Standard PN-EN 60598-1:2025 introduces highly specific requirements for marking and documentation of luminaires equipped with batteries and rechargeable cells. Every manufacturer designing and marketing such products should be familiar with these rules, as they affect not only product compliance but also user safety.
The standard covers various battery configurations: replaceable, non-replaceable, coin, button cell, standard and custom rechargeable batteries, and external power supplies. Let’s examine each case in detail.
Required form of instructions
The standard clearly states that user information must be provided either:
- in the form of a printed manual included with the luminaire,
- or directly on the packaging.
The scope of the information depends on the type of power source used.
Luminaires with replaceable batteries (W.3.2)
If the user can replace the battery independently, the manual should include:
- information about permitted battery types,
- a warning that incorrect battery use may cause fire or explosion,
- instructions on removing and inserting batteries with correct polarity,
- information on whether the device is intended for disposable batteries.
Additional warnings must also be included:
- do not charge non-rechargeable batteries,
- do not short-circuit power terminals,
- do not mix different battery types,
- do not combine new and used batteries,
- keep batteries out of reach of children.
Luminaires with coin and button cell batteries (W.3.3)
This case requires the strictest compliance due to the specific risks to children.
The luminaire must display the following label:
WARNING:
Contains coin/button cell battery. Hazardous if swallowed – see instructions.
Alternatively, graphic symbols may be used:
- ISO 7000-0790:2004-01 — “read instruction manual” symbol
- ISO 7000-0434A:2004-01 — general warning sign
- IEC 60417-6367:2017-11 — coin battery symbol
- IEC 60417-6368:2017-11 — button battery symbol
The combined marking must comply with ISO 3864-1 and be placed next to the ISO 7000-0790 symbol.
The manual must include the following critical warnings:
- The product contains a coin or button cell battery which, if swallowed, can cause severe internal chemical burns or death.
- Used batteries must be disposed of immediately.
- Do not store new and used batteries together; all batteries must be kept out of reach of children.
- In case of suspected ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
The standard also refers to IEC 60086-1.
Luminaires with common batteries (AA, AAA, etc.) (W.3.4)
The battery compartment intended for user replacement must be marked with:
- nominal battery voltage,
- terminal polarity (positive: red; negative: black; color must not be the only indicator).
If multiple batteries are used, the compartment must graphically show their arrangement, proportionally scaled to the actual size of the cells, with indicated polarity and voltage.
Luminaires with custom replaceable rechargeable batteries (W.3.5)
For custom rechargeable batteries, the marking must include:
- battery technology type (e.g., NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion),
- rated capacity (mAh or Ah),
- voltage.
The manual must state that replacement must only be made with batteries specified by the manufacturer. If mechanical keys prevent the use of other models, repeated markings are not required.
Luminaires with non-replaceable batteries or EDLC (W.3.6)
For luminaires with batteries not replaceable by the user, the following must be marked:
- battery technology (NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion, EDLC, etc.),
- capacity (mAh or Ah),
- voltage.
The user manual must include:
“The battery/EDLC in this luminaire may only be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person.”
If replacement with a specific type is foreseen, the following must also be provided:
- battery type according to IEC standard,
- temperature rating,
- dimensions.
If disassembly exposes users to hazardous voltage, the luminaire must bear the IEC 60417-6042:2010-11 symbol (“electric shock risk”) with a minimum height of 15 mm.
Luminaires with non-replaceable batteries – end of life (W.3.7)
For luminaires with non-replaceable batteries, the manual must state:
“The battery/EDLC in this luminaire is non-replaceable. When it reaches the end of its life, the entire luminaire must be taken out of service.”
Luminaires with dedicated external power supply (W.3.8)
If the luminaire uses a dedicated external power supply for charging, the device must show the symbol:
- IEC 60417-6181:2016-01 — symbol for detachable power supply
Next to the symbol, indicate the type of power unit used. The user manual must also state:
“Do not use a charger other than the one specifically supplied for use with this device.”
Special cases of charging with reduced IP rating (W.3.9)
For rechargeable luminaires that cannot maintain their IP rating during charging, the instruction must specify that charging should be carried out indoors.
Why such detailed requirements?
Precise marking and complete documentation are the foundation of user safety, manufacturer protection, and product market approval. Standard PN-EN 60598-1:2025 organizes these requirements, and proper implementation minimizes the risk of design flaws, market inspection issues, and legal liability.
At RCC, we support manufacturers in fully preparing documentation, labeling, and verifying compliance of luminaires with PN-EN 60598-1:2025. We offer consultancy, verify supplier documentation, and conduct laboratory testing.
