exposure scene of the human eye.

Hazard types: including UV skin hazards, retinal blue light hazards (especially small light sources), retinal heat hazards, and infrared radiation hazards.

Applicable products and certifications

Product type: All non laser lighting systems such as LED lighting equipment, display screens, stage lights, etc.

EU compliance: EN 62471:2008, as a mandatory standard for EU CE certification, has been implemented since September 2009, replacing the LED related provisions of EN 60825. Testing process: Laboratory testing is required, and the report must comply with the new template. Certification must be provided for export to the European Union.

Standard updates and extensions

IEC 62471-7:2023: Added special requirements for light sources and fixtures that primarily emit visible light radiation, and refined risk assessment in the visible light band.

Relationship with other standards: complementary to IEC 62778 (Blue Light Hazard Assessment) and FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (Laser Safety), forming a complete light safety system.

Practical application and market impact

Controversy over eye protection lamps: Some manufacturers abuse the "RG0 no harm" promotion, and in reality, a comprehensive evaluation needs to be conducted based on the illuminance level (such as AA level).

Industry trend: Emerging fields such as stage lights and digital movie LED screens need to strictly follow photobiological safety testing to avoid the risk of blue light peak.