The Facts not the Fiction Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

 

With the recent announcement from the Chancellor on the phasing

out of GLS light bulbs by 2011, discussion

surrounding the benefits of converting to low energy lighting

is at the top of the news agenda. The Lighting Association,

on behalf of the UK Lighting industry, would like to clarify

 the misconceptions surrounding GLS light bulbs so that

consumers are armed with the correct facts when making

the decision to purchase Compact Fluorescent Integrated

(CFLi’s) light bulb.

Facts about the Announcement

⎯ The initiative to phase out the basic ‘A’ shaped,

old fashioned general lighting service (GLS) light bulbs comes from a

joint and voluntary initiative between the UK lighting industry,

 retailers and the Government.

⎯ Discussion with the Government began in September 2006.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury John Healey

MP and the Minister of State for Climate Change, Ian Pearson MP,

have encouraged and supported The Lighting

Association in this initiative and gained commitment from the retailers.

⎯ The proposed phase out will only cover the basic ‘A’ shaped GLS at this stage;

candle bulbs, golf ball or mini globe

bulbs and other decorative and special incandescent bulbs will come much later.

A few Facts and Frequently Asked Questions about Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Frequent Switching reduces the life of CFLi’s:

⎯ A CFLi’s life is no longer affected by switching.

The current standards for ‘Energy Saving Recommended’

accreditation requires over 3,000 switching cycles per 8,000 hours

of tested life which is many more than would be

necessary for normal domestic use. For special applications

such as hallways in flats and lights in corridors activated

by motion sensors, some manufacturers produce

 ‘heavy duty’ CFLi’s with up to 500,000 switching cycles capability

and 15,000 hours life!

CFLi’s are too big:

⎯ The latest generations of CFLi’s offered by the major

 manufacturers are no longer very large. In some cases, they are

slightly smaller than their GLS equivalent and with the

new classic shapes look almost the same as GLS bulbs.

⎯ CFLi’s need to be left switched on for >45 minutes as

 they consume so much energy when first switched on:

There is no reason to keep a CFLi switched on for longer

 than a normal GLS bulb as they do not consume any

greater energy during start up and run very efficiently

 immediately after the first 2 or 3 seconds.

Continued….

Energy Saving Light Bulbs: The FACTS Not FICTION page 2/2

CFLi’s give a colder colour light than ordinary bulbs:

⎯ Under the Energy Saving Trust’s ‘Energy Saving Recommended’

accreditation, CFLi’s have to emit the same warm

light level as GLS bulbs:- between 2,600 and 2,800°kelvin.

CFLi’s flicker with a stroboscopic effect. I’ve heard they switch on and off 50 times per second:

⎯ CFLi’s give a constant, flicker free, non-stroboscopic light.

They operate at high frequency through their electronic

controller at between 30,000-50,000 hertz

(normal mains voltage cycles at just 50 hertz or cycles per second).

You can’t dim CFLi’s:

⎯ There are new lamps available right now that you can dim

on ordinary domestic dimmer switches or alternately by

staged dimming using a standard light switch.

The number of these types of products is increasing.

CFLi’s are more dangerous:

⎯ CFLi’s are much safer to use in confined areas as they

 produce very little heat when compared to the very hot GLS

bulbs. They are much safer where children are concerned

and many are now used in children’s light fittings for this

reason.

⎯ CFLi’s burn so much cooler that there will be no more

browned or burnt lampshades or nasty scorch marks on

ceilings.

Some CFLi’s seem to start very slowly, don’t give the light

they promise or don’t last as long as they claim:

⎯ Beware of poor quality, cheap lamps. Make sure that you only

 buy CFLi’s with the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’

logo on the box from the major manufacturers.

This will show that they are of the very best quality and have received

independent third party accreditation in meeting light output and life standards.

⎯ Quality CFLi’s give instant light although do take a short time

to warm up to full brightness, particularly in a cold

space. However if they carry the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo,

they will reach at least 60% of their full

brightness in 60 seconds.

There are no longer any reasons why we should be negative

towards CFLi’s: - they will last between 6 and 15 years

depending on which wattage and product type you choose

(there are many differing life/purchase price permutations on

the market today). You will save a minimum of 75% of the energy

 you would burn with an old fashioned GLS bulb,

estimated to be up to £9 per year by the Energy Saving Trust.

By phasing out the basic GLS light bulb we can save the amount

of electricity produced by two atomic power stations per

year. Surely, this makes all our efforts worthwhile; a win/win for

the environment and for your energy costs.

- End -

- Words 821

For more information, please contact Jo Jackson,

PR & Marketing Manager. Joj@lightingassociation.com

The Lighting Association:

Tel: 01952 290905

Website: www.lightingassociation.com

Registered Office: Stafford Park 7 Telford Shropshire TF3 3BQ England

Tel: +44 (0) 1952 290905 Fax: +44 (0) 1952 290906

Email: enquiries@lightingassociation.com Web: www.lightingassociation..com

Registered in England No: 1325025 VAT Reg No GB 310 213 925

Company Secretary: K Verdun MBE A company limited by guarantee and not a share capital

NEWS RELEASE

Energy guzzling lightbulbs phase out to start next year

The most energy-guzzling light bulbs in Britain will start

 disappearing from shop shelves early next

year as part of efforts to cut CO2 emissions,

Secretary of State for the Environment Hilary Benn said

today.

This voluntary initiative, which is being led by

major retailers and energy suppliers, will see energy

efficient light bulbs replace their least

 efficient equivalents on shop shelves over the next four years.

Its aim is to save up to 5 million tonnes of

carbon dioxide a year by 2012 from UK electricity

generation – the equivalent to the carbon

emissions of a typical 1 Giga Watt coal fired power station.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced in March,

while Chancellor of the Exchequer, his aim for the

UK to be one of the first countries to phase out

 inefficient light bulbs and set an ambitious target date

to achieve that by the end of 2011, ahead of

 possible actions by the EU to ban these products

altogether.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said:

“Britain is leading the way in getting rid of

 energy-guzzling light bulbs and helping consumers reduce

their carbon footprint. Choosing energy saving light bulbs

can help tackle climate change, and also cut

household bills, with each bulb saving up to £60 over its lifetime.

“I am delighted that major companies have said they are

 prepared to help deliver this ambitious

timetable and offer products which will help their own

customers play their part in combating climate change.

“But there are many more energy hungry gadgets on sale

in shops that waste too much energy. That’s

why I want to see today’s initiative widened.

I want to see more retailers, manufacturers and service

providers taking action to phase out the least efficient

products from their ranges, for example, certain

set top boxes and TVs, and so help offer greener choices to their customers.”

Kevin Hawkins, Director General of the British Retail Consortium said:

“Retailers are committed to reducing their carbon footprint

and play an active role in helping

consumers reduce their own environmental impact. T

his is just the latest in a number of initiatives in

which retailers are helping to shape consumer habits through the promotion of energy saving

products. We look forward to working closely with Government and manufacturers in the lead up to the

2011 dead

line to ensure the supply of energy saving light bulbs matches demand, and that they

become a viable alternative to conventional light bulbs for consumers of all incomes”

Keven Verdun, Chief Executive of the Lighting Association said:

‘The UK lighting suppliers strongly support the

Government’s ambition in this initiative. For many

years the European lamp industry has promoted the

benefits of phasing out energy inefficient light

bulbs. In June 2007 the industry presented its own

proposals for EU legislation to phase out inefficient

light bulbs across the whole of Europe, commencing 2009.

We welcome the positive support of

governments for this transition to more efficient lighting

technologies which we believe can make a

substantial contribution to reducing our energy

consumption and CO2 emissions.”

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust said:

“We fully support the idea of phasing out inefficient lighting

 in favour of energy efficient light-bulbs. In

most homes, lighting accounts for 10 – 15% of the

 electricity bill and UK households currently use

£1.8 billion worth of electricity every year on lighting.

An energy saving light bulb can last up to 10

times longer than a non-efficient version.

Just one energy saving bulb could save up to £7 a year, fit

all the lights in your house with energy saving bulbs

 and you could save around £600 over the lifetime

of the bulbs. If everyone in the UK installed

three energy saving lightbulbs, we would save enough

energy to power all the UK’s street lighting for a year.”

Duncan Sedgwick, Chief Executive of the Energy Retail Association,

 said:“Britain’s major energy suppliers welcome this move

and are committed to distributing low energy light

bulbs to households across the country over this period.

This is building on the 43 million low energy

light bulbs that they have already distributed through their

current energy efficiency commitment.”

Energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) c

an help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and

contribute to tackling climate change because they use only

a fifth to a quarter of the electricity of

ordinary bulbs to generate the same amount of light.

CFLs are also cost effective. Advice from the Energy Saving Trust

suggests that because it will last up

to 10 times longer than a traditional bulb, just one energy saving bulb

could save up to £7 a year and,depending on the length of time lights

are in use every day, could save around £60 before it needs

replacing. Fit all the lights in your house with energy saving bulbs and

you could save around £600 over the lifetime of the bulbs.

In the UK £140 million a year is wasted by leaving lights switched on unnecessarily.

 This causes

900,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Each house currently has on average around 23.5 light bulbs.

Notes

1. The Government has proposed, as an illustrative schedule for the phase out of inefficient lamps, that retailers

might want to follow:

• By January 2008, cease replacing stock of all inefficient (General Lighting Service, GLS)

A-shaped incandescent lamps of energy rating higher than 100W (predominantly 150W lamps).

• By January 2009, cease selling all inefficient GLS A-shaped lamps of energy rating higher than 60W

(predominantly 150W lamps, 100W lamps, plus some 75W lamps)

• By January 2010, cease selling all GLS A-shaped lamps of efficacy of energy rating higher than 40W

(predominantly 60W lamps)

• By 31 December 2011, cease selling all remaining inefficient GLS A-shaped lamps and 60W "candle" and

"golfball" lamps. (predominantly 40W and 25W A-shaped GLS bulbs, and 60W candles and golfballs).

At the moment, we expect candles and golfballs, tungsten halogen lamps and lamps supplied with non-lighting

electrical appliances to remain on sale, because suitable energy-efficient alternatives do not currently exist.

2. The following retailers support this initiative: ASDA, B&Q, The Co-operative Group, Home Retail Group (Argos

and Homebase), IKEA, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco, Waitrose,

Wickes, Woolworths, British Retail Consortium, Association of Convenience Stores and the British Hardware

Federation. It is also being promoted through the major energy companies as part of their activities through the

Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT).

3. The next phase is that the Government will be issuing a public consultation paper on the detailed analysis,

targets and standards that we would like to achieve for domestic lighting products in the UK, with a view to

updating the illustrative phase out schedule above.

4. The EU is expected to bring forward its proposals for lighting measures under the Framework Directive for the

Eco-design of Energy Using Products (the EUP Directive). Implementing measures will set specific and

potentially compulsory standards for several of the least efficient street, office/industry and domestic lighting

products destined for the European market in order that they meet energy efficiency, as well as other,

requirements. Proposals for street and office lighting are due to be agreed by the end of 2008. Work on the

domestic lighting begun at the beginning of June. The Commission is expected to table a proposal by the end of

2009.

5. Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock today also wrote to retailers to progress the initiative announced in

Budget 2006 to encourage more energy efficient set top boxes and other consumer electronics, including setting

targets to reduce stand-by power.

6. Defra launched its ActOnCO2 carbon calculator www.direct.gov.uk/actonco2 as a public trial version on 20

June. There have been over 300,000 visits so far. The calculator helps people make the link between their own

actions and climate change. Individuals or households can calculate the carbon footprint resulting from their

home, appliances and personal travel using Government approved data and methodologies. Users can also

receive a personalised action plan with tips for reducing their carbon emissions. The calculator takes account of

lighting in its home section.

7. Under the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC), electricity and gas suppliers are required to meet targets for

the promotion of improvements in household energy efficiency. They do this by encouraging householders to

take up measures like cavity wall and loft insulation and energy efficient lights. The current phase of EEC is

from 2005-08 and the Government has recently consulted on the third phase, to be called the Carbon Emissions

Reduction Target, from April 2008 to March 2011. At least 10 million households received measures under the

first phase of EEC (2002-05), which stimulated £600m of investment in energy efficiency and delivered net

benefits to householders in excess of £3 billion. It will achieve carbon savings of around 1.1 MtC02 annually by

2010. EEC2 is at broadly double the level of EEC1 and is expected to save around 1.8 MtC02 annually by 2010.

CERT is proposed to roughly double the activity under EEC2 and is expected to achieve an annual saving of

about 4.0 MtCO2 by 2010.

8. The European Lamp Companies’ Federation proposal for Domestic lighting, published June 2007

(http://www.elcfed.org – Latest News), sets out the EU industry’s full position and proposals to the European

Commission for EU legislation regarding the phase out of inefficient bulbs. These proposals are intended to

allow time for a smooth switch to high-efficiency halogen and compact fluorescent lamps and the development of

LED and high efficiency incandescent lamps. Contact Jarita Christie, ELC Public Affairs Manager on +32 485

890 070 for further information.

End

Source: Defra (Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs)

www.defra.gov.uk

Ref: 328/07

Date: 27 September 2007

Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR

Date: 19 June, 2007

- 1 -

The European lamp industry’s strategy for domestic lighting

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

on energy efficient lamps

Background

On 1 March 2007, The European Lamp Companies Federation (ELC) announced the firstever

joint industry commitment to support a government shift to more efficient lighting

products for the home.

Shortly after, under the German Presidency, on 9th March 2007, EU Heads of State

called for the European Commission to “rapidly submit proposals to enable increased

energy efficiency requirements for incandescent lamps and other forms of lighting in

private households by 2009”. Proposals will take the form of Implementing Measures

under the European Union’s EUP Directive.

On 5th June 2007, the GE, Havells Sylvania, OSRAM, Philips and other members of the

ELC announced their detailed proposals to the European Commission for binding

minimum energy efficiency requirements for domestic lighting. These proposals, if

adopted by the European Union, would lead to the phase-out of the least efficient lamps

in the home from the European market by 2015. For more information on the proposals

see “The ELC’s proposal for domestic lighting”, available to download on:

www.elcfed.org

999999999999

Following discussions with the media, end consumers and European and national policy

makers, this paper attempts to answer a number of frequently asked questions on the

issue of domestic lighting.

This list is of course not exhaustive, if you have any further questions or issues you

would like to raise, please contact: Jarita.Christie@elcfed.org

ELC Federation - Created in 1985, the European Lamp Companies Federation (ELC) is both the

forum and the voice of the lamp industry in Europe. It represents the leading European lamp

manufacturers, which collectively directly employ 50,000 people, and account for 95 percent of

total European production, with an annual turnover in Europe of €5 billion. From the outset, ELC

objectives have been to promote efficient lighting practice for a sustainable environment and the

advancement of human comfort, health and safety. To this end, ELC monitors, advises and cooperates

with legislative bodies in developing European Directives and Regulations relevant to the

European lamp industry.

- 2 -

THE ELC’S APPROACH

1. Why has industry not made this announcement before?

For the lamp industry, the switch to energy efficient lighting has always been seen as an

evolution and not a revolution. The ELC and its member companies have promoted

energy efficient CFLis (Compact Fluorescent Lamp with an Integrated ballast or

commonly known as ‘energy savers’) for more than 25 years. In addition the ELC works

closely with the Commission to help advance proposals for minimum energy efficiency

requirements for lamps under the EU’s Directive on the eco-design of energy using

products (EuP).

In line with the Commission’s priorities for EuP Implementing Measures, the ELC has

concentrated its efforts on street and office lamps first. These are the products with the

biggest potential savings in the short term and it is easier to identify and influence the

purchasers. The ELC fully supports the call from EU Heads of States to adopt minimum

energy performance standards for street and office lighting under the EUP Directive by

2008.

Work on lighting in the home is much more complex for a number of reasons including

the size of the market concerned; the availability of practical replacements for some

specialist lamps; poor market surveillance; the difficulty of changing the habits of

domestic purchasers; and also production capacities. Requirements for domestic lighting

must therefore be realistic in terms of timings for industry, the supply chain and

consumers.

2. What does industry mean by ‘realistic timings?’

Equally, the ELC supports the Commission’s timescale of 2009 for setting energy

performance requirements for energy inefficient lamps in the home under the EUP

Directive. We have committed to work with the European Commission, who commenced

its own study for an Implementing Measure on domestic lighting in the home in June

2007, to develop ambitious minimum energy performance requirements for domestic

lighting.

We have proposed a time-phased approach to the European Commission, starting with

highest wattage lamps and gradually covering lower wattages. This ensures the

availability of practical energy saving alternatives in all domestic applications and is

realistic for the businesses that must adapt to significant changes in production and

supply. It would therefore deliver huge environmental and energy saving benefits while

safeguarding the interests of consumers, employees and Europe’s lighting supply chain.

3. Why does the proposed phase out take so long?

The 8 year phase-out proposal is designed to ensure that supply of efficient costeffective

products can satisfy demand, development and innovation. We have a

responsibility to ensure that consumers are not faced with empty shelves.

4. Does the ELC proposal affect all domestic lamps?

The ELC proposal does not affect all domestic lamps. The initiative calls on the EU to

apply binding minimum energy efficiency requirements, supported by strict market

surveillance, for Edison and Bayonet cap lampsi as early as 2009. These lamps are

mostly incandescent.

- 3 -

5. What are you proposing?

The ELC’s domestic lighting proposal has a number of phases, starting with highest

wattage Edison and Bayonet cap lamps (>100W) and gradually covering lower wattages

(E25W).

For each phase, there would be minimum efficiency specifications based on an energy

efficiency classification and on luminous efficacy or lumens per watt. For each wattage

category, manufacturers are calling for requirements to become more stringent over

time. All lamps that do not carry the EU Energy Labelii are not in the scope of this

proposal. Proposals to tackle reflector lamps, which make up 15% of the incandescent

lamp market, are being also prepared.

To ensure continued quality and cost effectiveness for Europe’s consumers, all lamps

placed on the EU market should also have to have a minimum lifetime of 1000 hrs and

comply with relevant IEC and CEN standards.

6. Your proposal targets 25W lamps and above only. What about those lamps

under this wattage?

The majority of the lamps under 25W are classed by our member companies as either

specialty lamps or lamps that have a limited environmental impact. These lamps have a

lower environmental impact due to their power (lower energy consumption), frequency

of use (mainly colored lamps, lamps in fridges, ovens and decorative lighting) and their

market size (currently they represent 3% of the market). Furthermore, cost-effective,

energy efficient alternatives for many of these lamps are not yet available on the

market. We are currently working on scenarios and proposals for this category.

THE CURRENT STATE OF PLAY

7. What percentage of lamps on the European market is energy efficient and

what percentage is inefficient??

• One third (33%) of all lamps currently installed in the European Union are

energy efficient.

• Two thirds (66%) of all lamps currently installed in the European Union are

energy inefficient.

8. What percentage of lamps in Europe’s homes is energy inefficient?

Approximately 85% of lamps currently in EU homes are energy inefficient.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO ‘BAN’ INEFFICIENT LAMPS

9. Do your counterparts in other parts of the world support your position?

Yes, the setting of minimum energy performance standards is something that is

generally considered important. Several governments worldwide have also recently

announced plans to put legislation in place to eliminate the least efficient domestic

lamps, including energy inefficient incandescent lamps, from the market over time.

However, geographic and cultural differences have to be taken into account. Therefore

the ELC is working closely with its international colleagues in America, China, Australia

and Japan, to exchange best practice and learning, particularly on how to support and

inform consumers.

- 4 -

10. Do you agree with recent calls from the governments of California and

Australia to phase-out ALL incandescent lamps?

The governments of California and Australia have not called for the phase-out of all

incandescent lamps. Like the EU, they will be working on developing energy efficiency

standards for lamps. It is clear that the consequence of setting strict minimum energy

efficient standards for lamps under legislation like the EU’s Eco-Design of Energy Using

Products Directive (EuP) will lead to the phase out of the least efficient lamps from the

market place. The ELC supports the efforts by its global colleagues to develop energy

efficiency standards for lighting but one should be realistic in terms of timings for

industry, the supply chain and consumers.

PRODUCTION & CAPACITY

11. Will factories have to be closed in Europe?

The production process of the targeted lamps will eventually stop in line with this

strategy. We are currently reviewing alternate operations of these factories, to support

the production of other products.

12. What are the potential production capacity problems you envisage?

A switch to more efficient domestic lighting will require significant manufacturing

changes within the ELC Member companies. Lamp manufacturers currently produce 8

times more “traditional” lamps than the more energy-efficient equivalents. This is why

we have proposed a time-phased approach in order to manage this process in a suitable

timescale, in order to safeguard the interests of employees, supply chain and

consumers.

13. How many ELC Member Company factories in Europe currently produce

incandescent lamps?

In total, 10 lamp factories and 6 pre-material (e.g. glass, filament etc) factories

currently produce incandescent lamps in Europe.

14. Will this transition have a negative impact on the overall employment

situation in Europe?

A switch to more efficient lighting in the home will require significant manufacturing

changes within the ELC Member Companies. The lamp manufacturers are committed to

manage this process carefully and aim to minimize the impact on the workforce by

retraining among other things.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFLi) OR ‘ENERGY SAVERS’

15. Why do CFLis cost so much? Will the price be coming down?

CFLis lamps have traditionally been more expensive than ‘traditional’ incandescent

lamps because they are more expensive to make (these lamps have integrated

ballasts). The price of a CFLi has decreased over the last several years. This is great

value when you consider a consumer can save around €80 over the life just by replacing

a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt CFLi.

- 5 -

16. What are the cost savings, in energy terms, for a CFLi compared to an

energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamp available today over its lifetime?

Although initially higher in price, a typical CFLi can offer a saving of up to €13 per year

on average when compared to an energy inefficient incandescent lamp. A six-year-life

rated energy-saving bulb would therefore save about €80 during its lifetime. (100W

incandescent versus 20W CFLi) This is based on an assumption of 3 continuous burning

hours per day, for an energy cost of 0,15 €/kWh.

17. Which CFLi lamp should I buy to replace a 60-, 75-, 100- or 150-watt

regular lamp?

The ranges below provide wattage equivalents (that produce the same amount of light)

for regular incandescent and CFLi lamps.

• 25 watt incandescent lamp = 5-7W CFLi

• 40 watt incandescent lamp = 7-9W CFLi

• 60 watt incandescent lamp = 11-15W CFLi

• 75 watt incandescent lamp = 15-18W CFLi

• 100 watt incandescent lamp = 20-23W CFLi

• > 100 watt incandescent lamp = 23W CFLi and above

Along side this range of CFLi lamps there is also a range of energy saving Halogen

lamps available. These lamps provide high quality, brilliant light. Additional ranges are

currently in development.

18. How much energy does it take to produce a CFLi lamp compared to an

energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamp available today?

It takes approximately five times more energy to produce one CFL compared to one

energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamp. However, as CFLi lamps last on average

between 6 to 15 times longer than energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamps, the

amount of energy needed for the production of one CFLi is comparable to the production

of between 6 to 15 GLS lamps – hence the saving over the lifecycle of the product is

much higher.

Therefore, an energy saving CFL has a much lower overall environmental impact than

an energy inefficient incandescent lamp throughout its lifecycle. More than 90% of

energy consumed during the lifecycle of a lamp is in the use phase and as CFLis are up

to 80% more efficient than an average inefficient incandescent lamp, the savings are

evident.

19. Many consumers complain that CFLi energy saving lamps are of an inferior

quality. Are there quality standards in place for lamps in the EU?

The Member companies of the ELC manufacture lamps that meet the relevant

CEN/CENELEC Standards. The ELC urges the market surveillance authorities in the EU

Member States to protect the consumer from lamps that are inferior and do not meet

these standards.

- 6 -

20. Some people don’t like the light quality of CFLis. Is that being improved?

Will it ever be more like incandescent lamps?

CFLi lamps have evolved to the point where good quality lamps now are usually very

similar in functionality to incandescent lamps. They last longer and they will continue to

get smaller, better, more efficient, safer and less expensive.

Energy saving lamps from reputable manufacturers render a light quality which

approaches very closely that of incandescent lamps. The Color Rendering Index (CRI)

expresses the level to which colors a represented in its natural form i.e. as if lit by

sunlight, where an incandescent lamp has a CRI of 100, good quality energy savers

typically have a CRI value between 80-85. Previous generations of energy savers, as

well as many present energy savers from C-brands, render an unnatural light, giving for

example a greenish or blueish light. Additionally, the production process of C-branded

lamps is unstable, resulting in significant observable color differences between

individual lamps. If a colour rendering index of higher than 80-85 is needed for specific

applications, energy efficient halogen lamps (halogen energy savers) with a CRI of 100

should be used.

21. Frequent Switching reduces the life of CFLis

A CFLi’s life is no longer affected by switching. The current standards for ‘Energy

Recommended’ accreditation requires over 3,000 switching cycles per 8,000 hours of

tested life which is many more than would be necessary for normal domestic use. For

special applications such as hallways in flats and lights in corridors activated by motion

sensors, some manufacturers produce ‘heavy duty’ CFLis with up to 500,000 switching

cycles capability and 15,000 hours life!

22. CFLis are too big

The latest generations of CFLis offered by the major manufacturers are no longer very

large. In some cases they are slightly smaller than their GLS equivalent and with the

new classic shapes, also look almost the same as GLS bulbs.

23. CFLis need to be left switched on for more than 45 minutes as they

consume so much energy when first switched on

There is no reason to keep a CFLi switched on for longer than a normal GLS bulb as

they do not consume any greater energy during start up and run very efficiently

immediately after the first 2 or 3 seconds.

24. You can’t dim CFLis

There are new lamps available today which can dim on ordinary domestic dimmer

switches or alternately by staged dimming using a standard light switch. These products

are a relatively new innovation and therefore in limited supply, that said the number of

these types of products is expected to increase over time.

- 7 -

CFLis AND YOUR HEALTH

25. CFLis flicker with a stroboscopic effect, I’ve heard they switch on and off

50 times per second. Do they cause medical problems such as epileptic-type

fits, mental disturbances?

CFLis give a constant, flicker free, non-stroboscopic light. They operate at high

frequency through their electronic controller at between 30,000-50,000 hertz (normal

mains voltage cycles at just 50 hertz or cycles per second).

A small number of cases have been reported by people who suffer from reactions to

certain types of linear fluorescent lamps. In the majority of these cases, the lamps in

question were used in offices, restaurants (in certain European countries) and in limited

places in domestic households (such as kitchens and garages) and were almost certainly

triggered by OLD technology which operated on a conventional (Copper-Iron) ballasts

with a low frequency (<50Hz mains frequency); this is not the case with new energy

efficient linear fluorescent lamp technology which unlike earlier energy efficiency

technologies, operates on high frequency drivers (for example, certain fluorescent

lamps operate on 50kHz or 50,000Hz).

The above health related problems can be therefore be avoided if consumers opt for

new technologies such as integrated energy savers (CFLi) in households and other

sources using high frequency drivers (e.g. linear fluorescents and HID) in other

applications (such as offices, restaurants etc).

26. What about those who suffer from light sensitivity or Lupus sufferers, for

whom a ban on normal incandescent lighting would result in a total disruption

of normal everyday life?

People affected from light sensitivity or lupus sufferers (a chronic autoimmune disease –

of which sensitivity to ultraviolet light is a key symptom) could be affected by either the

intensity of the light (i.e. the lumens of the lamp), the spectral property of the light

(particularly when the light contains more blue) or when a lamp radiates a small

amount of ultra-violet (UV) light. There is a small amount of UV generated by

fluorescent lights (such as CFLis). But this is fractional if you compare this to natural

daylight. For the many energy savings lamps (such as CFLis) that do generate higher

quantities of UV and blue light, filters are now used to reduce radiation.

LED lamps can emit a range of colors (green, red and blue) and can emit white light by

combining red, blue and green LEDs or a LED with a phosphor similar to the ones used

in fluorescent lamps. The whiter the lamp is, the more blue (and possible UV) is

radiated. Negative reactions to LEDs therefore are probably due to the use of LED lamps

with a very white color tone, thus containing a lot of blue. It is important to note that

LED technology is still in the very early stages of development, and as such there is a

strong possibility that lamps will be made with a certain spectral composition in the

future, hence alleviating some of these initial problems.

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General tips for people who are sensitive to light

• If you suffer from a special light sensitivity do not expose yourself directly to the

light source. Use indirect light via a white surface, as, in many cases, during

reflection UV-radiation will be absorbed (depending of course of the type of surface

and material/paint used).

• Special covers can be used to fully filter the last bits of harmful radiation from the

lamps. For example, Plexiglas or special glass UV filters will filter most of the UV

light.

• Use yellow filters to filter the blue light

• When filters are no option, mains voltage halogen lamps are an acceptable

alternative. Due to the UV-filtering quartz of the burner, these lamps have UV

output levels that are similar to incandescent bulbs.

• Reduce the dose (time of exposure, quantity) of light by dimming the lights when

possible

• Use light sources with a warm color tone (low correlated color temperature); they

contain the lowest quantity of blue light.

CFLis AND MERCURY

27. A big issue in the uptake of CFLis is their mercury content.

Compact fluorescent lamps are low-pressure discharge lamps that operate on the

following principle: after ignition, mercury vapor in the glass tube emits UV radiation.

This radiation is converted by the phosphors on the inside of the glass tube into visible

light. The phosphors used are fully annealed inert substances that pose no risk to health

even if they are released as a result of a lamp breakage.

When the lamps are in a cold state, mercury is present in the form of small mercury

droplets or as a solid amalgam or mercury/iron pellet in the discharge vessel (bulb).

When the lamp is switched on, the mercury vaporizes as the temperature of the bulb

rises, and the mercury vapour needed for the discharge fills the entire bulb. Mercury is

released if the lamp breaks.

The EU Reduction of Hazardous Substances Directive (2002/95/EC) allows for the use of

mercury in lamps. Below lists the approved exemptions, which have undergone expert

analysis by the Commission and is outlined in the Annex of the Directive.

1. Mercury in compact fluorescent lamps not exceeding 5 mg per lamp.

2. Mercury in straight fluorescent lamps for general purposes not exceeding:

— halophosphate phosphor 10 mg

— triband phosphor with normal lifetime 5 mg

— triband phosphor with long lifetime 8 mg.

3. Mercury in straight fluorescent lamps for special purposes.

4. Mercury in other lamps not specifically mentioned in this Annex.

A typical mercury thermometer has between 500 and 3,000 milligrams of mercury,

depending on its size. Furthermore, it is widely known that electricity generation causes

mercury emissions due to the mercury content of fossil fuel. When using an

incandescent GLS lamp, the total mercury emission caused by electricity generation is

up to twice as high compared to the combined mercury content and emission from

electricity generation of using a CFLi.

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DISPOSING OF CFLis

28. Should I be concerned about using CFLis in my home or should I take any

special precautions?

CFLis are safe to use in your home. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use

and they pose no danger to you or your family when used properly. However, CFLis are

made of glass tubing and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Care should be taken

when removing the lamp from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw

and unscrew the lamp by its base, and never forcefully twist the CFLi into a light socket

by its tubes. Used CFLis should be disposed of properly (see question 29).

29. What do I do with a CFLi when it burns out? What is the proper disposal

procedure?

In Europe, all CFLi lamps have to be disposed as special waste under EWC Code 20 01

21-Fluorescent tubes and other mercury-containing waste. Furthermore, as part of its

obligations under the EU’s WEEE Directive1, the European lighting industry has set up a

European-wide recycling infrastructure for all gas discharge lamps (including CFLis),

capable of recycling mercury, as well as other metals, glass, etc. All CFLi lamps are

provided with the crossed-out wheeled dustbin logo, indicating that consumers should

deposit the product separately, making use of the existing, local waste depots.

Disposing of CFLis

Follow these guidelines to dispose your CFLi properly:

• Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLis

should be disposed of properly.

• Do not throw CFLis away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist.

• If your local waste management agency offers no other disposal options except your

household garbage, place the CFLi in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the

trash.

• If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic

area for proper disposal options such as your local tip. Never send a CFL or other

mercury containing product to an incinerator.

For more information about the WEEE directive and to contact your national ELC

member partner see www.elcfed.org.com/weee

30. What should I do if I break a CFLi lamp?

If you break a CFLi, do not panic and take the following steps:

• Ventilate the room for 20-30 minutes.

• Use gloves to remove all the bits.

• All the items used in cleaning up the spill should be treated as "universal waste" or

disposed at your local lamp recycling point.

• Remove all broken lamp components from the luminaire before reusing the

luminaire.

• ALWAYS switch off the mains before removing the remaining lamp components!

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

1 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC

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31. What about electromagnetic fields and energy-saving lamps?

Electromagnetic fields are an everyday fact of life for people in industrialized countries.

There is more and more talk now of “electro-smog”. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) occur

wherever electricity is involved.

Lamps and energy-saving lamps both create EMF. All lighting systems sold by the

member companies of the ELC, however, are well within the national and international

limit values. EMF depends not only on the control gear and the lamp but also on the

design of the luminaire.

Specialists and institutions such as the WHO are responsible for defining the limit

values. The limit values are confirmed by the WHO and the International Radiation

Protection Agency (IRPA) and incorporated in EU legislation.

32. Can LEDs be used as an energy saving alternative to inefficient domestic

lamps?

LED technology is currently being used in some specific applications (such as traffic

signals, mobile phones etc) and offers great potential for the future of lighting.

However, this technology still requires further development before it can be used as a

cost effective replacement for lamps in the home.

i

What is a Bayonet cap?

With its familiar "push and twist" action, "bayonet cap" (also known as BC or B22d) is used on

most regular light bulbs, mainly in Great Britain and France. It is 22mm diameter and with two

locating lugs. The "small bayonet cap" (SBC or B15d) is very similar but only 15mm across.

Although generally used for mains voltage lamps, the SBC fitting can also be found in a very

small number of specialist low voltage halogen lamps. There are also many other "BC" variants

including the 3-pin BC, B22d-3 sometimes used on Fireglow lamps but perhaps more

commonly on High pressure mercury lamps for industrial applications. The BY22d is used on

some low-pressure sodium (SOX) lamps.

34. What is an Edison cap?

Named after the pioneering inventor Thomas Edison, the Edison Screw or "ES" lamp fitting is

used worldwide in a vast range of applications. The most popular ES or E27 fitting is 27mm

diameter and is widely used in Europe. The US has a slightly smaller lamp cap type E26. The

“Small Edison Screw” (SES or E14) is often used for smaller decorative fittings, chandeliers,

and appliance bulbs - predominantly in the UK and Europe. The “Candelabra Edison Screw”

(CES or E12) is most frequently used in the US and Canada, especially for candle bulbs. The

Miniature Edison Screw (MES or E10) fitting is sometimes used in large chandeliers containing

perhaps dozens of small lamps.