Rough Service Light Bulb Ban February 2016
Back in 2009, the EU Commission set out regulations to phase out the use of inefficient incandescent light bulbs. The planned phase-out took place over a number of years between 2009 and 2012, starting with the ban of 100W, then 60W, and finally 40W bulbs. While we could all appreciate the intentions of the regulation to encourage the use of more energy-efficient bulbs, a loophole meant that incandescent bulbs labelled as ‘rough service’ could continue to be sold.
Now, the EU Commission has created a new regulation (EU 2015/1428 for those of you who want to look it up) which closes the loophole and better classifies incandescent bulbs used for special applications.
There are three main areas where this could affect you:
- Incandescent ‘rough service’ bulbs are banned
- High and low temperature incandescent bulbs are banned
- Incandescent squirrel cage bulbs made with clear glass are banned
However, some special-purpose bulbs will still be available, including:
- Oven and refrigerator bulbs
- Infrared heat lamps
- Incandescent decorative bulbs with coloured glass. The coloured or tinted glass indicates it is used for decorative purposes, so it will still be allowed. This includes those with squirrel cage or spiral filaments.
Back in 2009, when the first ban came into effect, LED replacements were expensive and, in some cases, not quite up to scratch. Thankfully, LED technology has advanced, and we’re confident that you’ll now be able to get a direct replacement at a competitive price.
The regulations will be applicable from 24th February 2016, so after this point, we will no longer be able to source rough service bulbs banned by the regulation. We will continue to sell any stock held, but it will be a case of once it’s gone, it’s gone.
In response, we will ensure that LED replacements for any bulbs are available through our website and wholesale business. If you’re uncertain which bulb is a compatible replacement, then please contact our sales team at 01494 880099.
The lighting industry organisation, Lighting Europe, has produced a flow chart to identify those lamps affected by the ban.
