Due to the confusing mass of regulations, limit values and exceptions a simple interpretation and translation to the practical world seems to be almost impossible.
The situation will become especially difficult when a new lighting installation shall be planned: Will the required lamps still exist in 10 or 20 years time, or may they still be sold in EU? If the needed lamps are not available any more, a change will be inevitable.
By employing today's top technology the operator avoids having to renew the lighting installation completely in no time: if refurbishment, then do it right first time. That saves energy and conserves the environment - right in terms of this directive. Furthermore, measures like that give a strong technological push for the whole economy.
Many operators, however, are overwhelmed as they do not have enough time to engage themselves, for example, they do not have enough know-how and thus, the resulting readiness to invest and really invest. They do need motivation and support, therefore, e.g. by consulting. We would like to help - ask our experts.
This is the way to make sure that the realisation is sensible and meets the expectations regarding savings and quick return on investment.
Summary of facts of IM tertiary sector
Regulations and consequences
For the lamp types mentioned above requirements of efficiency and functionality will be set according to a certain time scheme. Lamps which do not meet those requirements must not carry the CE marking any more and must not be brought to market by the manufacturer. Any lamp produced previously which has got a CE marking even though it may not literally be entitled to do so, may still be sold off the warehouse stock of retail.
Certain technical data such as, for example, mercury content must be shown as freely accessible information e.g. in the internet.
We recommend, that all professional lighting installations should be audited individually and as soon as possible if the employed lamps will soon loose the CE marking and vanish from the market. Thus, the renovation can be accomplished thoroughly and planned, sudden need for action and all associated aftermath can be evaded.
In some cases, a simple lamp exchange can be enough to fulfil the directive ('plug & play', for example, LL Standard → LL triphosphor). In other applications, however, it might make more sense to reconsider the whole lighting concept. In spite of the probably significant investment due to planning, luminaires, operational gear and lamps, massive savings could be realised - besides a considerable improvement of lighting quality (for example, mercury vapour → metal halide).
Lamp type affected
- FL = Fluorescent lamps (tubular and compact with pin base CFL)
- HPS = High pressure sodium lamps
- MH = Metal halide lamps
- HPM = High pressure mercury vapour lamps
Time Table
2010 LL: Ra ≥ 80; minimal luminous efficiencies
2012 LL: minimal lumen maintenance factors and survival rates
- HPS (external ignition): minimal luminous efficiencies, lumen maintenance factors and survival rates
- MH with Ra ≤ 80: minimal luminous efficiencies
2015 HPS (internal ignition): minimal luminous efficiencies, lumen maintenance factors and survival rates
- HPM: minimal luminous efficiencies
2017 Tightening of demands