by jbs091509e3 — September 18, 2009—Despite strong ongoing sales of four-foot T12 fluorescent lamps, the magnetic ballasts commonly used for the lamps’ operation will cease being manufactured for commercial and industrial applications (including replacement purposes) on July 1, 2010 following the enactment of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ballast efficiency regulations. The date marks the last step of a multi-step phase-out that began July 1, 2005.
National Lighting Bureau Vice Chair Susan Bloom (Philips Lighting and Philips Lighting Electronics) noted that the phase-out represents an opportunity. T12 fluorescent technology is 70 years old and is generally considered outdated when compared to the far more efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies currently available, she said. Nonetheless, industry sales data reveal that less-efficient T12s still account for three out of every 10 four-foot fluorescent lamps sold in the U.S.
“This means that literally millions of existing T12 fluorescent lighting sockets will have to be upgraded sooner rather than later, because the lack of these replacement ballasts will make T12 lighting harder to maintain. The good news is that owners and managers of America’s commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities who still rely on T12 lighting can rest assured that there are high-performing and more energy-efficient lighting technologies readily available to them[.]”
Bloom cited significant benefits that FMs and owners can reap from energy-efficient lighting upgrades, such as energy savings of as much as 48 percent, attractive 2- to 3-year simple paybacks, reduced maintenance costs and concerns, and increased productivity, along with the knowledge that they are supporting the environment and promoting sustainable lighting design. Lighting upgrades may also qualify for federal tax incentives available through the Commercial Building Tax Deduction [CBTD] established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, or possibly state or utility incentive programs.
Upgrade alternatives include replacing the existing magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts; modifying the fixtures to accept T8 lamps and electronic ballasts; or replacing the existing fixtures altogether, relying on contemporary T8 or T5 units with electronic ballasts.
Ms. Bloom noted that, as part of the detailed facility audit that typically precedes an upgrade, an experienced lighting-system designer or industry professional should be able to identify effective upgrade solutions and prepare a cost-benefit analysis of each.
An interactive Directory of Lighting Designers who provide service throughout the U.S. is available at the NLB Web site, as is an interactive Directory of EPAct 2005 Qualified Certifiers. Valuable information is also available through the enLIGHTen America initiative created by Bureau sponsor National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
