Protection Class

The protection class specifies the protective measures required for a light fixture to prevent electric shock. These must therefore always be indicated on the equipment and are not to be confused with theIP Protection Class not to be confused with protection against foreign objects and water. In Germany, there are three different protection classes; for example, a luminaire with protection class II features reinforced and double insulation between the mains circuit and the output voltage or the metal housing.

Here is an overview of all three protection classes: Protection Class I: The first protection class refers to protective grounding, in which all conductive parts of the lamp or electrical appliance’s housing are connected to the so-called protective conductor system of the fixed electrical installation. In the event of a fault current, a safety device is activated, which de-energizes the circuit.

Protection Class II: In Protection Class II, there is reinforced or double insulation between the mains circuit and the conductive housing of the luminaire, which is referred to as protective insulation. This ensures thatLighting Protected under Protection Class II even if it were made of an electrically conductive material.

Protection Class III: The third protection class is characterized by a so-calledSafety Extra-Low Voltage whereby the devices designated as such are equipped with aTension no more than 50Volt Alternating current or 120 volts DC. As with Protection Class II, they also require reinforced or double insulation between the mains circuit and the output voltage. In addition, these luminaires require a safety transformer in accordance with DIN EN 61558-2-6; this requirement may be waived only for safety extra-low voltages supplied by batteries or rechargeable batteries.