What is BS EN 60968 - Safety requirements of self-ballasted fluorescent lamps about?   
Fluorescent lamps are popular as they come in different shapes and sizes and are cost-saving as well. BS EN 60968 specifies the safety and interchangeability requirements, together with the test methods and conditions required to show compliance of tubular fluorescent lamps with integrated means for controlling starting and stable operation (self-ballasted fluorescent lamps).  
These lamps are intended for domestic and similar general lighting purposes, having a rated voltage of 50 V to 250 V, having a rated frequency of 50 Hz or 60Hz and having IEC 600611 compliant caps. 
Who is BS EN 60968 - Safety requirements of self-ballasted fluorescent lamps for?  
BS EN 60968 on safety requirements of self-ballasted fluorescent lamps is useful for:  
- Manufacturers and designers of fluorescent lamps 
- Engineering-design teams  
- Quality control teams 
Why should you use BS EN 60968 - Safety requirements of self-ballasted fluorescent lamps?  
Fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury which makes them hazardous waste.  BS EN 60968 covers photobiological safety according to IEC 62471 and IEC TR 624712. Blue light and infrared hazards are below the level which requires marking.  For a cap-holder system not specifically mentioned in BS EN 60968, the relevant information on safety-related tests provided by the manufacturer will apply. 
The requirements of BS EN 60968 relate only to type testing.  Recommendations for whole product testing or batch testing are given in Annex A.  BS EN 60968 elaborately discusses lamp marking, additional marking, compliance of marking, interchangeability, insulation resistance, electric strength, torsion resistance, axial strength, fault conditions, lamp end of life etc. 
The guidelines in BS EN 60968 help you assess the safety requirements of fluorescent lamps so that end customers can use superior quality products.  
What’s changed since the last update?  
BS EN 60968:2015 supersedes BS EN 60968:2012. BS EN 60968:2015 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 60968:2012. These include:  
- Caps and prevention of cap misuse 
- Interchangeability 
- Mechanical and electrical strength 
- Creepage distances and clearances 
- End of lamp life precaution 
- Abnormal operation 
- Test conditions for dimmable and three-way lamps 
