DCL is an abbreviation for ‘Devices for connection of luminaires’ and is the new type of lamp plugs (DCL lamp plugs / ceiling light connectors) and ceiling outlets. The background to the new lamp plugs and ceiling outlets is that the EU has agreed on two new standards for residential installations: SS‑EN 61995‑1 and SS‑EN 61995‑2, which apply to lamp connection devices (DCL connectors).
Even though the new lamp plugs are unfamiliar to most of us, the EU actually decided on the standard back in 2009. At that time, the standard replaced the previous standard for lamp connections.
The decision was made in 2009, so the phase‑out period has been long. The new standards became the only valid ones starting April 1st, 2019. This means that only DCL‑type lamp plugs and ceiling outlets may be used for new installations after April 1st, 2019.
The reason for a common standard for lamp connectors and ceiling outlets in Europe is that these have looked different across countries — and many countries had no standard at all. Now that the EU has unified the rules, manufacturing and selling lamps will be much easier. A major advantage of the new standard is that it applies throughout the entire EU/EEA.
It may feel unfamiliar today, but in a few years it will be completely natural to see DCL lamp plugs on ceiling lamps. If you have recently moved into a newly built apartment, you have probably already noticed that you need to switch to a DCL lamp plug on your ceiling lamps. We are pleased that we have finally found a high‑quality DCL lamp plug that matches our other products here at Vridaofsweden.com.
The older type of lamp plug is still available for purchase, and we sell it here. However, producing or importing ceiling lamps or lamp accessories with the old type of lamp plug already installed is no longer permitted.
