Luminaire conversion: “I fear I will become a manufacturer!”
ZVEI White Paper clarifies.
Converting to so-called conversion lamps is efficient, sustainable and saves a lot of energy. Factors such as integrated emergency lighting, the ceiling design or monument protection may even make retrofitting mandatory. But what about the declaration of conformity? Does the CE mark no longer apply? And will I become a manufacturer as a result of the retrofit?
With its new White Paper*, the German industrial association of the electrical and electronical industry – ZVEI – is now ensuring legal certainty when converting luminaires. It explains the conditions under which a conversion of luminaires can be performed – without the person converting becoming the manufacturer of a then new product and having to carry out a new CE conformity assessment.
One thing is certain: If no significant changes are made to the original luminaire and there are no increased risks, then the CE marking remains valid and the person converting does not become the manufacturer.
When converting an existing luminaire to LED, the purpose remains the same and it is therefore not a significant change. But what about risk assessment?
Check the requirements for converting luminaires in advance:
When converting T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes to conversion lamps such as Radium LED Neo Tubes, it is necessary to replace the ballast(s) with LED driver(s). The prerequisite for the conversion is that the lighting system is
- obviously
- mechanically
- electrically and
- thermally (in operation)
fine – or this can be achieved with simple measures.
All components of a conversion such as assembly, electrical installation, testing and commissioning must be carried out by qualified personnel. It is recommended that these are documented and that an electrical and lighting maintenance plan for the system is drawn up and adhered to.
Note: In addition, lighting quality, occupational safety and user comfort should also be the guiding principles of a conversion, besides the energy optimization. This can be achieved by using presence detectors, daylight-dependent control or other human-centric lighting measures.
If you have any questions about converting luminaires, we are always happy to help.
*At the moment, available in German only.
