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Legislation
Overview of lamps affected by 2011-2014 legislation
General Service Incandescent Lamps
Once implemented, new efficiency standards will set maximum wattages and minimum rated average lifetimes for many general service incandescent lamps in four popular lumen ranges. Some of the most popular include the 100W, 75W, 60W and 40W A19 shaped incandescent lamps. Depending on the lamp and state, these standards are phased in from January 1, 2012 through January 1, 2014. Lamps covered by these efficiency standards include A-Shape, Decorative Candles, Globes, and Post Lights.
Incandescent Reflector Lamp (IRL)As a result of EISA and Department of Energy (DOE) rulemaking, there are additional shapes, diameters, and wattages of incandescent reflector lamps for which the DOE can set energy conservation standards. There are also new efficiency standards for incandescent reflector lamps. Manufacturers must meet these new improved performance levels before July 2012. Lamps covered by these efficiency standards include R, PAR, ER, BR, BPAR and similar bulb shapes with:
- Medium screw bases
- Rated voltage that lies at least partially within the 115V–130V
- A diameter of >2.25"
- Rated wattage of 40W to 205W
As part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the DOE was directed to undertake new energy conservation standards rulemaking for general service fluorescent lamps. In 2009, the DOE issued its rules, which take effect in July 2012 and establish minimum lumen per watt standards for a number of popular fluorescent lamps.
Fluorescent Lamps that must meet these new standards include:
- 2' medium bi-pin U-shaped lamps with rated wattage =25W and less than <28W
- 4' medium bi-pin =25W and less than 28W
- 4' T5 miniature bi-pin straight shaped with wattage =26W
- 4' T5 miniature bi-pin straight shaped with wattage =49W
- 8' recessed, double contact rapid start HO lamps
- 8' recessed, double contact rapid start HO lamps
- 8' single pin instant start slimline lamps 4, with a rated wattage =52
The Department of Energy (DOE) Ballast Ruling that became effective in 2005 prevents the manufacture of magnetic replacement ballasts sold through electrical distribution after July 1, 2010. Reliable and energy-efficient electronic ballasts offer proven performance and up to 30% energy savings relative to standard magnetic ballasts.
Philips Legislation site – For the latest lighting legislation details, visit www.philips.com/legislation.
For more information, check out the following resources:
- Philips Bright Lighting Alternatives.pdf
- Philips Legislation Pamphlet.pdf
- Philips Legislation Calculator/Online Replacement Tool – This constantly updated tool allows you to identify the best replacement lamps.
EPAct 2005
- Effective January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2013, the U.S. government is offering substantial, accelerated tax incentives as a reward for installing new or renovating with energy efficient lighting, HVAC and/or building envelope technologies in qualifying applications.
- Lighting, a critical component of energy use today, costs 40% of the average commercial building’s electric bill.
- Energy efficient upgrades reduce energy consumption and operating costs by 50% or more and often pay for themselves within months.
- Generally, lighting renovation investments are amortized over the life of the system.
- One of the most significant benefits of EPAct 2005 is that it allows a larger portion of the capital investment to be depreciated in the first year.
- Tax deduction can apply to:
- New construction or lighting renovations.
- Buildings located in the United States that are within the scope of ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2001.
- Buildings placed in service after December 31, 2005, and up to December 31, 2013.
EISA Probe to Pulse Start
- Purpose: Federal legislation that shifts the United States to energy independence and higher efficiency of lighting products.
- Lighting Products Affected: All metal halide fixtures (indoor or outdoor) from 150 Watts to 500 Watts. Non-compliant products can no longer be manufactured after December 31, 2008.
- Implementation Date: January 1, 2009
- Inventory: Remaining probe start inventory can be sold after January 1, 2009 (manufactured prior to January 1, 2009). Replacement lamps& ballasts for probe start are available and are not affected by legislation.
- Luminaire Exceptions:
- Standards do NOT apply to fixtures that:
- Use regulated lag ballasts
- Use electronic ballasts rated for 480 volts
- Fixtures that meet ALL of the following criteria (within a single fixture): Are only rated only for 150W lamps, rated for wet location use as defined by National Electrical Code 2002 Section 410.4(A), and contain a ballast rated to operate at an ambient air temperature above 50°C as specified by UL 1029-2001
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Benefits of Pulse Start Metal Halide:
- 25% to 50% improved lumen output (efficacy)
- Improved illumination levels over life (lumen maintenance)
- Up to 50% longer lamp life
- Half the warm up time (2 minutes)
- Faster restrike (3-4 minutes)
- Colder starting temps (-30°to -40°F/C)
