• • • LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS • • •
The impending ban on fluorescent lamps
Anthony Parkinson from Ansell Lighting looks at the issues surrounding fluorescent lighting in more detail, exploring the new rules that are coming into effect and the alternative options available
W
ith a ban on the production of fluorescent lamps set to be enforced from August this year, the need for building managers to modernise and update existing lighting systems once again comes to the fore. In this article From August 25, 2023, the production of T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps is set to be banned in the UK, complying with the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which has also seen the production of CFL and ring-form T5 and T9 lamps prohibited from February this year. The directive, which aims to restrict the use of hazardous materials, rules that mercury can no longer be used in lamps as well as other types of electrical and electronic equipment due to the potential risks it poses if released into the environment. Only HPD lamps and special purpose lamps are exempt from the ban and will be produced for another 3-5 years. A significant step for the lighting industry to experience, fluorescent lighting has been a popular source of lighting since its creation in the 1930’s, offering users a more energy efficient lighting alternative to incandescent and halogen bulbs.
The decision to ban the production of fluorescent lamps is due to the fact they contain mercury, a powerful, developmental neurotoxin, which can cause significant health and environmental problems. Whilst perfectly safe to use in lighting sources when undamaged, if a fluorescent lamp breaks or is disposed of improperly, the mercury it contains can contaminate its surroundings, posing a risk to human health. With such a significant change to legislation on the horizon, the need to overhaul outdated fluorescent lighting systems throughout buildings in the UK is inevitable and something building managers should impose sooner rather than later if problems are to be avoided.
Whilst retailers and wholesalers will continue to stock CFL, T5 and T8 lamps until supplies are exhausted, their availability will undoubtedly dwindle as time moves on. Purchase prices are also expected to increase as supply becomes scarcer, so taking steps to replace fluorescent lighting imminently will help to ensure buildings continue to run as efficiently as possible and will help to beat the expected ‘last minute rush’ for new system installations.
The complete upgrade of a lighting system may seem like a costly expense right now, especially with sky-high energy bills and other costs putting pressure on maintenance budgets, but it is well worth remembering that the initial outlay of a new LED lighting system should be recovered in just two to three years, from savings incurred on
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • JUNE 2023 23
energy bills alone. The switch to LED will also have a huge impact on carbon emissions, helping organisations to achieve their net zero targets. Many facilities managers we speak with have questioned the possibility of replacing fluorescent lamps with an LED equivalent in its current fitting. Whilst possible, this comes with potential safety risks and is something we would discourage. In some cases, once fitted, existing lighting systems may require adaptation to ensure that they are operating correctly with an LED lamp. This will require further costly evaluation and testing and can prove to be unsafe. LED replacement tubes are also up to 30% less energy efficient than a complete LED installation so the cost savings and environmental benefits are much reduced.
LED lighting offers many benefits over fluorescent lamps; it is up to 80% more energy efficient, cheaper to operate and far more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. LEDs also offer heightened controllability, allowing different colour temperatures and intensities to be set which in turn impact energy use. They also have a significantly lengthier service life and so offer far better value for money over their lifespan. By Upgrading to an LED lighting system building services professionals can also look to
introduce smart lighting and reap the many benefits this technology has to offer.= Using automation to ensure that lighting is only used where and when it is needed, smart lighting can completely optimise energy use. It allows luminaires to be pre-programmed and controlled automatically, giving building managers complete control over when lights are on or off or set to specific scenes or temperatures. It eliminates the reliance on human
intervention, reducing the risk of users accidentally leaving the lights on and wasting energy and what’s more is ideal for use in almost any indoor or outdoor setting, from offices and industrial spaces to schools, hospitals, car parks and external pathways.
It can also be used to help to influence mood and wellbeing, improve safety and security and heighten productivity in the workplace. By banning the production of fluorescent lighting, it is clear to see that the RoHS directive is set to make a positive, lasting change to the way we illuminate our buildings.
This, coupled with soaring energy costs and the need to cut carbon emissions, means the case for switching to more energy efficient technologies such as LED and smart lighting systems has never been stronger.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
