EN IEC 60598-2-18 Lighting Fixtures for Swimming Pools and Similar Applications

The standard "EN IEC 60598-2-18 Lighting luminaires - Part 2-18: Specific requirements - Lighting luminaires for swimming pools and similar applications", which is based on a European standard and subsequently published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifies the requirements for use with fixed luminaires and electric light sources designed for use immersed in or in contact with water, for example, in swimming pools, fountains, paddling pools and garden ponds. The electrical installation requirements for swimming pools are given in the standard "IEC 60364-7-702 Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 7-702: Requirements for special installations or locations - Swimming pools and fountains".

Luminaires that are not in contact with water, for example those mounted behind a glass panel separate from the luminaire, or hand-held or portable luminaires are outside the scope of this standard.

The luminaires are considered Class III for protection against electric shock and have external and internal circuits operating at non-ripple voltages not exceeding 12 Volts AC or 30 Volts DC.

Lighting fixtures are classified according to their degree of protection against moisture and dust ingress as follows:

• For parts of lighting fixtures that come into contact with the water of a pool, fountain, etc., the rating should be pressure-resistant waterproof (IPX8).
• For lighting fixture parts that do not come into contact with the water of a pool, fountain, etc., the rating must be at least dust-tight and splash-proof (IP54).

Luminaires are classified according to the way they are installed, changed, and connected to the power supply:

• Category A: Luminaires installed in partial contact with water, with the connection and switching of light sources made from the side of the luminaire not in contact with water.
• Category B: Luminaires in which the light source is replaced from the side of the luminaire that is in contact with water, but only after the water in the pool has been partially or completely drained.
• Category C: Luminaires that are completely removed from the water for replacement of light sources, when replacement of light sources is possible.

Lighting luminaires must be subjected to a mechanical endurance test as follows: Parts of the luminaire that come into contact with water during normal use, including protective glass, must be subjected to an impact test with an impact energy of 0,7 Nm in the direction of water pressure. The test must be carried out in free air.

Lighting fixtures must be subjected to a corrosion test as follows: Parts of the fixture that come into contact with water during normal use must be immersed in artificial seawater at a temperature of 25°C (25°F) plus/minus 2°C (24°F) for a period of 14 days. After this treatment, the fixtures must show no signs of corrosion or surface roughness. Corrosion marks that can be removed by friction must be disregarded.

Terminals (tails) are not permitted in external and internal wiring. Switches are not permitted on flexible cables or cords. Category B luminaires shall be fitted with a non-detachable flexible cable or cord that is at least equivalent in mechanical and electrical characteristics to type 57 cords of IEC 245 standard or an alternative cable complying with Annex D and Annex E of EN 50525-2-21 or an equivalent regional standard.

For Category C luminaires, the non-detachable flexible cable or cord provided must have mechanical and electrical characteristics at least equivalent to type 57 cords of IEC 245 standard or alternative cords complying with Annex D and Annex E of EN 50525-2-21 standard or an equivalent regional standard.

The EN IEC 60598-2-18 standard is important because it specifies specific safety and performance requirements for pool lighting fixtures. This standard is particularly important because:

• Safety in harsh environments: This standard ensures that luminaires, particularly those in contact with water, can withstand these conditions and continue to operate safely and effectively.
• Reliability and durability: Pool fixtures must operate consistently without failure. The standard includes requirements for mechanical strength, ingress protection (IP), and thermal endurance, which are critical for long-term performance.
• Electrical risk reduction: This standard includes electrical and thermal safety measures that minimize the critical risk of electric shock or short circuits.
• Cross-country harmonization: Promotes international harmonization, ensuring manufacturers and authorities adhere to a globally recognized benchmark, facilitating trade and improving safety worldwide.
• Supports regulatory compliance: Many projects require compliance with IEC standards. This standard helps manufacturers and designers meet their legal and contractual obligations for pool lighting installations.

In short, this standard contains requirements for fixed luminaires designed for use in water or in contact with water.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, boasts a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the standard "EN IEC 60598-2-18 Lighting luminaires - Part 2-18: Special requirements - Lighting luminaires for swimming pools and similar applications."