EN 55015 / CISPR 15
EN 55015 (CISPR 15) sets limits and measurement methods for radio disturbance characteristics of electrical lighting and similar equipment. This article explains its scope, limits, and Compatible Electronics' accredited testing. Part of the Compatible Electronics Learning Center.
What is EN 55015 / CISPR 15?
EN 55015 is the European harmonized edition of CISPR 15, specifying limits and measurement methods for radio disturbance characteristics of electrical lighting and similar equipment. It covers both the conducted disturbances injected onto the mains supply and the radiated emissions from lighting equipment across the frequency range 9 kHz to 300 MHz (and above for certain product types).
The standard applies to all electrically powered luminaires, lamps, and their associated control gear that are intended for indoor or outdoor general illumination. It is mandatory for CE Marking of lighting products under the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). Compatible Electronics provides NVLAP-accredited lighting equipment testing services to EN 55015 / CISPR 15.
Equipment Covered
- LED drivers and LED luminaires (indoor and outdoor)
- Fluorescent lamp ballasts (electronic and magnetic)
- High-intensity discharge (HID) lamp control gear
- Incandescent lamp dimmers
- Street lighting and area lighting luminaires
- Emergency lighting systems
- Decorative and architectural lighting
LED-based products deserve particular attention because their switching power supplies generate broadband emissions across the CISPR 15 measurement range. The transition to LED technology has made CISPR 15 compliance testing more challenging — and more critical — than in the era of simpler resistive and magnetic lamp technologies.
Key Requirements and Measurement Parameters
1
Conducted Emissions — Mains Port (9 kHz – 30 MHz)
Measured using a CISPR-compliant LISN. CISPR 15 imposes limits on both broadband (QP detector) and narrowband (average detector) conducted disturbances. The standard includes specific limits for harmonics of the supply frequency within the measurement range.
2
Radiated Emissions (30 MHz – 300 MHz and above)
Measured in a semi-anechoic chamber or on an OATS. Many LED drivers with switching frequencies in the 50 kHz–1 MHz range produce harmonics that extend well into the 30–300 MHz band, making radiated compliance particularly important for modern LED products.
3
Voltage Disturbances and Harmonics
For lighting equipment above certain power thresholds, IEC 61000-3-2 (harmonic current limits) and IEC 61000-3-3 (voltage fluctuations) also apply alongside CISPR 15. A complete compliance program for mains-connected lighting typically addresses all three standards.
| Standard Version | Locations Accredited |
|---|
| EN 55015 (2013) | Lake Forest/Silverado, Newbury Park |
| CISPR 15 (Ed 8.0 2013) | Newbury Park |
Ready to Test Your Product?
Compatible Electronics is an NVLAP-accredited EMC testing laboratory (Lab Code 200527-0) with three Southern California locations.
www.celectronics.com
