LED Tube Connected Directly to 230 V: Requirements of IEC EN 62776
Published december 4th, 2025
Overview – Key Benefits of LED Retrofit in Accordance with IEC EN 62776
130.000 h
service life
IEC EN 62776
safety
CE-
conformity
up to 80%
energy savings
What is Meant by Retrofit and LED Retrofit?
The term "retrofit" refers to the modernisation of existing technical systems through the targeted replacement of individual components. In lighting applications, "LED retrofit" describes the integration of modern LED technology into existing luminaires and fittings, while obsolete technology is decommissioned or removed:
- Replacement of fluorescent lamps with LED lamps (LED lamp replacement)
- Inspection, adaptation and continued use of the existing luminaire
- Standardised, compliant conversion without a complete system replacement
👉 A typical application is the 1:1 replacement of T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes with standardised LED retrofit tubes in accordance with IEC EN 62776.*
What Does EN 62776* Regulate?
EN 62776 defines the safety requirements for LED tubes designed to operate directly on mains voltage without control gear (direct connection). The standard specifies:
- Electrical safety and protection concepts
- Interchangeability within existing lamp holders
- Permissible operating conditions (product-specific)
- Test procedures under real operating conditions
👉 EN 62776* is a harmonised European standard and forms the basis for CE conformity of conversions using LED retrofit tubes within the EU. The standard establishes a reliable framework for continuing to use existing luminaires and fittings, while transitioning to an energy-efficient, low-maintenance and future-proof LED lighting system.
Conversion Depending on Control Gear – Which LED Retrofit Methods Are Available?
Different system configurations have been established for fluorescent tubes, distinguished primarily by the type of control gear used. Although control gear is no longer technically required for LED tubes, it remains a decisive factor during conversion. The following systems are relevant:
- Conventional control gear (CCG)
- Low-loss control gear (LLCG)
- Electronic control gear (ECG)
CCG/LLCG: Retrofit Without Modifying the Luminaire
With conventional (CCG) or low-loss (LLCG) control gear, replacement can be carried out without structural modification to the luminaire:
- Starter is replaced with a dummy starter
- Control gear is electrically bypassed
- LED lamp / LED tube is installed
- Operation takes place directly on 230 V
👉 No structural modification to the luminaire. CE marking remains valid.
ECG: Conversion by Decommissioning the Control Gear
For luminaires equipped with ECG, modification is required. The control gear within the luminaire is converted in accordance with EN standards and decommissioned by a qualified electrician:
- ECG is decommissioned by a qualified electrician
- Electrical rewiring of the luminaire
- LED lamp / LED tube is installed
- Operation takes place directly on 230 V
👉 Technical modification of the luminaire (conversion). CE marking is documented and a new rating label is applied.
Why Do Retrofit and Conversion Both Lead to Direct Mains Connection?
Direct connection describes the operating mode in which the LED tube is powered directly from 230 V mains voltage without control gear. This condition can result from both LED retrofit and conversion.
With retrofit, the existing luminaire remains unchanged (e.g. CCG/LLCG with a dummy starter). In contrast, conversion involves electrical modification of the luminaire, such as decommissioning an ECG by a qualified electrician. In both cases, the LED tube is subsequently operated via direct connection.
Difference Between Retrofit and Conversion
- LED retrofit: Replacement without modification of the luminaire (CCG/LLCG with dummy starter)
- LED conversion: Modification of the luminaire through electrical adaptation (e.g. decommissioning of ECG by a qualified electrician)
👉 Key point: Direct connection is an operating mode. The decisive factors are proper implementation, electrical safety and professional execution.
Why Must Control Gear Be Decommissioned in LED Retrofit Applications?
Control gear is essential for the operation of fluorescent lamps, but technically redundant for LED tubes. In LED systems, it leads to:
- Additional energy losses
- Interference and malfunctions (e.g. flickering, unstable operation)
- Increased failure risk (external control gear as an additional electronic component)
👉 In a compliant retrofit, control gear is therefore bypassed or removed. The LED tube assumes electrical control via its integrated driver.
What Advantages Do LED Tubes Offer in Direct Mains Operation?
Operating without control gear reduces system complexity and eliminates potential sources of failure, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the lighting system:
- Less components → higher operational reliability
- No efficiency losses caused by control gear
- Stable, flicker-free light output
- Simplified lamp replacement without the need for specialist personnel
- Standardised operation in accordance with EN 62776 and retention of CE conformity
👉 A professional and standards-compliant conversion is always a prerequisite.
Who Is Responsible for LED Retrofit Conversion?
Responsibility for conversion depends on whether an LED retrofit is carried out without modifying the luminaire or whether a conversion involving electrical changes is performed.
With LED retrofit (CCG/LLCG with dummy starter), the luminaire remains technically unchanged. Only the lamp is replaced with a suitable, standards-compliant LED lamp.
In the case of a conversion (e.g. decommissioning an ECG), the luminaire is electrically modified. In this instance, responsibility transfers to the party carrying out the modification. The modified luminaire must be re-labelled accordingly (e.g. new rating plate).
What Does This Mean for CE Conformity*?
The CE marking of a luminaire applies exclusively to its original condition.
With LED retrofit, CE conformity remains valid, as no modification to the luminaire takes place – provided that the installed LED lamp is suitable for the application and compliant with relevant standards.
In the case of conversion, this basis no longer applies: the modified luminaire must be reassessed, documented and re-labelled. This includes, in particular, electrical safety, technical documentation and a new rating plate.
👉 EN 62776 provides the framework by:
- Defining safe replacement conditions
- Specifying requirements for LED retrofit lamps
- Enabling compliant operation in direct mains connection
What Are the Responsibilities of Operators and Qualified Personnel?
Clear requirements must be observed during conversion:
✅ Professional Execution
- Rewiring in the case of ECG only by qualified personnel
- Compliance with the requirements of EN 62776
✅ Documentation and Labelling
- Clear identification of the converted luminaire (e.g. new rating plate for ECG conversion)
- Traceability of installed components
✅ Safety Testing
- Testing after modification (e.g. in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3)
- Documentation of test results
What Requirements Must LED Lamps Meet for Operation on 230 V?
Not every LED tube is suitable for direct connection to 230 V. Key factors include design, marking and electrical configuration in accordance with LED retrofit requirements under IEC EN 62776*. The GLT LED TUBEGLT LED TUBE has been specifically developed for this application and is ENEC-certified in accordance with EN 62776:
- Tested temperature range: –40 °C to +70 °C
- Service life of up to 130,000 hours
- Integrated driver and surge protection
- AC/DC compatible: 185 V – 265 V
- Verified sustainabilityVerified sustainability through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 (ESG and CO₂ verification)
- GLT reusable system and 90% recyclability
Discover GLT LED TUBE product seriesDiscover GLT LED TUBE product series
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Glossary
*CE (Conformité Européenne)
The CE marking stands for “Conformité Européenne” (“European Conformity”). It is a legally required declaration by the manufacturer. By affixing the CE marking, the manufacturer confirms that the product complies with all applicable EU directives and regulations relevant to its category. For luminaires and lamps, this includes, in particular, directives on electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and ecodesign requirements.
*DGUV Regulation 3
DGUV Regulation 3 is a key occupational safety regulation governing the operation of electrical installations and equipment in companies. It stipulates that electrical systems must be operated safely and inspected at regular intervals.
Once a luminaire is converted (e.g. decommissioning of ECG), it is considered a technically modified electrical installation. In this case, DGUV Regulation 3 applies directly.
This means:
- The converted luminaire must be tested before recommissioning
- Testing may only be carried out by a qualified electrician
- Test results must be documented
*Direct Connection (230 V)
Operating mode in which the LED tube is powered directly from mains voltage without control gear.
*Dummy Starter
Replacement starter used in retrofit applications with CCG to correctly complete the electrical circuit for LED tubes.
*ENEC (European Norms Electrical Certification)
ENEC is a European safety certification mark for electrical products, particularly luminaires and their components. ENEC certification confirms that a product:
- Has been tested in accordance with European safety standards
- Is subject to ongoing surveillance by independent testing bodies
- Consistently meets required quality and safety standards
*EPD – Environmental Product Declaration
An Environmental Product Declaration is a standardised, verified environmental declaration for construction products in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804-A2. It provides transparent and comparable data on the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle—from production to disposal. The data is independently verified based on scientific methodology.
*ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance
ESG refers to criteria and frameworks established by organisations such as the United Nations and financial institutions for integrating environmental, sustainability and social considerations into corporate management, public bodies and government authorities.
*IEC EN 62776 Standard
The international IEC EN 62776 standard defines all technical and safety-related requirements for replacing double-capped fluorescent lamps (G5 and G13) with LED tubes in existing systems. It describes how conversion must be carried out correctly, which components must be decommissioned, and how compliant operation of an LED tube directly on 230 V is ensured.
The standard covers:
- Electrical safety
- Interchangeability and testing procedures
- Permissible operating conditions