EU Directive on “Non-Directional Domestic Lighting” - an overview

An overview of the changes due to the EU Directive.
The European commission has prohibited the sale of energy intensive lamps for domestic use in a series of stages from Sept 2009 to Sept 2016. This is due to the impact that these particular lamps are having on the environment and CO2 emmissions.
So you know what to expect we have outlined the changes below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dichroic (Downlight) lamps are not going to be regulated until a second directive is drawn up at the end of this year. It is expected that this directive will be implimented also in Sept 2010.

Special purpose lamps i.e. cooker hood lamps that are not directly used as a main light source in a room are also not going to be regulated.

The impact to the householder.
This directive does not mean that incandescent lamps may no longer be used in the household. It regulates retail sales. Anyone still using incandescent lamps in their home is not obliged to replace them from 1st September 2009.
It is a good idea though to where possible change these lamps to energy saving equivalents. The initial outlay is more expensive but these energy saver lamps pay for themselves within a year.

At the moment there are 2 options available to people who wish to switch to energy saving lamps: Energy saving halogen lamps which save up to 30% energy and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which save up to 80% energy. Both of these lamps achieve the same light output as the standard incandescent using less electricity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is important to note that the Energy saving halogen lamp produces 1-to-1 the same light colour that you are used to. The CFLs are available in various colours. If you want to use CFLs be sure to choose WARM WHITE to achieve the same colour.

Service life, energy saving & cost saving at a glance.