At Adtech, product integrity isn’t optional,  it’s essential. That’s why we follow a precise and repeatable process to ensure our heat shrink sleeving performs as expected in real-world applications.

Here’s how we carry out a Lamp Drop Test, verifying that our Adtex-S sleeving with 0.25mm wall thickness delivers on containment and reliability.

Why We Test

The aim is simple: ensure that if a lamp breaks, the coating retains all glass and end caps. This helps reduce the risk of scattered shards and ensures the product is fit for purpose in safety-critical applications.

Our drop test is based on principles from IEC 61549 — the standard for shatterproof lamp coatings.

Preparing the Samples

We use randomly selected Adtex-S sleeving and FEP boots taken directly from stock. These are then applied to the linear and compact lamps, just as a customer would apply them.

This helps validate the performance across different production batches.

Coating & Marking

Before testing, each lamp is labelled with IEC 61549-style identification bands. These help with traceability and ensure consistency during testing.

It’s also a useful practice for customers aiming for compliant final assemblies.

The Drop Test

Each lamp is dropped from a 4-metre height onto a flat, hard surface.

This simulates real-world impacts, from warehouse drops to transport bumps, and helps us understand how well the sleeving holds up under stress.

What Counts as a Pass?

A lamp passes the test if:

• There are no full-length splits in the sleeving
• All glass fragments and both end caps are retained
• Minor punctures are acceptable, as long as the contents remain contained

Important Notes

This test is part of our internal quality assurance, not a guarantee of formal IEC 61549 compliance.

• Adtex-S sleeving alone is not certified to IEC 61549, but is an integral part of the overall compliance
• FEP remains the preferred material for applications requiring formal compliance
• Final testing and verification rest with the customer for their own products

Questions or Advice?

Whether you’re designing for compliance or refining your test process, we’re here to help. Contact our technical team to discuss your specific needs.

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