Is Leakage Current Test Necessary for Lighting Fixtures?

Not if the enclosure is made of non-conductive materials, or the fitting is double-insulated.

There simply won't be any.

Yeah, what he said.

NO, if you do not care to be shocked, or somebody else shocked. In that case such a test is superfluous. Are you nuts, or plain lazy?!?

Hi there.

International standard IEC 60598-1 Requires that you do either an electric strength test by applying a minimum of 1.5kV a.c. for a minimum of 1 second where a maximum leakage current of 5 mA is permitted.

OR

An Insulation resistance test by applying 500 V d.c.for 1 second. with a minimum resistance of 2 M ohm.

The tests are conducted between the live and neutral terminals linked together and the earth terminal or between the conductors of class II and class III luminaires and metal parts/enclosures.

Sorry, I did not mention that IEC 60598- specifically relates to light fittings.

About the insulation test are you sure that it has to be tested for 1 sec or is it 1 min. for HV and Insulation does it has to be performed between Line & Neutral & Body or just line and neutral.

In the UK, all portable appliances require to be regularly 'PAT' tested. This involves checking the leakage current. Items fail if there is any. Fixed appliances get tested on fitting, and after modifications, but not on a regular basis.

All equipment has some leakage current however small, the amount permitted depends on the class and use of the equipment.

The answer is dependent upon your reglatory requirements, however even if it is not specified for your reglatory area, insulation resistance testing is a good thing to do. Before trying to test make sure that the lamps are removed from their fittings and the light switches are turned on. If you have two way or intermediate switches then a test will be required for each of the possible switching positions.