LightNOW recently reported that the Department of Energy (DOE) issued new energy standards for general-service fluorescent lamps. As promised, I’m following up to provide some analysis.
The new rules were published in the Federal Register January 25 and go into effect January 26, 2018. They specifically cover 4-ft. T8 linear, 2-ft. T8 U-bend and 4-ft. linear T5 and T5HO lamps. All of these lamp types saw strengthened energy standards, expressed in source efficacy (lumens/W), while expanding wattages covered for T5 and T5HO lamps.
The previous round of regulation primarily targeted T12 lamps and also eliminated 700 series T8 lamps, the exemption for which expired July 2014. This round of regulation puts the hammer to full-wattage T8 linear and U-bend lamps.
Interviews with manufacturers reveal that the likely net effect is many 4-ft. 32W T8 linear lamps, including extended-life versions, will be eliminated. The same with full-wattage 2-ft. T8 U-bend lamps.
One manufacturer stated about 70% of T8 4-ft. linear and 2-ft. U-bend lamps currently pass, but these are primarily reduced-wattage lamps. Alternatives to the popular 4-ft. linear T8 lamp include compliant 25W, 28W, 30W as well as the most efficacious 32W lamps. Extended-life lamps will survive, but these are expected to be primarily reduced-wattage lamps unless current non-compliant models are reengineered.
An appropriate course for T8 lighting system owners in the future is to consider switching from full- to reduced-wattage lamps or operate full-wattage lamps on a dimming control to earn a payback on what will likely be a higher purchase cost.
Most 4-ft. T5 and T5HO lamps are expected to pass with minor effort. Today’s 8-ft. linear lamps will continue to be available.
The same exemptions apply, including 1) lamps designed to promote plant growth, 2) lamps designed specifically for cold-temperature applications, 3) colored lamps, 4) impact-resistant lamps, 5), reflectorized or aperture lamps, 6) lamps designed for reprographic applications, 7) UV lamps, and 8) lamps with a CRI of 87 or higher.
This is a significant development in the lighting industry. DOE’s 2010 National Lighting Inventory estimated that 20 percent of all lamps in the commercial building sector and 44 percent in the industrial sector are 4-ft. T8. In 2010, DOE estimated that there were 532 million 4-ft. linear T8 lamps and 14 million T8 U-bend lamps installed in commercial and industrial buildings in the United States.
For more information, contact the lamp manufacturer.
